The Camels Were Coming
Today’s Verse:
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. ~Genesis 24:63
Camels are widely mentioned in the Bible. We find camels mentioned 59 times in the Bible, and eighteen of these mentions are in Genesis 24. Jesus used camels as analogies in His teaching. They were a symbol of a man’s wealth. They were a useful means of transportation. Their coarse skin and hair was worn as clothing by men. Isaac went out to pray one night, and as he finished praying, he lifted his eyes and saw that the camels were coming.
We see the riches.
“And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.” Abraham was a very rich man. He received many camels when he was in Egypt. The camels were the means by which Abraham’s servant brought many gifts. Camels are a picture of the riches of God’s grace. The number ten is the number of God and His perfection. The Bible refers to our riches in glory in Christ Jesus. It speaks about our exceeding riches of His grace in kindness towards us. God’s riches are abundant and unending.
We see the ride.
“And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.” These camels were for transportation. They would carry Rebekah and her damsels through the hot, arid desert to her new home with Isaac. God’s grace carries and sustains us through our journey in life. It is God’s grace which gives us sufficiency in every situation in life. By God’s grace, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We must have faith to ride upon the back of God’s grace through paths we have never traveled and during times when our journey will be difficult, long, and uncomfortable.
We see recognition.
“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.” Isaac went out to the field to pray. He knew that the servant was sent out to bring him his bride. He was praying for his Father’s will to be done. One evening, he lifted his eyes while praying, and he saw the camels coming. Isaac pictures our Lord Jesus Christ praying for His bride, the church. Just as Isaac recognized his father’s camels and the riders on them, our Lord knows His church.
We see Rebekah.
“And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.” Isaac’s bride was brought home to him. Just as Isaac recognized the camels and the riders, Rebekah recognized Isaac as she drew near. Rebekah, out of respect to Isaac, came down from her camel to meet him. One day, Jesus will take His bride home to Heaven. His bride will come to Him without spot nor wrinkle.
We see the rejoicing.
Both Isaac and Rebekah were rejoicing. With unreserved faith, she had told her family that she would go with the servant (who pictures for us the Holy Spirit) to meet her husband. The waiting was over. The bride was home and with her husband. What a wonderful day of rejoicing awaits us when we see Jesus and enter Heaven. There was joyful satisfaction that the husband received his long-awaited bride. When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! The camels will be coming! Rest in God’s grace to sustain and strengthen you as you journey through this life.
Have a grace-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 6-8