Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/204

 The Book of Genesis

186

In the Orient, where only sandals are worn, washing the feet the

A

V. ZZ.

young man

18,

name may guests, he

be is

—

is

described by Trumljull, Studies in Oriental

follows

as

is

father

'the

if

is

4.

part of the regular procedure of securing a wife for a

in the East, as

Social Life,

asks

XVIII,

act of hospitality; cf.

first

of

home.

at

"Arriving



— or

Maryam'

When

at

the

house, the

deputy

whatever the young woman's the

latter

appears

to

told that the deputy will speak for the party.

greet

As

his

coffee

proffered, the deputy says that the visitors have come upon a very important mission, and that they can neither eat nor drink until that mission is accomplished. It is now as it was in the days of Abraham." is

The teacher should picture the surprise and pleasure Vv. 34f. Rebekah's family at so unexpectedly hearing of their long-deThey had probably almost completely parted relative, Abraham. forgotten about him. This was their first word about him in many Xow they learn to their joy that he is well and prosperous, years. and that he still thinks of them, and desires a maiden from among them for his son. Notice, too, the simple but extremely effective way The name falls in which the servant says. 'T am Abraham's servant". And now the rich presents hae a unexpectedly on their ears. double value in their eyes, for they are the concrete proof that of

Aliraham has prospered exceedingly. '.

In the Orient,

47.

monly wear rings V. 50 implies intervention

in

still

today as

in

ancient times,

women com-

their noses.

in

Laban and Bethuel are conscious of divine

that

incident,

this

and therefore

the usual right of parent or brother of

are

willing

to

or sister's hand, and to leave the matter to Rcbekah herself.

same time

it

should be understood that

forego

disposing of the daughter's in

Israel

women

At the

always en-

joyed rights and privileges unusual in the modern Orient. From a considerable mass of evidence we infer that it must have been not uncommon in Israel to secure the maiden's consent before givins" her in marriage. Nor do the present-day oriental customs of the harem and of the veiling of women seem to have been common in ancient Israel. Throughout the Bible we hear constantly of. the high posi-

power, and privileges of women.

tion, '.

to

53.

In

the

still

are.

the

rule.

of a betrothal', such as this was, presents family from the side of the groom were, and

case

the l)ride and her

They serve

to

bind the marriage contract, as

it

were. '. 55. It is customary in the Orient to urge a departing guest remain longer and enjoy further hospitality. >lere, of course, this sentiment is coupled with the thought that they might never see

to