Genesis 24:1--26:35
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.]
Genesis 9:10
Exodus 19:18-19
Mount Sinai ............................... mountain <05514 02022> [mount Sinai.]
[See on ver.]
fire <0784> [in fire.]
smoke ...... smoke <06227> [as the smoke.]
Mount ................................ mountain <02022> [whole.]
sound ................... voice <06963> [And when.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
God <0430> [God.]
Exodus 20:18-19
people ........................ people <05971> [And all.]
trembled <05128> [they removed.]
speak ....... listen ....... speak <01696 08085> [Speak thou.]
God <0430> [let not.]
Exodus 24:11
leaders <0678> [nobles.]
hand ........ so <07971 03027> [laid not.]
saw <02372> [they saw.]
ate <0398> [did eat.]
Exodus 33:20
cannot see ........ see <03201 07200> [Thou canst not.]
This is well explained by Rabbi Jehudah, in Sepher Cosri, (P. iv. 3.) "Of that divine glory mentioned in the Scripture, there is one degree which the eyes of the prophets were able to explore; another which all the Israelites saw, as the cloud and consuming fire; the third is so bright, and so dazzling, that no mortal is able to comprehend it; but should anyone venture to look on it, his whole frame would be dissolved." In such inconceivable splendour is the Divine Majesty revealed to the inhabitants of the celestial world, where he is said to "dwell in the light which no man can approach unto." (1 Ti 6:16.) By the "face of God," therefore, we are to understand that light inaccessible before which angels may stand, but which would be so insufferable to mortal eyes, that no man could see it and live.
