It is written: “A wise servant will dominate a shameful son and will share in an inheritance among brothers” (Proverbs 17:2). “A wise servant” – this refers to Eliezer. What was his wisdom? He said:2Before he became Abraham’s slave. ‘He3Referring to himself. already has the curse of that man upon him,4“Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers” (Genesis 9:25).
Eliezer was a descendant of Canaan (see Bereshit Rabba 59:9). perhaps a Kushite or barbarian will come along and enslave me. It is preferable to be enslaved in this household [of Abraham] and not in any other household.’ “Will dominate a shameful son” – this refers to Isaac,5Abraham gave him control over Isaac in the sense that he was entrusted to choose a bride for him. who put all the idolaters to shame when he was bound atop the altar.6With his complete dedication to God’s will, he put all the idolaters to shame.
“And will share in an inheritance among brothers” – among Israel; just as they mention the merit of the patriarchs [in their prayers], so, too, this one mentioned the merit of the patriarchs [in his prayer]: “He said: Lord, God of my master Abraham…” “And perform kindness with my master Abraham” – [Eliezer said:] ‘If you begin something, finish it.’7This is a popular saying. Eliezer applied it in his prayer to God: ‘You shortened my path for Abraham’s sake, help me complete the mission.’
Rabbi Ḥagai said in the name of Rabbi Yitzḥak: Everyone requires kindness. Even Abraham, for whose sake [divine] kindness spreads throughout the world, required kindness, as it is stated: “And perform kindness with my master Abraham” – if you begin something, finish it.