What does Genesis 24:31 mean?
Rebekah's brother Laban, hearing her story of everything Abraham's servant had said to her and seeing the gifts that he gave to her, rushes out to the town well, or spring, and finds the servant waiting there. At this point, however, all Rebekah or Laban really know is that the man is wealthy and in search of Abraham's family. To this point, the servant has not revealed that his mission is to find a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac (Genesis 24:3–4).Laban addresses the servant warmly, calling him the Lord's blessed one and inviting his company to come and stay at their house.
Hospitality was a critical cultural value in this era, especially among reputable people. To leave anyone, especially a relative or potential guest, without accommodation would be seen as a grave unkindness. The quickness and eagerness of Rebekah and Laban in offering hospitality to Abraham's servant reminds us of Abraham's own eagerness to offer hospitality to the travelers who turned out to be the Lord and two angels in human form (Genesis 18:1–15). It reminds us, as well, of Lot's urgent hospitality to the two strangers, also angels, on Sodom's final night (Genesis 19:1–3).