Bible Commentary

Genesis 24:23

Genesis 24:23

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

And said,.... After he had given her the earring and the bracelets, he put the following question, according to Jarchi, and so our version seems to intimate the same; but, as it is related in Ge 24:47; the question was put before those were given, therefore some render the words, "and he had said", or, "and after he had said" , namely, what follows; though, as Schmidt observes, the matter is easily reconciled, and both accounts stand clear and plain, if it be only remarked, that he took out the earring and bracelets before he put the question, but it was after it that he gave her them, or put them upon her:whose daughter [art] thou?

the reason of this question is, because by her answer to it he would know whether she was of the family related to Abraham or not; from whom only, according to his oath, he was to take a wife for Isaac, and which would in a good measure satisfy him as to what he had been musing about, whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not:tell me, I pray thee, is there room [in] thy father's house for us to lodge in?

by her answer to this he would know whether her family was wealthy, and so fit to be in connection with his master's; and besides, if she appeared to be the person he hoped she was, he was desirous of lodging in her father's house, that he might have the better opportunity of managing the affair he was come about.

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