5, 6. Why was Abraham insistent that Isaac not marry a Canaanite, and for whom is this fine guidance today? (1 Corinthians 7:39)

⁵ The account begins with Abraham’s giving instructions to his household manager, evidently Eliezer. (Genesis 15:2; 24:2) “I must have you swear by Jehovah,” said Abraham, “that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in among whom I am dwelling, but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and you will certainly take a wife for my son, for Isaac.”​—Genesis 24:3, 4.

⁶ Why was Abraham so insistent that his son should not marry a Canaanite? Because the Canaanites were descendants of Canaan, who was cursed by Noah. (Genesis 9:25) Moreover, the Canaanites were known for their depraved practices, and most important, they did not worship Jehovah. (Genesis 13:13; Leviticus 18:3, 17-28) Understandably, Abraham wanted his son to marry someone from his own family, descendants of Shem, who had received Noah’s inspired blessing. (Genesis 9:26) What fine guidance this is for Christians who choose to marry today!​—Deuteronomy 7:3, 4.

16. (a) How, fittingly, does Abraham’s servant picture God’s holy spirit? (b) What question may be asked respecting the spirit and the bride?

¹⁶ Eliezer’s name means “My God Is Helper.” In name and deed, he fittingly pictures the holy spirit of the Greater Abraham, Jehovah God, which He sent to this distant land, our earth, to select a suitable bride for the Greater Isaac, Jesus Christ. (John 14:26; 15:26) The bride class is “the congregation,” made up of disciples of Jesus who have been begotten by holy spirit as spiritual sons of God. (Ephesians 5:25-27; Romans 8:15-17) Just as Rebekah received expensive gifts, so the initial members of the Christian congregation on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. received miraculous gifts in proof of their divine calling. (Acts 2:1-4) Like Rebekah, they have willingly forsaken all worldly and fleshly relationships in order eventually to be united with their heavenly Bridegroom. From the time individual members of the bride class are called until their death, they must guard their spiritual virginity while journeying through Satan’s dangerous, seductive world. (John 15:18, 19; 2 Corinthians 11:3; James 4:4) Filled with holy spirit, the bride class faithfully invites others to partake of Jehovah’s provisions for salvation. (Revelation 22:17) Do you follow her example by also responding to the spirit’s direction?