Genesis  24 Types and Shadows

This chapter is filled with parallels between the finding of a bride for Isaac and the bringing of some of God's children unto becoming a part of the visible militant bride of Christ which in the New Testament is known as the Lord's church. In this chapter, Abraham is typical of God the Father. Isaac is typical of Christ. Rebekah is typical of Christ's bride or church. The servant is typical of the gospel minister. We will follow the narrative of chapter 24 and point out the many parallels with the bringing of some of God's children to become part of the Lord's church.
First, we point out that the term, LORD, and the term, God, is used to describe God in this chapter. This is telling us that God is manifesting himself as both the covenant making, covenant keeping God (LORD=Jehovah) and the almighty creator (God=Elohiym). He is also described as the God of heaven and the God of earth and the God of Abraham. This teaches me that God is the almighty creator in both the spiritual realm of heaven and the natural realm of earth. He is also the almighty creator of the natural man and the spiritual man.

24:1 "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things." The question becomes what does the statement "all things" mean? Certainly the bible tells us that God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man. Abraham's and Sarah's plan to have Ishmael was evil. Likewise, the deception that Abraham and Sarah committed concerning their relationship (brother and sister, rather than husband and wife) was evil. God did not bless them in their deception, nor did he bless them in their plan to fulfill the promise of God by having Abraham have a child with Hagar.

In contrast the LORD blessed Abraham in all things pertaining to His covenant promises. First, in the covenant of redemption, God blessed Abraham to be one of those that He foreknew before the foundation of the world. Likewise, he blessed Abraham to be predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Additionally, God called Abraham into spiritual like through the new birth. Moreover, Jesus Christ died to redeem Abraham from his sins. Finally, Abraham will be in the resurrection glorified in body, soul, and spirit.
Second, in the covenant promises the LORD made to Abraham, Abraham saw the LORD's marvelous work in restoring himself and Sarah to the time of life and having a son at God's appointed time. This is a type and shadow of the miracle of the new birth that happens to every elect child of God. Moreover, Abraham was witness to a demonstration of the atoning sacrifice of Christ as the lamb caught with his horns in a thicket was provided as a sacrifice in the room of Isaac. Moreover, Abraham experienced the belief in the resurrection as he fully expected that he would take the life of Isaac by God's command and that God would raise him from the dead.

Third, Abraham saw and heard the LORD's promises made in the covenant of redemption in the promises made by the LORD concerning the seed of Abraham. God promised that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing to a great multitude comparable to the sand upon the sea shore, the dust of the earth, and the stars of heaven. Moreover, he promised Abraham that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing to a people in every nation, kindred, people, and tongue. Additionally, the LORD promised Abraham that all families would be blessed in the seed of Abraham. Finally, God promised Abraham that his seed would possess the gates of his enemies. Of course, the New Testament tells us that the seed of Abraham is Christ.

2 "And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: 3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."

The responsibility for finding a bride for his son Isaac, Abraham did not entrust with just any servant. He chose the eldest servant of his house. This eldest servant had proven himself as both capable and faithful in executing his duties as a steward. This job of finding a bride for Isaac was way too important than to trust a novice to find the right bride. This eldest servant is typical of God's called gospel ministers. Before a man who is called of God is ordained to carry out the duties of a gospel minister, he must first prove himself to the church that he is called of God and that he is capable of both understanding the gospel, but also making the proper applications of the gospel and carrying forth the duties of a gospel minister. He is not to be a novice. The term, elder, is the biblical term for a New Testament gospel minister. "Elder" indicates a man who is mature in his knowledge, judgment, and experience.

Abraham gave very specific instructions unto the eldest servant of his house as to who would be a suitable mate for his son Isaac. He also gave instructions as to where the servant was to go and where he was not to go. Thus, the servant was very restricted by Abraham as to where he would find a suitable bride and among whom he would find a suitable bride. We see such restrictions that the Lord placed upon the disciples when he sent them forth:

1. Matt. 10:5 "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

2. Acts 16:6 "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."

Abraham told the servant not to take a wife of the daughters of the Canaanites. No doubt Abraham had seen the manners and wicked ways of the Canaanites and knew that it would not be good for Isaac to marry one of the daughters of the Canaanites. Likewise, the gospel ministry is not looking to bring someone into the fold of the church who does not show "fruit meet for repentance": Matt. 3:7 "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance…" A person who has not been born of the Spirit cannot bring forth good fruits. Only those who have been born of the Spirit are capable of bringing forth good fruits.

"But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." This is very specific instruction that Abraham gave to his eldest servant. He told him exactly where to go and to whom he was to go. This is the same way that the Lord sends forth his gospel ministers. They are to go to God's born-again people. They are the only ones capable of receiving the gospel message:

1. 1 Cor. 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
2. 1 Cor. 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

3. John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4. John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

They are already God's people, so the gospel minister is not making children of God, but is instructing, and encouraging, and feeding God's children.
Moreover, throughout the book of Acts we see the gospel ministry going where they are led by the Spirit of God and being hindered from going where they have not been led by the Spirit of God.

"And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth." Abraham took an oath from his eldest servant as he sent him forth to find a bride for his son Isaac. Likewise, when a man is ordained by the presbytery of elders, he likewise promises before God to follow the teachings of God's word in his ministry. This is a very solemn responsibility that each true God-called gospel minister is called on to execute. If he fails to execute his responsibilities, then he must answer to the God who called him as a minister.

5 "And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? 6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again." This passage has meaning based on the types and shadows. There is no other statement in the scriptures that Isaac was ever in the land of Mesopotamia. However, Christ came once and lived on earth as a man and completed the work of saving his people from their sins. He is not coming to earth a second time to live on earth as a man. There is no reason for Christ to come in human form to earth again. This completely refutes the false doctrine that Christ is returning to earth to live and reign in a visible outward kingdom on earth for a literal thousand years. Christ currently is reigning in a spiritual kingdom on earth currently recognized as his church. He reigns in Spirit. When Christ comes in the resurrection he will not set foot upon the earth in his body as a man. Rather his people will meet him in the clouds and will be carried to heaven. The earth and its works will be burned up.

8 "And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again." There is the responsibility that a gospel minister bears and there is a responsibility that those to whom he preaches bear. Just as Abraham's servant was to find the right woman to be the bride of Isaac. Once he had carried forth his task, then the responsibility rested with the woman. She would either come and be the bride of Isaac and enjoy the blessings of being his bride or she would forbear and miss out on the honor and blessings of being his bride. This responsibility rested with her. So long as the servant obeyed the commandments of Abraham and faithfully carried out his assigned duty, then if the woman would not follow, he was clear from the oath that he made to Abraham. Likewise, the gospel minister is to obey the commandments of his Master and faithfully carry out his assigned duties. If the people to whom he preaches fail to agree to be a part of the Lord's church, then he is still clear from the oath he took as a gospel minister. Those who did not obey the gospel commandment are the ones who miss out on the blessings of the Lord's gospel kingdom.

10 "And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor." The number ten in the scriptures is very closely associated with the subject of law or commandment. The camel is a creature designed to carry a burden. The servant was carrying the goods and treasures of his master, Abraham, on the back of the camels. Similarly, the gospel minister is given the word of God to deliver unto God's born again children. These are great treasures that God has entrusted to his faithful ministers. The gospel ministers carry these treasures on the back of the laws and commandments of God. When they come to preach to the people of God they come forth with great treasures of their master to show unto the people the wonderful riches of their master. This is to demonstrate to the Lord's children that they will be well cared for if they follow their Lord as his disciples.

11 "And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water." Kneeling is an act of humility. Drawing water is a labor that the women engaged themselves in. The significance is that the Lord does not send his servants through their pride, but he blesses his servants when they humble themselves. Likewise, the Lord sends his servants not to lazy people calling upon them to be his disciples, but the Lord sends his servants to people who work and are willing to work.

12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham. 13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: 14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kindness unto my master." Abraham's servant had instructions from Abraham as to where he was to go and to who he was to go. He also had instructions as to where he was not to go and to who he was not to go. The servant was experienced and had proven himself as a trusty steward. Yet, the servant realized he needed much more if he was to find the right bride for Isaac. He knew that he needed God's help and direction. Without God's help and direction he, no doubt, felt helpless in finding the right person. The servant did what he needed to do. He put this task in the hands of the Lord and waited for God's direction.
Similar to the servant above, God's called gospel ministers have God's word and generally are skillful in the use of God's word. Yet, they realize their own helplessness when it comes to where they are to go and to whom they are to preach and of what they are to preach each time they preach. The best course of action for the gospel minister is to pray that God will direct him as to where he is to preach, to who he is to labor and what he is to preach each time he preaches.

Abraham's servant knew there were certain characteristics that were important that the woman Isaac was to marry should possess. He knew that she should be a willing servant and that she should be compassionate: "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also." The servant was very specific in his prayer as to what he was requesting the Lord. These are also things the gospel minister should consider in his prayers unto the Lord.

15 "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. 16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. 18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. 20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels." In this account, Rebekah showed her willingness to serve by drawing water for a stranger. She also showed her compassion even to the camels of the servant.

The above is an amazing account of God's omniscience: he knew beforehand what the servant would pray. Further, it is an amazing account of God's providence. God answered the servant's prayer just as the servant ended his prayer and He answered it to the very detail to which the servant had prayed. Moreover, that which was not yet known unto the servant, all the details of Abraham's charge was perfectly fulfilled in Rebekah. She was of Abraham's kindred and from his country just as Abraham had charged his servant.

I have had some similarly amazing experiences along the way in my ministry as I am sure that many of God's called ministers have also experienced. Our God is an amazing God and he does amazingly.

21 "And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. 22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; 23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" The servant demonstrates to us some aspects of faith. The servant had seen his prayer answered to great detail right before his very eyes and at the moment he had finished praying. He knew that this was the woman that the LORD intended for Isaac. However, the servant had not yet seen the response of the woman and whether or not she would be willing to follow him and become Isaac's bride. Nearly always our faith is based on some knowledge that we have and some things that are promised but not yet fulfilled.

The servant acted on the knowledge and experience that he had. He trusted in the LORD that this was the right woman to be the bride of Isaac. He gave precious gifts unto her. He gave her a "golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold." Gold in the scriptures is very closely associated with the subject of kings. He was giving Rebekah gifts from a king and that identified her with a king.
When a gospel minister preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ, he declares to the listeners the wonderful works of God and the wonderful things that Jesus has done for them. These are precious gifts from the King of kings. This is the King's gospel. Furthermore, according to the scriptures those who have been born of the Spirit are also kings: Rev. 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Thus, through the miracle of the new birth, we are associated with the King of kings and also made to be kings and priests unto God. The people to whom the gospel minister preaches the gospel unto are kings and priests unto God. The gospel minister is bringing precious gifts from the King of kings to those who are already kings and priests unto God.
23 "And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" 24 "And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor. 25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in." Here the servant is verifying that Rebekah meets the qualifications laid upon him by Abraham. Likewise, the gospel minister is to be like John the Baptist and verify that the person who is requesting baptism meets the qualifications set forth in the scriptures: Matt. 3:7 "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:" For a person to be a part of the Lord's church, he must have shown proper credentials. He must be humble, believe the truth, and show forth fruits meet for repentance. Rebekah showed that she was of the kindred and country of Abraham and that she was willing to serve the Lord's people.

26 "And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. 27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren." I wonder how many times each of us when the Lord answers our prayers and blesses us that we fail to render due praise unto our Lord for his blessings: Luke 17:12 "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." Abraham's servant was like the one leper who returned to give God the praise and glory he deserved. We should pattern ourselves after Abraham's servant.

28 "And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things." I have seen this happen many times as a gospel minister. When a person hears and believes the truth that they are immediately ready to share the good news with others. Rebekah is typical of God's people who hear the good news of salvation by grace.

29 "And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. 30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and 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 stood by the camels at the well. 31 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels."

Rebekah had told her encounter to those in her house and the things that the servant had told her and his prayer unto the LORD and how the LORD had answered his prayer. Rebekah's brother, Laban, heard the report and believed the report. When a child of God believes the gospel report, then he will be very respectful unto the messenger and will entreat the messenger well. He not only has respect unto the LORD, but he also has respect unto the messenger of the Lord. Laban referred to Abraham's servant as "thou blessed of the LORD." The servant was Abraham's servant and he was truly blessed of the LORD. We are not told whether Laban was a servant or not. However, Laban became a servant to Abraham's servant as he provided much care for him and his men and camels. This is the kind of response that often happens when God's children hear the good news and humble themselves. They desire to become the Lord's servants and learn that the best way to serve the Lord is to serve His people.

32 "And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him. 33 And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on." Abraham's servant first provided for the needs of the camels and the men that were with him. The Lord's servant's have their daily lives and the cares and concerns of their families and the responsibilities of their business and the ones under their care. These things have to be done. The life of a gospel minister is not what some seem to think. Those who are hirelings and paid for their services have their reward. However, the true ministers of the gospel preach and teach God's word, in addition to the responsibilities stated above. Abraham's servant after having taken care of the necessary things, then proceeds to state his need to tell his errand. The minister of the gospel should ever be ready and anxious to tell his errand to God's waiting people.

34 "And he said, I am Abraham's servant. 35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses. 36 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. 37 And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: 38 But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.
39 And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. 40 And he said unto me, The LORD, 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: 41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.

42 And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: 43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 44 And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son. 45 And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. 46 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.

47 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 earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. 48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. 49 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."

Abraham's servant repeated faithfully those things that had transpired beforehand. He began by stating that he was Abraham's servant. This tells us that the story is not about the servant, but rather about Abraham sending him to find a bride for his son, Isaac. Obviously the handiwork of God is manifest in the details of the experience of the servant and his coming to find Rebekah. The story is told that all the glory is given unto the LORD. This should be a lesson to the minister of the gospel. We should not think the story is about us, but about our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. We should tell the story faithfully and give all the praise, honor, and glory unto God as he certainly deserves it.

After having told the story, the servant had completed his responsibility and turns the decision over to Rebekah and her family. Now is the time for their decision. Likewise, the gospel minister tells the story of salvation from sin by grace through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ and how that God has a kingdom whereby the child of God can worship and serve the LORD as His manifest bride. At this point it is the responsibility of the hearing believer to take responsibility for deciding to become a disciple of the LORD.

50 "Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. 51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken. 52 And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. 53 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. 54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master."

Laban and Bethuel were correct when they said "The thing proceedeth from the LORD." They were correct in giving their permission unto Rebekah to go and become Isaac's bride. The servant's response was also correct when having heard their words, "he worshipped the LORD." As a token of the mercy and grace of God, the servant gave precious gifts unto Rebekah and her brother and mother. Thereafter, the people had a delightful time of fellowship and rested during the night. Then the servant rose up and was anxious to complete the task at hand as he said, "Send me away unto my master." This should be a lesson to the gospel minister. He should share the precious truths of God's word, grace, mercy, and love with the children of God. He should also have a mind to complete the task at hand.

55 "And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. 56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. 57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. 59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men." It is not surprising that Laban and Bethuel wanted to hang onto the fellowship they enjoyed with Rebekah for a few days more. Sometimes, God's people are hindered because they want to hang onto the former things of life, rather than moving on to serve the Lord. However, the servant of the Lord needs to continue to encourage the people to put the Lord and his service first in their lives and to be up and about the master's business. This is what Abraham's servant did.

Moreover, Laban and Bethuel had given their permission to Rebekah to go and become the bride of Isaac. However, the final decision rested with Rebekah. She decided properly that she would go and become Isaac's wife.

60 "And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them." This is a remarkable statement in light of God's promises to Abraham that he would multiply his seed as the dust of the earth, as the sand upon the sea shore, and as the stars of heaven for multitude. Laban's and Bethuel's statement is somewhat more specific as to number. The phrase, "thousands of millions," indicates a number of many billions. Some have thought that this indicates there will be billions of people in heaven. If, in fact, their prophecy concerning Rebekah was from the LORD, then that is exactly what it means.

61 "And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 62 And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself. 66 And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death."

As we mentioned before, the number ten in the scriptures is closely associated with the subject of law or commandment. Rebekah was riding upon one of the ten camels as she came unto Isaac. The scriptures teach us: Gal. 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." When Rebekah saw Isaac she lighted off the camel and went to meet Isaac. Likewise, when a child of God is blessed of the gospel to see her Lord and Savior, she leaves the law and goes to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, when she did this, "she took a veil, and covered herself." How we should follow Rebekah's example and realize that it is not us that is to be glorified in the marriage to our Husband, but Jesus is to be glorified. We should not seek praise or glory for ourselves, but seek to give all the praise and glory unto God.

"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her." In the covenant of redemption we are given unto Christ to be his bride. The covenant of redemption is the mother of this arrangement. We are dwelling with Christ in the tent of the covenant of redemption. Moreover, the statement of a love of the husband for his bride is first used in the above. The statement that Isaac loved Rebekah mirrors the love that Christ had for his bride, which is also set forth to us as an example of how husband are to love their wives: Eph. 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:"