Rebekah's brother Laban and her mother requested she stay for approximately ten days primarily to allow them time for her preparation and to bid her a heartfelt farewell, as it was unlikely they would ever see her again.
The Family's Request for a Brief Delay
Upon the proposal of marriage and Rebekah's agreement to depart with Abraham's servant, her family, specifically her brother Laban and her mother, asked for a short postponement of her departure. Their suggestion was for Rebekah to remain with them "a few days, say ten," before she continued her journey. This request stemmed from understandable human emotions and practical considerations surrounding such a significant life event.
Key Reasons for the Requested Delay:
- Time for Preparation: The family needed a period to properly prepare Rebekah for her new life and long journey. This would have involved:
- Gathering and packing her personal belongings.
- Arranging any items that would serve as her dowry or provisions for her future household.
- Providing her with final instructions, advice, and blessings from her family.
- Opportunity for Farewell: Given the vast distance and the customs of the time, it was generally understood that Rebekah's departure for marriage meant she would likely never return to her birth home or see her immediate family again. The ten days offered a crucial period for:
- Emotional goodbyes, allowing her family to process the significant separation.
- Cherishing final moments together.
- Expressing their love, support, and wishes for her future well-being.
- Gaining a sense of closure before her permanent departure.
The request for a brief delay was a natural and compassionate response from a family facing the imminent and likely permanent departure of their daughter and sister. It allowed them to manage both the logistical and emotional aspects of this momentous transition.
Cultural Significance of Departure
This temporary delay highlights the profound cultural significance of a daughter's departure for marriage in that historical context. It was not merely a transaction but a deeply emotional and communal event. The family's desire for a few extra days reflected a universal need for closure and proper transition during a major life change.
| Aspect of Departure | Family's Implied Need for Rebekah to Stay |
|---|---|
| Logistical Readiness | Time to collect and prepare all necessary items for her journey and new life. |
| Emotional Closure | An opportunity for final goodbyes and to process the permanent separation. |
| Blessings and Counsel | To impart final wisdom, blessings, and express their love before her new chapter. |
Ultimately, the ten-day request was a deeply human and understandable plea for a respectful and thorough farewell, acknowledging the finality of Rebekah's departure from her family home.
