Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition) (continued)
Renewal of the Covenant GENESIS XVII, XVIII. Enlertainmenl of Angd».
18. O tljat Ishmael might live before thee—natural solicitude of a parent. But God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts. 19, ao. The blessings of the covenant aie reserved for Isaac, but common blessings were abundantly promised to Ishmael; and though the visible Church did not descend from his family, yet per.sonally he might, and it is to be hoped did, enjoy its benefits.
Nothing but pi ide, passion, and sullen obstinacy, could havedilven .any solitary person to brave the dangers of sucii an inhospitable wild ; and slie must have died, had not the timely appearance and words of the angel recalled her to reflection and duty. 11. Ishmael—Like other Hebrew names, this had a signification, and it is made up of two words—" God hears.' The reason is explained. 1:3. lie will S»e a wild man—Zi7., a wild ass man, expressing how the wlldness of Ishmael and his descendants reseml)les that of the wild ass. liis Uaiid ivill be against every man—ilescriptive of the rude, titrbulent, and plundering character of the Arabs, dwell in tlie presence of nil his bretliren—dwell, i. e., pitch tents; and the meaning is that they maintain tlieir independence in spite of all attempts to extirpate or subdue them. 13. called tUe name—c-ommon in ancient times to name place* from circumstances; and the name given to this well was a grateful recounitiou of God's gracious appearance iu the hour of her distress.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Ver. 1-8. Entektainment of Angels, 1. the Iord appeared—another manifestation of the Divine presence, more familiar than any yet narrated ; and more like that in the fulness of time, when the Word was made flesh, plains of Mamre—rather, terebinth or oak of Mamre— tall-spreading tree or grove of trees, sat in the tent dooi —the tent itself being too close and sultry at noon, the shaded open front'is usually resorted to for the air that may be stirring. 3. lift up his eyes . . . and, lo, three men—Travellers in th.at quarter start at sunrise and continue till midday, when they look out for some restingplace, he raji to meet them—When the visitor is an ordinary person, they merely rise ; tut if of superior rank, the custom is to advance a little towards the stranger, and after a very low bow, turn and lead him to the tent—putting an arm round his waist, or tapping him on the shoulder as they go, to assure him of welcome. 3. My Lord, if now I liave found favour—The hospitalities offered are just of the kind that are necessary and most grateful, the refreshment of water, for feet exposed to dust and heat by the sandals being still the first observed amongst the pastoral people of Hebron. 5. for tlierefore are ye comeNo questions Avere asked. But Abraham knew their object by the course they took—approaching directly ia front of the chief shcick's tent, which is always distinguishable from the re.st, and thus showing their wish to be his guests. 6. Abraltam hastened . . . unto Sarah
CHAPTER XVII.
Ver. 1-27. Renewal OF THE Covenant. 1. Abram . . . ninety years old and nine—Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. During that interval he had enjoyed the comforts of con\munlon with God, but had been favoured with no special revelation as formerly, probably on account of his hasty and blameable marriage with Ilagar. Uie Lord ajijieared—some visible manifestation of the Divine presence, probably the shecliinah or radiant glory of overpowering efl'ulgence. I am the Almigltfy God the name by which He made himself known to tlie patriarchs (Exodus G. 3), designed to convey the sense of "allsutticient" (Psalm 5, 0; 73. 25). walk . . . and be . . . perfect—uprigl)t, sincere (Psalm 61. 6) in heart, speech, and behaviour. 3. Abram fell on his face—the attitude of profoundest reverence assumed by Eastern peojile. It consists in the prostrate body resting on the hands and knees, with the face bent till the forehead touclies the ground. It is an expression of conscious humility and profound reverence. 4:. my covenant is with thee—renewed mention is made of it as the foundation of the communication that follows. It is the covenant of grace made with nil who believe in the Saviour. 5. but thy name shall be Abraham—In Eastern countries a change of name is an advertisement of some new circumstance in the hi.st()ry, rank, or religion of the individual who bears it. The change is made variously, by the old name being entirely dropped for the new, or by conjoining the new witli the old, or sometimes only a few letters are in Berted, so that the altered form may express the dill'erence in the owner's state or prospects. It is surprising how soon a new name is known and its import spread through the country. In dealing with Abraham and Sarai, God was pleased to adapt His procedure to the ideas and customs of the country and age. Instead of Abram, "a high father," he was to be called Abraliam, father of a nuillitude of nations (Revelation 2. 17). 6-8. I will give unto thee . . . the land—It had been previously promised to Abraham and his posterity (ch. 15. IS). Here it is prf)mised as an "everlasting possession," and was, therefon?, a type of heaven, "the better country" (Hebrews II. Ifil. 10. IDvery man-cliild among you shall be eireuinclsed—This was the sign in the Old Testament t'hurcb as baptism is in tlie Now, and hence the covenant is called "covenant of circumcision" (Acts 7. 8; Romans -1. 11). The terms of the covenant were these—on the one haiul Abraham an<I his seed were to observe the rlglit of circumcision ; and on the other, God promised. In the event of such observance, to give them Canaan for n perpetual possession, to be a God to him and his posterity, and that In him and his seed all nations should be blessi'd.
. . . make cakes upon the hearth—Bread is baked daily, and no more than Is required for family use, and always by the women, commonly Uie wife. It is a short process. Flour mixed with water is made into dough, and being rolled out into cakes, it is placed on the earthen floor, jireviously heated by a fire. Tl»e Are being removed, the cakes are laid on the ground, and being covered over with hot embers, are soon baked, and eaten the moment they are taken off. 7. Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf—Animal food is never provided except for visitors of a superior rank, when a kid or lamb is killed. A calf is still a higher stretcli of hospitality, and it would probably be cooked as is usually done when haste is required—either by roasting it whole or by cutting it up into small pieces, and broiling them on skewers over the flre. It is always eaten along with boiled corn swimming in butter or melted fat. Into which every moi-sel of meat, laid ujion a piece of bread, is dipped, before being conveye<t by the fingers to the mouth. 8. milk—a bowl of camel's milk ends the repast, he stood by them under the tree—The host himself, even though he has a number of servants, deems it a necessary act of politeness to stand wliile his guests arc at their food, and Abraham evidently di<l this before he was awaro of the real charac Usr of hla visitors.
9-15. REPKOOFOFSAiiAn. An lii Qulfy about hls wlfc, 80 surprising In strangers—the subject of conversation, and the fullilment of the fondly-cherished promise within a speclllcd lime, showed Abraham that he had been entertiilnlng more than ordinary travellers (Hebrews 13.2). 10. Siiriih heard it in tlie tent door, which was behind l»im—The women's apartment Is In the back of the ti Mit, dlv Uled by a thin partition from the men's. 19. Therefore Sarnh laughed witltin herself-long delay seems to have weakened faith. Sarah treated the announcement as Incredible, and when taxed with the silent sneer, she added falsehood to distrust. It was an aggravated oll'ence (Acts 5. 1), and nothing but grace saved her (Romatis <). 18).
l.'j, 10. As for fiaral ... I will . . . give tliee a son iilso of her—Ood's jjurposes are gradually made known. A Bon had been long ago promised to Abraham. Now, at length, for the flrst time he Is Informed that It was to be a child of Sarai. 17. Abraham fell upon his face, and laugl»ed— It was not the sneer of unbelief, but a smile of delight nt (lie Improbabl Ity of the event (Romans 1. 20). 26
16-22. llisc LosuuK OF SonoM's Doom. 10. the men rote. . , Abraham went with tlicin—It ia customary for •
IjoCs EiUcrtainment. GENESIS XIX, XX. Abralmiii'n Denial oj ki3 Wi/e, host to escort his guests a little way. 17. tlie Lord said, safest at once to folltjw implicitly the Divine directions. tli, Hnste . . . for I cannot do any tiling till thou ba come thitlier—Tlie ruin of Sodom was suspendi d till ha was secure. What care does God take of His people (Revelation 7. 3)—what a proof of the love which God bore to a good though weak man ! '-44. Tlien tlie Lord rained . . . brimstone and fire from . . . lieaven—God, iu aeconiplisliing His purposes, acts immediately or mediately through the agency of means ; and there are strong grounds for believing that it was in tlie latter way ho effected the overthrow of the cities of the plain—that it was, in fact, by a volcanic eruption. Tlie raining down of fire and brimstone from heaven is perfectly accordant with this idea, since those very substances being raised into the air by the force of the volcano, would fall in a
Sliall I lilde—the chief strany;er—no other than the Lord disclosed to Abraham the awful doom aljout to be lu Uioted on Sodom and the cities of the plain for their enormous wiclcedness. !41. I will go down . . . and see—language nsed after the manner of men. These cities were to lie made ensamples to ail future ages of God's severity ; and therefore ample proof given tliat tlie judgment was neither rasli uor excessive (Ezelciel 18.23; Jeremiali 18.7).
2-'!-33. Abraham's Intekcession, 23. Abraliain drew near, and said, &c.—The scene described is full of interest anci instruction—sliowlng iu an unmistalcable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Proverbs
15. 8; .James .5. IG). Abraliam reasoned Justly as to the rectituile of the Divine procedure (Romans 3. ;5, 6), and many guilty cities and nations liave been spared on account of God's peopledlattliewo. 13; 2-1.22). 33. tKe Lord . . . left coininnnijtg . . . and Abraham returned unto Ikis place—Wliy did Abraham cease to carry his intercessions lierj' sliower on the surrounding region. Tins view seems countenanced by Job. Whether it was miraculously pro duced, or the natural operation employed by God, it is not of mucli consequence to determine: it was a Divine judgment, foretold and designed for the punisliment of those who were sinners exceedingly. 30. Lot was accompanied by liis wife and two daughters. Rut whether fartlier? Either because lie fondly thought tiiat lie was now sure of the cities being preserved (Luke 13.9), or because the Lord restrained his mind ft'om farther intercession (Jeremiah 7.16; 11.11). But there were not ten " rigliteous persons." There was only one, and he miglit without injustice have perished in the general overtlinw (Ecclesiastes 9.2). But a difference is sometimes made, and on this occasion the grace of God was manifested in a signal manner for the salve of Abraham. What a blessing to be connected with a saint of God it was from irresistible curiosity or perturbation of fettling, or she was about to return to save sonietliing, his wife lingered, and while thus disolieying the parting counsel, " to look not l:)ack, nor stay in al! the plain," the torrent of liquid lava enveloped her, so that she liecame the victim of lier supine indolence or sinful rashness. 27. Abraham gat up early in tlie morning, &c.— Abraham was at this time in Mamre, near Heliron, and a traveller last year verified tlie trutli of this passage. "From the heiglit whicli overlooks Hebron, where the patriarch stood, tlie observer at the present day has an extensive view spread out before him towards the Dead
CHAPTER XIX.
Vpr. 1-38. Lot's Entertainment. 1. tljere came two an<^els—most probably two of those that liad been with Abraham, commissioned to execute the Divine judgment against Sodom. Lot sat In tlie'gate of Sodom—In Eastern cities it is the market, the seat of justice, of social intercourse and amusement, especially a favourite lounge in the evenings, the arched roof affording a pleasant sliade.
sea. A cloud of smoke rising from the plain would be visible to a person at Hebron now, and could have been, tlierrfore, to Aliraham as he looked toward Sodom on the morning of its destruction by God." [Hackett.] It must have been an awful sight, and is frequently alluded to in Scripture (Deuteronomy 29. 23 ; Isaiah 13. 19 ; Jude 7). " The plain which is now covered by the Salt or Dead sea shows in the great ditference of lAvel between the bottoms of the northern and southern ends of the lake—tlie latter being 13 feet and the former 1300—that the sontliern end was of recent formation, and submerged at the time of the fall of the cities." [Lynch.] 29. when God destroyed tlie cities, &c.—This Is most welcome and instructive after so painful a narrative. It shows if God is a "consuming Are" to the wicked. He is the friend of tlie righteous. He "remembered" the intercessions of Abraham, and what confidence should not this give us that He will rememlier the intercessions of a greater Uian Abraham in our behalf.
a. ttim In, I pray you . . . tarry all nlglit—offer of tlie same generous hospitalities as described In the preceding chapter, and which are still spontaneously practised in the small towns. And tliey said, Nay ; but we will abide in tlie street all niglit—Where there are no inns, and no acquaintance, it is not uncommon for travellers to sleep in the street wrapped up in their cloaks. 3. entered into His bouse—On removing to the plain, Lot intended at first to live in his tent apart from the people. But he was gradually drawn In, dwelt in the city, and he and his family were connected with the citizens by marriage ties. 4:. men of Sodom, compassed tlie house Appalling proofs are here given of their wickedness. It
Is evident that evil communications had corrupted good manners, otherwise Lot would never liave acted as he did. la, 13. Hast thou liere any besides J . . . we will destroy this place—Apostolic authority has declared Lot
CHAPTER XX.
Ver. 1-18. Abraham's Denial of his Wife. 1. Abraliam Journeyed from thence . . . and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur—Leaving the encampment, he migrated to the soutliern border of Canaan. In the neighbourhood of Gerar was a very rich and well-watered pasture land. 2. Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister—Fear of the people amongst whom he was, tempted him to equivocate. His conduct was highly culpable. It was deceit, deliberate and premeditatedthere was no sudden pressure upon him—it was the second offence of the kind—it was a distrust of God every way surprising, and it was calculated to produce injurious effects on the heathen around. Its mischievous tendency was not long in being developed. Ablmelech (fatherking) . . . sent and tools Sarah—to be one of his wives. In the exercise of a privilege claimed by Eastern sovereigns, already explained, ch. 12.19. 3. But God came to Ablmelech In a dream—In early limes a dream was often made the medium of communicating important truths; and this method was adopted for the preservation of Sarah. 9. Then Ablmelech called Abraham, and said . . . What hast thou done!—In what a huwa-s "a rigliteous man" (2 Peter 2.8), at bottom good, though he contented himself with lamenting the sins that he saw, Instead of acting on his own convictions, and withdrawing himself and family from such a sink of corruption. But favour was shown him: and even liis bad relatives had, for his sake, an offer of deliverance, whicli was ridiculed and spurned (2 Peter 3. 4). 15-ir. The kindly interest tlie angels took In the preservation of Lot is beautifully displayed. But he " lingered." Was
It from sorrow at the prospect of losing all his property, the acquisition of many years? or was It that his benevolent heart was paralyzed by thoughts of the awful crisis? This is the charitable way of accounting for a delay that must have been fatal but for the friendly violence and urgency of the angel. 18, 19. Lot said . .
.' Oh I not so, my Lord ... I cannot escape to the mountain—What a strange want of faith and fortitude, as if He who had Interfered for his rescue would not have protected him in the mountain solitude. !41. See, I liave accepted thee concemini; this . . . also—His request was granted him, the prayer of faith availed, and to convince him, from bis own experience, that it would have been best and
of Isaac GENESIS XXI, XXIL Offering Isaac niili;itlng plight does the patrlarth now appear—he, a servant of the true God, rebuked by a heatheu prince. Wlio would not rather be in the place of Abimelech than of the honoured but sadly ot Tending patriarch ! What a dignified attitude is that of the king—calmly and justly reproving the sin of the prophet, but respecting his person, and heaping coals of tire on his head by the liberal presents made to him. 11. Abraham said ... I tlioxiglit, Surely tlie lear of God is not in f liis place—From tlie horrible vices of Sodom he seems to liave taken up the Impression, tliat all other cities of Canaan were e(iually corrupt. There might have been few or none who feared God, but what a sad thing when men of tlie world show a higlier sense of honour and a greater abhorrence of crimes than a true worshipper! 13. yet Indeed sUe is my sister—See on ch. 11. 3. What a poor defence Abraham made. The statement absolved him from the charge of direct and absolute falsehood, but he had told a moral untruth, because there was an intention to deceive (cf. ch. 12. 11-13). " Honesty is always the best policy." Abraham's life would have been as well protected without tlie fraud as with it: and what shame to himself—what distrust to God—wliat dishonour to religion might have t)een prevented ! " Let us speak truth every man to his neiglibour."
southern border of Palestine, but out of the common direction, a wide-extending 'desert, where they missed the track. 15. the water was spent, Ac—Ishmael sunk exhausted from fatigue and thirst—his mother laid his head under one of the bushes to smell the damp, while she herself, unable to witness his distress, sat down at a little distance in hopeless sorrow. 19. God opened her eyes Had she forgotten the promise (ch. 16. 11)? M'lietlier she looked to God or not. He regarded her and directed lier to a fountain close beside her, but probably hid amid brushwood, by the waters of which her almost expiring son was revived. 20, 81. God was witli the lad, Ac—Pai-an, i. p., Arabia, where his posterity have ever dwelt (cf. ch. 16. 12; also Isaiah 48. 19; 1 Peter 1. 2.')). his mother took him a wife-On a father's death, the mother looks out for a wife for her son, however j'oung; anu as Ishmael was now virtually deprived of his father, his rnother set about forming a m.arriage connection for him, it would seem, amongst her relatives.
22-34. Covenant. 32. Abimelech and PlilcholHere a proof of the promise (ch. 12. 2) being fulfilled, in a native prince wishing to form a solemn league with Abraham. The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to. 25-31. Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well Wells were of great importance to a pastoral chief and on the successful operation of sinking a new one, the owner was solemnly Infeolt in person. If, however, they were allowed to get out of repair, the restorer acquired a right to them. In unoccupied lands the possession of wells gave a right of property in the land, and dread of this had caused the offence for which Abraham reproved Abimelech. Some describe four, others five wells in Beer-sheba. 33. Abraham planted a grove Hebrew of tani.arisks. In which sacrificial worship was ot Tercd, as in a roofless temple. 34. Abraham sojourned In the Philistines' land —A picture of pastoral and an emblem of Christian life.
CHAPTER XXI.
Ver. 1-13. Birth of Isaac. 1. tlie Lord visited Sarali —^The language of the historian seems designedly chosen to magnify the power of God as wel as His faithfulness to His promise. It was God's grac:, that brought about that event, as well as the raising of spiritual cliildren to Abraham, of which the birth of this son was typical. [Calvix.] 3, 4. Abraliam called tUe name off Ills son. . . Isaac . . . and circumcised—God was ackuow Wdgcd in the name which, by Divine command, was given for a memorial (cf. ch. 17. 19), and also in tlie dedication of tlie child by administering the seal of the covenant (cf. ch. 17.
CHAPTER XXII.
10-12). 8. tlie cliild grew, and was weaned—children are suckled longer in the /East tlian in Europe—boys nsually for two or three years. Abraliam made a great feast, Ac.—In Eastern countries this is always a season of domestic festivity, and the newly-weaned child is formally brought, in presence of the assembled relatives and friends, to partake of some simple viands. Isaac, attired In the siibolic robe—the badge of birthright—was tlien adiiiittrd heir of the tribe. [Rosenmullsr.] 9. Sarah saw the son of Hagar . . . mocking—Isliniael was aware of the great change in his prospects, and under the impulse of irritated or resentful feelings, in whicli he was probably joined by his mother, treated the young heir with derision and probably some violence (Galatians
Ver. 1-19. Offekino Isaac. 1. God tlld tempt Abraliam—not incite to sin (James 1. 13), but try, prove—give occasion for the development of his faith (1 Peter 1. 7). and he said, . . . Here I am—ready at a moment's warning for God's service. 3. Take now thy son, Ac,—Every circumstance mentioned was calculated to given deeper stab to tlie parental bosom. To lose his only son, and by an act of his own hand, too!—what a host of conflicting feelings must tlie order have raised: but he heard and obeyed witliout a murmur (Galatians 1. 16; Luke 14. 20). 3. Abraliam rose . . . early, Ac.—That there might be no appearance of delay or reluctance on his part, he made every preparation for the sacrifice before setting out—the materials, tlie knife, the servants to convey them-from Beer-slieba to Moriah, being a journey of two days; he had the painful secret pent up in his bosom all tl.at time; and as so distant a place must have been cliosen for some Important reason, it is generally thouglil that "tlie place of which God had told him" was one of the liills of ,Ierusalem, on wliicli tlie Great Sacrifice was afterwards ofl'ered. 4. on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, Ac, Leaving the servants at i\u: toot, tlie fatlier and son ascended the hill—tlie one bearing the khile; the other, the wood for consuming llie sacrifice, lint there was no victim; and to the question so naturally put by l.siu*c, Abraham contented himself by replying, " My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a bunit-ollering." It luis been suiiposetl, that the design of tills extraordinary transaction was to show him, bjv a''tion instead of words, the way in which all tlie families of the eartli should be blessed; and that in his answer to Isaac, he anticipated some substitution. It is more likely tliat his words wer« spoken evaslvi'ly to his son -.in ignorance of tlie Issue yet in iinbound(Hl coiifldeiu'e that that son, though saerl-
4. 29). 10. ^Vhereforc she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bond-woman—Nothing but tlie expulsion of both could now preserve harmony in the houscliold. Abraham's perplexity was relieved by an announcement of the Divine will, which in every tiling, liowever painful to flesh and blood, all who fear God and are walking In his ways will, like him, promptly obey. Tliis story, as the apostle tells us, is "an allegory," and the "persicution" by the son of the Enyptinn was the commeiu'ement of the four hundred years' aflliction of Alnaliam's seed by tlie Egijpllans. 13. in all that Sarah hath said— it
Is called the Scripture (Galatia-ns 4.30). 13. also of tiie eon of the bond-woman will I malic a nation—Tli us Providence overruled a family brawl to give rise to two great and extraordinary peoples.
14-21. ExPULSrON OF ISHMAEL. l-t. Abvaliam rose up early, Ac.—early, that the wanderers might reach an asylum before noon. Bread Includes all sorts of victuals bottle, a leathern vessel, formed of tlie entire skin of a lamb or kid sewed up, with the legs for handles, usually carried over the shoulder. Ishmael was a lad of seventeen years, and It Is quite customary for Arab chiefs to send outtlieir sons at such an age to do for tliemselves: often with notlilng but a few days' provisions In a bag. wandered In tlie wilderness of llcer-«l>el>a—In tlio 28 lUi'd, would. In some miraculous way, he restorid {Mebrews 11. 191. 9. Abraham built an altar, Ac—Had not the patriarch been sustained by the full consciousness of acting in obedience to God's will, the eltort must have been too great for liuman endurance ; and liail not Isaiv)
ABRAHAM AND ISAAC.
A Marriage Commission, GENESIS XXIII—XXV. TJie Journey.
—then upwards of twenty years of age displayed equal obliged to intrust this delicate mission to Eliezer, whom, although putting entire confidence in him, he on this occasion bound by a solemn oath. A pastoral chief in the present day would take tlie same plan if he could not go himself.
faith in submitting—this great trial could not have gone through. 11, 1'-i. tlie angel . . . called, &c.—The sacrifice was virtually otfered—the intention, the purpose to do it, was shown in all sincerity and fulness. Tlie Omniscient
10-67. The Journey. 10. the servant took ten camt>
Ivitness likewise declared His acceptance in the highest els, &c.—So great an equipage was to give tlie embassy an appearance worthy of the rank and wealth of Abraham ; to carry provisions ; to bear the marriage presents, which as usual would be distributed over several beasts; besides one or two spare camels in case of emergency, went to Mesopotamia, &c.—A stranger in those regions, who wishes to obtain information, stations himself at one of the wells in the neighbourhood of a town, and he is sure to learn all the news of the place from the women who frequent them every morning and evening. Eliezer followed this course, and letting his camels rest, he waited terras of approval ; and the apostle speaks of it as actually made (Ilebrews 11. 17; James 2. 21), 13-19. Abraham lifted up Ills eyes . . . and bcliold ... a ram, ifcc.—No method was more admirably calculated to give the patriarcli a distinct idea of the purpose of grace, than this scenic representation: and heuce our Lord's allusion to
It (John 8. 56). CHAPTER XXIII.
Ver. 1, 2. Age and Death of Sarah. 1. Sarah was an Iiuudred and seven and twenty years old, &c. The only woman in Scripture whose age, death, and burial are mentioned, probably to do honour to the venerable mother of the Hebrew people. 3. Abraham came to moiiru for Sarali, ifcc—He came from his own tent to lake his station at the door of Sarah's. The " mourning " till the evening time of water-drawing. 13. And he said, O Lord God of my master—The servant appears wortliy of the master he served. He resolves to follow tlie leading of Providence; and while he sliows good sense in the tokens he fixes upon of ascertaining the temper and character of the future bride, never doubts but that in such a case God will direct him. 15-21. before he had done speaking . . . behold, Rebekah came out—as he anticipated, a young woman unveiled, as in pastoral regions, appeared with her pitcher on her slioulder. Her comely appearance, her affable manners, her obliging courtesy in going down the steps to fetch water not only to him, but to pour it into the trough for his camels, afforded him the most agreeable surprise. Slie was the very person his imagination had pictured, and he proceeded to reward her civility. 33. the man took a golden earring, &c.—The ring was not for the ear, but the nose; and the armlets, such as young women in Syria and Arabia still appear daily at wells decked in. They are worn from the elbow to the wrist, commonly made of silver, copper, brass, or horn, 33-37. And said. Whose daughter art thou 1—After telling her name and family, the kind-liearted damsel hastened home to give notice of a stranger's arrival. 28. and told them of her motlier's house these things—thd female apartments. Tliis family were inan advanced stage of pastoral life, dwelling in a Settled place and a fixed habitation. 29-31. Rebekah had a brother , , . L.aban ran out—From what we know of his character, there is reason to believe that the sight of the dazzling presents Increased both his haste and his invitation. 33-49. the man came into the house, &c.—What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant ! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand. 50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered—The brothers conduct all the marriage negotiations, tlieir father being probalily dead, and witliout consulting their sister. Their language seems to indicate they were worshippers of the true God. 53. And the servant brought forth Jewels of silver, and . . . gold —These are the usual articles with money, that form a woman's dowry among the pastoral tribes. Rebekali was betrothed, and accompanied the servant to Canaan. «!. she lighted offthe camel—If Isaac was walking it would have been most unmannerly for her to have continued seated; an inferior, if riding, always alights in presence of a person of rank, no exception being made for women. 65. she took a veil, and covered herself—The veil is an essential part of female dress. In country places it is often thrown aside, but on the appearance of a stranger it describes his conformity to tlie customary usage of sitting on the ground for a time; while the "weeping" indicates tlie natural outburst of his sorrow.
3-20. Purchase of a Burying-Place. 3. Abraham stood np, &c.—Eastern people are always provided with family burying-places; but Abraham's life of faith—his pilgrim state—had prevented him acquiring even so small a possession (Acts 7. 5). spake unto the sons of Heth he bespoke their kind offices to aid him in obtaining possession of a cave that belonged to Ephron—a wealthy neighbour. 9. Machpelah—the double cave. 10. Ephron dwelt— was "sitting" among the children of Heth in thegateof the city where all business was transacted. But, though a chief man among them, he was probalily unknown to Abraham. 11-15. Ephron answered, Nay, my Lord, &c.—Here is a great show of generosity—but it was only a show ; for while Abraham wanted only the cave —he joins "the fleldand the cave; " and though he offered them both as free gifts—he, of course, expected some costly presents in return—witli which, he would not have been easily satisfied. The patriarch, knowing this, wished to make a purchase, and asked the terms. 15. the land Is worth four hundred shekels, &c.—as if Ephron had said. Since you wisli to know the value of the property, it
Is so and so ; but that is a trifle, which you may pay or not as it suits you. They spoke in the common forms of Arab civility, and this indifference was mere affectation. 16. Abraham weighed . . . the sliver—The money, amounting to £oO, was paid in presence of the assembled witnesses; and it was weighed. The practice of weighing money, which is often in lumps or rings, stamped each with their weight, is still common in many parts of the East; and every merchant at the gates or the bazar has his scales at his girdle. 19. Abraham burled Sarah Thus he got possession of Machpelah, and deposited the remains of his lamented partner in a family vault which was the only spot of ground he owned. , CHAPTER XXIV.
Ver. 1-9. A Marriage Commission. 1. And Abraham wag old . . . take a wife—His anxiety to see his son married was natural to his position as a pastoral chief Interested in preserving the honour of his tribe, and still more as a patriarch who had regard to the Divine promise of a numerous posterity. 3. thou shalt not take a wife, Ac—Among the pastoral tribes the matrimonial arrangements are made by the parents, and a youth must marry, not among strangers, but In his own tribe—custom giving him a claim, which is seldom or never resisted, to the hand of his first cousin. But Abraham had a far higher motive—a fear lest If his son married Into a Canaanitlsh family he might be gradually led away from the true God. said unto his eldest servant—Abraham being too old, and as the heir of the promise not being at liberty to make even a temporary.vlslt to his native land, was
Is drawn over the face, &i. as to conceal all but the eyes. In a bride it was a token of her reverence and su-l).jection to her husband. 67. And Isaac brought her into hla mother's . . . tent—thus establishing her at once in the rights and honours of a wife before he had seen her features. Disappointments often take place, but when Isaac saw his wife " he loved her."
CHAPTER XXV.
Ver. 1-6. Sons of Abraham. 1. Abraham took a wife —rather, had taken; for Keturah is called Abraham's con-
Death of Abraham, GENESIS XXVI, XXVII, Sojourn in Oerar.
eubine, or secondary wife (1 Chronicles 1. 32); and as, from her bearing six sons to him, it is improbattle that lie married after Sarah's death ; and also as he sent them all out to seeli their own independence, during liis life-time, it is flear that this marriage is related here out of its chronowith his family and flocKs to migrate into the land of the Philistines, where he was exposed to personal danger, as his father had been on account of his wife's beauty; but througli the seasonable interposition of Providence he was preserved (Psalm 105. 14, 15). 12. Then Isaac sowed In that land— During his sojourn in that district he farmed a piece of land, which, by the blessing of God on his skill and industry, was very productive (Isaiah 65. 13; logical order, merely to form a proper winding up of the patriareli's history. 5, 6. Abralinm gave all tliat Ue liad onto I»a«c . . . unto the sons of the concubines . . . Abraliam gave gttts—While the chief part of the inheritance went to Isaac—the other sons Ishmael included, mi-
I salm 37. 19), and by his plentiful returns he increased so rapidly in wealth and influence, that the Philistines, afraid or envious of his prosperity, obliged him to leave the place (Proverbs 27.4; Eccleslastes 4.4). This ma.v receive Illustration from the fact that many Syrian sliepherds at this day settle for a j'ear or two in a place, rent some ground. In the produce of which they trade with the neighbouring market, till the peo'ple, through jealousy of their growing substance refuse to renew their lease, and compel them to remove elsewhere. 15. all the wells which his father's servants had digged . , . the Philistines liad stopped, &c—The same base stratagem for annoying those against whom they have taken an umbrage is practised still by choking the wells with sand or stones, or defiling them with putrid carcases. 17. valley of Gerar—torrent-bed or wady, a vast undulating plain, unoccupied and afl'ording good pasture. 18-22. Isaac digged again the wells of water—The naming of wells by Abraham, and the hereditary right of his family to the property—the change of the names by the Philistines to obliterate the traces of their origin—the restoration of the names by Isaac, and the contests between the respective shepherds to the exclusive possession of the water, are circumstances tliat occur amongst the natives in those regions as frequently in the present day as in the time of Isaac. 26-33. Then Ablmelech went to him—As there was a lapse of ninety years between the visit of Abraliam and of Isaac, the Abimelech and Phichol spoken of must have been different persons' official titles. Here Is another proof of the promise (ch. 12.2) being fullllled, in an overture of peace being made to him by the king of Gerar. By whatever motive the proposal was dictated— whether fear of his growing power, or regret for the bad nsage they had given him, the king and two of his courtiers paid a visit to the tent of Isaac (Proverbs 10.7). Ilia timid and passive temper had submitted to the annoyances of his rude neighbours—but now that they wish to renew the covenant, he evinces deep feeling at their conduct, and astonishment at their assurance, or art i lice, in coming near him. Being, however, of a pacific dispos-Ition, he forgave their ottcnce, accepted their proposals, and treated them to the lianquet by which the ratilicaiion of a covenant was usually crowned. 34:. Esau . . . tools to wife— If the pious feelings of Abraham recoiled from the Idea of Isaac forming a matrimonial connection with a Canaanitlsli woman, that devout patriarch himself would be equally oppo.sed to such a union on the part of his clilldr(>n ; and' we may easily Imagine how much his pious heart vva.s wounded, and the family peace destroyed, when his favourite iiut wayward son brought no less than two hlolatrous wives among them—an additional proof that Esau neither desired the blessing nor dreaded the curse of God. These wives never gained the at Teclions of his parents, and this estrangement was overruled by God gratetl to "the East country," t. e., Arabia—received each a portion of the patrimony, perhaps in cattle and other things; and this settlement of Abraham's must have given satisfaction, since It la still the rule followed among the pastoral tribes.
7-11. Death of Abraham. 7. these are the days of . . . Abraham—His death is here related, though he lived till Jficobaud Esau were fifteen years,Just one hundred years after coming to Canaan, " the father of the faithful," "the friend of God," died; and even in his death, the promises were fulfilled (cf. ch. 15. 15). We might have wished some memorials of his deathbed experience; but the Spirit of God has withheld them—nor was it necessary; for (see Matthew 7. 16) from earth he passed into heaven (Luke
16. -22). Though dead he yet liveth (Matthew 22. 32). 9,10. his sons . . . burled him—Death often puts an end to strife — reconciles those who have been alienated; and brings rival relations, as in this instance, to mingle tears oyor a father's grave.
I'i-lS. Descendants of Ishmael. Before passing to the line of the promised seed, tlie historian gives a l)rief notice of Ishmael, to show that the promises respecting that son of Abraham were fulfilled—first, in the gueatKESSOf his posterity (cf. ch. 17.20); and, secondly, in their Independence. 18. he died—rather, "it (their lot) fell in tlie i)resence of his brethren" (cf. ch. 10. 12).
lO-'io. Htsrony of Is.\AC. 19. these are the generatioits—account of the leading events in his life. 'it. Isaac entrealcrt the Lord for his wife—Though tried in a similar way to his father, he did not follow the same crooked policy. Twenty years he continued unblessed with offspring, whose seed was t;o be "a-s the stars." But in answer to their mutual prayers (1 Peter 3. 7) Ret)ekah was divinely informed, that she was to be the mother of twins, who should be tlie progenitors of two Indojiendent nations; that the descendants of the younger should act the more powerful and subdue those of the other (Romans
9.12; 2 Chronicles 21.8). 27. the boys grew—from the first opposite to each other In character, manners, and haliits. aw. The parents were divi<icd in their alfi ction ; and while the grounds, at lea.st of the father's partiality, were weak—the distinction made between the children led, as such conduct always does, to unhappy consequences. 29. .Tacob aod pottage—made of lentiles or small lioans, which are common In Egypt and Syria. It
Is probable that it wius made of Kgyptian lieans, which Jacob had procured as a dainty; for Ksan was a stranger to It. It is very palatable; and to the weary hunter, faint with hunger, its odour must have been Irresistibly tempting. 31. .Tacob said, Sell me . . . thy birthright— i. p., the rights and privileges of the flrst-born—which were very Important—the chief being that t hey wen' th<' family priests (K.vodus 4. 22); and had a double [xirtion of tli(^ Inheritance (Deuteronomy 21. 17). Ksnu said ... I ain nt the point to die—t. c, I am running dally risk of my for keeping the chosen family aloof from the dangers of heathen Influence.
• CHAPTER XXVII.
life; and of wli.at use will the birthright be to me: so he desplsod or cared little about U, In cotnparlson of gratifying his api)ellte—he threw away his religious privileges for a trifle; and thence he Is styled —"a pro Cani' person" (Hebrews 12. Hi; also .Tob 31.7, Ifi; (!. i;!; PhiUpiiiiins 3. l!l). "There wa.s never any meat, except the forbidden fruit,
1-27. Infirmity of Isaac. 1. -when Isaao was old, and his ryes were dim—He was In his l:!Vth year; and appri'liendlng death to lie near, he prepared to make his last will—an act of the gravest Importance, especially as It Included the conveyance through a, prophetic spirit
dear bought, a,s this broth of Jacob." fBisiiof 11 aii,.]
ol the patriarchal blessing. 4. make . . . savoury meat — perhaps to revive and rttrengtlien him for the duly ; or rather "as eating and drinking" were used on all l ellgloua occasions, he could not convey the right, till he had enten of the meat provided for the purjiose by him who was to receive the blessing [Adam Clarke] (cf. ch. US. 7). that
CHAPTER XXVr. Veu. 1-3'). Sojourn in Gerar. 1. And there was a rnmiiic In the land . . . And Isaac went unto . . . 0«r«r—The pressure of famine In Caanan forced Isaac 30.Th( Bkssin tlL!VE^5rs xxvm. Jacob's Departure, vowed revenge. The days of mourning for my father are at liand—a common Oriental phrase for the death of a parent. 4'i-45. these words <>l Ksan were told Rebeliali—Poor woman! she now eail.v liegins to reap the bitter fruits of her fraudulent device; she is obliged to part with her son, for whom .she planned it, never, probably, seeing him again ; and he felt the retriltutive Justice of heaven fall upon him heavily in his own future family. 45. Why should I be deprived of you both—This refers to the law of Goelism, by which the nearest of kin would be obliged to avenge the death of Jacob upon his brotlier. 46. Rebelcah said to Isaac—Another pretext her cunning had to devise to obtain her husband's consent to Jacob's journey to Mesopotamia; and she succeeded by touching the aged patriarch in a tender point, afflicting to his pious heart—the proper marriage of their youngest son.
mysonl may bless thee—It Is clifllcult to Imagine him Ignorant of the Divine purpose (cf. cn. 'Jo. ZVi. But natural at Tection, prevailing tlirougli age and infiruiity, prompted him to entail the honours and powers of tlie birthright on his eldest son; and, perhaps, lie was not aware of what Esau liad done (ch. 25.34). 5-10. Rebekali «pa)c« unto Jacob—s!ie prized the blessing as iiivalual)le—she Ituew that God intended it for the younger son ; and in her anxiety to secure its being conferred on the riglit ol)ject—on one who cared for religion—slie acted in tlie sincerity of faith; but In crooked policy—with unenlightened zeal; on the false principle that the end would sanctify the means. 11. Jacob said, Esau my brother is an hairy tnan—It is remarliable that his scruples were founded not cn the evil of the act; but the risk and consequences of deception. 13-17. and his mother said, Upon me be thy curse—His conscience being soothed by his motherpreparations were hastily made for carrying out thede-
CHAPTER XXVIII.
vl.ie; consisting, first, of a kid's flesh, which, made into a ragout, spiced with salt, onions, garlic, and lemon-Juice, might easily be passed off on a blind old man, with blunted senses, as game; secondly, of pieces of goat's skin bound on his hands and neck, its soft silken hair resembling that on the cheek of a young man; thirdly, of the long white robe—the vestment of the first-born, which, transmitted from father to son, and kept in a chest among fragrant herbs and perfumed flowers, used much in the East to keep away moths—liis mother provided for him. 18-a7. he came unto his father—The scheme planned by the mother was to be executed by the son in the father's bed-chaml>er; and It is painful to think of the deliberate falsehoods, as well as daring profanity, he resorted to. The disguise, though wanting in one thing, which Iiad nearly upset the whole plot, succeeded in mislea<ling Isaac; and while giving his paternal emlirace, the old man was roused into a state of high satisfaction and de-
Ver. 1-19. Jacob's Departure. 1. Isaac called Jacob and blessed lilm—He entered fully into Rebekah's feelings—and the burden of his parting counsel to his son was, to avoid a marriage alliance with any but the Mesopotamian branch of the family. At the same time he gave him a solemn blessing—pronounced before unwittingly, now designedly, and with a cordial spirit. It ia more explicitly and fully given, and Jaeoli was thus acknowledged "the heir of the promise." 6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac liad blessed Jaco)»—desirous to humour his parents, and if possible get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Matthew 25.
10), and hoped by gratifying his p.arents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which God had rejected—it sliowed a partial reformation, but no repentance, for he gave no proofs of abating his vindictive purposes against his brother, nor cherishing that pious spirit that would have gratified his father—he was like Micah (see Judges 17. 13). 10. Jacob went «(ut, &c.—His departure from his father's house was an ignominious light. 27. the smell of my son is as of a field—The aromatic odours of the Syrian fields and meadows, often Impart a strong fragrance to the person and clotiics, as has been noticed by many travellers.
28-16. The Blessing. God give thee of the dew of heaven—To an Oriental mind, this phraseology implied the highest flow of prosperity. The copious fall of dew is Indispensable to the frultfulne,ss of lands, which would be otherwise arid and sterile through the violent heat; and flight ; and for fear of being pursued or waylaid by hla vindictive brother, he did not take the common road, but went by lonely and unfrequented patlis, which inerefased the length and dangers of the journey. 11. he lighted npon a certain place—By a forced march he had reached Beth-el, about forty-eight miles from Beer-slieba, and had to spend the night in the open field, he tools of the stones, &c.—"The nature of the soil is an existing comment on the record of the stony territory where Jacob lay." [Clarke's Travel;?.] 13. he dreamed . . . and behold a ladder—Some writers are of opinion that it was not a literal ladder that is meant, as it is impossible
It abounds most in hilly regions—such as Canaan—hence called the fat land (Nehemlah 9. 25, So), plenty of corn and vrine—Palestine was famous for vineyards, and it produced varietes of corn, viz., wheat, barley, oats, and rye. I>t people serve thee—fulfilled in the discomfiture of the hostile tribes that opposed the Israelites in the wilderness; and in the pre-eminence and power they attained after their national estai)lishment in the promto conceive any imagery stranger and more unnatural ised land. This blessing was not realized to Jacob, but to his descendants; and the temporal blessings promised, were but a shadow of those spiritual ones, which formed the grand distinction of Jacob's posterity. 30-35. Eau came in from his hunting—scarcely had the former scene been concluded, when the fraud was discovered. The emotions of Isaac, as well as Esau, may easily be imagined—the astonishment, alarm, and sorrow of the one —the disappointment and Indignation of the other. But a moment's reflection convinced the aged patriarch tliat the transferor the blessing was "of the Lord," and now Irrevocaljle. The Importunities of Esu, however, overpowered him ; and as the prophetic af Hatus was upon the patriarch, lie added what was probably as pleasing to a man of Esau's character, as the other would have been. 39, 40. Behold thy dwelling shall be tlie fatness of tlte earth—The first part Is a promise of temporal prosperity, made In the same terms as Jacob's—the second refers to the roving life of hunting freebooters, which he and his descendants should lead. Though Esau was not personally subject to his brother, his posterity were tributary to the Israelites, till the reign of Joram—when they revolted, and established a king of their own (2 Kings 8. 20; 2 Chron.
tlian tliat of a ladder, whose base was on earth, while its top reached heaven, without having any thing on whio!)
to rest Its upper extremity. They suppose that the little heap of stones, on which his head reclined for a pillow, being the miniature model of the oljject that appeared to his imagination, the latter was a gigantic mountain pile, wliose sides, indented in the rock, gave it the appearance of a scaling ladder. There can be no doubt that this use of the original term was common among the enrly Hebrews; as Josephus, describing the town of Ptolema-is
(Acre), says it was bounded by a mountain, which, frora
Its projecting sides, was called "the ladder;" and the stairs that led down to the city are, in the original, termed a ladder (Nehemlah 3.) though they were only a flight of steps cut in the side of the rock. But whether the image presented to the mental eye of Jacob were a common ladder, or such a mountain pile as has been described, Iht design of this vision was to afford comfort, encourage ment, and confidence to the lonely fugitive, both in his present circumstances and as to his future prospects. His thoughts during the day must have been painful—he would be his own self-accuser that he had brought exile and privation upon himself—and above all, that though he had obtained the forgiveness of hla father he had 31
21. 8-10). 41. Esau hated Jacob—It Is scarcely to be wondore<? at—that Esau resented the conduct of Jacob, and
GENESIS XXIX, XXX.
The Well of Haran.
The Marriage of Ja-u.b much reason to fear lest God might have forsaken him. Solitude aflbrds time for reflection; and it was now that God began to bring Jacob under a course of religious instruction and training. To dispel his fears and allay the Inward tumult of his mind, notliing was better fitted than the vision of the gigantic ladder, which reached from himself to heaven, and on which the angels were continually ascending and descending from God himself on their benevolent errands (John 1. 51). 13. Tlie Lord stood above it, and said—That Jacob might be at no loss to know the purport of the vision, he heard the Divine voice ; and the announcement of His name, together with a renewal of the covenant, and an assurance of personal protection, produced at once the most solemnizing and inspiriting effect oh his mind. 16. Jacob awaked out of His sleep—His language and his conduct were alike that of a man whose mind was pervaded by sentiments of solemn awe, of fervent piety, and lively gratitude (Jeremiah 31. 36). 18, 19. Jacob set up a stoue, &c.—The mere setting up of the stone might have been as a future memorial to mark the spot; and this practice is still common in the East, in memory of a religious vow or engagement. But the pouring oil upon it was a consecration. Accordingly he gave it a new name, Beth-el, "the house of God " (Hosea 12. 4) ; and it will not appear a thing forced or unnatural to call a stone a house, when one considers the common practice in warm countries of sitting in the open air by or on a stone, as are those of this place, "broad sheets of bare rock, some of them standing like the cromlechs of Druidical monuments." [StanleV.]
pastoral tribes the young unmarried daughters of the greatest sheicks tend the flocks, going out at sunrise, and continuing to watch their fleecy charge till sunset. 'Watering them, which is done twice a-day, !s a work of time and labour, and Jacob rendered no small service in volunteering his aid to the young shepherdess. The interview was affecting, the reception welcome, and Jacob forgot all his toils in the society of his Mesopotainian relatives. Can we doubt that he returned thanks to God for His goodness by the way? 13. Jacob told Rachel, AcAccording to the practice of the East, the term "brother" is extended to remote degrees of relationship, as uncle, cousin or nephew. 14^30. he abode a month—Among pastoral people a stranger is freely entertained for three days; on the fourth day he is expected to tell his name and errand; and if he prolongs his stay after that time, he must set his hand to work in some way, as may be agreed upon. A similar rule obtained In Laban's establishment, and the wages for which his nephew engaged to continue in his employment was the hand of Rachel. 17. lieah tender-eyed i. e., soft blue eyes—thought a blemish. Rachel beautiful and well-favoured i. c, comely and handsome in form. The latter was Jacoli's choice. 18. I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy daugliter—A proposal of marriage is made to the father without the daughter being consulted, and the match is efi"ected by the suitor either bestowing costly presents on the family, or by giving cattle to the value the father sets upon his daughter, or else by giving personal services for a specified period. The last was the course necessity imposed on Jacob; and there for seven years he submitted to the drudgery of a hired shepherd, with the view of obtaining Rachel. The time went rapidly away; for even severe and difl Scult duties become light when love is the spring of action. 31. Jacob snid, Give me my wife—At the expiry of the stipulated term the marriage festivities were held. But an infamous fraud was practised on Jacob, and on his showing a righteous indignation, the usage of the country was pleaded in excuse. No plea of kindred should ever be allowed to come in opposition to the claim of justice. But this is often overlooked by the selfish mind of man, and fashion or custom rules instead of the will of God. This was what Laban did, as he said, "it must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born." Bat, then, if that were the prevailing custom of society at Haran, he should have apprized his nephew of it at an early period in an honourable manner. This, however,
20-22. Jacob's Vow. 20. Jacob vowed a vow—His words are 'not to be considered as implying a doubt, far less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let "if" be changed into "since," and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob's faith—an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-el.
CHAPTEE XXIX.
Ver. 1-3.5. The Well of Haran. 1. Tlien Jacob went, &c. Hebrew, lifted up his feet. He resumed his way next morning with a light heart and elastic step after the vision of the ladder; for tokens of the Divine favour tend to quicken tlie discliarge of duty (Nehemiah
8. 10). and came into tbe land, &c.—Mesopotamia and the whole region beyond the Euphrates are by the sacred writers designated "the East" (Judges G. 3; 1 Kings 4. 32; Job 1. 3). Between the first and the second clause of this verse is Included a journey of four hundred miles, a. An<l he looked, Ac-As he approached the place of his destination, he, according to custom, repaired to the well adjoining the town where he would ol)tain an easy introduction to his relatives. 3. thItUcr were all tUe flocks gatliered: and a stone, &c.—In Arabia, owing to the shifting sands, and in other placi's, owing to the strong evaporation, tlie mouth of a well is generally covered, especially when it is private property. Over many Is laid a broad, thick, flat stone, with a round hole cut In the middle, forming the mouth of the cistern. This hole Is covered with a heavy stone which it would require two or three men to roll away. Such was the description of the well at Haran. 4. Jacob said. My brethren—Finding from the shepherds who were reposing there with flocks, and who all belonged to Haran, that his relatives in Haran were well, and that one of the family was shortly expected, he enquired why tliy were idling the best part of the day there Instead of watering their Hocks, and sending them back to pasture? 8. TUey said. We cannot, nntil all the flocks be gathered-In order to prevent the consequences of too frequent exposure In places where water is scarce, It Is not only covered, but 11 Is customary to have all the flocks collected round the well before the covering Is removed in presence of the owner or one of his representatives; and It was for tills reason that those who were reposing at the well of Haran with the three flocks were waiting the arrival of Uachel. 9-11. VVliUe he yet apake, Rachel came—Among the 32 is too much the way with the people at the East still. The duty of marrying an elder daughter before a younger, the tricks which parents take to get offan elder daughter that is plain or deformed, and in which the.v are favoured by the long bridal veil that entirely conceals her features all the wedding day, and the prolongation for a week of the marriage festivities among the greater sheicks, are accordant with the habits of the people in Arabia and Armenia in the present day. 38. gave him Rachel also—It is evident that the marriage of both sisters took place nearly about the same time, and that such a connexion was then allowed, though afterwards prohibited (Leviticus IS. 18). 39. gave to Rachel his daughter nilhah to be her maid—A father In good circumstances still gives his daughter from his household a female slave, over whom the young wife, Itidependently of her husband, has the absolute control. 31. licah . . . hated—i. e., not loved so much as slie ought to have been. Her becoming a mother ensured her rising In the estimation both of her husband and of soclet,v. 33-35. son . . . called his name Reuben—Names were also significant; and those which Leah gave to her sons were expressive of her varyl ng feelings of thankfulness or Joy, or allusive to circumstances in the history of the family. There wn.s piety and wisdom In attaching a signification to names, as It tended to keep the bearer In remembrance of his duty and the claims of God. CHAPTER XXX.
Ver. 1-24. Domestic Jealousies. 1. Rachel envleti her sister—The maternal relation confers a high degree of honour in the East, and the want of that status is felt