24:16Genesis 24:16

The verse belongs to the account of finding a wife for Isaac among Abraham's kindred in Mesopotamia, when Abraham's servant meets Rebekah at the well while seeking a wife for Isaac.PP 171.3+1 It describes Rebekah as very beautiful and a virgin, who went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up.PP 172.2+1 Her beauty drew the servant's notice, while her ready kindness in offering water to him and his camels revealed a kind heart and an active, energetic nature.PP 172.2 Her courteous conduct and the events at the well were the sign and evidence the servant had prayed for, showing him that Rebekah was the woman God had selected for Isaac.PP 172.2+1 The choice sought a woman willing to leave her home and join Isaac in maintaining the worship of the living God.PP 171.3

At forty, Isaac submitted to his father's judgment and trusted an experienced, God-fearing servant to choose his wife, believing God would direct the choice.CE 228.1–230.1+1 The account of Isaac's marriage is held up as an example for children and young people who fear God and profess to fear God to seek God's direction and to respect, involve, and yield to parental judgment in choosing a spouse.SG3 112.3+2 The verse belongs to the record of Abraham educating Isaac to love a life of noble obedience, teaching that parents should command their households after them, instruct children to yield to and respect parental authority, and accept responsibility to guide their children's affections toward suitable companions, since Satan largely controls the affections of the young, and Abraham's course rebukes parents who think affections should not be guided or restrained.ST Apr 10, 1879 The wise, God-guided marriage that followed brought love and comfort, showing the value of parental guidance and the counsel of older, experienced people in choosing a lifelong companion.CE 228.1–230.1