Chapter 15—Isaac’s Marriage: The Happiest in the
Bible
This chapter is based on
Genesis 24
.
Abraham had become an old man; yet one act remained for him
to do. Isaac was divinely appointed to succeed him as the keeper of
the law of God and the father of the chosen people; but he was yet
unmarried.
The inhabitants of Canaan were given to idolatry, and God had
forbidden intermarriage between His people and them, knowing that
such marriages would lead to apostasy. Isaac was gentle and yielding
in disposition. If united with one who did not fear God, he would be
in danger of sacrificing principle for the sake of harmony. In the mind
of Abraham, the choice of a wife for his son was of grave importance;
he was anxious to have him marry one who would not lead him from
God.
In ancient times, marriage engagements were generally made by
the parents, and this was the custom among those who worshiped God.
None were required to marry those whom they could not love, but the
youth were guided by the judgment of their God-fearing parents. It
was a dishonor to parents, even a crime, to pursue a course contrary to
this.
Isaac, trusting his father, was satisfied to commit the matter to him,
believing also that God Himself would direct in the choice made. The
patriarch’s thoughts turned to his father’s kindred in Mesopotamia.
Though not free from idolatry, they cherished the knowledge of the
true God. Isaac must not go to them, but it might be that among them
could be found one who would leave her home and unite with him in
maintaining the pure worship of the living God.
[108]
Abraham committed the important matter to “his eldest servant,” a
man of experience and sound judgment who had rendered him long and
faithful service. He required this servant to make a solemn oath that
he would not take a wife for Isaac of the Canaanites, but would choose
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