Genesis 24:18–20 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
The Lord was evidently directing this entire scene, as the servant prayed, and He apparently moved Rebekah to be more than kind. She responded to the Lord’s guidance by “going the extra mile.” She was not obligated by any means to speak to, much less give a drink to, a total stranger. She not only gave him drink, but went above and beyond any call to kindness by drawing water for all his camels as well.
This action was certainly extraordinary. It was even miraculous, seeing that her above and beyond hospitality was a direct answer to the servant’s prayer (v. 14). Although the response showed the character of Rebekah, the main point is that it showed the presence and guidance of the Lord. God fulfilled Abraham’s faith, led the servant, answered his prayer, and prompted her to respond to the Lord’s leading by acting over-generously.
It is easy to see the hand of God, but the proper response on Rebekah’s part was still necessary to bring about the desired result of God’s plan. Ultimately the foundations of the faithful seed had to laid by the Patriarchs. God did not force Rebekah to respond with kindness, though He did lead her. To carry out God’s will on earth, He still uses willing agents ready to believe and obey. The Lord leaves us free to say NO, but the love of God compels us to say YES.