Genesis 24:49 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

“And now if you will deal truly and with kindness with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”

He now asks for their response. Are they favourably disposed, or not? If not he will he will turn aside and leave them.

“Turn to the right hand or to the left.” This indicates that up to this point he has had one purpose in mind, he has looked neither left nor right. Now he has reached the end of his mission. If it is unsuccessful that will be that. There is no way forward and he will therefore no longer pursue it. (For the phrase contrast Numbers 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:32). For the phrase ‘deal kindly and truly' see Genesis 47:29. It is a request for genuine and honest commitment.

Genesis 24:49

49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.