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†. Gen 24:32 . . So the man entered the house, and the camels were
unloaded. The camels were given straw and feed, and water was
brought to bathe his feet and the feet of the men with him.
In those days, when somebody "entered the house" they actually entered a
gateway into a courtyard bordered by living quarters and stables.
Who took care of the animals? Probably servants. Which would indicate that
Bethuel had done pretty well for himself in life. His home was spacious
enough to shelter the servant and his detachment; plus he had enough
provender and bedding for at least ten camels. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder
why Becky was out there fetching water. Why did she have to do it if they
had servants? Well, I don't think she really had to; but Isaac's future bride
was no narcissistic prima donna: she was one of those people who don't
mind pitching in and getting their hands dirty. Privileged or no privileged;
that girl was something.
†. Gen 24:33a . . But when food was set before him, he said: I will
not eat until I have told my tale.
Always one for business, the man got straight to the point.
†. Gen 24:33b . . He said: Speak, then.
Who was it said: speak? Well, the nearest antecedent is Laban. You know,
that boy reminds me of Sonny Corleone; the eldest brother in Mario Puzo's
book "The Godfather". Sonny was headstrong, outspoken, and a slave to his
passions; just like ol' Laban.
†. Gen 24:34 . . I am Abraham's servant: he began.
I think it's commendable that this man, so far from home, didn't introduce
himself by his own name but rather by the name of the one whom he
represented.
†. Gen 24:35 . .The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has
become rich: He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold,
male and female slaves, camels and burros.
I love the way this man gives credit to Yhvh for Abraham's good fortune
rather than to idols, heathen deities, dumb luck, brute force, fortuitous
circumstance, and/or Abraham's business skills.
It was important that the man tell Becky's family about Abraham's religion,
and about his wealth, because in a moment he's going to drop a 2,000 lb
bunker buster that will change their lives forever.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
†. Gen 24:32 . . So the man entered the house, and the camels were
unloaded. The camels were given straw and feed, and water was
brought to bathe his feet and the feet of the men with him.
In those days, when somebody "entered the house" they actually entered a
gateway into a courtyard bordered by living quarters and stables.
Who took care of the animals? Probably servants. Which would indicate that
Bethuel had done pretty well for himself in life. His home was spacious
enough to shelter the servant and his detachment; plus he had enough
provender and bedding for at least ten camels. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder
why Becky was out there fetching water. Why did she have to do it if they
had servants? Well, I don't think she really had to; but Isaac's future bride
was no narcissistic prima donna: she was one of those people who don't
mind pitching in and getting their hands dirty. Privileged or no privileged;
that girl was something.
†. Gen 24:33a . . But when food was set before him, he said: I will
not eat until I have told my tale.
Always one for business, the man got straight to the point.
†. Gen 24:33b . . He said: Speak, then.
Who was it said: speak? Well, the nearest antecedent is Laban. You know,
that boy reminds me of Sonny Corleone; the eldest brother in Mario Puzo's
book "The Godfather". Sonny was headstrong, outspoken, and a slave to his
passions; just like ol' Laban.
†. Gen 24:34 . . I am Abraham's servant: he began.
I think it's commendable that this man, so far from home, didn't introduce
himself by his own name but rather by the name of the one whom he
represented.
†. Gen 24:35 . .The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has
become rich: He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold,
male and female slaves, camels and burros.
I love the way this man gives credit to Yhvh for Abraham's good fortune
rather than to idols, heathen deities, dumb luck, brute force, fortuitous
circumstance, and/or Abraham's business skills.
It was important that the man tell Becky's family about Abraham's religion,
and about his wealth, because in a moment he's going to drop a 2,000 lb
bunker buster that will change their lives forever.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=