_A.M. 2200. B.C. 1804._ Here we have, (1,) _ Isaac in adversity, by reason of a famine in the land; which obliges him to change his quarters, 1. But God visits him with direction and comfort, Genesis 26:2. He denies his wife, and is reproved for it by Abimelech, Genesis 26:6._ (2,) Isaac in prospe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go not down into Egypt_ Whither, it is likely, Isaac had intended to go, it being a very fruitful country, and he being encouraged to go thither by his father's example, on a similar occasion. No doubt God had wise reasons for prohibiting his going; but as he has not been pleased to acquaint us wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will make thy seed to multiply_ Here we find a renewal to Isaac of all God's promises made to Abraham; and the great fundamental mysterious promise is renewed exactly in the same words in which it had been given to Abraham. When God said to Abraham, _In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth... [ Continue Reading ]
_My voice, my charge, my commandments_ This variety of expression seems to be designed to show the universality and exactness of Abraham's obedience, that he readily complied with every intimation of the divine will. He obeyed the original laws of nature, the revealed laws of divine worship, particu... [ Continue Reading ]
_She is my sister_ So Isaac enters into the same temptation that his father had been once and again surprised and overcome by, namely, to deny his wife, and to give out that she was his sister! It is an unaccountable thing, that both these great and good men should be guilty of so odd a piece of dis... [ Continue Reading ]
This Abimelech was not the same that was in Abraham's days, (chapter 20.,) for this was near a hundred years after; but that was the common name of the Philistine kings, as Cesar of the Roman emperors.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lightly_ Here, means _perhaps._ The heathen considered fornication either as no sin, or a very little one; but they had a different idea of adultery, considering it as heinous. Therefore, with a reference to it, Abimelech says, _Thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us_ Probably it might be f... [ Continue Reading ]
_Isaac sowed in that land_ Either in grounds which he had hired of the right owners, or in some which lay neglected, and therefore were free to the first occupier. That this should be the case, in that age of the world, is not strange, considering how few the inhabitants, even of Canaan, then were,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go from us: for thou art much mightier than we_ It seems Isaac's increasing riches and power caused envy, jealousy, and fear among Abimelech's subjects, and he was afraid that unpleasant consequences might follow should Isaac continue in that neighbourhood. Genesis 26:20. _Esek_ means _contention;... [ Continue Reading ]
_He digged a well, and for that they strove not_ Those that follow peace, sooner or later shall find peace. Those that study to be quiet, seldom fail of being so. This well they called Rehoboth, _enlargement_, room enough.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fear not, I am with thee, and will bless thee_ Those may remove with comfort that are sure of God's presence with them wherever they go.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord is with thee_, and _thou art the blessed of the Lord_ As if he had said, Be persuaded to overlook the injuries offered thee, for God has abundantly made up to thee the damage thou receivedst. Those whom God blesses and favours have reason enough to forgive those that hate them, since the w... [ Continue Reading ]
_He took to wife_ Contrary to the command of his father, mother, and grandfather, he marries Canaanites, who were strangers to the blessing of Abraham, and subject to the curse of Noah.... [ Continue Reading ]