LESSON 4: Isaac’s Marriage (Genesis Chapter 24)
Lesson 4: Isaac’s Marriage
(Genesis Chapter 24)
When Abraham became old, he called his servant Eliezer and talked to him about Isaac’s marriage. Abraham told Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac from their own relatives, not from the land where they lived, because the people there worshipped idols instead of God. He also made Eliezer promise that he would never take Isaac back to that land. Abraham trusted that God would help Eliezer find the right wife for Isaac.
Eliezer took ten camels and many gifts and traveled to Nahor’s town in Mesopotamia. He stopped near a well where people came to draw water. He prayed to God for a sign: “If a girl gives me water and also gives water to my camels, then I will know she is the right one for Isaac.”
Before he even finished praying, a beautiful girl named Rebekah came to the well. Eliezer asked her for water, and she said, “Sir, I will draw for your camels too.” She gave him water and brought water for his camels as well! Eliezer was happy and gave her gifts. When he learned that Rebekah was the granddaughter of Nahor (Abraham’s brother), he knew that God had led him to the right girl!
Rebekah ran home to tell her family. Her brother Laban welcomed Eliezer and invited him inside. Eliezer said, “I will not eat until I have revealed the purpose of my visit.” Then he explained everything about Abraham, Isaac, and how God had guided him. Rebekah’s father, mother, and brother agreed to the marriage, and Eliezer thanked God for answering his prayer.
Eliezer gave Rebekah expensive clothes and jewelry and gave gifts to her family. In Knanaya weddings, the bridegroom’s uncle gives new clothes called “Kacha” to the bride’s uncle, mother, and grandmother. This is called “Kacha thazhukal”, just like how Eliezer gave gifts to Rebekah’s family.
The next morning, Eliezer was ready to leave, but Rebekah’s family asked if she could stay for ten more days. Eliezer said he had to leave immediately. When they asked Rebekah, she replied, “I shall go.” So they blessed her and sent her with Eliezer. It was a long journey, and at the end, they saw a man praying in the wilderness. That man was Isaac! When Rebekah saw him, she got down from the camel and covered herself with a veil. Eliezer told Isaac everything that had happened. Isaac welcomed Rebekah and took her to his mother’s tent. Isaac and Rebekah’s wedding is a reflection of the New Testament—Isaac represents Jesus, Eliezer represents the Holy Spirit, and Rebekah represents the Church.
“Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers.” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Refcayodisahakkine Vazhithiya Daivam thaan Bahu Krupaya Eedasare Vazthatte deva Daya chieythdaname
Questions:
- Why was a wife not selected for Isaac from outside communities?
- For what purpose did Abraham send Eliezer?
- Which is Rebekah’s family?
- What was Isaac doing in the wilderness?
- What was Rebekah’s reply when asked whether she would leave with Eliezer immediately to join Isaac?
- When Rebekah saw her future husband Isaac, what did she do? What does it signify?
- Who do Isaac, Eliezer and Rebekah represent?
Activity: Match Action Cards to Characters
How to Play:
- Print or write down 6–9 little action cards. Example cards:
- “Prayed to God at the well”
- “Gave water to the camels”
- “Covered herself with a veil”
- “Traveled with 10 camels”
- “Welcomed Rebekah”
- “Gave gifts to a family”
- “Said ‘I shall go'”
- Split the kids into small groups or do it together as a class.
- Lay out 3 name labels: Isaac, Eliezer, Rebekah.
- Kids have to match each action card to the right person!