CONTENTS The private history of an event in the family of Abram forms the contents of this Chapter. But as no scripture is of private interpretation, it is probable, that the Holy Ghost thought proper to introduce it to the knowledge of the Church, in order to manifest that the explanation of it is... [ Continue Reading ]
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. Observe what Sarai saith, that this restraint was of the Lord's appointment; and yet though she h... [ Continue Reading ]
And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. For a proof that this was sinful. See Matthew 19:3... [ Continue Reading ]
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. I pause here to remark, that this is the first account we meet with in the Bible of the ministry of an Angel. Reader! Observe how kind his ministry. And then call to mind how very precio... [ Continue Reading ]
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. Reader! I entreat you to remark with me, the peculiarity of the expression. The angel doth not promise in another's name, as would certainly have been the case had he been a c... [ Continue Reading ]
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. The name Ishmael signifies, God will hear. Psa_10:17; Psa_31:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. The Hebrew reads, "a wild-ass man." Unrenewed nature is always thus. Job 11:12. See this promise concerning Ishmael fulfilled. Genesis 25:18. The... [ Continue Reading ]
And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? It is but just to set up tokens of praise, where God hath set up banners of love. Reader! pray pause over this verse. Then remember, that the same eye which loo... [ Continue Reading ]
Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. This name means 'The Well of Him that lives and looketh on.'... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS. What awful effects have been in all ages reduced by unlawful connections! See, how this illicit marriage, in defiance of the divine law, involved all the parties concerned in it in trouble! The unhallowed attempt to hasten the accomplishment of God's promise, in opposition to God's way... [ Continue Reading ]