Avraham sent Eliezer, his faithful servant, to his relatives in Mesopotamia, where Eliezer was destined to meet Rikva, Yitzchak's intended.
Rashi explains that Eliezer's actual journey was miraculous.
"I have come today," Eliezer declared to Rikva's father and brother, Betuel and Lavan. "Today I set out, and today I arrived," comments Rashi. Eliezer reached his destination -- a journey of 17 days -- on the very day he embarked.
Why was it necessary for G-d to make a special miracle for Eliezer?
Rivka, the Matriarch of the Jewish people, is described in the Midrash as "a rose among the thorns." Righteous and pure, Rivka lived the first few years of her life surrounded by "thorns" namely, Betuel and Lavan.
On the day she turned three, Abraham sensed that the proper time had arrived to free the rose from its prickly environment.
Eliezer was then dispatched without delay, and a miracle was wrought so that Rikva would not have to spend even one extra moment in an improper atmosphere.
"I have come today!" he declared. "Destiny cannot wait! Today I have come, for I must bring her back with me at once!"
From Eliezer's journey we learn that when the moment for Redemption arrives, it cannot be delayed for even one second. And if need be, miracles will be wrought to ensure that the Redemption occurs at exactly the proper time.
We must therefore not be disheartened by the length of our present Exile, for the Final Redemption with Moshiach will take place immediately, without delay, at the proper time, speedily in our days! Amen.
Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:33 pm
Shabbat Shalom!
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