Rebecca and Eleazar facts for kids
Rebecca and Eleazar is a famous painting created in 1652 by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. You can find this beautiful oil painting at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. It shows an important moment from chapter 24 of the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
About the Painting "Rebecca and Eleazar"
This painting captures a key scene from an ancient story. It shows Rebecca, a young woman, meeting Eleazar, a servant of Abraham. The painting is known for its detailed style and the way it tells a story through art. Murillo used oil paints on a canvas to create this work.
Who Was Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was a very important Spanish painter. He lived from 1617 to 1682. Murillo was famous for his religious paintings. He also painted many pictures of everyday life, especially of children. His art often showed a gentle and warm feeling. He is one of the most well-known artists from the Spanish Golden Age.
The Story of Rebecca and Eleazar
The painting tells a story from the Book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible. It's a story about finding a wife for Isaac, the son of Abraham.
Abraham's Request to His Servant
Abraham was an old man and wanted his son, Isaac, to marry someone from his own family. He asked his trusted servant, Eleazar, to travel to his homeland. Eleazar's mission was to find a suitable wife for Isaac there. Abraham made Eleazar promise not to choose a woman from the local people.
Eleazar's Journey and Prayer
Eleazar traveled a long way with ten camels. When he reached the city of Nahor, he stopped at a well outside the city. He prayed to God for a sign. He asked that the woman meant for Isaac would offer water to him and his camels. This was a big task, as camels drink a lot of water!
Rebecca Appears at the Well
Soon after Eleazar prayed, a young woman named Rebecca came to the well. She was very beautiful. She carried a jar on her shoulder to draw water. Eleazar ran to meet her and asked for a drink. Rebecca quickly lowered her jar and gave him water.
Rebecca's Kindness to the Camels
Then, Rebecca offered to draw water for all of Eleazar's camels too. She worked hard, filling her jar many times until all ten camels had enough to drink. This showed her great kindness and willingness to help.
Eleazar Finds Isaac's Wife
Eleazar was amazed by her actions. He knew this was the sign he had prayed for. He gave Rebecca a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets. He then asked her about her family. Rebecca told him she was the daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham's nephew. This meant she was from Abraham's own family, just as Abraham had wished.
Rebecca Returns with Eleazar
Rebecca then invited Eleazar to her family's home. Her family welcomed him. After hearing his story, they agreed that Rebecca should go with him to marry Isaac. Rebecca agreed to go. She traveled back with Eleazar and became Isaac's wife.
What the Painting Shows
Murillo's painting captures the moment Rebecca offers water to Eleazar and his camels. You can see Rebecca with her water jar. Eleazar is standing nearby, watching her. The camels are also visible, showing the long journey they had made. The painting highlights Rebecca's kindness and the divine guidance in the story.
