That I may make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that thou take not a wife for my son, of the daughters of the Chanaanites, among whom I dwell:
וְאַשְׁבִּ֣יעֲךָ֔ בּֽ͏ַיהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וֽ͏ֵאלֹהֵ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא־תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י יוֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃
8 Church Fathers comment on this verse
To illustrate that this was indeed a common practice, observe that when he instructed the servant to place his hand there, he promptly added, "And swear to me by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth." It is worth noting how he guides the servant in acknowledging the Creator of everything, for by saying "By the God of heaven and the God of earth," he encompasses the entirety of creation with these words.
Abraham chose not to bestow a wife for his cherished son Isaac from among the Canaanite daughters. Instead, he instructed his most trusted servant to journey to the land of the idolaters and find a suitable bride for Isaac. This decision was guided by God, the Father, who intended for the Jewish community to remain separate from Christ, symbolized by Isaac. Isaac, being the son born later and deeply loved, foreshadows Christ, who arrived in the latter days. He is also referred to as ‘delight and gladness,’ which aligns with the interpretation of Isaac's name.
The Canaanites can be seen as a reflection of the Israelites, an idea supported by the meaning of their name itself, which translates to ‘ready to humble themselves.’ To whom could humility be more appropriately directed than to the Jews? They have humbled themselves due to their separation from the glory of Christ and have fallen into profound folly.
A significant event occurred when a spouse was sought for the descendants of Abraham. To ensure that his servant understood Abraham's intentions—since he was not focused on worldly descendants or his earthly inheritance—Abraham instructed the servant he sent, “Put your hand under my thigh, and swear to me by the Lord, the God of heaven...”. What purpose does this gesture serve in relation to Abraham’s lineage? Delve into the mystery: through this oath is the heritage. For what meaning would this vow hold if it did not foreshadow the arrival of the God of heaven in human form from Abraham's descendants?
The act of placing one's hand under the thigh of a man and swearing by the God of heaven signifies that through the flesh, which comes from this lineage, the God of heaven was destined to be manifested. Therefore, that union is truly blessed where the couple shares profound harmony, rooted in purity, fidelity, and reverence for God, especially when they not only desire children in the physical sense but also nurture them in a spiritual manner.
Abraham, when tasked with finding a bride for his son Isaac, instructs the chief servant of his household to place his hand under his thigh and makes a solemn pledge by the Lord God of heaven (Gen. 24:2, 3), surely invoking the name of the very God who would come forth from his lineage.
Abraham instructed his servant to refrain from choosing a bride for his son from the descendants of the Canaanites, whose forefather dishonored his father and, as a consequence, cursed his lineage. This serves as a reminder of the faith and legacy passed down from one’s ancestors when considering unions. "With the holy, you shall be holy; with the unholy, you shall be corrupt" (2 Kings 22:26). If this principle applies in various circumstances, how much more is it true in the context of marriage, where two become one flesh and one spirit? Harmony in affection cannot exist when faith diverges. Therefore, take heed, O Christian, in giving your daughter to a Gentile or a Jew.
I caution against marrying a Gentile, a Jewess, or a foreigner, which includes heretics or any woman unfamiliar with your faith. The foundation of marriage lies in the grace of chastity. How can one embrace modesty if she worships idols that advocate for adultery or if she denies Christ, the source of purity? Moreover, if your wife is a Christian, it matters not if you both lack the sacrament of Baptism. Together, you must lift your prayers and supplicate before God as one.
Another testament to purity is the belief that your partner is a divine gift. Indeed, Solomon affirmed, “A wife is prepared by God” (Proverbs 19:14). Those of differing faith may struggle to embrace this notion; a man is unlikely to consider matrimony a grace bestowed by the Lord whom he does not revere. While reason guides us, examples are often more compelling. The downfall of even steadfast husbands can occur through the allure of women, leading them astray from their faith. Prioritize love while remaining vigilant against deception. The foremost aspect of marriage is honoring God. Thus, Abraham sought a neighbor for his son’s bride. Likewise, you should seek a neighbor! But who is that neighbor? It is described as "He who has shown mercy" (Luke 10:37), as our Lord Jesus teaches in the Gospel. Therefore, pursue your neighbor within the lineage of Abraham, and hold fast to that neighbor. The lineage of Abraham is Christ, who embodies mercy for all and bears the sins of the world. Reflect on what qualities to seek in a wife: Abraham valued not riches, silver, or property, but the grace of a virtuous character.
Your surprise is noted regarding why the honest servant of Abraham, tasked with a journey to Mesopotamia, does not swear by Abraham's head but instead, ‘places his hand under the thigh’ to take an oath to his master. Abraham possessed insight, perceiving with spiritual foresight that the Creator of all, Christ, would incarnate as a human according to His divine plan, emerging from Abraham's lineage. He acknowledges this future mystery that transcends generations. For he states, "This God, who will be born from my descendants, is the Lord of heaven and earth." Thus, he instructs the servant, "Place your hand under my thigh, and I will commission you by the Lord God of heaven and earth" (Gen. 24:2-3).
Brethren, when we consider the writings of the Old Testament, interpreting them solely on a literal level offers little spiritual nourishment for our souls. What significance does it hold for us, who have come together in the Church to listen devoutly to God’s Word, to recount that Abraham sent his servant to find a wife from a distant land for his son, especially when such events occur even in our own communities? However, in the spirit of the Apostle Paul, let us embrace the understanding that what transpired among the Jews serves as a foreshadowing (1 Cor. 10:11) that is ultimately realized in us. Thus, Abraham instructed his servant to place his hand under his thigh, swearing an oath by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth.
This gesture symbolizes deep reverence, akin to placing one’s hand on the altar or reaching out to the ark of the covenant or praying before the temple of God. By placing his hand under the thigh, the servant swore allegiance not to a mere physical entity but to the living and true God, because it was through Abraham that Isaac was born; from Isaac came Jacob; and Jacob fathered Judas (Matt. 1:2) — from this lineage, our Lord Jesus Christ would come forth.
You must not allow your son Isaac to marry one of the daughters of the Canaanites. The patriarchs avoided the daughters of the Canaanites due to the detrimental influences their customs posed to their families (Genesis 26:35). The Canaanites had already faced God’s judgment for destruction (Genesis 15:16). Additionally, God Himself directed them to preserve the purity of His chosen lineage and to maintain a distinct separation from others until the arrival of the Messiah.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS