the same whom Thou hast provided for thy servant Isaac; and by this I shall understand that Thou hast shown kindness to my master."
He had not yet ended his prayer when Rebecca, a beautiful and modest maiden, came out, carrying a pitcher. She went down[1] to the well, filled the pitcher, and was returning, when Eliezer ran to meet her and said: “Give me a little water to drink out of thy pitcher." She answered him kindly: “Drink, my lord." And quickly she let down the pitcher upon her arm, and gave him to drink. And when he had drunk, she said: “I will draw water for thy camels also till they all drink." Then, pouring water[2] into the troughs, she let the camels drink. After they had drunk, the servant presented her with golden ear-rings and bracelets, saying to her: “Whose daughter art thou? Tell me, is there any place in thy father’s house to lodger" She answered: “I am the daughter of Bathuel, the son of Nachor. We have a good store of both straw and hay, and a large place to lodge in." Then Eliezer bowed down and adored the Lord, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Abraham, who hath not taken away His mercy and truth from him, and hath brought me the straight way into the house of my master’s brother!"
He was then invited to the house, and bread was set before him, but he refused to eat, until he had delivered his message. When he had stated the object of his coming, Laban, the brother of Rebecca, and Bathuel, her father, answered: “The word hath proceeded from the Lord[3]: we cannot speak any other thing but His pleasure. Behold! Rebecca is before thee: take her and go thy way, and let her be the wife of thy master’s son, as the Lord hath spoken." Then the servant bowed down to the ground, adored the Lord and, bringing forth vessels of gold and silver, with garments of the finest texture, presented them to Rebecca. He also presented rich gifts to her brother and mother. Then, full of joy, he partook of the refreshments offered to him. Next morning, after Rebecca had received the blessing of her parents
- ↑ Down. The place for drawing water from wells was generally below the surface of the ground and reached by steps leading down to it. But the drinking trough for cattle was above ground.
- ↑ Pouring water. This was hard work, for there were ten camels, each of which drank a great quantity of water, which had to be carried up to the trough.
- ↑ From the Lord. God has so ordained it.
