Genesis 24: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 24 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis 24, Abraham, now old and well advanced in years, approaches his chief servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a spouse from his own relatives rather than from the Canaanites, highlighting the covenantal promise tied to Abraham's lineage. The servant is tasked with traveling to Mesopotamia to find a suitable bride. He prays for God's guidance and sets a specific sign: the woman who offers water to him and his camels will be the one chosen for Isaac.

Key verse

“I came today to the spring, and said, ‘Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go—”
Genesis 24:42 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 24:1–9 Abraham's Commission to His Servant
Genesis 24:10–21 The Servant's Prayer for Guidance
Genesis 24:22–27 Rebekah's Kindness and Hospitality
Genesis 24:28–53 The Servant's Proposal to Rebekah's Family
Genesis 24:54–61 Rebekah's Decision and Departure
Genesis 24:62–67 Isaac and Rebekah United

Discussion questions

In v3, why does Abraham insist on finding a wife for Isaac from his own relatives?
What specific act does Rebekah perform in vv. 18-20 that meets the servant's sign?
The servant's prayer in v12: what does it indicate about his understanding of God's guidance?
In v51, why do Laban and Bethuel affirm that the decision comes from Yahweh?
When have you had to make a significant choice, trusting in God's guidance like the servant did?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 24: Genesis 26, Genesis 22, Proverbs 10.

Before next time: read Genesis 25.