Genesis 15:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Eliezer of Damascus— i.e.. sprung originally from Damascus. The Hebrew word ben-meshec, which we translate steward, signifies the son of provision, he who provideth. It was a custom among the ancients to have such a superior servant: but upon what custom the right to inheritance for such a one, as born in the master's house, could be founded, we are totally in the dark; for I think it is most likely, there was some right of this kind, otherwise Abram had near relations to be his heirs; and whom he would otherwise probably have made such, in preference to any domestic, however considerable.