Gen. xxiv. 2, 3. D’Herbelot Bibl. Orient. p. 261. Dameschack. In the year of the World 2148, before J.C. 1852, before the Vulgar Æra 1856.I. ELIEZER. The Mussulmen call him Dameschack, or Damascennis, and believe him to have been a black slave given to Abraham by Nimrod, at the time when he saw him, by virtue of the name of God, walking out of the midst of the flames, into which he had been cast by his orders. Abraham conceived such an affection for him, that he gave him the inspection of his whole family, and before the birth of Isaac designed him even for his heir. Abraham upon his arrival in Syria, built a city there, which he called by the name of his slave, Dameschack: this is the city of Damascus, so celebrated at this day. Others believe with more probability, that Eliezer was a native of Damascus, and that he had a son whom Abraham intended for his heir. See Gen. xv. 1, 2, 3. and the Commentators on this place.
When Abraham had resolved to send Eliezer into Mesopotamia, he said to him, Put thy hand under my thigh, and promise with an oath never to take any Canaanite for a wife to my son. But thou shalt go into the country, where my relations live, and there take a wife unto my son Isaac. If the woman will not come, thou shalt be no longer obliged by thy promise; only bring not my son thither again. Eliezer performed what his master required of him, and departing with many camels, and rich presents, he went to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia.
When he arrived near a well without the city, he made his Camels kneel in order to repose themselves, and begged of God to discover to him by some sign the person whom he appointed to be Isaac’s wife. Let it come to pass, said he, that the Damsel to whom I shall say, let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink, and she shall say drink, and I will give thy Camels drink also; let the same be she whom thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac. Scarce had he finished his prayer, when Rebekah the daughter of Bethuel, Isaac’s cousin german, appeared, with a pitcher of water upon her shoulder. Eliezer desired some of her; immediately she let down her pitcher, and let him drink, and offered to give water to his camels also. Eliezer charmed with this happy adventure, made her a present of two pendants for her ears, and two gold bracelets, asked her who she was, and if he could lodge at her father’s house. Rebekah told him that she was the daughter of Bethuel, and that there was every thing at her father’s house, which was necessary either for himself or his retinue. Eliezer bowed his head very low, returned thanks to God, and declared that he belonged to Abraham.
Rebekah ran immediately with this news to her mother, and her brother Laban went to Eliezer, in order to conduct him to the house. When they were ready to sit down to table, Eliezer said, he would not eat, till he had made known the subject of his errand. He related to them therefore his journey, and what happened to him at the city-gate with Rebekah, and concluded with desiring her in matrimony for Isaac. Laban and Bethuel her brothers answered, The Lord hath sufficiently declared his will in this affair, and we cannot oppose it; take her, carry her with thee, and let her be wife to thy master’s son. Eliezer hereupon bowed very low, made great presents to Rebekah, her mother, and her brothers; after which they sat down to table.
The next day Rebekah’s mother and her brothers desired Eliezer, that the young woman might continue with them at least ten days: but Eliezer replied, that he could not defer his return: and they said, call the Damsel, and let us ask her opinion. When she came, they said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? she answered, With all her heart. They therefore suffered her to go, and Eliezer set out that very day for Beersheba, where Abraham at that time dwelt.