‘And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and nurse (called Deborah, see Genesis 35:8), and Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands and may your seed possess the gate of those who hate them.” '
They can now agree to the quick departure and make preparations for them to leave. Rebekah, as a daughter of the tribal head is accompanied by a mature female attendant to watch over her (a ‘nurse' who would have had responsibility for her upbringing) and a number of young women to attend her. She had had the freedom to collect water from the spring but she was still a woman of some importance.
Their blessing, an important part of the procedure which demonstrated that she was leaving with their approval, is interesting. Their concern is that she may have a position of female authority over a goodly sized army which is successful against its enemies. To ‘possess the gate', which was where the elders of a town ruled, was to have power and control. They are probably aware of something of Abraham's set up and will have gleaned more from the steward. Their aim is not necessarily belligerent but a concern for her continued safety and prosperity which they recognise is dependent, among other things, on armed force. Abraham would not have remained wealthy long without his private army.