CONTENTS This Chapter relates some very extraordinary events, which occurred in the Patriarch Jacob's journey towards Canaan, after his separation from Laban. He is first met by an host of angels. He then sends messengers to his brother Esau, who dwelt in Seir, to enquire after his welfare, and to... [ Continue Reading ]
Mahanaim, signifies two bands, or camps. See Song of Solomon 6:13; Hebrews 1:14; Psalms 34:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
Seir was not in the very road to Canaan, but near it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe the humbleness of Jacob's mind. He calls his brother Lord; though by the father's blessing of the birth-right given to him, he had the right of inheritance. See Genesis 27:29. Reader! of such humbleness of soul are all the spiritual seed of Jacob.... [ Continue Reading ]
Probably he makes mention of his worldly substance, by way of showing his brother that he needed nothing from him but his love and good-will.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, no sooner is Jacob delivered from distress, by reason of Laban, but he falls into a similar, or greater trouble, from the fear of Esau. Reader! the world is full of Labans and Esaus, in the experience of the faithful followers of the Lamb. Jeremiah 30:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, the refuge of the saints! Where shall a child in his distress go, but to his father? And where shall the exercised believer flee, but to his God in Christ?... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews I am less than all thy mercies:, etc. Observe the sweet order of the Patriarch's prayer. First, he calls upon God, as his Covenant God, engaged to him by word, and oath, and promises. Genesis 17:1. Secondly. He reminds God, that where he now is, in the troubles with which he is surrounded, h... [ Continue Reading ]
Proverbs 21:14 Jabbok, the boundary of the coast of the Ammonites. Joshua 12:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! do you know what it is to be left alone to enjoy communion with God in Christ? Have you sent away all earthly concerns, and all natural connections, how near and dear soever they may be, in order to feel the full influence of gracious impressions. Who this angel was, may easily be known from... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! observe the continual conflicts of the faithful. While dreading the coming of his brother, and not as a friend, the Lord himself comes forth to meet him, and seemingly as an enemy. And while poor Jacob is stirring up himself to lay hold on God for help, the Lord lays hold on him, with seemin... [ Continue Reading ]
See! how the Lord is even detained by the fervent cries of his children. Song of Solomon 7:5; Song of Solomon 7:5. See also how vigorous are the actings of faith, when God's grace supports that faith. Song of Solomon 3:4; Isaiah 27:5. And is not this a beautiful example of what Job prayed for? Job 2... [ Continue Reading ]
No more Jacob, which signifies a supplanter; but Israel, which means a Prince. And do not all the spiritual seed of Jacob change their name when their nature is renewed? Isaiah 62:4; Revelation 3:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
Judges 13:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
The disjointed thigh testified what the Lord could have done. Sweet is it to have divine strength perfected in human weakness. What was Paul's experience but this, when carrying about with him in his body, the dying of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:17. Reader! observe it is always sunshine in the soul... [ Continue Reading ]
Peniel means the face of God... [ Continue Reading ]
Perhaps this custom was piously observed by the Israelites, in order to keep alive the remembrance how prevailing fervent prayer is, as manifested in this instance of their Great Ancestor. REFLECTIONS Reader! I charge you not to close your review of this lovely chapter, which under God's teachings... [ Continue Reading ]