CONTENTS In the opening of this Chapter, Jacob's history seems to brighten in the renewal of divine visits to him. But, in the progress of the Chapter, we have the sad news of death in his family. Such is the mixed state of the happiest pilgrimage. The Patriarch by the LORD'S direction, removes from... [ Continue Reading ]
And! think it more than probable also, that the LORD in tender mercy, had visited the Patriarch with afflictions to call his vows to remembrance. Revelation 3:19. It should seem by this address of Jacob to his household that he considered his visitations in this light: Isaiah 1:16. How sweetly the a... [ Continue Reading ]
Psalms 66:13. How charming is the like in Ephraim! Hosea 14:8. How amiable in the Prodigal! Luke 15:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
When grace works, how it works! Luke 19:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
What can be more gratifying, than to see how the LORD provides for his people, even in the very hearts of their enemies. What a cluster of scriptures might be gathered in proof of it; see Malachi 3:11; Isaiah 54:14; Deuteronomy 7:10; Exodus 34:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luz, see Genesis 28:19... [ Continue Reading ]
El-beth-el, that is the GOD of Bethel. Reader! precious are the Bethels; the house of GOD, and the ordinances of GOD'S home. But how infinitely more precious the GOD of his house. See! that when you attend the house of GOD, your heart is waiting for the gracious visits of GOD in his house. Let you a... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 24:59. Faithful, long-tried servants are humble friends, and should be treated with affection and tenderness. Jacob's example here is worthy imitation. Colossians 4:1. Allon-bachuth, that is, the Oak of Weeping. This shows that a grateful tribute was paid to Deborah's memory.... [ Continue Reading ]
How sweet, how very sweet, are the renewals of divine mercy. Reader! shall I say, I hope you know them. And if so, you will know how to prize them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 32:28 Glorious name! El Shaddai, GOD All-mighty, GOD All-sufficient. As much as to say, I am able to fulfil all my promises. See what they are, Genesis 17:1. Confirmed to Jacob personally; Genesis 28:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
Divine communions cannot be uninterrupted while we live in vessels of clay. But, Reader, those souls who know what it is to enjoy them, know also, what it is to pine after their renewals. Do.you know both? Luke 24:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
Every renewed token of JESUS' love, ought to beget in our hearts renewed thankfulness. If a gracious GOD at any time fulfils a promise, every gracious child would desire to act faith upon his faithfulness.... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 5:3 See, the effects of a fallen state! Genesis 3:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
See how little we consult our own happiness, when we presume to dictate to GOD. Compare Genesis 30:1, with this verse. Benoni, is the son of my sorrow. Benjamin means the son of my right hand. Jacob no doubt by the change of the name, meant to place this child near his heart, as a particular token t... [ Continue Reading ]
This monument was long after preserved. See 1 Samuel 10:2. Reader! do not pass over the review of Rachel's death, without again remarking the trials of the faithful. Genesis 47:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
Still you see journeying. Hebrews 11:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
More grief for Jacob. 1 Corinthians 5:1; Genesis 49:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
The HOLY GHOST is pleased to give a record of Jacob's sons. This is the first enumeration in the Bible of them. Perhaps inserted here, that as the church is formed out of them, the record might be noticed. Rev_7:4-8; Rev_21:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is probable that Jacob visited his father often, though it be only mentioned in this place.... [ Continue Reading ]
From the age of Isaac at his death, it appears that he did not die at that time, for he must, by his age, have lived after Joseph's being sold into Egypt. But perhaps it is inserted here, by way of finishing that Patriarch's history.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is good to see that Esau and Jacob's love continued. Death indeed in a family, may well induce affection in the survivors. It is awful to see relations, sometimes for a little property, fighting over the graves of their friends, while they themselves are falling after them. Genesis 27:41.Genesis... [ Continue Reading ]