Interesting Facts

• Eliezer is identified as a wise servant of Abram.
• He is also referred to as one of the two head servants from King Nimrod’s house given to Abram as a present after Abram’s deliverance from the fiery furnace. The other servant was Oni.
• Eliezer warned Abram about King Nimrod’s plan to seize and kill him based on Anuki’s interpretation of the king’s dream.
• Abram refers to Eliezer of Damascus, the son of his handmaid, as his heir because he is childless.
• Abraham calls for Eliezer his head servant when he is old to give him orders concerning finding a wife for Isaac.
• Abraham states that Eliezer ruled over all that he had.
• Eliezer swore to Abraham that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites but would go to Abraham’s land and birthplace.
• Eliezer took ten camels of his master’s and ten men from his servants on his journey to Haran to find a wife for Isaac.
• Eliezer related all his concerns and that he was Abraham’s servant to Bethuel’s household, who rejoiced greatly.
• Ishmael tells Eliezer that after Abraham’s death, he, being the firstborn, will inherit all of Abraham’s possessions, but Eliezer refutes this, stating that Abraham cast Ishmael away and swore he would inherit nothing, implying Eliezer believes he will be the heir due to his faithfulness.
• Eliezer had an unfortunate encounter in Sodom where he was struck by a man of Sodom for defending a stranger and then forced by a corrupt judge to pay the man for drawing his blood, leading Eliezer to strike the judge in retaliation.
• Jacob gave half of his people and possessions to the care of Damesek, the son of Eliezer, when dividing his group into two camps before meeting Esau.
• Jacob gave the other half to Elianus the son of Eliezer.

Genealogy

• Eliezer is referred to as the son of Abram’s handmaid.
• Abraham calls Eliezer his eldest servant of his house.
• Jacob divides his people and flocks into two camps, giving charge of one half to Damesek, the son of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, and the other half to Elianus the son of Eliezer. This suggests Eliezer had at least two sons, Damesek and Elianus.

Historical Context

Eliezer’s life spans significant periods in the early patriarchal narratives. He is first mentioned during the reign of King Nimrod in Shinar, a time characterized by idolatry and opposition to Abram’s monotheistic beliefs. The cultural context included a strong belief in prophecies and dream interpretations, which led to the initial conflict involving Abram that Eliezer becomes privy to. Later, Eliezer is central to the continuation of Abram’s lineage by being entrusted with the mission to find a wife for Isaac, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining the purity of the ancestral line and fulfilling divine promises. His journey takes him to Mesopotamia, highlighting the connections between Abram’s family and that region. The mention of his encounter in Sodom illustrates the wickedness and corruption prevalent in that city before its destruction. Eliezer’s trusted position within Abram’s household and the later division of Jacob’s company under his sons’ care suggest a continued legacy of loyalty and responsibility within the family.

Narrative

Eliezer’s narrative begins with him as a servant in King Nimrod’s court, later given to Abram as a gift after Abram’s miraculous escape from the fiery furnace. This pivotal event marks a shift in Eliezer’s allegiance and service. His wisdom and trustworthiness are highlighted when he overhears Anuki’s counsel to Nimrod to slay Abram and promptly warns Abram, enabling him to escape Nimrod’s plot. This act demonstrates Eliezer’s loyalty to Abram and his alignment with Abram’s God. Years later, as Abram remains childless, he considers Eliezer of Damascus as his potential heir, emphasizing the deep bond and trust between them. Eliezer’s most significant role in the narrative is when the aged Abraham entrusts him with the crucial task of finding a wife for his son Isaac from his own kindred. This mission showcases Eliezer’s integrity, resourcefulness, and faith as he seeks divine guidance and successfully brings Rebekah back to Canaan. His detailed recounting of his journey and his reliance on prayer at the well exemplify his commitment to fulfilling Abraham’s wishes and his belief in God’s providence. Even after Isaac’s marriage, Eliezer remains a significant figure, as indicated by Jacob entrusting his people and possessions to the care of Eliezer’s sons before his encounter with Esau. This suggests that Eliezer’s influence and the loyalty of his lineage continued within the patriarchal family, demonstrating his lasting impact on the unfolding story of Abraham’s descendants. His unfortunate experience in Sodom, though a seemingly minor episode, further highlights the stark contrast between the righteousness of Abraham’s household and the wickedness of the surrounding cultures.