The Sons of Isaac(22)

By this time he could see the camels lying under the almond tree and he could just make out their elegant trappings. If this was indeed a messenger from his uncle, he must be bringing good news, for only a man of great wealth could possess such an extensive caravan. He pushed all his doubts and fears to one side and strode with great dignity the rest of the way.

He noticed a tall, stately older man coming toward him. “You must be that young maid’s brother, Laban,” he said.

“Indeed I am Laban the son of Bethuel who is the son of Milcah, which she bore to Nahor.” He had quickly assessed the importance of the man and his entourage. It was obvious he came with important credentials. Laban was impressed and anxious to extend the required hospitality. “We are waiting and ready,” he said. “We are honored to receive messengers from my uncle Abraham.”

Laban led the way back to the house through throngs of villagers hastily assembled to see the newcomers, who were reported to bear news of their former neighbor, Abraham. He said no more as he was besieged on every side with questions, but when they reached the door to the courtyard, he waved the curious villagers back, opened the door, and motioned to Eleazar. “Come in, come in,” he said, “thou blessed of the God of my uncle Abraham. See, I have prepared the house and there is room for all your men and camels.”

Laban quickly ordered his servants to help Eleazar’s men unload and feed the camels, then bed them down on the far side of the courtyard reserved for animals. He was pleased to see a fine feast being prepared under the sheltered area of the court. It was obvious that friends and neighbors had responded generously and in fact were still slipping extra bread and roast chickens through the servants’ door.

Bethuel himself came forward with a pitcher of water and a servant to wash the feet of Eleazar, while Laban ordered the servants to wash the feet of the rest of the men.

By the time the sun was high in the sky and all the niceties had been accomplished, the women had finished preparing the feast. They had placed the last stack of bread on the mat and had withdrawn when Laban came forward and urged the men to be seated. They all gathered around the food and were ready to eat when Eleazar, still standing, raised his hand and to everyone’s surprise addressed them. “I will not eat until I have delivered the message I was sent to bring from your relative Abraham.”

Laban paused and turned toward him eagerly, while Rebekah and her nurse, with some of her other maidens, came to stand behind a shuttered window where they could hear all that was said in the courtyard.

“I am Abraham’s servant,” Eleazar began. “I must tell you that the Lord has blessed my master greatly with flocks and herds, silver and gold, camels and asses as well as menservants and maidservants. He has become a very great and important man.

“Furthermore,” he continued, “Sarah, my master’s wife, bore a son to my master when she was old.” At this juncture there was a gasp of surprise and those listening interrupted with cries of joy and exclamations of amazement.

When they were quieted at last, Eleazar continued, “It is to this son my master has given all that he has, and it is for this son a bride is to be found.” Again there were such expressions of surprise and excitement that for a time Eleazar could not continue. Even the women listening in the back rooms gazed at each other with bated breath and smiled with knowing nods.

This time Laban, who had become very interested in the story, raised his hand and commanded everyone to be quiet and listen to what Eleazar had to say. When they became attentive Eleazar hurried on. “My master is determined that his son should not marry a Canaanite. For this reason he commissioned me to come here to the country of his own people and seek out a maiden. And so I have come at my master’s bidding.”

“What made you think any young woman would leave her family and her people to travel so far with a stranger?” The questioner was old Nahor himself, who had stood with great difficulty and was leaning on Bethuel’s arm.

“I asked that same question of my master,” said Eleazar.

“Yes, yes, what did he say? What was his answer?” Laban leaned forward eagerly.

“He said, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you, and will prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father’s house.’”

“But,” said Laban, thinking of his sister and their unofficial agreement with Nazzim, “if the maiden is already promised to another and cannot go?”

“Ah then,” said Eleazar, “I am freed from my oath. However, since I have come I have been much encouraged.”