The Woman At The Well

Song: Hand In Hand With Jesus

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67

Three of the patriarchs found their wives at a well: Isaac, Jacob and Moses. Jesus interviewed the Samaritan woman at a well that Jacob had dug. All four accounts are thrilling to read. The story of Rebekah, the first woman at the well, is an account full of romance and touching detail and providence.

The virginity of Rebekah is a fact to be admired. She was beautiful, and her purity added to her beauty. The ancients understood that a fresh spring was a thing to be protected. Rebekah knew the sense of “drink waters from your own cistern.”

Like the worthy woman Rebekah “worked with her hands in delight” (Prov. 31:13). In coming to the well she showed herself responsible and diligent. Her haste in running to the well to draw for the camels and then running to report the servant’s presence to her family shows that she took pleasure in serving.

Her hospitality to strangers distinguished her above all others. Hospitality distinguished Abraham so that he even entertained angels unaware. This quality was admired by Abraham’s servant. He prayed that the Lord would send his way such a likeminded helpmeet for Isaac.

Perhaps we could provide a starting place for better marriages by digging community wells. Or perhaps we could just draw—excuse the pun—from here and elsewhere the lessons for a good beginning.

Jason Moore