Isaac gave many gifts to Rebekah and her family, like jewelry and costly clothing (Gen. 24: 53). In patrilineal African culture, the man pays lobola (the bride price) to the family. In the past this came through cattle. Now it’s usually cash.

In Western culture, men also pay lobola in the form of an engagement ring, and it’s given to his fiancée, not her parents. Both of these practices show that the man is serious. He’s put skin in the game to show that he won’t back out before the wedding. He’s proving that he can be trusted and can provide.