Watering Camels

Scripture: Genesis 24

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will review the story of Isaac and Rebekah.
  • Students will learn Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac.
  • Students will learn God gave Abraham’s servant a sign, so he would know whom to choose for Isaac.
  • Students will participate in an activity helping them understand how Rebekah performed a great act of service which God used as a sign to Abraham’s servant.

Guiding Question: How much work was it for Rebekah to water the camels of Abraham’s servant?

Materials:gallon jugs filled with water (several with handles), stuffed or cardboard “camels”, optional one three gallon jug filled with water (Empty three gallon jugs can often be purchased at big box retailers.)

Procedure: Review the story of Abraham focusing especially when he sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac. Explain Rebekah most likely had a clay jug or jar which could hold three gallons of water. Have students attempt to lift the three gallon jug of water. Divide students into two or more teams. Place a “camel” several yards away from each team of students.

Give each team one or two (depending upon age and strength of students) gallon jugs filled with water. Make sure the tops are sealed. Line each team in a line. The first student carries the jog(s) of water to the camel touches the camel and carries the jogs back to hand to the next person in line. Stop when each student in the race has carried the equivalent of 25 gallons of water (one jug would be 12-13 round trips, two jugs would take 6-7 round trips). Stop the race and explain each of them has now watered ONE camel. The servant most likely had four or more camels. You can continue the race until they have each watered four camels or until there are a few minutes left of class time. Discuss with students how much hard work it was for Rebekah to water the camels. What might it have shown about her character that she was willing to do that for a stranger? Why might that be important to God and to the servant that she was that willing to serve others?

Additional Questions:

  • In what ways do family members serve each other?

Supplemental Activity: Have more advanced students interview various people in their family and in other families. In what ways do family members believe they serve other members of their family? Have the students compile a list that includes all of the responses and share their results with others. Do students believe they are serving their families enough? What can they do to be more like Rebekah in the way they serve people inside of their families, friends and even strangers?

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