mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 24.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xxv" n="xxv" next="Gen.xxvi" prev="Gen.xxiv" progress="17.10%" title="Chapter XXIV">
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<h2 id="Gen.xxv-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xxv-p0.2">CHAP. XXIV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xxv-p1">Marriages and funerals are the changes of
families, and the common news among the inhabitants of the
villages. In the foregoing chapter we had Abraham burying his wife,
here we have him marrying his son. These stories concerning his
family, with their minute circumstances, are largely related, while
the histories of the kingdoms of the world then in being, with
their revolutions, are buried in silence; for the Lord knows those
that are his. The subjoining of Isaac's marriage to Sarah's funeral
(with a particular reference to it, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.67" parsed="|Gen|24|67|0|0" passage="Ge 24:67">ver. 67</scripRef>) shows us that as "one generation
passes away another generation comes;" and thus the entail both of
the human nature, and of the covenant, is preserved. Here is, I.
Abraham's care about the marrying of his son, and the charge he
gave to his servant about it, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.1-Gen.24.9" parsed="|Gen|24|1|24|9" passage="Ge 24:1-9">ver.
1-9</scripRef>. II. His servant's journey into Abraham's country,
to seek a wife for his young master among his own relations,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.10-Gen.24.14" parsed="|Gen|24|10|24|14" passage="Ge 24:10-14">ver. 10-14</scripRef>. III. The
kind providence which brought him acquainted with Rebekah, whose
father was Isaac's cousin-german, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.15-Gen.24.28" parsed="|Gen|24|15|24|28" passage="Ge 24:15-28">ver. 15-28</scripRef>. IV. The treaty of marriage
with her relations, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.29-Gen.24.49" parsed="|Gen|24|29|24|49" passage="Ge 24:29-49">ver.
29-49</scripRef>. V. Their consent obtained, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.50-Gen.24.60" parsed="|Gen|24|50|24|60" passage="Ge 24:50-60">ver. 50-60</scripRef>. VI. The happy meeting and
marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.61-Gen.24.67" parsed="|Gen|24|61|24|67" passage="Ge 24:61-67">ver. 61</scripRef>, &amp;c.).</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24" parsed="|Gen|24|0|0|0" passage="Ge 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.1-Gen.24.9" parsed="|Gen|24|1|24|9" passage="Ge 24:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.24.1-Gen.24.9">
<h4 id="Gen.xxv-p1.10">Abraham's Charges to His
Servant. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p1.11">b. c.</span> 1857.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxv-p2">1 And Abraham was old, <i>and</i> well stricken
in age: and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p2.1">Lord</span> had blessed
Abraham in all things.   2 And Abraham said unto his eldest
servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray
thee, thy hand under my thigh:   3 And I will make thee swear
by the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p2.2">Lord</span>, the God of heaven, and
the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son
of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:   4
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a
wife unto my son Isaac.   5 And the servant said unto him,
Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this
land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence
thou camest?   6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that
thou bring not my son thither again.   7 The <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p2.3">Lord</span> God of heaven, which took me from my
father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake
unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give
this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take
a wife unto my son from thence.   8 And if the woman will not
be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my
oath: only bring not my son thither again.   9 And the servant
put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to
him concerning that matter.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p3">Three things we may observe here concerning
Abraham:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p4">I. The care he took of a good son, to get
him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for
Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his
ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.11.14 Bible:Gen.11.18 Bible:Gen.11.22 Bible:Gen.11.24" parsed="|Gen|11|14|0|0;|Gen|11|18|0|0;|Gen|11|22|0|0;|Gen|11|24|0|0" passage="Ge 11:14,18,22,24"><i>ch.</i> xi. 14, 18, 22, 24</scripRef>.
Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and
therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two
considerations moved him to think of it now (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.1" parsed="|Gen|24|1|0|0" passage="Ge 24:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>):—1. That he himself was likely
to leave the world quickly, for he was <i>old, and well-stricken in
age,</i> and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son
settled before he died; and, 2. That he

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had
a good estate to leave behind him, for <i>the Lord had blessed him
in all things;</i> and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how
much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham's
pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a
daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the
Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by
revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would
not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to
his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should
not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not
even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted
to settle there. This caution is given <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.6" parsed="|Gen|24|6|0|0" passage="Ge 24:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>, and repeated, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.8" parsed="|Gen|24|8|0|0" passage="Ge 24:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. "<i>Bring not my son thither
again,</i> whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than
expose himself to that temptation." Note, Parents in disposing of
their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their
souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who
through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly,
should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again
entangled therein and overcome, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.20" parsed="|2Pet|2|20|0|0" passage="2Pe 2:20">2 Pet.
ii. 20</scripRef>. Beware that you bring them not thither again,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.15" parsed="|Heb|11|15|0|0" passage="Heb 11:15">Heb. xi. 15</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p5">II. The charge he gave to a good servant,
probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and
affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He
trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because
he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry
there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this <i>steward of his
house.</i> This matter is settled between the master and the
servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. 1. The servant
must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac
from among his relations, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.2-Gen.24.4" parsed="|Gen|24|2|24|4" passage="Ge 24:2-4"><i>v.</i>
2-4</scripRef>. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own
satisfaction and for the engagement of his servant to all possible
care and diligence in this matter. Thus God swears his servants to
their work, that, having sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here
done to the eternal God; for he it is that is sworn by, to whom
alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honour is done
to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of
<i>putting his hand under his thigh.</i> Note, Swearing being an
ordinance not peculiar to the church, but common to mankind, is to
be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common
usages of our country, for binding the person sworn. 2. He must be
clear of this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not
prevail. This proviso the servant prudently inserted (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.5" parsed="|Gen|24|5|0|0" passage="Ge 24:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>), putting the case that
the woman would not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.8" parsed="|Gen|24|8|0|0" passage="Ge 24:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Note, Oaths are
to be taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be
rightly understood and limited, because it is a <i>snare to devour
that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry</i> which
should have been made before.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p6">III. The confidence he put in a good God,
who, he doubts not, will give his servant success in this
undertaking, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.7" parsed="|Gen|24|7|0|0" passage="Ge 24:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. He
remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of
his nativity, by the effectual call of his grace; and therefore
doubts not but he will succeed him in his care not to bring his son
thither again. He remembers also the promise God had made and
confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence
infers that God would own him in his endeavours to match his son,
not among those devoted nations, but to one that was fit to be the
mother of such a seed. "Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel
before thee to make thy way prosperous." Note, 1. Those that
carefully keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the
principles of their religion in their designs and undertakings,
have good reason to expect prosperity and success in them. God will
cause that to issue in our comfort in which we sincerely aim at his
glory. 2. God's promises, and our own experiences, are sufficient
to encourage our dependence upon God, and our expectations from
him, in all the affairs of this life. 3. God's angels are
ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but
for the guidance, of the heirs of promise, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.1.14" parsed="|Heb|1|14|0|0" passage="Heb 1:14">Heb. i. 14</scripRef>. "<i>He shall send his angel
before thee,</i> and then thou wilt speed well."</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.10-Gen.24.28" parsed="|Gen|24|10|24|28" passage="Ge 24:10-28" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.24.10-Gen.24.28">
<h4 id="Gen.xxv-p6.4">Journey of Abraham's
Servant. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p6.5">b. c.</span> 1857.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxv-p7">10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels
of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master
<i>were</i> in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia,
unto the city of Nahor.   11 And he made his camels to kneel
down without the city by a well of water at the time of the
evening, <i>even</i> the time that women go out to draw
<i>water.</i>   12 And he said, O <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p7.1">Lord</span> God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send
me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham.
  13 Behold, I stand <i>here</i> by the well of water; and the
daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:   14
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let
down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say,
Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: <i>let the same
be</i> she <i>that</i> thou hast appointed for thy servant

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_146" n="146"/>

Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast
showed kindness unto my master.   15 And it came to pass,
before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who
was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's
brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.   16 And the
damsel <i>was</i> very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any
man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her
pitcher, and came up.   17 And the servant ran to meet her,
and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.
  18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let
down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.   19 And
when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw
<i>water</i> for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.
  20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough,
and ran again unto the well to draw <i>water,</i> and drew for all
his camels.   21 And the man wondering at her held his peace,
to wit whether the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p7.2">Lord</span> had made his
journey prosperous or not.   22 And it came to pass, as the
camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of
half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten
<i>shekels</i> weight of gold;   23 And said, Whose daughter
<i>art</i> thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room <i>in</i> thy
father's house for us to lodge in?   24 And she said unto him,
I <i>am</i> the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she
bare unto Nahor.   25 She said moreover unto him, We have both
straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.   26 And the
man bowed down his head, and worshipped the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p7.3">Lord</span>.   27 And he said, Blessed <i>be</i>
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p7.4">Lord</span> God of my master Abraham,
who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I
<i>being</i> in the way, the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p7.5">Lord</span>
led me to the house of my master's brethren.   28 And the
damsel ran, and told <i>them of</i> her mother's house these
things.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p8">Abraham's servant now begins to make a
figure in this story; and, though he is not named, yet much is here
recorded to his honour, and for an example to all servants, who
shall be honoured if, by faithfully serving God and their masters,
they adorn the doctrine of Christ (compare <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.27.18 Bible:Titus.2.10" parsed="|Prov|27|18|0|0;|Titus|2|10|0|0" passage="Pr 27:18,Tit 2:10">Prov. xxvii. 18 with Titus ii. 10</scripRef>);
for there is no respect of persons with God, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Col.3.24-Col.3.25" parsed="|Col|3|24|3|25" passage="Col 3:24,25">Col. iii. 24, 25</scripRef>. A good servant that
makes conscience of the duty of his place, and does it in the fear
of God, though he make not a figure in the world nor have praise of
men, yet shall be owned and accepted of God and have praise of him.
Observe here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p9">I. How faithful Abraham's servant approved
himself to his master. Having received his charge, he with all
expedition set out on his journey, with an equipage suitable to the
object of his negotiation (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.10" parsed="|Gen|24|10|0|0" passage="Ge 24:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>), <i>and he had all the goods of his master,</i> that
is, a schedule or particular account of them, <i>in his hand,</i>
to show to those with whom he was to treat; for, from first to
last, he consulted his master's honour. Isaac being a type of
Christ, some make this fetching of a wife for him to signify the
espousing of the church by the agency of his servants the
ministers. The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.21.9" parsed="|Rev|21|9|0|0" passage="Re 21:9">Rev. xxi. 9</scripRef>. Christ is the bridegroom,
and ministers are the friends of the bridegroom (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:John.3.29" parsed="|John|3|29|0|0" passage="Joh 3:29">John iii. 29</scripRef>), whose work it is to persuade
souls to consent to him, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.11.2" parsed="|2Cor|11|2|0|0" passage="2Co 11:2">2 Cor. xi.
2</scripRef>. The spouse of Christ must not be of the Canaanites,
but of his own kindred, born again from above. Ministers, like
Abraham's servant, must lay out themselves with the utmost wisdom
and care to serve their master's interest herein.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p10">II. How devoutly he acknowledged God in
this affair, like one of that happy household which Abraham had
<i>commanded to keep the way of the Lord,</i> &amp;c., <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.18.19" parsed="|Gen|18|19|0|0" passage="Ge 18:19"><i>ch.</i> xviii. 19</scripRef>. He arrived
early in the evening (after many days' journeying) at the place of
his destination, and reposed himself by a well of water, to
consider how he might manage his business for the best. And,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p11">1. He acknowledges God by a particular
prayer (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.12-Gen.24.14" parsed="|Gen|24|12|24|14" passage="Ge 24:12-14"><i>v.</i>
12-14</scripRef>), wherein, (1.) He petitions for prosperity and
good success in this affair: <i>Send me good speed, this day.</i>
Note, We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to
the conduct and care of the divine Providence. Those that would
have good speed must pray for it. <i>This day, in this affair;</i>
thus we must, in all our ways, acknowledge God, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.3.6" parsed="|Prov|3|6|0|0" passage="Pr 3:6">Prov. iii. 6</scripRef>. And, if we thus look up to God in
every undertaking which we are in care about, we shall have the
comfort of having done our duty, whatever the issue be. (2.) He
pleads God's covenant with his master Abraham: <i>O God of my
master Abraham, show kindness to him.</i> Note, As the children of
good parents, so the servants of good masters, have peculiar
encouragement in the prayers they offer to God for prosperity and
success. (3.) He proposes a sign (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.14" parsed="|Gen|24|14|0|0" passage="Ge 24:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), not by it to limit God, nor
with a design to proceed no further if he were not gratified in it;
but it is a prayer, [1.] That God would provide a good wife for his
young

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master, and this was a good prayer. He
knew that <i>a prudent wife is from the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.19.14" parsed="|Prov|19|14|0|0" passage="Pr 19:14">Prov. xix. 14</scripRef>), and therefore that
for this he will be enquired of. He desires that his master's wife
might be humble and industrious woman, bred up to care and labour,
and willing to put her hand to any work that was to be done; and
that she might be of a courteous disposition, and charitable to
strangers. When he came to seek a wife for his master, he did not
go to the playhouse or the park, and pray that he might meet one
there, but to <i>the well of water,</i> expecting to find one there
well employed. [2.] That he would please to make his way, in this
matter, plain and clear before him, by the concurrence of minute
circumstances in his favour. Note, <i>First,</i> It is the comfort,
as well as the belief, of a good man, that God's providence extends
itself to the smallest occurrences and admirably serves its own
purposes by them. Our times are in God's hand; not only events
themselves, but the times of them. <i>Secondly,</i> It is our
wisdom, in all our affairs, to follow Providence, and folly to
force it. <i>Thirdly,</i> It is very desirable, and that which we
may lawfully pray for, while in the general we set God's will
before us as our rule, that he will, by hints of providence, direct
us in the way of our duty, and give us indications what his mind
it. Thus he guides his people with his eye (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.32.8" parsed="|Ps|32|8|0|0" passage="Ps 32:8">Ps. xxxii. 8</scripRef>), and leads them in a plain path,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.27.11" parsed="|Ps|27|11|0|0" passage="Ps 27:11">Ps. xxvii. 11</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p12">2. God owns him by a particular providence.
He decreed the thing, and it was established to him, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Job.22.28" parsed="|Job|22|28|0|0" passage="Job 22:28">Job xxii. 28</scripRef>. According to his
faith, so was it unto him. The answer to this prayer was, (1.)
Speedy—<i>before he had made an end of speaking</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.15" parsed="|Gen|24|15|0|0" passage="Ge 24:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), as it is written
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.65.24" parsed="|Isa|65|24|0|0" passage="Isa 65:24">Isa. lxv. 24</scripRef>), <i>While
they are yet speaking, I will hear.</i> Though we are backward to
pray, God is forward to hear prayer. (2.) Satisfactory: the first
that came to draw water was, and did, in every thing, according to
his own heart. [1.] She was so well qualified that in all respects
she answered the characters he wished for in the woman that was to
be his master's wife, handsome and healthful, humble and
industrious, very courteous and obliging to a stranger, and having
all the marks of a good disposition. When she came to the well
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.16" parsed="|Gen|24|16|0|0" passage="Ge 24:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>), she went
down and <i>filled her pitcher, and came up</i> to go home with it.
She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man and his camels, but
minded her business, and would not have been diverted from it but
by an opportunity of doing good. She did not curiously nor
confidently enter into discourse with him, but modestly answered
him, with all the decorum that became her sex. What a degenerate
age do we live in, in which appear all the instances of pride,
luxury, and laziness, the reverse of Rebekah's character, whose
daughters few are! Those instances of goodness which were then in
honour are now in contempt. [2.] Providence so ordered it that she
did that which exactly answered to his sign, and was wonderfully
the counterpart of his proposal: she not only gave him drink, but,
which was more than could have been expected, she offered her
services to give his camels drink, which was the very sign he
proposed. Note, <i>First,</i> God, in his providence, does
sometimes wonderfully own the prayer of faith, and gratify the
innocent desires of his praying people, even in little things, that
he may show the extent of his care, and may encourage them at all
times to seek to him and trust in him; yet we must take heed of
being over-bold in prescribing to God, lest the event should weaken
our faith rather than strengthen it. <i>Secondly,</i> It is good to
take all opportunities of showing a humble, courteous, charitable,
disposition, because, some time or other, it may turn more to our
honour and benefit than we think of; some hereby have entertained
angels, and Rebekah hereby, quite beyond her expectation at this
time, was brought into the line of Christ and the covenant.
<i>Thirdly,</i> There may be a great deal of obliging kindness in
that which costs but little: our Saviour has promised a reward for
a cup of cold water, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Matt.10.42" parsed="|Matt|10|42|0|0" passage="Mt 10:42">Matt. x.
42</scripRef>. <i>Fourthly,</i> The concurrence of providences and
their minute circumstances, for the furtherance of our success in
any business, ought to be particularly observed, with wonder and
thankfulness, to the glory of God: <i>The man wondered,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.21" parsed="|Gen|24|21|0|0" passage="Ge 24:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. We have been
wanting to ourselves, both in duty and in comfort, by neglecting to
observe Providence. [3.] Upon enquiry he found, to his great
satisfaction, that she was a near relation to his master, and that
the family she was of was considerable, and able to give him
entertainment, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.23-Gen.24.25" parsed="|Gen|24|23|24|25" passage="Ge 24:23-25"><i>v.</i>
23-25</scripRef>. Note, Providence sometimes wonderfully directs
those that by faith and prayer seek direction from heaven in the
choice of suitable yoke-fellows: happy marriages those are likely
to be that are made in the fear of God; and these, we are sure, are
made in heaven.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p13">3. He acknowledges God in a particular
thanksgiving. He first paid his respects to Rebekah, in gratitude
for her civility (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.22" parsed="|Gen|24|22|0|0" passage="Ge 24:22"><i>v.</i>
22</scripRef>), obliging her with such ornaments and attire as a
maid, especially a bride, cannot forget (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.2.32" parsed="|Jer|2|32|0|0" passage="Jer 2:32">Jer. ii. 32</scripRef>), which yet, we should think, ill
suited the <i>pitcher of water;</i> but the ear-rings and bracelets
she sometimes wore did not make her think herself above the labours
of a virtuous woman (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.31.13" parsed="|Prov|31|13|0|0" passage="Pr 31:13">Prov. xxxi.
13</scripRef>), who <i>works willingly with her hands;</i> nor the
services of a child, who, while <i>under age, differs nothing from
a servant,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Gal.4.1" parsed="|Gal|4|1|0|0" passage="Ga 4:1">Gal. iv. 1</scripRef>.
Having done this, he turns his wonder (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.21" parsed="|Gen|24|21|0|0" passage="Ge 24:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>) into worshipping: <i>Blessed be
the Lord God of my master Abraham,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.26-Gen.24.27" parsed="|Gen|24|26|24|27" passage="Ge 24:26,27"><i>v.</i> 26, 27</scripRef>. Observe here, (1.) He
had prayed for good speed (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.12" parsed="|Gen|24|12|0|0" passage="Ge 24:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>), and now that he had sped well he gives thanks.
Note, What we win by prayer we must wear with praise; for mercies
in answer to prayer lay us under particular obligations.

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_148" n="148"/>

(2.) He had as yet but a comfortable prospect of
mercy, and was not certain what the issue might prove; yet he gives
thanks. Note, When God's favours are coming towards us we must meet
them with our praises. (3.) He blesses God for success when he was
negotiating for his master. Note, We should be thankful for our
friend's mercies as for our own. (4.) He gives thanks that, being
in the way, at a loss what course to steer, the Lord had led him.
Note, In doubtful cases, it is very comfortable to see God leading
us, as he led Israel in the wilderness by the pillar of cloud and
fire. (5.) He thinks himself very happy, and owns God in it, that
he was led to the <i>house of his master's brethren,</i> those of
them that had come out of Ur of the Chaldees, though they had not
come to Canaan, but remained in Haran. They were not idolaters, but
worshippers of the true God, and inclinable to the religion of
Abraham's family. Note, God is to be acknowledged in providing
suitable yoke-fellows, especially such as are agreeable in
religion. (6.) He acknowledges that God, herein, had not left his
master <i>destitute of his mercy and truth.</i> God had promised to
build up Abraham's family, yet it seemed destitute of the benefit
of that promise; but now Providence is working towards the
accomplishing of it. Note, [1.] God's faithful ones, how destitute
soever they may be of worldly comforts, shall never be left
destitute of God's mercy and truth; for God's mercy is an
inexhaustible fountain, and his truth an inviolable foundation.
[2.] It adds much to the comfort of any blessing to see in it the
continuance of God's mercy and truth.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p13.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.29-Gen.24.53" parsed="|Gen|24|29|24|53" passage="Ge 24:29-53" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.24.29-Gen.24.53">
<h4 id="Gen.xxv-p13.9">Abraham's Servant Entertained by Laban;
Errand of Abraham's Servant. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p13.10">b. c.</span> 1857.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxv-p14">29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name
<i>was</i> Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.
  30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and
bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of
Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he
came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.
  31 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.1">Lord</span>; wherefore standest thou without? for I
have prepared the house, and room for the camels.   32 And the
man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw
and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the
men's feet that <i>were</i> with him.   33 And there was set
<i>meat</i> before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I
have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.   34 And he
said, I <i>am</i> Abraham's servant.   35 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.2">Lord</span> hath blessed my master greatly; and he is
become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver,
and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
  36 And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when
she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.   37
And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to
my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:
  38 But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my
kindred, and take a wife unto my son.   39 And I said unto my
master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.   40 And he
said unto me, The <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.3">Lord</span>, before whom
I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and
thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's
house:   41 Then shalt thou be clear from <i>this</i> my oath,
when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee
<i>one,</i> thou shalt be clear from my oath.   42 And I came
this day unto the well, and said, <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.4">O
Lord</span> God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way
which I go:   43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it
shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw
<i>water,</i> and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little
water of thy pitcher to drink;   44 And she say to me, Both
drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: <i>let</i> the
same <i>be</i> the woman whom the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.5">Lord</span> hath appointed out for my master's son.
  45 And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold,
Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went
down unto the well, and drew <i>water</i>: and I said unto her, Let
me drink, I pray thee.   46 And she made haste, and let down
her pitcher from her <i>shoulder,</i> and said, Drink, and I will
give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels
drink also.   47 And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter
<i>art</i> thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's
son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her
face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_149" n="149"/>

  48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.6">Lord</span>, and blessed the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.7">Lord</span> God of my master Abraham, which had led me
in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his
son.   49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my
master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right
hand, or to the left.   50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and
said, The thing proceedeth from the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.8">Lord</span>: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.
  51 Behold, Rebekah <i>is</i> before thee, take <i>her,</i>
and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.9">Lord</span> hath spoken.   52 And it came to pass,
that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p14.10">Lord</span>, <i>bowing himself</i> to the
earth.   53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver,
and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave <i>them</i> to Rebekah:
he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p15">We have here the making up of the marriage
between Isaac and Rebekah. It is related very largely and
particularly, even to the minute circumstances, which, we should
think, might have been spared, while other things of great moment
and mystery (as the story of Melchizedek) are related in few words.
Thus God conceals that which is curious from the wise and prudent,
reveals to babes that which is common and level to their capacity
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.11.25" parsed="|Matt|11|25|0|0" passage="Mt 11:25">Matt. xi. 25</scripRef>), and rules
and <i>saves the world by the foolishness of preaching,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.1.21" parsed="|1Cor|1|21|0|0" passage="1Co 1:21">1 Cor. i. 21</scripRef>. Thus also we
are directed to take notice of God's providence in the little
common occurrences of human life, and in them also to exercise our
own prudence and other graces; for the scripture was not intended
for the use of philosophers and statesmen only, but to make us all
wise and virtuous in the conduct of ourselves and families. Here
is,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p16">I. The very kind reception given to
Abraham's servant by Rebekah's relations. Her brother Laban went to
invite and conduct him in, but not till he saw the <i>ear-rings and
the bracelets upon his sister's hands,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.30" parsed="|Gen|24|30|0|0" passage="Ge 24:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. "O," thinks Laban, "here is a
man that there is something to be got by, a man that is rich and
generous; we will be sure to bid him welcome!" We know so much of
Laban's character, by the following story, as to think that he
would not have been so free of his entertainment if he had not
hoped to be well paid for it, as he was, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.53" parsed="|Gen|24|53|0|0" passage="Ge 24:53"><i>v.</i> 53</scripRef>. Note, <i>A man's gift maketh
room for him</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.18.16" parsed="|Prov|18|16|0|0" passage="Pr 18:16">Prov. xviii.
16</scripRef>), <i>which way soever it turneth, it prospereth,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.17.8" parsed="|Prov|17|8|0|0" passage="Pr 17:8">Prov. xvii. 8</scripRef>. 1. The
invitation was kind: <i>Come in, thou blessed of the Lord,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.31" parsed="|Gen|24|31|0|0" passage="Ge 24:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. They saw he
was rich, and therefore pronounced him <i>blessed of the Lord;</i>
or, perhaps, because they heard from Rebekah (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.28" parsed="|Gen|24|28|0|0" passage="Ge 24:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>) of the gracious words which
proceeded out of his mouth, they concluded him a good man, and
therefore <i>blessed of the Lord.</i> Note, Those that are blessed
of God should be welcome to us. It is good owning those whom God
owns. 2. The entertainment was kind, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.32-Gen.24.33" parsed="|Gen|24|32|24|33" passage="Ge 24:32,33"><i>v.</i> 32, 33</scripRef>. Both the house and
stable were well furnished, and Abraham's servant was invited to
the free use of both. Particular care was taken of the camels; for
a <i>good man regardeth the life of his beast,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p16.8" osisRef="Bible:Prov.12.10" parsed="|Prov|12|10|0|0" passage="Pr 12:10">Prov. xii. 10</scripRef>. If the ox knows his
owner to serve him, the owner should know his ox to provide for him
that which is fitting for him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p17">II. The full account which he gave them of
his errand, and the court he made to them for their consent
respecting Rebekah. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p18">1. How intent he was upon his business;
though he had come off a journey, and come to a good house, he
would <i>not eat, till he had told his errand,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.33" parsed="|Gen|24|33|0|0" passage="Ge 24:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>. Note, The doing of our
work, and the fulfilling of our trusts, either for God or man,
should be preferred by us before our necessary food: it was our
Saviour's meat and drink, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:John.4.34" parsed="|John|4|34|0|0" passage="Joh 4:34">John iv.
34</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p19">2. How ingenious he was in the management
of it; he approved himself, in this matter, both a prudent man and
a man of integrity, faithful to his master by whom he was trusted,
and just to those with whom he now treated.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p20">(1.) He gives a short account of the state
of his master's family, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.34-Gen.24.36" parsed="|Gen|24|34|24|36" passage="Ge 24:34-36"><i>v.</i>
34-36</scripRef>. He was welcome before, but we may suppose him
doubly welcome when he said, <i>I am Abraham's servant.</i>
Abraham's name, no doubt, was well known among them and respected,
and we might suppose them not altogether ignorant of his state, for
Abraham knew theirs, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.22.20-Gen.22.24" parsed="|Gen|22|20|22|24" passage="Ge 22:20-24"><i>ch.</i>
xxii. 20-24</scripRef>. Two things he suggests, to recommend his
proposal:—[1.] That his master Abraham, through the blessing of
God, had a very good estate; and, [2.] That he had settled it all
upon Isaac, for whom he was now a suitor.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p21">(2.) He tells them the charge his master
had given him, to fetch a wife for his son from among his kindred,
with the reason of it, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.37-Gen.24.38" parsed="|Gen|24|37|24|38" passage="Ge 24:37,38"><i>v.</i>
37, 38</scripRef>. Thus he insinuates a pleasing hint, that, though
Abraham had removed to a country at so great a distance, yet he
still retained the remembrance of his relations that he had left
behind, and a respect for them. The highest degrees of divine
affection must not divest us of natural affection. He likewise
obviates an objection, That, if Isaac were deserving, he needed not
send so far off for a wife: why did he not marry nearer home? "For
a good reason," says he; "my master's son must not match with a
Canaanite." He further recommends his

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_150" n="150"/>

proposal, [1.] From the faith his master had that it would succeed,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.40" parsed="|Gen|24|40|0|0" passage="Ge 24:40"><i>v.</i> 40</scripRef>. Abraham took
encouragement from the testimony of his conscience that he
<i>walked before God</i> in a regular course of holy living, and
thence inferred that God would prosper him; probably he refers to
that covenant which God had made with him (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.17.1" parsed="|Gen|17|1|0|0" passage="Ge 17:1"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 1</scripRef>), <i>I am God,
all-sufficient, walk before me.</i> Therefore, says he <i>the God
before whom I walk will send his angel.</i> Note, While we make
conscience of our part of the covenant, we may take the comfort of
God's part of it; and we should learn to apply general promises of
particular cases, as there is occasion. [2.] From the care he
himself had taken to preserve their liberty of giving or refusing
their consent, as they should see cause, without incurring the
guilt of perjury (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.39-Gen.24.41" parsed="|Gen|24|39|24|41" passage="Ge 24:39-41"><i>v.</i>
39-41</scripRef>), which showed him, in general, to be a cautious
man, and particularly careful that their consent might not be
forced, but be either free or not at all.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p22">(3.) He relates to them the wonderful
concurrence of providences, to countenance and further the
proposal, plainly showing the finger of God in it. [1.] He tells
them how he had prayed for direction by a sign, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.42-Gen.24.44" parsed="|Gen|24|42|24|44" passage="Ge 24:42-44"><i>v.</i> 42-44</scripRef>. Note, It is good dealing
with those who by prayer take God along with them in their
dealings. [2.] How God had answered his prayer in the very letter
of it. Though he did but <i>speak in his heart</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.45" parsed="|Gen|24|45|0|0" passage="Ge 24:45"><i>v.</i> 45</scripRef>), which perhaps he
mentions, lest it should be suspected that Rebekah had overheard
his prayer and designedly humoured it. "No," says he, "I spoke
<i>it in my heart,</i> so that none heard it but God, to whom
thought are word, and from him the answer came," <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.46-Gen.24.47" parsed="|Gen|24|46|24|47" passage="Ge 24:46,47"><i>v.</i> 46, 47</scripRef>. [3.] How he had
immediately acknowledged God's goodness to him therein, <i>leading
him,</i> as he here expresses it, <i>in the right way.</i> Note,
God's way is always the <i>right way</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p22.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.107.7" parsed="|Ps|107|7|0|0" passage="Ps 107:7">Ps. cvii. 7</scripRef>), and those are well led whom he
leads.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p23">(4.) He fairly refers the matter to their
consideration, and waits their decision (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.49" parsed="|Gen|24|49|0|0" passage="Ge 24:49"><i>v.</i> 49</scripRef>): "<i>If you will deal kindly
and truly with my master,</i> well and good: if you will be
sincerely kind, you will accept the proposal, and I have what I
came for; if not, do not hold me in suspense." Note, Those who deal
fairly have reason to expect fair dealing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p24">(5.) They freely and cheerfully close with
the proposal upon a very good principle (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.50" parsed="|Gen|24|50|0|0" passage="Ge 24:50"><i>v.</i> 50</scripRef>): "<i>The thing proceedeth from
the Lord,</i> Providence smiles upon it, and we have nothing to say
against it." They do not object distance of place, Abraham's
forsaking them, or his having no land in possession, but personal
estate only: they do not question the truth of what this man said;
but, [1.] They trust much to his integrity. It were well if honesty
did so universally prevail among men that it might be as much an
act of prudence as it is of good nature to take a man's word. [2.]
They trust more to God's providence, and therefore by silence give
consent, because it appears to be directed and disposed by Infinite
Wisdom. Note, A marriage is then likely to be comfortable when it
appears to proceed from the Lord.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p25">(6.) Abraham's servant makes a thankful
acknowledgment of the good success he had met with, [1.] To God:
<i>He worshipped the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.52" parsed="|Gen|24|52|0|0" passage="Ge 24:52"><i>v.</i> 52</scripRef>. Observe, <i>First,</i> As his
good success went on, he went on to bless God. Those that <i>pray
without ceasing</i> should <i>in every thing give thanks,</i> and
own God in every step of mercy. <i>Secondly,</i> God sent his angel
before him, and so gave him success, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.7 Bible:Gen.24.40" parsed="|Gen|24|7|0|0;|Gen|24|40|0|0" passage="Ge 24:7,40"><i>v.</i> 7, 40</scripRef>. But when he has the
desired success, he worships God, not the angel. Whatever benefit
we have by the ministration of angels, all the glory must be given
to the Lord of the angels, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p25.3" osisRef="Bible:Rev.22.9" parsed="|Rev|22|9|0|0" passage="Re 22:9">Rev. xxii.
9</scripRef>. [2.] He pays his respects to the family also, and
particularly to the bride, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p25.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.53" parsed="|Gen|24|53|0|0" passage="Ge 24:53"><i>v.</i>
53</scripRef>. He presented her, and her mother, and brother, with
many precious things, both to give a real proof of his master's
riches and generosity and in gratitude for their civility to him,
and further to ingratiate himself with them.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p25.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.54-Gen.24.61" parsed="|Gen|24|54|24|61" passage="Ge 24:54-61" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.24.54-Gen.24.61">
<h4 id="Gen.xxv-p25.6">Rebekah's Departure. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p25.7">b. c.</span> 1857.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxv-p26">54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men
that <i>were</i> with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up
in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master.   55
And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us
<i>a few</i> days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.
  56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p26.1">Lord</span> hath prospered my way; send me away
that I may go to my master.   57 And they said, We will call
the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.   58 And they called
Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she
said, I will go.   59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister,
and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.   60 And
they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou <i>art</i> our
sister, be thou <i>the mother</i> of thousands of millions, and let
thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.   61 And
Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and
followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his
way.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p27">Rebekah is here taking leave of her
father's house; and 1. Abraham's servant presses for a dismission.
Though he and his company were very welcome, and very cheerful
there, yet he said, <i>Send me away</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.54" parsed="|Gen|24|54|0|0" passage="Ge 24:54"><i>v.</i> 54</scripRef>), and again, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.56" parsed="|Gen|24|56|0|0" passage="Ge 24:56"><i>v.</i> 56</scripRef>. He knew his master would expect
him home with some impatience; he had business to do at home which
wanted him,

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_151" n="151"/>

and therefore, as one that
preferred his work before his pleasure, he was for hastening home.
Note, Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man;
when we have despatched our business abroad we must not delay our
return to our business at home, nor be longer from it than needs
must; for as a bird that <i>wanders from her nest so is he that
wanders from his place,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.27.8" parsed="|Prov|27|8|0|0" passage="Pr 27:8">Prov.
xxvii. 8</scripRef>. 2. Rebekah's relations, from natural affection
and according to the usual expression of kindness in that case,
solicit for her stay some time among them, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.55" parsed="|Gen|24|55|0|0" passage="Ge 24:55"><i>v.</i> 55</scripRef>. They could not think of parting
with her on a sudden, especially as she was about the remove so far
off and it was not likely that they would ever see one another
again: <i>Let her stay a few days, at least ten,</i> which makes it
as reasonable a request as the reading in the margin seems to make
it unreasonable, <i>a year,</i> or <i>at least ten months.</i> They
had consented to the marriage, and yet were loth to part with her.
Note, It is an instance of the vanity of this world that there is
nothing in it so agreeable but it has its alloy. <i>Nulla est
sincera voluptas—There is no unmingled pleasure.</i> They were
pleased that they had matched a daughter of their family so well,
and yet, when it came to the last, it was with great reluctance
that they sent her away. 3. Rebekah herself determined the matter.
To her they appealed, as it was fit they should (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.57" parsed="|Gen|24|57|0|0" passage="Ge 24:57"><i>v.</i> 57</scripRef>): <i>Call the damsel</i> (who
had retired to her apartment with a modest silence) and <i>enquire
at her mouth.</i> Note, As children ought not to marry without
their parents' consent, so parents ought not to marry them without
their own. Before the matter is resolved on, "Ask at the damsel's
mouth;" she is a party principally concerned, and therefore ought
to be principally consulted. Rebekah consented, not only to go, but
to go immediately: <i>I will go,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.58" parsed="|Gen|24|58|0|0" passage="Ge 24:58"><i>v.</i> 58</scripRef>. We may hope that the notice she
had taken of the servant's piety and devotion gave her such an idea
of the prevalence of religion and godliness in the family she was
to go to made her desirous to hasten thither, and willing to forget
her own people and her father's house, where religion had not so
much the ascendant. 4. Hereupon she is sent away with Abraham's
servant; not, we may suppose, the very next day after, but very
quickly: her friends see that she has a good heart on it, and so
they dismiss her, (1.) With suitable attendants—her <i>nurse</i>
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.59" parsed="|Gen|24|59|0|0" passage="Ge 24:59"><i>v.</i> 59</scripRef>), her
<i>damsels,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.61" parsed="|Gen|24|61|0|0" passage="Ge 24:61"><i>v.</i>
61</scripRef>. It seems, then, that when she went to the well for
water it was not because she had not servants at command, but
because she took a pleasure in works of humble industry. Now that
she was going among strangers, it was fit she should take those
with her with whom she was acquainted. Here is nothing said of her
portion. Her personal merits were a portion in her, she needed none
with her, nor did that ever come into the treaty of marriage. (2.)
With hearty good wishes: <i>They blessed Rebekah,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.60" parsed="|Gen|24|60|0|0" passage="Ge 24:60"><i>v.</i> 60</scripRef>. Note, When our
relations are entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to
recommend them to the blessing and grace of God. Now that she was
going to be a wife, they prayed that she might be a mother both of
a numerous and of a victorious progeny. Perhaps Abraham's servant
had told them of the promise God had lately made to his master,
which it is likely, Abraham acquainted his household with, that God
<i>would multiply his seed as the stars of heaven, and that they
should possess the gate of their enemies</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p27.10" osisRef="Bible:Gen.22.17" parsed="|Gen|22|17|0|0" passage="Ge 22:17"><i>ch.</i> xxii. 17</scripRef>), to which promise they
had an eye in this blessing, <i>Be thou the mother</i> of that
seed.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxv-p27.11" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.62-Gen.24.67" parsed="|Gen|24|62|24|67" passage="Ge 24:62-67" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.24.62-Gen.24.67">
<h4 id="Gen.xxv-p27.12">Isaac's Marriage. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxv-p27.13">b. c.</span> 1857.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxv-p28">62 And Isaac came from the way of the well
Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country.   63 And Isaac
went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up
his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels <i>were</i> coming.
  64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac,
she lighted off the camel.   65 For she <i>had</i> said unto
the servant, What man <i>is</i> this that walketh in the field to
meet us? And the servant <i>had</i> said, It <i>is</i> my master:
therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.   66 And the
servant told Isaac all things that he had done.   67 And Isaac
brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she
became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after
his mother's <i>death.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p29">Isaac and Rebekah are, at length, happily
brought together. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p30">I. Isaac was well employed when he met
Rebekah: <i>He went out to meditate,</i> or pray, <i>in the field,
at the even-tide,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.62-Gen.24.63" parsed="|Gen|24|62|24|63" passage="Ge 24:62,63"><i>v.</i> 62,
63</scripRef>. Some think he expected the return of his servants
about this time, and went out on purpose to meet them. But, it
should seem, he went out on another errand, to take the advantage
of a silent evening and a solitary field for meditation and prayer,
those divine exercises by which we converse with God and our own
hearts. Note, 1. Holy souls love retirement. It will do us good to
be often left alone, walking alone and sitting alone; and, if we
have the art of improving solitude, we shall find we are never less
alone than when alone. 2. Meditation and prayer ought to be both
our business and our delight when we are alone; while we have a
God, a Christ, and a heaven, to acquaint ourselves with, and to
secure our interest in, we need not want matter either for
meditation or prayer, which, if they go together, will mutually
befriend each other. 3. Our walks in the field are then truly
pleasant when in them we apply ourselves to meditation and prayer.
We

<pb id="Gen.xxv-Page_152" n="152"/>

there have a free and open prospect of
the heavens above us and the earth around us, and the host and
riches of both, by the view of which we should be led to the
contemplation of the Maker and owner of all. 4. The exercises of
devotion should be the refreshment and entertainment of the
evening, to relieve us from the fatigue occasioned by the care and
business of the day, and to prepare us for the repose and sleep of
the night. 5. Merciful providences are then doubly comfortable when
they find us well employed and in the way of our duty. Some think
Isaac was now praying for good success in this affair that was
depending, and meditating upon that which was proper to encourage
his hope in God concerning it; and now, when he sets himself, as it
were, upon his watch-tower, to see what God would answer him, as
the prophet (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p30.2" osisRef="Bible:Hab.2.1" parsed="|Hab|2|1|0|0" passage="Hab 2:1">Hab. ii. 1</scripRef>),
<i>he sees the camels coming.</i> Sometimes God sends in the mercy
prayed for immediately, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p30.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.12.12" parsed="|Acts|12|12|0|0" passage="Ac 12:12">Acts xii.
12</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p31">II. Rebekah behaved herself very
becomingly, when she met Isaac: understanding who he was, she
<i>alighted off her camel</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.64" parsed="|Gen|24|64|0|0" passage="Ge 24:64"><i>v.</i> 64</scripRef>), and <i>took a veil, and
covered herself</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p31.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.65" parsed="|Gen|24|65|0|0" passage="Ge 24:65"><i>v.</i>
65</scripRef>), in token of humility, modesty, and subjection. She
did not reproach Isaac for not coming himself to fetch her, or, at
least, to meet her a day's journey or two, did not complain of the
tediousness of her journey, or the difficulty of leaving her
relations, to come into a strange place; but, having seen
Providence going before her in the affair, she accommodates herself
with cheerfulness to her new relation. Those that by faith are
espoused to Christ, and would be presented as chaste virgins to
him, must, in conformity to his example, humble themselves, as
Rebekah, who alighted when she saw Isaac on foot, and must put
themselves into subjection to him who is their head (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p31.3" osisRef="Bible:Eph.5.24" parsed="|Eph|5|24|0|0" passage="Eph 5:24">Eph. v. 24</scripRef>), as Rebekah, signifying
it by the veil she put on, <scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p31.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.11.10" parsed="|1Cor|11|10|0|0" passage="1Co 11:10">1 Cor. xi.
10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxv-p32">III. They were brought together (probably
after some further acquaintance), to their mutual comfort,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p32.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.24.67" parsed="|Gen|24|67|0|0" passage="Ge 24:67"><i>v.</i> 67</scripRef>. Observe here,
1. What an affectionate son he was to his mother: it was about
three years since her death, and yet he was not, till now,
comforted concerning it; the wound which that affliction gave to
his tender spirit bled so long, and was never healed till God
brought him into this new relation. Thus crosses and comforts are
balances to each other (<scripRef id="Gen.xxv-p32.2" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.7.14" parsed="|Eccl|7|14|0|0" passage="Ec 7:14">Eccl. vii.
14</scripRef>), and help to keep the scale even. 2. What an
affectionate husband he was to his wife. Note, Those that have
approved themselves well in one relation, it may be hoped, will do
so in another: <i>She became his wife, and he loved her;</i> there
was all the reason in the world why he should, for so <i>ought men
to love their wives even as themselves.</i> The duty of the
relation is then done, and the comfort of the relation is then
enjoyed, when mutual love governs; for <i>there the Lord commands
the blessing.</i></p>
</div></div2>