בראשית, פרק כ״ד, פסוק כ׳

Watering an entire caravan of thirsty camels is a monumental physical task, yet it is undertaken here with extraordinary dedication, agility, and sensitivity to both human and animal needs. Acting with a swiftness that demonstrates deep respect and high regard for the person she is serving [ספורנו], Rebecca completely empties her jug into a hollowed stone trough meant for animals. This careful action highlights her refinement and good manners. Rather than wasting perfectly good drinking water by spilling the leftovers on the ground [שד״ל, העמק דבר, ביאור יש״ר], she purposefully pours it into the trough. This also ensures that the water Eliezer had just drank from is not poured back into the pristine water source [חזקוני].

Her subsequent actions reveal a clear practical distinction between two types of water sources. A spring is a natural, deep flow of pure, sweet water meant for human consumption, while a well is a man-made excavation, typically located on a flat plain, containing less clear water suited for livestock [מלבי״ם, ביאור יש״ר, שד״ל]. Initially, Rebecca visited the spring to gather fresh water for her household and for Eliezer. Now, taking on the heavy burden of providing for the animals, she shifts her efforts and runs to the well, which is equipped specifically for watering livestock [העמק דבר]. This marks her first time drawing from the well, doing so exclusively to provide extra water for the camels [שד״ל].

Satisfying the thirst of ten camels returning from a long journey is an enormous undertaking, as these animals consume vast quantities of liquid [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The fact that a young woman could accomplish this heavy labor entirely on her own, without any assistance from Eliezer's men, prompts several explanations. It is possible that Eliezer's caravan experienced a miraculous shortening of their journey, meaning the camels had been watered prior to their departure that same day and were not as severely thirsty as expected. Alternatively, a miracle may have occurred where the water naturally rose to meet her, significantly easing the physical strain. Another perspective suggests her physical capability was due to her age, proposing she was fourteen years old rather than a small child. As for Eliezer's servants standing idly by, they may have been restricted by local rules forbidding strangers from drawing water themselves, or they were explicitly instructed to hold back so that Eliezer could fully observe and test her character [ברכת אשר על התורה].