Genesis 23:1--27:46
Sarah <08283> [A.M. 2144. B.C. 1860. Sarah.]
It is worthy of remark, that Sarah is the only woman whose age, death, and burial are distinctly noted in the Sacred writings.
127 <03967> [an.]
Kiriath Arba <07153> [Kirjath-arba.]
went <0935> [came.]
For the convenience of feeding his numerous flocks, Abraham had several places of temporary residence; and it is likely, that while he sojourned at Beer-sheba, as we find he did from ver. 19 of the preceding chapter, Sarah died at Hebron, which was 24 miles distant.
mourn <05594> [mourn.]
Heth <02845> [Heth.]
temporary <01616> [stranger.]
burial site <06913> [buryingplace.]
bury <06912> [bury.]
sir <0113> [my lord.]
mighty prince <05387 0430> [a mighty prince. Heb. a prince of God.]
prince <05387> [prince.]
Ask <06293> [intreat.]
full price <03701 04392> [much money. Heb. full money.]
sitting <03427> [dwelt.]
Or, sitting (as the word frequently denotes) among the children of Heth, at the gate of the city, where all public business was transacted. Ephron, though a chief man, might have been personally unknown to Abraham; but now he answers for himself, making a free tender of the field and cave to Abraham, in the presence of all the people, which amounted to a legal conveyance to the Patriarch.
hearing <0241> [audience. Heb. ears. all that.]
city <05892> [his.]
lord <0113> [my lord.]
presence <05869> [in the.]
pay ................. bury <05414 06912> [I will.]
400 <0702> [is worth.]
Though the words "is worth" are not in the Text, yet they are clearly implied, to adapt the Hebrew to the English idiom. A shekel, according to the general opinion, was equal in value to about 2s. 6d. of our money, but according to Dr. Prideaux, 3s. English. In those early times, money was given in weight; for it is said (ver. 16.) that "Abraham weighed," {wayishkal,} the silver; and hence, we find that it was a certain weight which afterwards passed as a current coin; for the word shekel is not only used to denote a piece of sliver, but also to weigh.
pieces <08255> [shekels.]
weighed out <08254> [weighed.]
400 <0702> [four.]
field ......... field ................ field <07704> [the field.]
So ... secured <06965> [made sure.]
entered <0935> [all.]
secured <06965> [were.]
site <0272> [for a.]
old <02204> [was old.]
advanced ... years <03117 0935> [well stricken in age. Heb. gone into days. blessed.]
senior <02205> [eldest.]
charge <04910> [ruled.]
Put <07760> [Put.]
solemnly <07650> [swear.]
Lord ... God ...... God .... earth ............. daughters .... Canaanites <03068 0430 0776 01323 03669> [the.]
acquire <03947> [that.]
relatives <04138> [to my kindred.]
There does not appear in all this concern the least taint of worldly policy, or any of those motives which usually govern men in the settlement of their children. No mention is made of riches, or honours, or natural accomplishments, but merely of what related to God.--Fuller.
woman <0802> [Peradventure.]
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
took ...................................... find <03947> [took.]
promised <01696> [which spake.]
angel <04397> [angel.]
free <05352> [clear.]
back <07725> [only.]
gifts <02898> [for. or, and. all the.]
Aram Naharaim <0763> [Mesopotamia.]
city <05892> [city.]
kneel <01288> [kneel.]
out ... draw <07579 03318> [women go out to draw water. Heb. women which draw water go forth.]
Lord <03068> [O Lord.]
<06440> [I pray.]
standing <05324> [I stand.]
daughters <01323> [daughters.]
young woman <05291> [And let.]
chosen <03198> [she that.]
know <03045> [thereby.]
finished <03615> [before.]
Rebekah <07259> [Rebekah.]
Milcah <04435> [Milcah.]
jug <03537> [pitcher.]
beautiful <02896 04758> [fair to look upon. Heb. good of countenance.]
sexual relations <03045> [known.]
sip <01572> [Let.]
water .... jug <04325 03537> [water of.]
Silently .... watched <07583 02790> [wondering at.]
[to wit. i.e., "to know," or "to learn."]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
took <03947> [took.]
nose ring <05141> [earring. or, jewel for the forehead.]
From the word being in the singular number, it is not likely to have been an ear-ring, or a "jewel for the forehead," but "a jewel for the nose, a nose-ring," which is in use throughout Arabia and Persia, particularly among young women. It is very properly translated [epirrinon,] "an ornament for the nose," by Symmachus; and Sir John Chardin informs us, that "it is a custom in almost all the East, for the women to wear rings in their noses, in the left nostril, which is bored low down in the middle. These rings are of gold, and have commonly two pearls and one ruby between, placed in the ring. I never saw a girl or young woman in Arabia or in all Persia, who did not wear a ring after this manner in her nostril."
beka <01235> [of half.]
bracelets <06781> [bracelets.]
The word rendered "bracelet," from a root which signifies "to join or couple together," may imply whatever may clasp round the arms and legs; for rings and ornaments are worn round both by females in India and Persia. The small part of the leg, and the whole arm, from the shoulder to the wrist, are generally decorated in this way. As these were given to Rebekah for "her hands," it sufficiently distinguishes them from similar ornaments for the ankles.
Praised <01288> [Blessed.]
faithful <02617> [of his.]
Lord ................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
master ............ master ............ master's <0113> [of my.]
mother's <0517> [of.]
mother's <0517> [her mother's.]
Some have conjectured from this, that her father Bethuel was dead; and the person called Bethuel, (ver. 50,) was a younger brother. This is possible; but as Dr. A. Clarke remarks, the mother's house might be mentioned were even the father alive; for in Asiatic countries, the women have apartments entirely separate from those of the men, in which their little children and grown-up daughters reside with them. This was probably the case here; though, from the whole narrative, it is very probable that Bethuel was dead, as the whole business appears to be conducted by Rebekah's brothers.
blessed ......... out <01288 02351> [thou.]
prepared <06437> [for I.]
unloaded <06605> [he ungirded. i.e., Laban ungirded. straw.]
Straw, by the eastern mode of threshing, was cut or shattered, and reduced to a kind of chaff. With this, sometimes mixed with a little barley, the eastern people still feed their labouring beasts, as they anciently did.
wash <07364> [wash.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
sheep <06629> [flocks.]
Sarah <08283> [Sarah.]
given <05414> [unto.]
master <0113> [And my.]
Canaanites <03669> [Canaanites.]
The Canaanites were infected with gross idolatry; and consequently, not proper persons with whom to form so intimate a connection; especially as Jehovah had shown Abraham that they were filling up the measure of their iniquity, and were doomed to destruction.
but <0518> [But.]
[my father's. i.e., Where the family of Haran his brother had settled; and where he himself had remained some time with his father Terah.]
Nahor did not dwell at Ur of the Chaldees, but at Haran in Mesopotamia. The true worship of God seems to have been in some measure preserved in this family, though afterwards corrupted.
[Peradventure.]
We may see, says Calmet, by this and other passages of Scripture, (Jos 9:18,) what the sentiments of the ancients were relative to an oath. They believed that they were bound precisely by what was spoken, and had no liberty to interpret the intentions of those by whom the oath was made.
answered <0559> [And he.]
before <06440> [before.]
send <07971> [will.]
Lord <03068> [O Lord.]
successful <06743> [prosper.]
Drink <08354> [Both.]
woman <0802> [the woman.]
chosen <03198> [appointed.]
Those events, which appear to us the effect of choice, contrivance, or chance, are matters of appointment with God; and the persuasion of this does not prevent, but rather encourage, the use of all proper means; at the same time that it confines us to proper means, and delivers the mind from useless anxiety about consequences.
finished <03615> [before.]
praying <01696> [speaking.]
put <07760> [I put.]
bowed down <06915> [bowed.]
led <05148> [led me.]
<03426> [now if.]
show faithful love <06213 02617 0571> [deal kindly and truly. Heb. do mercy and truth.]
go <06437> [that I.]
Laban <03837> [Laban.]
These seem both to be brothers, of whom Laban was the eldest and chief: the opinion of Josephus appears to be very correct, that Bethuel, the father, had been dead some time.
<01697> [The thing.]
<03201> [we.]
Rebekah <07259> [Rebekah.]
decided <01696> [hath.]
bowed <07812> [worshipped.]
jewelry <03627> [jewels. Heb. vessels.]
The original word denotes vessels, utensils, instruments, furniture, or dress; and these presented by Abraham's servant might have been of various kinds.
brother <0251> [brother.]
No mention is made of her father.
valuable <04030> [precious.]
This term, rendered "precious things," as may be seen in the parallel texts, is used to express exquisite fruits or delicacies, and precious plants or flowers: but here it may mean gifts in general, though rather of an inferior kind to those mentioned above.
Let <07971> [Send me.]
days <03117> [a few days. or, a full year, or ten months.]
detain <0309> [Hinder.]
success <06743> [prospered.]
sister <0269> [their.]
female attendant <03243> [nurse.]
blessed <01288> [they.]
become ..... thousands <01961 0505> [be thou the mother.]
Or, "be thou for thousands of myriads;" a large family being always considered, in ancient times, as a proof of the peculiar blessing and favour of God.
thousands <0505> [thousands.]
descendants <02233> [thy seed.]
mounted <07392> [they rode.]
<03212> [followed.]
Beer Lahai Roi <0883> [Lahai-roi.]
Negev <05045> [south.]
relax <07742> [to meditate. or, to pray.]
They who acknowledge God in all their ways, will find him present to direct their paths, and make their way prosperous; and when the prayer of faith meets with an immediate answer, the glory ought as speedily to be rendered to God in solemn praise and thanksgiving.
down <05307> [lighted.]
veil <06809> [a vail.]
mother ................... mother's <0517> [his mother.]
Sarah's tent <08283 0168> [Sarah's tent.]
Sarah, being dead, her tent, which, according to the custom of the east, was distinct from that of Abraham, became now appropriated to the use of Rebekah.
took <03947> [and took.]
comforted <05162> [comforted.]
[A.M. cir. 2151. B.C. cir. 1853.]
bore <03205> [A.M. cir. 2152. B.C. cir. 1852. she bare.]
[Zimri. Midian.]
Shuah <07744> [Shuah.]
Sheba <07614> [A.M. cir. 2180. B.C. cir. 1824. Sheba.]
Dedan ..... Dedan <01719> [Dedan.]
Asshurites <0805> [Asshurim.]
Ephah <05891> [A.M. cir. 2200. B.C. cir. 1804. Ephah.]
[A.M. cir. 2175. B.C. cir. 1829.]
Isaac typified the Son of God, "whom HE hath appointed Heir of all things."
concubines <06370> [concubines.]
gifts <04979> [gifts.]
sent <07971> [sent.]
east <0776 06924> [east country.]
Arabia Deserta, which was eastward of Beer-sheba, where Abraham dwelt.
[A.M. 2183. B.C. 1821.]
breathed ... last <01478> [gave.]
good <02896> [good.]
joined <0622> [gathered.]
Isaac <03327> [Isaac.]
cave <04631> [in the cave.]
field <07704> [The field.]
Abraham .......... Abraham <085> [there.]
After <0310> [after.]
Beer Lahai Roi <0883> [La-hai-roi.]
names ....... names <08034> [the names.]
Nebaioth <05032> [Nebajoth.]
From Nebajoth sprang the Nabatheans, who inhabited Arabia Petraea; from Kedar, the Cedreans, who dwelt near the Nabatheans; and from Jetur, the Itureans, who inhabited a small tract of country east of Jordan, which afterwards belonged to Manasseh.
Kedar <06938> [Kedar.]
Dumah <01746> [Dumah.]
<02316> [Hadar. or, Hadad.]
More than 300 MSS. and printed editions read Hadad, as in 1 Ch 1:30.
Tema <08485> [Tema.]
Naphish <05305> [Naphish.]
These are evidently the same people mentioned in 1 Ch 5:19, who, with the Itureans, assisted the Hagarenes against the Israelites, but were overcome by the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
camps <02918> [castles.]
The word {tiroth,} rendered "castles," is supposed by some to denote here "towers," fortified rocks, or mountain-tops, and fastnesses of various kinds in woods and hilly countries; but it rather means, "shepherds' cots," surrounded by sufficient enclosures to prevent the cattle from straying, as the cognate Syriac word {teyaro,} and Arabic {tawar,} signify "a sheep-fold."
<08147> [twelve.]
total .... years <08141> [A.M. 2231. B.C. 1773. these are.]
joined <0622> [gathered.]
Havilah <02341> [Havilah.]
way <0935> [as thou.]
Asshur <0804> [toward.]
settled <05307> [died. Heb. fell.]
next ............ from <06440> [in the.]
Abraham Abraham <085> [A.M. 2108. B.C. 1896. Abraham.]
married <03947> [A.M. 2148. B.C. 1856. when he.]
Aramean .......... Aramean <0761> [the Syrian.]
prayed ................ answered ... prayer <06279> [A.M. 2167. B.C. 1837. intreated.]
childless <06135> [because.]
Lord ............ Lord <03068> [and the.]
Rebekah <07259> [and Rebekah.]
asked <01875> [A.M. 2168. B.C. 1836. enquire.]
Two nations ....... two <01471 08147> [Two nations.]
Two ........ two <08147> [two manner.]
older <07227> [the elder.]
Esau <06215> [Esau.]
The word Esau has been generally considered to imply made, formed, or perfected; or perfect, robust, etc. But it appears to be a dialectical variation of the Arabic atha, to be covered with hair; whence athai, hairy, as no doubt the word Esau imports, in allusion to the circumstance of his being covered with red hair or down at his birth.
<0310> [And after.]
clutching <0270> [took.]
Jacob <03290> [Jacob.]
Isaac ... sixty <03327 08346> [Isaac was.]
<03045> [a cunning.]
even-tempered <08535> [a plain main.]
living <03427> [dwelling.]
fresh game <06718 06310> [he did eat of his venison. Heb. venison was in his mouth.]
Rebekah <07259> [Rebekah.]
famished <05889> [A.M. 2199. B.C. 1805. and he.]
red ..... red <0122 04480> [with that same red pottage. Heb. with that red, with that red pottage.]
This, we are informed, (ver. 34,) was of lentiles, a sort of pulse.
Edom <0123> [Edom. i.e., red.]
about ... die <04191 01980> [at the point to die. Heb. going to die. and what.]
birthright <01062> [birthright.]
Swear ......... swore <07650> [Swear.]
sold <04376> [and he sold.]
ate <0398> [eat.]
Esau .................. Esau <06215> [thus Esau.]
earlier <07223> [A.M. 2200. B.C. 1804. the first.]
Isaac <03327> [And Isaac.]
Abimelech <040> [Abimelech.]
appeared <07200> [appeared.]
settle <07931> [dwell.]
Stay <01481> [Sojourn.]
bless <01288> [I will be.]
descendants <02233> [unto thee.]
solemn <07621> [oath.]
multiply <07235> [multiply.]
descendants .................. them ....... nations ................ descendants <02233 01471> [seed shall.]
Gerar <01642> [Gerar.]
sister <0269> [She is my sister.]
very beautiful <02896> [fair.]
window <02474> [a window.]
caressing <06711> [sporting.]
touches <05060> [toucheth.]
planted <02232> [sowed.]
The author of the "History of the Piratical States of Barbary" observes, (p. 44,) that the Moors of that country are divided into tribes like the Arabians, and like them dwell in tents, formed into itinerant villages; that "these wanderers farm lands of the inhabitants of the towns, sow and cultivate them, paying their rent with the produce, such as fruits, corn, wax, etc. They are very skilful in choosing the most advantageous soils for every season, and very careful to avoid the Turkish troops, the violence of the one little suiting the simplicity of the other." It is natural to suppose, that Isaac possessed the like sagacity, when he sowed in the land of Gerar, and received that year an hundred-fold.
reaped <04672> [received. Heb. found. an hundredfold.]
blessed <01288> [blessed.]
man ... wealthy ... influence .... grow ...... prominent <0376 01431> [And the man waxed great.]
Dr. Adam Clarke remarks, that there is a strange and observable occurrence of the same term in the original, which is literally, "And the man was GREAT, and he went, going on, and was GREAT, until that he was exceeding GREAT." How simple is this language, and yet how forcible!
wealthy ...... grow ...... prominent <01431> [waxed great.]
continued <01980 03212> [went forward. Heb. went going.]
sheep ... cattle <04735> [had possession.]
household <05657> [servants. or, husbandry. envied.]
father's ........... father <01> [his father's.]
<05640> [had stopped.]
In those countries, a well of water was a great acquisition; and hence, this mode of injuring new settlers, or revenging themselves on their enemies, is still resorted to among the inhabitants.
<03212> [Go.]
Dr. A. Clarke observes, that this is the first instance on record of what was termed among the Greeks, ostracism, i.e., the banishment of person from the state, of whose power, influence, or riches, the people were jealous.
much more powerful <06105> [mightier.]
days <03117> [in the days.]
Houbigant contends, that instead of {bimey,} "in the days," we should read, {avdey,} "servants;" agreeably to the Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate: "And Isaac digged again the wells of water which the servants of Abraham his father had digged."
gave .......... given <07121> [and he.]
fresh flowing water <04325 02416> [springing water. Heb. living.]
quarreled <07378> [did strive.]
Esek <06230> [Esek. i.e., Contention.]
Sitnah <07856> [Sitnah. i.e., Hatred.]
dug <02658> [digged.]
The wells in Arabia are generally dug in the rock: their mouths are about six feet in diameter, and they are from nineteen to twenty feet in depth. But Niebuhr informs us, that many wells are from 160 to 170 feet deep.
Rehoboth <07344> [Rehoboth. i.e., Room. the Lord.]
made ........ prosper <06509> [be fruitful.]
Beer Sheba <0884> [Beer-sheba.]
God <0430> [I am the.]
afraid <03372> [fear.]
built <01129> [builded.]
worshiped <07121> [called.]
Abimelech <040> [Abimelech.]
Phicol <06369> [Phichol.]
Phichol, as well as Abimelech, "father king," seems to have been a name of office or dignity among the Philistines; for it is not probable that they were the same as are mentioned in the days of Abraham (ch. 21:22, 32.)
hate <08130> [seeing.]
sent <07971> [sent me.]
plainly see <07200> [We saw certainly. Heb. Seeing we saw. was with.]
pact <0423> [Let there.]
do ............... treated <06213> [That thou wilt. Heb. If thou shalt, etc. not.]
blessed <01288> [the blessed.]
Early <07925> [betimes.]
made a treaty <07650> [sware.]
found <04672> [We have.]
Shibah <07656> [Shebah. i.e., an oath. therefore.]
Beer Sheba <0884> [Beer-sheba. i.e., the well of the oath.]
This may have been the same city which was called Beer-sheba a hundred years before this, in the time of Abraham; but as the well, from which it had its name originally, was closed up by the Philistines, the name of the place might have been abolished with the well; when, therefore, Isaac re-opened it, he restored the ancient name of the place.
Esau <06215> [A.M. 2208. B.C. 1796. And Esau.]
daughter ........... daughter <01323> [the daughter.]
Basemath <01315> [Bashemath.]
anxiety <04786> [Which.]
anxiety <07307 04786> [grief of mind. Heb. bitterness of spirit.]
[A.M. 2244. B.C. 1760.]
almost <03543> [dim.]
older son ........ son <01121 01419> [eldest son.]
could ..... time <03045 03117> [I know not.]
take ... weapons <05375 03627> [take, I.]
hunt <06679 06718> [take me. Heb. hunt.]
eat <0398> [that I may eat.]
The blessing, says Dr. A. Clarke, which Isaac was to confer on his son, was a species of divine right, and must be communicated with appropriate ceremonies. As eating and drinking were used among the Asiatics on almost all religious occasions, and especially in making and confirming covenants, it is reasonable to suppose, that something of this kind was essentially necessary on this occasion; and that Isaac could not convey the right, till he had eaten of the meat provided for the purpose by him who was to receive the blessing.
<05315> [that my.]
presence .... Lord before <06440 03068> [before the.]
two <08147> [two.]
tasty <04303> [savoury.]
{Matammim,} from {taam,} to taste or relish: how dressed is uncertain, but its name declares it nature.
hairy man ............ skin <0376 08163> [hairy man.]
touch <04959> [feel.]
mocking <08591> [a deceiver.]
think ....... bring <05869 0935> [and I shall.]
curse <07045> [Upon.]
mother <0517> [mother.]
best clothes <02532 0899> [goodly raiment. Heb. desirable.]
The Septuagint translates it "a goodly robe," which was a long garment that great men used to wear, (Lu 20:46; 15:22.) The priest afterwards in the law had "holy garments" to minister in, (Ex 28:2-4.) Whether the first-born before the law had such to minister in is not certain: for, had they been common garments, why did not Esau himself or his wives keep them? But being, in likelihood, holy robes, received from their ancestors, the mother of the family kept them in sweet chests, from moths and the like; whereupon it is said, (ver. 27,) "Isaac smelled the smell of his garments."
skins <05785> [skins.]
Travellers inform us, that the Eastern goats have long, fine, and beautiful hair, of the most delicate silky softness; indeed the animals generally in those hot countries are not covered with so thick a coat of hair as they are in more northerly regions; so that Isaac might easily be deceived, when his eyes were dim, and his feeling no less impaired than his sight.
Esau <06215> [I am.]
me <05315> [that thy.]
Lord <03068> [Because.]
<06440> [to me. Heb. before me.]
Come closer <05066> [Come.]
touch <04184> [may feel.]
voice <06963> [The voice.]
How wonderful, says Mr. Scott, is that difference which there is betwixt the faces and the voices of the several individuals of the human species! Scarcely any two of the innumerable millions are exactly alike in either, and yet the difference cannot be defined or described! The power, wisdom, and kindness of our Creator should be admired and adored in this remarkable circumstance; for they are very visible. This description of Jacob is not unaptly accommodated to the character of a hypocrite: his voice, his language, is that of a Christian; his hands, or conduct, that of an ungodly man: but the judgment will proceed from God, the Judge of all, at the last day, as in the present case, not by the voice, but by the hands.
hands ........ hands <03027> [his hands.]
blessed <01288> [he blessed.]
[I am.]
<05315> [that my.]
blessed ................... blessed <01288> [blessed.]
scent ............ smells .... scent .... open field <07381 07704> [the smell of a field.]
A field where aromatic plants, flowers, fruits, and spices grew in abundance, with which these garments (see ver. 15) of Esau might probably have been perfumed by being laid up with them.
Lord <03068> [which.]
dew <02919> [of the dew.]
<04924> [the fatness.]
plenty <07230> [plenty.]
nations <05971> [Let people.]
will be lord <01376 01933> [be lord.]
curse .... cursed <0779> [cursed.]
eat <0398> [eat.]
shake violently <02729 01419 03966> [trembled very exceedingly. Heb trembled with a great trembling greatly.]
hunted <06679> [taken. Heb. hunted. thou camest.]
blessed ....... blessed <01288> [yea.]
wailed <06817> [he cried.]
Jacob <03290> [Jacob. i.e., a supplanter.]
took away ......... taken away <03947> [he took.]
made <07760> [I have.]
grain <01715> [with.]
provided <05564> [sustained. or, supported.]
home <04186> [Behold.]
<04924> [the fatness. or, of the fatness.]
It is here foretold, says Bp. Newton, that as to temporal advantages, the two brothers should be much alike. (See ver. 28.) Esau had cattle, beasts, and substance in abundance, and he went to dwell in Mount Seir of his own accord. When the Israelites desired leave to pass through the territories of Edom, the country abounded with fruitful fields and vineyards. (Nu 20:17.)
sword <02719> [thy sword.]
serve <05647> [serve.]
tear off <06561> [that thou.]
hated <07852> [hated.]
time <03117> [The days.]
kill <02026> [then.]
planning ...... killing <05162 02026> [comfort himself.]
do what ... say <08085> [obey.]
Haran <02771> [Haran.]
subsides <03117 0259> [a few days.]
send <07971> [then I.]
Why <04100> [why.]
deeply <06973> [I am.]
<06440> [because.]
Jacob <03290> [if Jacob.]
