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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Genesis, Chapter XXIV].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1></center>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1706)
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</TD></TR></TABLE>
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<HR>
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<A NAME="Page144"> </A>
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>G E N E S I S</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXIV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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Marriages and funerals are the changes of families, and the common
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news among the inhabitants of the villages. In the foregoing
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chapter we had Abraham burying his wife, here we have him
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marrying his son. These stories concerning his family, with
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their minute circumstances, are largely related, while the histories
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of the kingdoms of the world then in being, with their revolutions,
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are buried in silence; for the Lord knows those that are
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his. The subjoining of Isaac's marriage to Sarah's funeral (with
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a particular reference to it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:67">ver. 67</A>)
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shows us that as "one generation
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passes away another generation comes;" and thus the
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entail both of the human nature, and of the covenant, is preserved.
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Here is,
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I. Abraham's care about the marrying of his
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son, and the charge he gave to his servant about it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:1-9">ver. 1-9</A>.
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II. His servant's journey into Abraham's country, to seek a wife
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for his young master among his own relations,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:10-14">ver. 10-14</A>.
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III. The kind providence which brought him acquainted with Rebekah,
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whose father was Isaac's cousin-german,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:15-28">ver. 15-28</A>.
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IV. The treaty of marriage with her relations,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:29-49">ver. 29-49</A>.
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V. Their
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consent obtained,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:50-60">ver. 50-60</A>.
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VI. The happy meeting and marriage
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between Isaac and Rebekah,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:61-67">ver. 61</A>,
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&c.).</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Ge24_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Abraham's Charges to His Servant.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1857.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And Abraham was old, <I>and</I> well
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stricken in age: and the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
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had blessed Abraham in all things.
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2 And Abraham said unto his eldest
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servant of his house, that ruled over
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all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy
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hand under my thigh:
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3 And I will
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make thee swear by the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, the
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God of heaven, and the God of the
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earth, that thou shalt not take a wife
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unto my son of the daughters of the
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Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
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4 But thou shalt go unto my country,
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and to my kindred, and take a wife
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unto my son Isaac.
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5 And the servant
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said unto him, Peradventure the
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woman will not be willing to follow
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me unto this land: must I needs bring
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thy son again unto the land from
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whence thou camest?
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6 And Abraham
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said unto him, Beware thou that
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thou bring not my son thither again.
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7 The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of heaven, which
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took me from my father's house, and
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from the land of my kindred, and
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which spake unto me, and that sware
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unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will
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I give this land; he shall send his
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angel before thee, and thou shalt take
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a wife unto my son from thence.
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8 And if the woman will not be willing
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to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear
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from this my oath: only bring not
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my son thither again.
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9 And the servant
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put his hand under the thigh of
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Abraham his master, and sware to
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him concerning that matter.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Three things we may observe here concerning
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Abraham:--</P>
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<P>
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I. The care he took of a good son, to get
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him married, well married. It was high time
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to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty
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years old, and it had been customary with his
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ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+11:14,18,22,24"><I>ch.</I> xi. 14, 18, 22, 24</A>.
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Abraham believed the promise
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of the building up of his family, and
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therefore did not make haste; not more haste
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than good speed. Two considerations moved
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him to think of it now
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>):--
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1. That he
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himself was likely to leave the world quickly,
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for he was <I>old, and well-stricken in age,</I> and
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it would be a satisfaction to him to see his
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son settled before he died; and,
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2. That he
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<A NAME="Page145"> </A>
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had a good estate to leave behind him, for
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<I>the Lord had blessed him in all things;</I> and
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the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See
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how much religion and piety befriend outward
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prosperity. Now Abraham's pious care
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concerning his son was,
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(1.) That he should
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not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of
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his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites
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were degenerating into great wickedness, and
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knew by revelation that they were designed
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for ruin, and therefore he would not marry
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his son among them, lest they should be
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either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to
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his name.
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(2.) That yet he should not leave
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the land of Canaan, to go himself among his
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kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing
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a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle
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there. This caution is given
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>,
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and repeated,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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"<I>Bring not my son thither
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again,</I> whatever comes of it. Let him rather
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want a wife than expose himself to that
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temptation." Note, Parents in disposing of
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their children, should carefully consult the
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welfare of their souls, and their furtherance
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in the way to heaven. Those who through
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grace have escaped the corruption that is in
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the world through lust, and have brought up
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their children accordingly, should take heed
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of doing any thing by which they may be
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again entangled therein and overcome,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+2:20">2 Pet. ii. 20</A>.
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Beware that you bring them not
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thither again,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+11:15">Heb. xi. 15</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. The charge he gave to a good servant,
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probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose
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conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his
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family, he had had long experience. He
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trusted him with this great affair, and not
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Isaac himself, because he would not have
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Isaac go at all into that country, but marry
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there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this
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<I>steward of his house.</I> This matter is settled
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between the master and the servant with a
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great deal of care and solemnity.
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1. The
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servant must be bound by an oath to do his
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utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among
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his relations,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>.
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Abraham swears him
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to it, both for his own satisfaction and for
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the engagement of his servant to all possible
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care and diligence in this matter. Thus God
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swears his servants to their work, that, having
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sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here
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done to the eternal God; for he it is that
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is sworn by, to whom alone these appeals
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ought to be made. And some think honour
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is done to the covenant of circumcision by
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the ceremony here used of <I>putting his hand
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under his thigh.</I> Note, Swearing being an
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ordinance not peculiar to the church, but
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common to mankind, is to be performed by
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such signs as are the appointments and common
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usages of our country, for binding the
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person sworn.
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2. He must be clear of this
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oath if, when he had done his utmost, he
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could not prevail. This proviso the servant
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prudently inserted
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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putting the case
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that the woman would not follow him; and
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Abraham allowed the exception,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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Note,
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Oaths are to be taken with great caution, and
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the matter sworn to should be rightly understood
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and limited, because it is a <I>snare to
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devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to
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make the enquiry</I> which should have been
|
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made before.</P>
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<P>
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III. The confidence he put in a good God,
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who, he doubts not, will give his servant success
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in this undertaking,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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He remembers
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that God had wonderfully brought him
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out of the land of his nativity, by the effectual
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|
call of his grace; and therefore doubts not
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|
but he will succeed him in his care not to
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|
bring his son thither again. He remembers
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|
also the promise God had made and confirmed
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to him that he would give Canaan to his
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seed, and thence infers that God would own
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him in his endeavours to match his son, not
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among those devoted nations, but to one that
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was fit to be the mother of such a seed.
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"Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel
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before thee to make thy way prosperous."
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Note,
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1. Those that carefully keep in the
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|
way of duty, and govern themselves by the
|
|
principles of their religion in their designs
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|
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.
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2. God's promises, and our own experiences,
|
|
are sufficient to encourage our dependence
|
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upon God, and our expectations from him,
|
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in all the affairs of this life.
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3. God's angels
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are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only
|
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for the protection, but for the guidance, of
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the heirs of promise,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:14">Heb. i. 14</A>.
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"<I>He shall
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send his angel before thee,</I> and then thou wilt
|
|
speed well."</P>
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<A NAME="Ge24_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_25"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_26"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_27"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ge24_28"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Journey of Abraham's Servant.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1857.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>10 And the servant took ten camels
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of the camels of his master, and departed;
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for all the goods of his master
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<I>were</I> in his hand: and he arose, and
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went to Mesopotamia, unto the city
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of Nahor.
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11 And he made his camels
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to kneel down without the city by a
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well of water at the time of the evening,
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<I>even</I> the time that women go out
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|
to draw <I>water.</I>
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12 And he said, O
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L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of my master Abraham, I
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pray thee, send me good speed this
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|
day, and show kindness unto my master
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Abraham.
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13 Behold, I stand
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<I>here</I> by the well of water; and the
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daughters of the men of the city come
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out to draw water:
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14 And let it come
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|
to pass, that the damsel to whom
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|
I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I
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|
pray thee, that I may drink; and she
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|
shall say, Drink, and I will give thy
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|
camels drink also: <I>let the same be</I> she
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|
<I>that</I> thou hast appointed for thy servant
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<A NAME="Page146"> </A>
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|
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|
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,
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|
behold, Rebekah came out, who was
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born to Bethuel, son of Milcah,
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|
the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother,
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with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
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16 And the damsel <I>was</I> very fair to
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look upon, a virgin, neither had any
|
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man known her: and she went down
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|
to the well, and filled her pitcher, and
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|
came up.
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17 And the servant ran
|
|
to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray
|
|
thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.
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|
18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and
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|
she hasted, and let down her pitcher
|
|
upon her hand, and gave him drink.
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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.
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20 And she hasted,
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|
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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
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|
had made his journey prosperous or
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|
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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
|
|
27 And he said, Blessed
|
|
<I>be</I> the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:18,Tit+2:10">Prov. xxvii. 18 with Titus ii. 10</A>);
|
|
for there is no respect of persons with God,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:24,25">Col. iii. 24, 25</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
<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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+21:9">Rev. xxi. 9</A>.
|
|
Christ is the bridegroom, and ministers
|
|
are the friends of the bridegroom
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:29">John iii. 29</A>),
|
|
whose work it is to persuade souls to
|
|
consent to him,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+11:2">2 Cor. xi. 2</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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> &c.,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+18:19"><I>ch.</I> xviii. 19</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
1. He acknowledges God by a particular
|
|
prayer
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:12-14"><I>v.</I> 12-14</A>),
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+3:6">Prov. iii. 6</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page147"> </A>
|
|
|
|
master, and this was a good prayer. He
|
|
knew that <I>a prudent wife is from the Lord</I>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+19:14">Prov. xix. 14</A>),
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+32:8">Ps. xxxii. 8</A>),
|
|
and leads them in a
|
|
plain path,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:11">Ps. xxvii. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. God owns him by a particular providence.
|
|
He decreed the thing, and it was
|
|
established to him,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+22:28">Job xxii. 28</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
as it is
|
|
written
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+65:24">Isa. lxv. 24</A>),
|
|
<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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:42">Matt. x. 42</A>.
|
|
<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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:23-25"><I>v.</I> 23-25</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
3. He acknowledges God in a particular
|
|
thanksgiving. He first paid his respects to
|
|
Rebekah, in gratitude for her civility
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
|
|
obliging her with such ornaments and attire
|
|
as a maid, especially a bride, cannot forget
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+2:32">Jer. ii. 32</A>),
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:13">Prov. xxxi. 13</A>),
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:1">Gal. iv. 1</A>.
|
|
Having done
|
|
this, he turns his wonder
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>)
|
|
into worshipping: <I>Blessed be the Lord God of my
|
|
master Abraham,</I>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>.
|
|
Observe here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) He had prayed for good speed
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>),
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page148"> </A>
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_42"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_44"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_46"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_47"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_48"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_49"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_50"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_51"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_52"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_53"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Abraham's Servant Entertained by Laban; Errand of Abraham's Servant.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1857.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>; 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
|
|
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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,
|
|
O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page148"> </A>
|
|
|
|
48 And I bowed down my head, and
|
|
worshipped the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, and blessed
|
|
the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>: 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> hath
|
|
spoken.
|
|
52 And it came to pass, that,
|
|
when Abraham's servant heard their
|
|
words, he worshipped the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>,
|
|
<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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:25">Matt. xi. 25</A>),
|
|
and rules and <I>saves the
|
|
world by the foolishness of preaching,</I>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+1:21">1 Cor. i. 21</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
"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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>.
|
|
Note,
|
|
<I>A man's gift maketh room for him</I>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+18:16">Prov. xviii. 16</A>),
|
|
<I>which way soever it turneth, it prospereth,</I>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:8">Prov. xvii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
1. The invitation was kind:
|
|
<I>Come in, thou blessed of the Lord,</I>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
They saw he was rich, and therefore pronounced
|
|
him <I>blessed of the Lord;</I> or, perhaps,
|
|
because they heard from Rebekah
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>)
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:32,33"><I>v.</I> 32, 33</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+12:10">Prov. xii. 10</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>.
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+4:34">John iv. 34</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He gives a short account of the state
|
|
of his master's family,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:34-36"><I>v.</I> 34-36</A>.
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+22:20-24"><I>ch.</I> xxii. 20-24</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:37,38"><I>v.</I> 37, 38</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page150"> </A>
|
|
|
|
proposal,
|
|
|
|
[1.] From the faith his master had
|
|
that it would succeed,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+17:1"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 1</A>),
|
|
<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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:39-41"><I>v.</I> 39-41</A>),
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:42-44"><I>v.</I> 42-44</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:45"><I>v.</I> 45</A>),
|
|
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,"
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:46,47"><I>v.</I> 46, 47</A>.
|
|
|
|
[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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+107:7">Ps. cvii. 7</A>),
|
|
and those are well led whom he leads.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) He fairly refers the matter to their
|
|
consideration, and waits their decision
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:49"><I>v.</I> 49</A>):
|
|
"<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>
|
|
|
|
(5.) They freely and cheerfully close with
|
|
the proposal upon a very good principle
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:50"><I>v.</I> 50</A>):
|
|
"<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>
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>.
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:7,40"><I>v.</I> 7, 40</A>.
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+22:9">Rev. xxii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He pays his respects
|
|
to the family also, and particularly to
|
|
the bride,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_54"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_55"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_56"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_57"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_58"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_59"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_60"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_61"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Rebekah's Departure.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1857.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>),
|
|
and again,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:56"><I>v.</I> 56</A>.
|
|
He knew his master would expect
|
|
him home with some impatience; he had
|
|
business to do at home which wanted him,
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page151"> </A>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:8">Prov. xxvii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:55"><I>v.</I> 55</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:57"><I>v.</I> 57</A>):
|
|
<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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:58"><I>v.</I> 58</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:59"><I>v.</I> 59</A>),
|
|
her <I>damsels,</I>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:61"><I>v.</I> 61</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:60"><I>v.</I> 60</A>.
|
|
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>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+22:17"><I>ch.</I> xxii. 17</A>),
|
|
to which promise
|
|
they had an eye in this blessing, <I>Be
|
|
thou the mother</I> of that seed.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_62"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_63"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_64"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_65"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_66"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ge24_67"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Isaac's Marriage.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1857.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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>
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Isaac and Rebekah are, at length, happily
|
|
brought together. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:62,63"><I>v.</I> 62, 63</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Page152"> </A>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hab+2:1">Hab. ii. 1</A>),
|
|
<I>he sees the camels
|
|
coming.</I> Sometimes God sends in the mercy
|
|
prayed for immediately,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:12">Acts xii. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Rebekah behaved herself very becomingly,
|
|
when she met Isaac: understanding
|
|
who he was, she <I>alighted off her camel</I>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:64"><I>v.</I> 64</A>),
|
|
and <I>took a veil, and covered herself</I>
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:65"><I>v.</I> 65</A>),
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:24">Eph. v. 24</A>),
|
|
as Rebekah, signifying it by the veil she put
|
|
on,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:10">1 Cor. xi. 10</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. They were brought together (probably
|
|
after some further acquaintance), to their
|
|
mutual comfort,
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+24:67"><I>v.</I> 67</A>.
|
|
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
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+7:14">Eccl. vii. 14</A>),
|
|
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 an 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>
|
|
|
|
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