The Book of Genesis
Part 43
Eliezer
The diligent steward of Abraham’s household has frequently been considered as a type of the Holy Spirit in His ministry toward the Church. We may conclude, at least, that Eliezer furnishes us with a number of illustrations of the work of God the Spirit.
There was perfect accord between Abraham and his servant. The plan of Abraham was certainly executed by faithful Eliezer.
The commission: Abraham said, “Thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.” The Lord Jesus said, “I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16: 7-8).
The testimony: Eliezer bore a wonderful testimony to his master; said he, “The Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great.” Concerning the service of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus said, “When the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me” (John 15:26). Again He said, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth … He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:13).
The endowment: “And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord bowing himself to the earth. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah” (Gen. 24:52-53). The Holy Spirit not only witnesses to all that Christ is, but He Himself becomes the evidence of Christ’s wealth and the assurance of it to the Church (Eph. 1:13-14).
The direction: What a wonderful guide Eliezer was to Rebekah! He had travelled the way before and knew the distances, dangers, and difficulties.
The blessed One Who witnesses constantly to us of Christ and Who is the earnest of an eternal harvest of glory, leads us gently home. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).
The instruction: No doubt, Rebekah heard much about Isaac from Eliezer. Eventually, as they neared the end of their long journey, as Isaac drew close, he indicated, “It is my master.”
The Spirit of God is the excellent teacher. He is the anointing which we have received, and of Him we read, “Ye need not that any man teach you: but the same anointing teacheth you all things” (1 John 2: 27).
The end: Faithful reliable Eliezer! We read concerning him, “The servant told Isaac all things that he had done.” He now could review his activities all along the journey. Hehad remained with Rebekah to the end.
The Lord Jesus assured the troubled hearts of His disciples, saying, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever: Even the Spirit of truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).