In facing so difficult a mission, E-li-e'zer was naturally disturbed by the thought of failure. His fears, however, were overcome by the spirit of faith in God shown by A'bra-ham, and by the promise that if he should fail, he would not be held responsible or judged harshly by his master. It appears that A'bra-ham never had the slightest doubt of success, and that he sent his servant away in perfect faith that he would return in due time with a wife for his son.
In making ready for the long journey, and for whatever might happen during it, E-li-e'zer took ten camels, a number of servants, and enough supplies to provide food for many weeks of travel. He also took presents to be given to the bride, and gifts for her parents, for these were required by the customs of those days.
Having entered the land of Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and arrived in the vicinity of the region where Na'hor, one of A'bra-ham's brothers, made his home, E-li-e'zer stopped at a well to give water to his camels. Knowing that this was the time of evening when the women usually went to the wells to draw water, the faithful servant of A'bra-ham turned to the LORD in prayer. He prayed for the success of his mission, and for certain signs by which the woman who was to become the wife of I'saac might be pointed out to him. He asked that the maiden upon whom his choice should fall should come to the well, grant his request for a drink of water, and offer to draw water for the camels. The fulfillment of these signs would show that God approved the choice of the woman, and would prove that one so kind and thoughtful toward a stranger was well suited to become the wife of I'saac.
Before the prayer was finished, there came to the well a beautiful maiden whose name was Re-bek'ah, a daughter of Be-thu'el. When E-li-e'zer asked her for some water she quickly lifted a jar from her shoulder, placed one hand under it, and tilted it for him to drink. She then offered to draw water for the camels, and did not pause until she had done so.
E-li-e'zer was delighted by the kindness and dignity of the beautiful young woman, and felt in his heart that his prayer was already answered. He thought it best, however, not to tell her of his mission until he was absolutely certain that she was the woman chosen by the LORD. He gave her an earring and two bracelets of gold as a token of gratitude for her kindness, and then opened the way for an offer of hospitality in her father's home. Re-bek'ah assured him that there was room for him and his companions in her father's house, and that provisions could be found there for feeding the camels.
