Genesis — Chapter 24

ABRAHAM WAS OLD AND ADVANCED IN YEARS, AND THE LORD HAD BLESSED HIM IN ALL THINGS. — Summary of Abraham's state at 140: old, rich, blessed in every way. Now he arranges the marriage of Isaac, being careful that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman (who would bring idolatry into the family of faith) but a wife from his own kin — who would share faith in the true God.

PONE MANUM TUAM SUBTER FEMUR MEUM. — The oath under the thigh: an ancient form of oath by which the swearer placed his hand near the seat of generation, invoking God as the author of life and the avenger of oaths. Lapide notes that this ceremony was used only by Abraham and Jacob (Gen. 47:29) in Scripture — suggesting it was not a general custom but a special, solemn form used by the patriarchs. It symbolized the covenant with the seed to come.

DOMINE DEUS DOMINI MEI ABRAHAM, OCCUR OBSECRO, MIHI HODIE. — Eliezer's prayer at the well: a model of vocal prayer — brief, specific, confident, pious. He asks for a sign: that the girl who offers water not only to him but to his camels is the one God has chosen. This was immediately answered before he finished praying. Lapide: note the instant answer to this simple, humble, faithful prayer. Note also that Eliezer, on receiving the sign, does not rush forward but waits to make sure (v. 21: \"he was wondering\") — wisdom and prudence in discernment.

A DOMINO EGRESSUS EST SERMO. — Laban and Bethuel acknowledge divine providence in the whole arrangement: \"The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.\" This is one of the clearest Old Testament recognitions that God governs marriages and all human affairs through His providence, disposing all things from within.