John Calvin Commentary Genesis 24:54

John Calvin Commentary

Genesis 24:54

1509–1564
Protestant
John Calvin
John Calvin

John Calvin Commentary

Genesis 24:54

1509–1564
Protestant
SCRIPTURE

"And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night. And they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master." — Genesis 24:54 (ASV)

And they rose up in the morning. Moses particularly insists on this point: partly to commend the faithful industry of the servant in fulfilling his master’s commands, and partly to teach that his mind was inflamed by the Spirit of God, for he is so ardent that he allows no truce to others, and no relaxation to himself.

Thus, although he conducted himself as befitted an honest and prudent servant, it is still not to be doubted that the Lord impelled him, for Isaac’s sake, to act as he did. So the Lord watches over his own people while they sleep, expedites and accomplishes their affairs in their absence, and influences the dispositions of all, as far as is expedient, to give them assistance.

It is a forced interpretation when some explain the ten days, during which Laban and his mother desire Rebekah's departure to be delayed, as meaning years or months. For it was merely the tender wish of the mother, who could hardly bear that her daughter should be so suddenly torn away from her bosom.