Over the years as Isaac grew up, Abraham and Sarah would have told him the stories of their life, of the God that they trusted in and of the promises God had made. Isaac would have learned from his father and mother to trust God and obey Him.
Abraham and Sarah were old when Isaac was born and one day Sarah died. Abraham was very sad and he knew that he didn't have long to live either. They were settled now in Canaan, and Abraham knew that Isaac would soon want to get married and start his own family. Most of the people who lived in Canaan did not know or care to know about the God of heaven and earth. Abraham did not want Isaac to marry someone who didn't love God as much as he did.
Abraham sent for his most trusted servant and said to him, "Go back to the land of my birth and to my family and bring from there a woman to be a wife for my son."
Abraham's servant set off right away on the long trip back to the land where Abraham had come from. He took with him ten camels laden with beautiful things. As he journeyed he probably wondered how he was going to find the right woman!
Finally he neared the city and headed towards the well of water that stood outside it. It was evening and the time that the women of the city came out to get water. As he watched them he prayed that God would direct him to the right woman. He prayed that the woman he asked for a drink of water and who also offered to water his camels would be the right one.
Almost before he had finished praying, a young girl carrying a water jar came to the well and filled her jar. Her name was Rebekah. As she walked away, Abraham's servant ran to her and asked if he could have a drink. Quickly she lowered her jar and cheerfully gave him a drink and then looking back at his camels she said, "I will bring water for your camels too!"
Abraham's servant was so happy! He bowed his head and thanked God for the quick answer to his prayer. When the camels had finished drinking, he gave Rebekah some beautiful jewellery and asked if he would be able to stay at her father's house. She said he would be welcome to and then she hurried home to tell her family.
Finally the servant had a chance to tell Rebekah and her family of the reason he had come. He discovered that Rebekah was the grand-daughter of Abraham's brother. Rebekah agreed to come with him and be the wife of Isaac. So early the next morning, she said good-bye to her family and set off with her nurse for her new home.
Isaac was out in the fields by himself when he saw the camels coming. When Rebekah saw him she got off her camel and went to meet him. She became his wife and they loved each other.
Things to Remember
Discussion
What do you like about your friends? Do your friends also believe in God? Abraham thought it was very important that Isaac's wife believed in God. A wife is a very special friend - a life-long friend and if the wife and husband both believe in God, then they can more easily raise their children to believe in God also.
Why did Abraham not want Isaac to choose a wife from the women close by?
How did the servant decide which woman to choose?
What does this story tell about the kinds of friends we should choose?
Activity Suggestions
Draw a picture of a camel, or perhaps a picture of Rebekah in some nice wedding clothes.
Did you know that camels are ideal for life in the desert because they can go for long stretches without drinking. In the cooler part of the year, a camel may not drink water for up to six months. Even during the blazing hot summer months, a camel may only drink once a week. When camels do drink, they consume enormous amounts of water at one time. A very thirsty camel, such as one just off a long, hot caravan, can gulp 135 litres of water in six minutes! Think of how much water Rebekah must have had to draw for ten thirsty camels!!
Make some paper bead jewellery. Using old magazines or gift wrap, cut several triangular strips 1-1/4 inches across base and 10-1/2 inches from base to tip. Lay strip face down and cover with glue using a glue stick. Stick the base to the side of a drinking straw. Wrap the paper around the straw, applying more glue if needed to stick down the tip. Once the glue dries, cut away the straw on both sides. Thread onto string.