Seminaries and Institutes
Genesis 24: A Wife for Isaac


“Genesis 24: A Wife for Isaac,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 29

“Genesis 24,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 29

Genesis 24

A Wife for Isaac

What do you think are the most important qualities to consider in choosing someone to marry? Whom would you trust to choose a marriage partner for you?

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “The greatest single factor affecting what you are going to be tomorrow, your activity, your attitudes, your eventual destiny … is the one decision you make … when you ask that individual to be your companion for life. That’s the most important decision of your entire life! It isn’t where you are going to school, or what lessons you are going to study, or what your major is, or how you are going to make your living. These, though important, are incidental and nothing compared with the important decision that you make when you ask someone to be your companion for eternity” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, Edward L. Kimball, ed. [1982], 301).

Choosing a marriage partner is important for everyone, but especially for those who desire the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant, which includes the promise of an eternal family. If a husband and wife both accept and keep the Abrahamic covenant, which is fully received in the temple, they can have the blessing of an eternal family. As you read, notice the efforts made to enable Isaac to marry in the covenant and how the Lord helped in the process. Consider what effort you are willing to make to marry in the covenant and how the Lord might help you.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Genesis 24.

  1. What Kind of Person Do You Want to Marry?

    1. Make a list of what you learned about Rebekah from Genesis 24 that you think made her a good wife for Isaac.

    2. Write about one item on your list that you would most like your spouse to have or be, and explain why.