Eliezer the Matchmaker: Ethical Considerations and Modern Negotiation Theory

In modern society, the dealmaker is one of the most admired economic actors. This article focuses on the Biblical account of how Eliezer, servant of Abraham, made the matrimonial match between Rebecca and Isaac, described in Genesis 24:1–67. Firstly this article considers the propriety of the test Eliezer devised in light of the Torah's ethical principles. It also examines the various discrepancies between Abraham's charge to Eliezer and what happened at the well, on the one hand, and Eliezer's account of them, on the other. The second concern is whether the stratagems Eliezer employed as a matchmaker conforms to the success formulae recommended by modern theorists in the field of negotiations. The article analyses the ethical considerations related to Eleizer's matchmaking adventures, role of Agency as essayed by the former. This article also analyses the duty of Judaism's disclosure. A discussion on negative leverage, a threat-based strategy and creating values concludes this article.