Take Eliezer, for instance, Abraham's trusted servant. He might seem like a supporting player, but Bereshit Rabbah 60 reveals a depth of understanding that's truly remarkable.
The verse from Proverbs (17:2) sets the stage: “A wise servant will dominate a shameful son and will share in an inheritance among brothers.” The Rabbis of the Midrash see this verse as a key to understanding Eliezer's character.
What was Eliezer's wisdom, exactly? According to the Midrash, before he became Abraham's slave, Eliezer considered his options carefully. He realized he already carried the curse of Canaan on his lineage. As we know, Noah cursed Canaan, decreeing, “Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers” (Genesis 9:25). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 59:9) tells us Eliezer was a descendant of Canaan.
Eliezer reasoned, "Perhaps a Kushite or barbarian will come along and enslave me." So, he concluded, “It is preferable to be enslaved in this household [of Abraham] and not in any other household.” This wasn't just about avoiding hardship; it was about recognizing the unique blessing within Abraham's home, a place dedicated to chesed, to loving-kindness.
The Midrash continues, "’Will dominate a shameful son’ – this refers to Isaac." How so? Because Isaac, through his unwavering dedication to God during the Akeidah, the binding on the altar, put all idolaters to shame. Abraham entrusted Eliezer to choose a bride for Isaac, giving him a certain dominance over Isaac's future.
And "’And will share in an inheritance among brothers’ – [this refers to] among Israel." The Midrash explains that just as we mention the merit of the patriarchs in our prayers, so too did Eliezer invoke their merit in his own prayer. Remember Eliezer's prayer when he was sent to find a wife for Isaac? "He said: Lord, God of my master Abraham…" (Genesis 24:12).
Eliezer then implores, “And perform kindness with my master Abraham.” The Rabbis interpret this as Eliezer saying to God, “If you begin something, finish it.” It's a popular saying, a recognition that completing a task is as important as starting it. Eliezer applied it to his prayer, essentially saying, "You shortened my path for Abraham’s sake; now, help me complete the mission."
Rabbi Ḥagai, quoting Rabbi Yitzḥak, adds a profound insight: Everyone requires kindness. Even Abraham, through whom divine kindness spreads throughout the world, required kindness. As the verse states, "And perform kindness with my master Abraham" – because if you begin something, you must finish it.
What does this all mean for us? It's a reminder that even in seemingly subservient roles, we can find wisdom, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute to something greater than ourselves. And it reminds us that everyone, regardless of their stature, needs kindness. Perhaps the greatest acts of kindness are those that help others complete their missions, just as God helps us complete ours.