Genesis 24:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As a testament to her faithfulness and her provision of water, the servant presented, as indicated in Scripture, “a golden earring, and two wrists.”

The servant recognized her as the chosen one for Isaac, distinguishing her from all others. He adorned the young woman with bracelets and earrings, presenting her with tokens of honor and beauty. Upon seeing such a woman, the disciples immediately embellished her wrists and adorned her ears, thereby transforming her into a radiant figure through acts of devotion. An embellished ear may symbolize a life of obedience. They made her beauty noticeable by the craftsmanship displayed, which, I believe, reflects the grace that comes through the dedication of one’s actions.

The term bace (בֶּ֖קַע), found in the Hebrew script rather than didrachma, equates to half an ounce. Meanwhile, secel (שקל), which has been altered in Latin to shekel, weighs one ounce.

Upon hearing this, you, dear daughters in pursuit of the Lord’s grace, may also desire to adorn yourselves with earrings and bracelets. You might question how I, as your Bishop, can disallow you from possessing what Rebekah received as a gift while urging you to emulate her. However, it is important to note that Rebekah did not possess those earrings and bracelets that frequently fall away and can cause discord within the Church. She had different adornments (if only you could discover them!) and a distinct kind of beauty. The earrings of Rebekah symbolize a heart attuned to God, while her bracelets represent the splendor of her virtuous actions.

The servant handed over gold earrings and bracelets to Rebekah. The golden earrings represent divine teachings, while the golden bracelets symbolize righteous deeds, since hands represent actions. Let us reflect, dear friends, on how Christ has bestowed these same gifts to the Church. The servant provided gold earrings for Rebekah’s adornment, but Christ has filled the ears of the Church with divine words, far more valuable than any pearls. The servant adorned Rebekah’s hands with gold bracelets, yet Christ has entrusted good works to the hands of the Church. Ponder, beloved friends, and rejoice, giving thanks to God, for what was a foreshadowing in them has been realized in us through Christ’s grace.

He then took the items and prepared his offerings, which were truly presented once he recognized who the young woman was (refer to Gen. 24:47). The term earrings here does not refer to the common ear adornment, but rather to a similar piece for the nose (see Gen. 24:47, Ezek. 16:12, Proverbs 11:22).