Rebekah’s Goodness
Genesis 24:15–21 (NASB95)
15Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder. 16The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. 17Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.” 18She said, “Drink, my lord”; and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink. 19Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking.” 20So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels. 21Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the Lord had made his journey successful or not.
Rebekah’s arrival at the well is a clear sign of God’s providence. She appears before Abraham’s servant finishes praying, showing that God is already at work to fulfill His promises. The timing is perfect. The servant’s prayer is answered in real time, reminding us that God often moves before we even finish asking.
Rebekah’s actions overflow with goodness and kindness. She responds immediately to the servant’s request for water. Without hesitation, she offers him a drink. Then she goes further. Rebekah volunteers to draw water for all ten of his camels. This is no small task. Camels drink large amounts after a journey. Rebekah’s willingness to serve goes far beyond what anyone would expect. She acts with cheerful generosity, meeting needs before being asked.
Her kindness extends to animals as well. Rebekah makes sure every camel is fully satisfied. She does not rush or cut corners. Her care for the camels reflects a biblical concern for all of God’s creatures. This act shows her compassion and her capacity for goodness that reaches beyond people to animals. Rebekah’s treatment of the camels stands as a practical example of the righteous care God expects from His people.
Rebekah’s character shines through her actions. She models the same hospitality and eagerness that Abraham showed when he welcomed guests. Her quick, generous response reveals a heart shaped by selfless love. The story uses a rapid sequence of actions to highlight her proactive spirit. She does not wait to be told what to do. She sees a need and meets it with energy and grace.
Her kindness and goodness mark her as God’s chosen instrument. Her actions fulfill the servant’s prayer and confirm God’s guidance. She becomes a model of biblical virtue by serving others, caring for creation, and acting with integrity. Her story reminds us that God often works through ordinary acts of kindness to accomplish His purposes.
For the church today, Rebekah’s example calls us to practical goodness. We should look for ways to serve others. God values the small acts of kindness that flow from a generous spirit. When we act with compassion and integrity, we reflect the character of Christ and participate in God’s ongoing work. Let us be a people known for our goodness, ready to meet needs and show God’s love in all areas of life.