‘And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at eventide, the time when the women go out to draw water. And he said, “Oh Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, send me I pray you good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Look, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water. And let it come to pass that the young woman to whom I will say, “Let down your pitcher, I beg you, that I may drink”, and she shall say, “Drink, and I will give your camels drink as well”, let the same be she whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. And by that will I know that you have shown kindness to my master.'
These all important words form the basis of the covenant that the steward makes with Yahweh and around which the account is based. Yahweh is Abraham's covenant God and the steward charges him reverently to act now to ensure the covenant succession. The terms by which he will understand Yahweh's response are clearly outlined.
This example is not one generally to follow. This was not just seeking guidance about some mundane matter but seeking to establish something at the very heart of God's covenant. It is not something to be applied to our everyday lives.
“Show kindness (covenant faithfulness) to my master Abraham.” Again a reverent but solemn charge that God will act towards Abraham in accordance with His covenant promises. The word for ‘kindness' is chesed, ‘covenant faithfulness and love'.
The test is then outlined. He will stand by the well with his camels and ask for a drink from the women who come to the well. The one who offers to give drink to his camels as well will be the one chosen by Yahweh. That will be proof of God's covenant love and faithfulness shown to Abraham.
It has been well pointed out that the test would reveal a woman who was courteous and compassionate, kind both to her fellowmen and to animals. But the matter does not stop there. The steward has been sent to Abraham's kinsfolk (Genesis 24:4). He thus expects God to ensure that the woman fits the requirements (see Genesis 24:21-27). We can be sure that God has pressed on his heart this method of approach for otherwise it would not be justified. This is a genuine revelation from God.