John Calvin Commentary Genesis 24:67

"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah`s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. And he loved her. And Isaac was comforted after his mother`s death." — Genesis 24:67 (ASV)

And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent. He first brought her into the tent, then took her as his wife. By the very arrangement of his words, Moses distinguishes between the legitimate form of marriage and barbarism. And certainly, the sanctity of marriage demands that a man and woman should not live together like cattle; but that, having pledged their mutual faith and invoked the name of God, they may live with each other. Besides, it should be observed that Isaac was not compelled by his father's tyrannical command to marry, but after he had set his affection on her, he took her freely and cordially gave her the assurance of conjugal fidelity.

And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. Since his grief for his mother’s death was only now assuaged, we infer how great its vehemence had been, for a considerable time had already passed. From this, we may also infer that Isaac's affection was tender and gentle, and that his love for his mother was of no ordinary kind, since he had lamented her death for so long.

And the knowledge of this fact is useful to prevent us from imagining that the holy patriarchs were men of savage manners and of iron hardness of heart, and from becoming like those who believe fortitude consists in brutality. However, care must be taken that grief should be properly mitigated, lest it burst forth in impious murmurings or subvert the hope of a future resurrection.

I do not, however, entirely excuse Isaac’s sorrow; I only advise that what belongs to humanity should not be entirely condemned. And although it was culpable that he was unable to erase grief from his mind until the opposite joy of marriage prevailed over it; Moses still counts it among the benefits bestowed by God, that He applies a remedy of any kind to His servant.

CHAPTER 25.