Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 24:29-53

"And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the fountain. And it came to pass, when he saw the ring, and the bracelets upon his sister`s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me. That he came unto the man. And, behold, he was standing by the camels at the fountain. And he said, Come in, thou blessed of Jehovah. Wherefore standest thou without? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. And the man came into the house, and he ungirded the camels. And he gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men that were with him. And there was set food before him to eat. But he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on. And he said, I am Abraham`s servant. And Jehovah hath blessed my master greatly. And he is become great. And he hath given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and men-servants and maid-servants, and camels and asses. And Sarah my master`s wife bare a son to my master when she was old. And unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell. But thou shalt go unto my father`s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son. And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. And he said unto me, Jehovah, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way. And thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father`s house. Then shalt thou be clear from my oath, when thou comest to my kindred. And if they give her not to thee, thou shalt be clear from my oath. And I came this day unto the fountain, and said, O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go. Behold, I am standing by the fountain of water. And let it come to pass, that the maiden that cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say, Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink. And she shall say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels. Let the same be the woman whom Jehovah hath appointed for my master`s son. And before I had done speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder. And she went down unto the fountain, and drew. And I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also. So I drank, and she made the camels drink also. And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor`s son, whom Milcah bare unto him. And I put the ring upon her nose, and the bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed my head, and worshipped Jehovah, and blessed Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master`s brother`s daughter for his son. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me. That I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah. We cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master`s son`s wife, as Jehovah hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham`s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth unto Jehovah. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah. He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things." — Genesis 24:29-53 (ASV)

The arrangement of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah is recounted in great detail. We should notice God's providence in the common events of human life, and in those events, exercise prudence and other graces. Laban went to invite Abraham's servant in, but not until he saw the earring and bracelet on his sister's hands. We know Laban's character from his subsequent conduct, and may suppose that he would not have been so willing to welcome him if he had not hoped to be well rewarded for it.

The servant was intent on his business. Although he had just come from a journey and arrived at a good house, he would not eat until he had told his errand. Doing our work and fulfilling our responsibilities, whether for God or man, should be prioritized by us over our food: it was our Savior's food and drink (John 4:34). He tells them the instructions his master had given him, along with the reason for them. He recounts what had happened at the well to advance the proposal, clearly showing the finger of God in it.

Those events that seem to us to be the result of choice, planning, or chance, are appointed out by God. This does not hinder, but rather encourages, the use of all appropriate means. They freely and cheerfully agree to the proposal; and any matter is likely to be a source of comfort when it proceeds from the Lord. Abraham's servant thankfully acknowledges the good success he had experienced.

He was a humble man, and humble men are not ashamed to acknowledge their station in life, whatever it may be. All our temporal concerns are sweet when intermingled with godliness.