Divine Appointments and Sacred Unions

Genesis 24:62–67 (NASB95) 

62Now Isaac had come from going to Beer-lahai-roi; for he was living in the Negev. 63Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming. 64Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from the camel. 65She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” And the servant said, “He is my master.” Then she took her veil and covered herself. 66The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. 

Isaac returned from Beer-lahai-roi as Rebekah arrived with Abraham’s servant. The timing revealed God’s perfect orchestration. Isaac spent time in meditation and prayer, showing a heart prepared for God’s leading. Beer-lahai-roi, the well where Hagar met the God who sees, connects Isaac’s story to God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness. 

As Rebekah approached, both she and Isaac lifted their eyes and saw each other. Their meeting was not by chance. God brought them together at the right moment. Rebekah quickly dismounted from her camel, showing respect and eagerness. When she learned Isaac’s identity, she veiled herself. This act reflected modesty and honored the marriage covenant. The tradition of the bridal veil began here, symbolizing reverence and the sacredness of marriage. 

The servant reported his successful mission to Isaac. Isaac then brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent. This act marked Rebekah’s new role as matriarch and signaled a transition of leadership from Abraham to Isaac. The tent, once Sarah’s, now became Rebekah’s, carrying forward the promise and blessing of God’s covenant. 

Isaac found comfort in Rebekah after his mother’s death. The text highlights their love, only the second time love is mentioned in the Bible (the first was Abraham’s love for Issac). Their union was not just a fulfillment of duty but a relationship marked by genuine affection and companionship. God’s faithfulness shines through, ensuring the covenant continues through Isaac and Rebekah. 

The modern church can learn from Isaac and Rebekah’s story. Prayer and meditation prepare us for God’s appointments. We should seek God’s will in relationships, not just follow personal desires or cultural trends. Mutual respect and reverence should shape our marriages. God often brings comfort and hope through the people He places in our lives, especially in times of loss or transition.