Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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had business to do at home which wanted him, and therefore, as one that preferred his work before his pleasure, he was for hastening home. Note, Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man; when we have despatched our business abroad we must not delay our return to our business at home, nor be longer from it than needs must; for as a bird that wanders from her nest so is he that wanders from his place, Pr 27:8.
55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us
a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.
Rebekah's relations, from natural affection and according to the usual expression of kindness in that case, solicit for her stay some time among them, Ge 24:55. They could not think of parting with her on a sudden, especially as she was about the remove so far off and it was not likely that they would ever see one another again: Let her stay a few days, at least ten, which makes it as reasonable a request as the reading in the margin seems to make it unreasonable, a year, or at least ten months. They had consented to the marriage, and yet were loth to part with her. Note, It is an instance of the vanity of this world that there is nothing in it so agreeable but it has its alloy. Nulla est sincera voluptas--There is no unmingled pleasure. They were pleased that they had matched a daughter of their family so well, and yet, when it came to the last, it was with great reluctance that they sent her away.
56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath
prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.
57 And they said, we will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.
Rebekah herself determined the matter. To her they appealed, as it was fit they should (Ge 24:57): Call the damsel (who had retired to her apartment with a modest silence) and enquire at her mouth. Note, As children ought not to marry without their parents' consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Before the matter is resolved on, "Ask at the damsel's mouth;" she is a party principally concerned, and therefore ought to be principally consulted. Rebekah consented, not only to go, but to go immediately: I will go, Ge 24:58. We may hope that the notice she had taken of the