What does Genesis 24:12 mean?

Abraham's servant has arrived at his destination. His mission is to find a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac, from among Abraham's extended family back in Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:3–4). The city of Nahor, named after one of these relatives, is a likely spot to begin searching. The servant has made his ten camels kneel down by the well outside the city. These animals, themselves, would have been a sign of great wealth and power. At this time in the Middle East, it seems, camels were not yet commonly used. This servant has also brought lavish gifts to give to a prospective bride. Those material goods are not his only plan, however.

Now, he prays to God. More specifically, the servant prays to Abraham's God for Abraham's sake. He asks Abraham's God to give him success in this mission of Abraham's. And He asks that God would, in doing so, show His steadfast love to Abraham.

Has there ever been a more servant-minded servant? Not only is he doing what his master has asked, he is doing it with the prayer that his master's God would show love to his master. This prayer of faith still stands a model of selflessness and servanthood 4,000 years later. This is especially poignant, if this servant is, in fact, the man Abraham named as his potential heir many decades ago (Genesis 15:2). In this particular passage, the servant is not named, but it's possible that this is the very same man.