Genesis 24:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After the servant experienced the maiden's graciousness and learned all he needed from her, he ultimately disclosed his identity. With gratitude to God, he clarified that he had not come from a foreign household, but rather that the one who had sent him was Nahor's brother. Upon recognizing this, the maiden joyfully ‘ran,’ just as the Scripture states. Observe how her eagerness for hospitality is demonstrated through her actions—her running, her words, and her modest demeanor. ‘She ran,’ as it is written, and communicated everything to her mother’s household. Every detail she received from the servant, she shared with her parents.

In the home of Rebekah's family, it is notable that her mother and siblings, particularly Laban, are actively mentioned throughout this narrative (Genesis 24:29, 53, 55, 59, 60), whereas Bethuel is referred to only once, and that in reference to Laban, almost as if he were not recognized as Rebekah's father (Genesis 24:50). Flavius notes that Bethuel, Rebekah's father, was no longer living at this time, which left Laban as the protector of the family under their mother’s authority. Some scholars suggest that during that period, marital arrangements were largely influenced by the brothers’ decisions (see Genesis 34:13).