The girl ranThis phrase highlights the urgency and excitement of Rebekah's actions. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, running was not a common activity for women, indicating the importance of the message she carried. Her eagerness reflects the significance of the encounter with Abraham's servant, who was seeking a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. This moment is pivotal in the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, as it sets the stage for the continuation of his lineage.
and told her mother’s household
Rebekah's decision to inform her mother's household is significant. In patriarchal societies, the father's household typically held authority, but the mention of the mother's household suggests a matrilineal influence or simply the domestic sphere where women communicated. This detail may also indicate the close-knit nature of family units and the role of women in managing household affairs. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where women often gathered and shared news within their domestic circles.
about these things
The phrase "these things" refers to the events that had just transpired at the well, including the servant's prayer, Rebekah's fulfillment of the sign he requested from God, and the gifts she received. This moment is a fulfillment of divine providence, as God orchestrates the meeting to ensure the continuation of Abraham's lineage through Isaac. The narrative connects to other scriptural themes of God's faithfulness and guidance, as seen in stories like those of Joseph and Moses. It also foreshadows the role of women in God's plan, as Rebekah becomes a matriarch in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
RebekahA young woman from the household of Bethuel, who is the daughter of Bethuel and the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother. She is the central figure in this verse as she runs to inform her family about her encounter with Abraham's servant.
2.
Abraham's ServantThough not named in this verse, he is the servant sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac. His encounter with Rebekah at the well is a pivotal moment in the account.
3.
Rebekah's Mother's HouseholdThe family of Rebekah, which includes her mother and other household members. This is the place where Rebekah runs to share the news of her encounter.
4.
The WellThe location where Rebekah meets Abraham's servant. It is a significant setting in the account, symbolizing provision and divine appointment.
5.
BethuelRebekah's father, who is part of the household she informs. His lineage connects Rebekah to Abraham's family, fulfilling the servant's mission.
Teaching Points
Faithful ObedienceRebekah's immediate response to share the news with her family demonstrates a heart of obedience and transparency. Believers are encouraged to be prompt in sharing God's work in their lives.
Divine AppointmentsThe meeting at the well was not by chance but orchestrated by God. We should be attentive to divine appointments in our own lives, recognizing God's hand in our daily interactions.
Family and CommunityRebekah's action of informing her household underscores the importance of family and community in God's plans. We are reminded to involve and inform our families in spiritual matters.
God's FaithfulnessThe unfolding events in this chapter highlight God's faithfulness to His promises. Trusting in God's timing and provision is crucial for believers.
Role of Women in ScriptureRebekah's proactive role in this account challenges us to recognize and value the significant contributions of women in God's redemptive history.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:28?
2.How does Genesis 24:28 demonstrate Rebekah's immediate response to God's unfolding plan?
3.What can we learn from Rebekah's actions about sharing God's work in our lives?
4.How does Rebekah's response connect with other biblical examples of hospitality and obedience?
5.How can we apply Rebekah's eagerness to share news in our faith journey?
6.What role does family play in understanding and implementing God's will, as seen here?
7.How does Genesis 24:28 reflect the role of women in biblical times?
8.What cultural practices are evident in Genesis 24:28?
9.How does Genesis 24:28 contribute to the narrative of Isaac and Rebekah?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?
11.Are there any archaeological findings that corroborate the cultural practices alluded to in Song of Solomon 8:2–4, or are these references purely poetic?
12.In Genesis 31:24, why would God communicate with Laban if Laban worshipped other gods, and how does this align with other biblical passages about idolatry?
13.(Genesis 35:9-10) Why does God reaffirm Jacob's name to Israel here, even though it was already changed in Genesis 32:28?
14.What are the Bible's teachings on family?What Does Genesis 24:28 Mean
The girl ranRebekah’s quick dash captures her heart. She has just drawn water for Abraham’s servant and watched God answer his prayer right before her eyes (Genesis 24:17–20).
• Running signals eagerness and joy, much like Abraham “ran to the herd” when hosting the angels (Genesis 18:7) or David who “ran quickly toward the battle line” in faith (1 Samuel 17:48).
• The momentum of obedience often follows moments of revelation. Mary “got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah” after hearing the angel’s word (Luke 1:39). Rebekah’s feet move because her spirit is already convinced that something extraordinary is unfolding.
and told her mother’s householdRather than heading to her father Bethuel or her brother Laban in private, Rebekah shares the account openly with the women’s quarters of the home.
• Scripture frequently notes the mother’s household as a relational hub (Ruth 1:8; Song of Songs 3:4). Here it provides a setting for family discernment and hospitality.
•Genesis 24 repeatedly shows women at the center of God’s covenant story—Sarah’s tent (v. 67), Rebekah’s mother and brother negotiating her departure (vv. 55–60). God honors family structures while advancing His promises.
• This moment also underscores accountability. By relaying the events to those closest to her, Rebekah ensures the report can be tested and confirmed (cf.Deuteronomy 19:15).
about these thingsThe phrase gathers everything—from the servant’s prayer to the lavish gifts (Genesis 24:22, 26–27). Rebekah becomes the first witness of what God has done.
• Her testimony mirrors other spontaneous proclamations: the shepherds who “made known the statement that had been told them” (Luke 2:17) and the Samaritan woman who “left her water jar” to announce Christ (John 4:28-30).
• God’s works are meant to be verbalized. “My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long” (Psalm 71:15).
• The servant will soon confirm her words (Genesis 24:34-49), illustrating how personal witness and communal verification work together to recognize God’s leading.
summaryGenesis 24:28 spotlights Rebekah’s immediate, enthusiastic response to God’s activity. She runs—showing joy; she tells her mother’s household—anchoring the news in family life; and she recounts “these things”—becoming a faithful witness of providence. The verse invites us to move quickly in obedience, bring God’s works into our closest circles, and openly testify to His unfolding plan.
(28)
The damsel ran, and told (them of) her mother's house.--The words inserted in italics are worse than useless. The wife of a sheik has a separate tent (
Genesis 24:67), and the result of polygamy is to make each family hold closely together. Naturally, too, the maiden would first show her mother and the women presents of so special a meaning. We even find Laban, the brother, acting as Rebekah's representative; and it is only when the final decision has to be given that Bethuel is allowed to have any voice in the matter (
Genesis 24:50).
Verse 28. -
And the damsel -
הַגַּעַרָ (
vide on ver. 16) -
ran (leaving the venerable stranger in the act of devotion),
and told them of her mother's house - a true touch of nature. With womanly instinct, discerning the possibility of a love-suit, she imparts the joyful intelligence neither to her brother nor to her father, but to her mother and the other females of the household, who lived separately from the men of the establishment -
these things - in particular of the arrival of a messenger from Abraham. Perhaps also the nose-jewel would tell its own tale.
CHAPTER 24:29-60
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The girlהַֽנַּעֲרָ֔(han·na·‘ă·rā)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5291:A girl, maidenranוַתָּ֙רָץ֙(wat·tā·rāṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7323:To runand toldוַתַּגֵּ֖ד(wat·tag·gêḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousher mother’sאִמָּ֑הּ(’im·māh)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )householdלְבֵ֣ית(lə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseabout theseהָאֵֽלֶּה׃(hā·’êl·leh)Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosethings.כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים(kad·də·ḇā·rîm)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 24:28 The young lady ran and told her (Gen. Ge Gn) 
