The Pulpit Commentary — Genesis — Section 369

shn.cle from the palms a.va.ils not now to break the fierce rays of the a11n SP,l);ing ~o rapidly in the west. Long shndows are over the landscape. Eliezer stands with the golden light about him. He feels that this may be the moment of great import. Clasping firmly his hands, and lifting fervently his face heavenward, he breathes ihe beautiful prnyer, "0 Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham." It was-1. Brief prayer, becauso there was not time to say much more, but it was most appropriate. He asked for what he felt he needed. He did not use prayer as a mere mystical method of pleasing God, but as the expression of a felt need. This is true prayer. God does not want fine words, long sentences, and wearying repetitions. None are heard for their much speaking. 'fhat is a heathenish notion. God is not glorified by the length of time we remain on our knees, or the number of things we can crowrl into a certain time. The longest prayers are often the most unmeaning. ThiR i8 true of prayers in the home and in the Clrnrch. Brief, earnest, sincere prayer is that which wings its way to heaven. When Peter was sinking in the waters his cry was brief and pointed enough: "Lord, save; I perish." 2. Eliezer did not hesitate to ask God's guidance in respect to a subject which many would have accounted as quite within the scope of their own judgment to decide. Many also would have thought it beneath the notice of God. Many would have made their way direct into the city to Nahor's house to choose for themselves. And many would have left the matter to be decided by chance; but Eliezer seeks guidance from God. Only those who are ignorant of the value of trifles, of their relative power, or who are ignorant of the fact that there are no trifles but which may become all-important circam- stances, would think of such an affair as that Eliezer had in hand, as benellth God's notice. If not beneath God's notice, it may be the subject of prayer. Many who contemplate forming relationships might with the greatest advantage imitate the example of Eliezer in this case, and seek direction from God. Were this the prac- tice there would be fewer unhappy marriages. Eliezer, in carrying out hie master's wish, seeks success from God. II. NOTICE' BOW Gon OVERTAKES OUR PRAYERS. At the most opportune time the ateward prays. He committed his way unto the Lord at the juncture when he felt he needed the guidance. God honours the man's trust. 11 It came to pass that before he had done speaking Rebekah came out." She was the very one whom God had appointed. She knew not that she wa.s moving to fulfil the intention of God. In her acts and in her words she wa.e doing that which was in bam1ony with the sign the man had asked. Courteously, on being asked for a draught from her vessel, she had offered even to draw for the camels also. In the first one addressed Eliezer had the answer to his prayer. Cf. Isa. Ix. 54: 11 Before ye cnll I will answer," &c. ; and Dan. ix. 23: "At the beginning of thy supplication the commandment came forth." We lose much of the comfort of prayer because, a.fter having put up a letition, we either forget to look for the answer, or because we have but a semi- llelief in the power of prayer. If prayer be a reality to us, it is no loss so in God's eight. Some put up prayers in the spirit which seems to say, "Now I will see whether God will answer that." God is not to be subject to mere testinge. Christ Rhowcd that, when on earth he refused to gratify the curiosity or submit to the test- ings the Pharisees prepared for him. Where God is perfectly trusted the answer will, in some way or other, overtake, or even anticipate, the prayer. III. SEE now THE RAPIDITY OF THE ANSWER STAGGERS DELIEF. II He, wondering a.t her, held hie pence," waiting to know whether the "Lord had made his journey prosperous or not." God had not only answered speedily, but in tho ma.nner desired. Sometimes he sends the answer, but in a way so different from that we expected, that we discern not the fact that we have an answer. But what heavenly telegmphy is here I No sooner the petition sent than the answer is given. Tho very correijpondence between the sign desired and its rapid fulfilment only sets Eliczer speculating as to whether it may not have been simply a very remarkable coincidence rather than a Divine response. Meanwhile he nets as though he believed. He offers to Reheknh the gifts which indicated already his business. He offers such llR shall hecomo iho character of his nrnster, who was princely in his possessions ns well ns position. Ho offer~ and waits. The man "held his peace." lle knows that if Go1l has auswere, 1 QF,~ 1'HIS. X  S06 THE BOOK OF GENESIS. (cu. XXIV, 29-60.