And the man wondering at her held his peace, to learn whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
Read Chapter 24
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
To know, though he was now almost convinced, that this obliging virgin was the person of whom he was in quest; and hence he proceeds to make her presents of great value. (Haydock)
The dutiful servant therefore now saw God’s providence distinctly. “He kept observing her closely,” the text goes on, “and remained silent so as to know if the Lord had made his journey successful or not.” What is the meaning of “kept observing her closely”? He kept studying the maiden’s very words, her gaze, her walk, her appearance, everything else about her, and waited to see “if the Lord had successfully conducted his journey or not.” You see, what had happened so far, the text is saying, showed the maiden’s great virtue that exceeded ordinary limits. Hence, to reward her for her response and the offer of water, the text goes on, he pressed upon her “golden earrings and two bracelets.” He carefully made enquiries about her, asking, “Whose daughter are you?” and “Is there room in your father’s house for us to rest?” Homilies on Genesis
