Abraham's early teachings had not been without effect upon Ishmael, but the influence of his wives resulted in establishing idolatry in his family. Separated from his father, and embittered by the strife and contention of a home destitute of the love and fear of God, Ishmael was driven to choose the wild, marauding life of the desert chief, "his hand" "against every man, and every man's hand against him." Genesis 16:12. In his latter days he repented of his evil ways and returned to his father's God, but the stamp of character given to his posterity remained. The powerful nation descended from him were a turbulent, heathen people, who were ever an annoyance and affliction to the descendants of Isaac.

Eliezer ville ikke spise noget, før han havde fremført sit ærinde og omtalt sit møde ved brønden og alt, hvad der var sket i forbindelse dermed. Så sagde han: "Hvis I nu vil vise min herre godhed og troskab, så sig mig det, for at jeg kan have noget at rette mig efter!" Svaret var: "Denne sag kommer fra Herren, vi kan hverken gøre fra eller til! Der står Rebekka foran dig, tag hende og drag bort, at hun kan blive din herres søns hustru, således som Herren har sagt!"