Angels in the Patriarchal Age
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for a burnt offering?” Abraham made answer, “God will provide him-
self a lamb”: and when the father’s hand was stayed as he was about to
slay his son, and the ram which God had provided was offered in the
place of Isaac—then light was shed upon the mystery of redemption,
and even the angels understood more clearly the wonderful provision
that God had made for man’s salvation.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 152,
154, 155
.
The Marriage of Isaac
In the mind of Abraham, the choice of a wife for his son [Isaac]
was a matter of grave importance; he was anxious to have him marry
one who would not lead him from God....
Isaac, trusting to his father’s wisdom and affection, was satisfied to
commit the matter to him, believing also that God Himself would direct
[81]
in the choice made. The patriarch’s thoughts turned to his father’s
kindred in the land of Mesopotamia.... [He] committed the important
matter to “his eldest servant [Eliezar],” a man of piety, experience, and
sound judgment, who had rendered him long and faithful service....
“The Lord God of heaven,” he said, “which took me from my father’s
house, and from the land of my kindred, ... He shall send His angel
before thee.” ....
The messenger set out without delay.... [At] Haran, “the city of
Nahor,” he halted outside the walls, near the well to which the women
of the place came at evening for water.... Remembering the words
of Abraham, that God would send His angel with him, he prayed
earnestly for positive guidance. In the family of his master he was
accustomed to the constant exercise of kindness and hospitality, and
he now asked that an act of courtesy might indicate the maiden whom
God had chosen.
Hardly had the prayer been uttered before the answer was given.
Among the women who were gathered at the well, the courteous
manners of one [Rebekah] attracted his attention. As she came from
the well, the stranger went to meet her, asking for some water from
the pitcher upon her shoulder. The request received a kindly answer,
with an offer to draw water for the camels also, a service which it
was customary even for the daughters of princes to perform for their
father’s flocks and herds. Thus the desired sign was given....