Seeking a Partner within One’s Own Circles
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred,
and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
Genesis 24:4
Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-17
Abraham looked for a wife for his son, especially after considering his
own age and approaching death. He placed this task in the hands of his
faithful servant, Eliezer. While the father of the faithful delegated this
important affair, he did set specific parameters. The woman must not be
chosen from among the Canaanites, but a wife for Isaac must come from
his own extended family.
This stipulation was very important to Abraham. It’s not as though he wanted
to regulate where she came from, although it is true that an engagement
includes the in-laws as part of the package. But the reverse is true as well:
parents sometimes express their concerns about who their son or daughter
takes an interest in. This is quite natural and important; parents hope that
they may be able to get along with the partner that their child chooses.
Abraham makes one requirement: Do not seek a wife from the Canaanites, but
from my own extended family. Canaan was a country where idols were being
served. In Genesis 15, the Lord had already spoken about the unrighteous
and ungodly lifestyles of the inhabitants of that land. This godlessness would
only increase (Genesis 15:16). Later on, Israel would be prohibited from marrying
sons or daughters of the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3). This eventually
became a stumbling block for God’s people, causing them to fall into idol
worship. The marriage to a Canaanite woman would have been destructive.
Thought: The devil is delighted when people of two different faiths marry.
Psalter 360: 3,4 (based on Psalm 128)
Joyful children, sons and daughters,
Shall about thy table meet,
Olive plants, in strength and beauty,
Full of hope and promise sweet.
Lo, on him that fears Jehovah
Shall this blessedness attend,
For Jehovah out of Zion
Shall to thee His blessing send.
