Speak unto thee bad or good— We cannot contradict thee in any thing respecting this matter. It is a Hebrew phrase.
REFLECTIONS.—1. In consequence of what had passed at the well, Laban, Rebekah's brother, comes and gives Eliezer the kindest reception. From Laban's character, given in the subsequent Chapter s, it is to be feared that the bracelets paved the way; for a man's gift maketh room for him, Proverbs 18:16. The cattle are first put up and fed. Note; On a journey remember your beast before you eat yourself. And then the board is spread to entertain the stranger. But, before he eats, he opens his commission at large; whose servant he was; the design of his coming; the riches of his matter; the settlement of all upon his son; his care to have him marry among his own kindred, and not among the daughters of Canaan; his prayer; the providential answer to it in the meeting of Rebekah; then begs them to consider and determine concerning the issue of his journey. I know not whether most to admire the ingenuousness of the representation of his master's affairs, or the fidelity which made him prefer his master's business to his own refreshment: both admirable, and worthy of imitation. Note; In religious courtship, plain-dealing is the best wooing.
2. We have the brothers' consent to the proposal. They saw God's hand in the affair; and therefore as Abraham's fortune made it advantageous, God's Providence also bespoke their compliance.
3. Here is the behaviour of Eliezer on the occasion. He thanked God for the speedy answer he had received. Note; As we go on receiving, we should go on adoring. We shall, with all our praise to God, be left far behind. And to confirm the match, as well as evidence his master's opulence, he makes noble presents to the intended bride, as also to her mother and brothers. Note; The bride, the Lamb's wife, must be brought to him, not in the ornaments with which nature hath endowed her, but in the jewels with which he himself hath decked her.