146
Patriarchs and Prophets
the important matter to “his eldest servant,” a man of piety, experience,
and sound judgment, who had rendered him long and faithful service.
He required this servant to make a solemn oath before the Lord, that
he would not take a wife for Isaac of the Canaanites, but would choose
a maiden from the family of Nahor in Mesopotamia. He charged him
not to take Isaac thither. If a damsel could not be found who would
leave her kindred, then the messenger would be released from his oath.
The patriarch encouraged him in his difficult and delicate undertaking
with the assurance that God would crown his mission with success.
“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. Taking with him ten camels
for the use of his own company and the bridal party that might return
with him, provided also with gifts for the intended wife and her friends,
he made the long journey beyond Damascus, and onward to the rich
plains that border on the great river of the East. Arrived 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. It was a time of
anxious thought with him. Important results, not only to his master’s
household, but to future generations, might follow from the choice
he made; and how was he to choose wisely among entire strangers?
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 was the prayer uttered before the answer was given. Among
the women who were gathered at the well, the courteous manners of
one 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 fathers’ flocks and herds.
Thus the desired sign was given. The maiden “was very fair to look
upon,” and her ready courtesy gave evidence of a kind heart and an
active, energetic nature. Thus far the divine hand had been with him.
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After acknowledging her kindness by rich gifts, the messengers asked