We are witnessing an arranged marriage in our story. Most would agree that an arranged marriage is only as good as those arranging it. Abraham had been careful to select a faithful third party to make the arrangements. He had considered culture and family values. The faithful third party had been serious about his responsibility in the matter and had asked his master's God for help even to the point of asking for a sign. Today, some say that God does not care about the decision of whom we marry. Others want God involved from the beginning of something as important as marriage. It does seem questionable for a Christian to not involve God in the beginning of the process if they are going to trust Him to help sustain the marriage for the rest of its' duration. At any rate, our servant felt that Divine providence was needed and now he had the girl before him. She was beautiful and the servant gazed at her as she provided water for his entourage and animals. Was this the girl that would make his trip successful? Having the requirements of the sign met, the servant was ready to meet the parents. He takes a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets and asked the girl this question. Who's daughter are you and do your parents have room for us to stay the night?
Proponents of arranged marriages say the system works well within their culture. In some cultures the couple have no choices in the matter. But in our story we will see that the potential bride did have a say in the matter. Rebecca accepted the nose ring and bracelets that the servant offered in the name of his master and ran to the home of her parents. The servant fell to his knees and thanked God for His providence.
"I thought I'd give you something shiny and new
I tried to find something worthy of you
But I realized when I look inside
There's some things that money cannot buy."
The gift sung by 98 Degrees
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