Genesis 24:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Church stands fully equipped and ready to embrace the life-giving message from the source of salvation, as stated in Scripture (Isaiah 12:3). She possesses an abundance of understanding and compassion, enabling her to share vital truths that promote life. Just as Rebekah caused the servant and his camels to drink, this servant symbolizes the children of Israel, a people who have known the law as a guide, albeit only in a shadowy form—the mystery of Christ, though they have not yet fully grasped its depths. In contrast, the Gentiles, akin to uneducated creatures, are appropriately compared to camels, which are among the unclean animals according to the law. Those who are yet to encounter Him, who is truly and inherently God, embody this state. Consequently, the Church is fully positioned to offer the sacred and divine waters to those from the Jewish heritage receiving the love of Christ, as well as to those from the Gentiles called to partake in the same grace.