The Servant at the Well

The Story

Abraham was very old, and his son Isaac needed a wife. God had promised that through Isaac, Abraham’s family would become a great nation. So Abraham sent his oldest servant back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac among his own relatives.

The servant was nervous. What if the woman wouldn’t come? Abraham reassured him. God will send His angel before you.

After a long journey, the servant arrived at the city of Nahor with ten camels. He stopped by the well outside the city in the evening, when the women came out to draw water.

Then he prayed. Lord, give me success today. Let the young woman to whom I say, “Let down your jar so I can drink,” answer, “Drink, and I will water your camels too.” Let her be the one You have chosen for Isaac.

Before he had finished praying, a young woman named Rebekah came out with a water jar on her shoulder. He ran to meet her. “Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.”

“Drink, my lord,” she said. And when he had finished, she said, “I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.” Ten thirsty camels.

The servant watched in silence. Then he asked whose daughter she was. She was the granddaughter of Abraham’s own brother.

The old servant bowed his head and worshiped. “I being in the way, the LORD led me.”

Reflection