vi. 1 Kings, xxii. 34. ¶ Judg. xiii. xl. ¶ 1. v. The face of God. ¶ Chap. xxv. vi. 1. Exud. xxx. 17. &xxxii. xxv. Decr. v. 14. Judg. xv. 14. &xv. 24. He. vi. 5. 21. So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. 22. And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven sons, and a passed over the Lord Jabbok. 23. And he took them, and went them over the brook, and sent over that he had. 24. ¶ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him, until the breaking of the day. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh: and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh: And he said, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28. And he said, 'Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name: And he said, 'Wherefore is it, that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.' 30. And Jacob called the name of the place + Peniel: for 'I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31. And as he passed over Penuel, the son rose upon him, and he halved upon his thigh. 32. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh, in the sinew that shrank. Vol. I. Having dismissed his servants, he next takes care to remove his family and children over the brook, Jacob chafing to spend that night alone with God in prayer and supplication. Note, Whilst we are using means, we must be looking up to God for a blessing, on them. We have heresqum a very singular occurrence. 1. A man wrestled with him. A man in form, but more than man in nature; even the great God-man, the angel of the covenant. Jacob now had a fine conflict to sustain, which extorted from him strong crying and tears; for whilst he struggled he wept, and made supplications to the angel. Note, They who would prevail in temptation, must first wrestle in prayer with God. 2. Jacob's perseverance. He who wrestled with him upheld his strength, and but opposed to make his victory more glorious. Note, If God exercise us with fine conflict, we may have confidence in him, that as our day is, our strength shall be. 3. The angel's touch disjointing his thigh. Probably without pain, yet incapacitating him for corporal struggle; however not inducing him to quit his hold, or give up the contest. Note, When we are weak, then are we strong: the deepest sense of our own insufficiency gives our faith more hold of Christ, and determined trust in him. 4. The angel's request to be gone, because the day breaks. He who had disjointed his thigh, might have disjointed his arms too; but he seeks not to prevail, but to exercise Jacob's faith and constancy. His family calls, business approaches; and these usually oblige us to leave the closet of prayer for the employments of our profession. But, 5. He will not let him go without a blessing. He knew with whom he had to do, and resolves, though he was flaln, to trust in him, and by a holy impertunity extends his benediction. Note, Christ loves impertunate fervent prayer. 6. His prayer is granted, and, in token of it, his name is changed into Israel, a Prince with God. Note, (1.) Perseverance will certainly be crowned with victory. (2.) Let every Israelite indeed shew by his prayers his relation to the patriarch. 7. Jacob having answered to his own name, would know his antagonist's in return; but this is denied him. It would answer no end. We must not be curious, but content with what God hath revealed. If we have the angel's blessing, we need not ask his name. 8. In grateful acknowledgment of the mercy shewn him, the place is called Peniel. They who have received most from God, will never value themselves on their own prayers or piety, but wonder at God's pity and condescension to them. 9. On parting at sun-rising he finds his halting. In the heat of contest the hurt is less felt. But it is an honourable fear, and well repaid, by the constant remembrance of the mercy, the inconvenience it occasioned. Note, It were happy for Christians, if the rising sun found them not on beds of sun, but rising from the place of prayer. 10. The custom observed by authority, to continue the memory of God's goodness to their father Jacob. Note, Children's children should look back upon their father's mercies as their own. 23. Ohad. xxvi. 19, 20. &I don't wit. 6g. &Kings vii. 10. Before Christ about 1733. Sighted. Note, The day is near, when they who make light of God's covenant, shall seek in vain for the promise of it. 2. Isaac's steadiness. Though struck at first with amazes, and trembling with surprise, he is convinced it was God's determination, and he confirms it, v. 33. No place was found for repentance, though Esau fought it diligently with tears, Heb. xii. 17. Note, God is in one mind, and none can turn him back: his favour to his elect, and his wrath towards the reprobate, abideth for ever. 3. Esau's reproaches of Jacob. Instead of repenting of his own sin, he abuses his brother for a supplantor. With such a temper, no wonder his intreaties are vain, and his prayers are jected. Note, It is too late when sentence is passed, to cry for pity or pardon. 4. His importunity for a blessing also. Though he may not have the best, he may have some. Note, Many are desirous of happiness, who never take the way which leads to it. 5. Isaac yields to his request. He believes upon him a good God, a plentiful dwelling; confirms his subsistence to his brother, with the hope however, in time, of shaking off his sake: all which, we shall see fulfilled in their season. Note, There are common blessings, which are shared by evil and good; and many times the evil are most favoured with them: but all without Christ, are scarce a crumb call to a dog. v Obed. 2. v Chap. xi. 31. v Chap. xxii. 2. &xxviii. 41. ¶ And Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand, ¶ then will I stay my brother Jacob. 42. And these words of Esau her elder son, were told to Rebekah: And she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purifying to kill thee. 43. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: and arise, see thou to Laban my brother to a Haran. 44. And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's tarry turn away. 45. Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send and fetch thee from thence. Why should I be deprived also of you both in one day? 46. And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life, because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? 1. The natural effects of disappointed pride appear in Esau's hatred and revenge. Though both to grieve his aged father, he comforts himself he hath not long to wait, and then Jacob shall pay dearly for his cunning. Note, (1.) He is not the last reprobate son, who is pleased with the hopes of their father's death. (2.) They who think to defeat God's purposes, take counsel in vain. (3.) If God blesses, no wonder the wicked curse. (4.) Marvel not, if brother rise up against brother, when religion is concerned: it was so from the beginning. 2. Rebekah resolves to disappoint his purposes. She admonishes Jacob of his danger, and admits him to give way by yielding and absence. Note, Distance of time and place wear off, or weaken the impressions of resentment. She justly fears lest she should be deprived of both sons at once, by the murder of one and the execution of the other. The thought of a son a murderer, must needs be shocking to every person. 3. She conceals from Isaac, Esau's purpose; but finds a very urgent reason for his comfort to her design, by pleading the danger of Jacob's marrying a Canaanite, and that such a step would make her life miserable. Note, (1.) Parents are greatly interested in the settlement of their children. (2.) Where one child hath settled wrong, they should be twice careful of those which remain. In this chapter we have, 1. Isaac in advertiere, by reason of a famine in the land, which, (1.) obliges him to change his quarters, ver. 1. But, (2.) God writes him with direction and comfort, ver. 2—5. (2.) He faithfully denies his wife, being in distress, and is repressed for it by Abimelech, ver. 6—11. 2. Isaac in prosperity by the blessing of God upon him, ver. 12—14. And, 1. The Philistines were anxious at him, ver. 14—17. 2. He continued industrious in his business, ver. 18—23. 3. God appeared to him, and encouraged him, and he returned his duty to God, ver. 24, 25. 4. The Philistines at length made court to him, and made a covenant with him, ver. 26—33. 5. The disagreeable marriage of his son Esau, was an assay to the comfort of his prosperity, ver. 34, 35. 1. AND there was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines, unto Gerar. 2. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt: dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of. 3. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee: for unto thee, and unto thy seed I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father. 4. And I will make thy seed to multiply at the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries: and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: 5. Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. We have here. 1. A famine which obliges Isaac to remove from Canaan into the land of the Philistines. He must, like his father before him, learn to suffer, ere he receive the promise. 2. God's appearing to him. He forbids his journey to Egypt, and commands his stay at Gerar. Note, We are always right, when given up to the divine guidance. 3. The promise made him. As Abraham's son, he is his successor in the covenant; it was entailed upon him, and God confirms it to him, for Abraham's sake. Note, (1.) They who have God's favour, need not fear famine, nor any thing else. (2.) Though grace runs not in the blood, it often, through divine mercy, descends in the family. Happy that house! 6. ¶ And Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 7. And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my father: for he feared to say, she is my wife; left, God be the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she was fair to look upon. Isaac seems to have inherited not only Abraham's blefings, but his fins too. Like his father, he diffembles in the same words, and for the same reason. Note, (1.) Great men and good men have their infirmities; none are exempted. (2.) Fear is one of the most dangerous passions which faran works upon. (3.) To have got over the fear of death, is to be a great way towards heaven. 8. And it came to pafs when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. 9. And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a fussy fire in thy wife: and how said thou, She is my fitter? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, left I die for her. 10. And Abimelech said, What is this thou hath done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldst have brought guiltstois upon us. 11. And Abimelech charged all his people, laying, He that toucheth this man or his wife, shall surely be put to death. His dissimulation is discovered, and rebuked by Abimelech. He is seen using some freedoms, which, however innocent in a husband, had been evil in a brother; and with reason he is reproached with the danger to which he exposed his wife, and the fin to which he might have tempted his hospitable friends. Note, (1.) To be found a dissembler, is to be a scandal to our profession. (2.) When we lay flares in the way of the innocent, their fins will light upon our heads. 12. Then Isaac fowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundred-fold, and the LORD bleffed him. 13. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great. 14. For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of § servants. And the Philistines envied him. 15. For all the wells which his fathers servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had flopped them, and filled them with earth. 16. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. 17. ¶ And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. 18. And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had flopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. 19. And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of (priming) water. 20. And the herdmen of Gerar did thrive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well. 21. And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it § Sinsah. 22. And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. 23. And he went up from thence to Beer-theba. 24. And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy feed, for my servant Abraham's sake. 25. And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well. Isaac, under God's blefing, in the land of his sojourning, still abounds. Whilst they are under famine, his land produces an hundred fold, his servants increase, his cattle multiply. This produces, 1. The envy of the Philistines. They could not look on him, but with an evil eye. Note. It is the tribute which merit pays, to be envied. 2. Their ill usage and expulsion of him: for what can stand before envy? They should rather have shared his blefings, by looking to his God; but led by their wicked hearts, they flopped the wells Abraham had digged. Note, The envious man will put himself to expence and trouble, rather than not gratify his ill will. Still unable to bear him, they at last defied him to be gone. 3. He confents, and quietly removes farther off, v. 17. Note, It is wise rather to yield for peace sake, than quarrel. 4. His care to find other wells. He opens old ones, and digs Vol. I. new. Note, In searching for the waters of truth, we may use the labours of those who digged before us; and add our diligence still to improve upon them. 5. The Philistines followed him with disputes from well to well, whilst he quietly recedes from his right, and retires farther. At last, he finds another well, and there they left him in peaceable possession, and he calls it Rehoboth, in token of the enlargement he enjoyed there. Note, They who follow peace, will find it at last: it preserve men with strive with them in this world, at least they will find Rehoboth, a place of enlargements, and peace in heaven. 6. God's appearing to him, with encouraging promise, v. 24. Note, The season of most comfort with God, is usually when we are most left with the perversion of men. 7. His grateful acknowledgment. He built an altar, and perpetuated thus in his family the good ways of his father Abraham. Such is the gracious effect of bringing up a fin on the way he should go. 26. ¶ Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar; and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and a Phichol the chief captain of his army. 27. And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? 28. And they said, We certainly saw that the LORD was with thee: and we said, let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; 29. ¶ That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the bleffed of the LORD. 30. And he made them a fealt, and they did eat and drink. 31. And they rose up betimes in the morning, and fware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32. And it came to pafs the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water. 33. And he called it Sheba: therefore the name of the city is Beer-theba unto this day. They who had sent him away through envy, are now come to court his friendship. We have here. 1. Isaac's questioning the purpose of their visit. From the injuries he had received, he had need be on his guard. Note, Though we must love our enemies, we must watch against their devices. 2. Their business: To invite him to reconciliation, and to a solemn league between them. They profess sincerity, acknowledge their conviction of God's favour to him, and therefore fails would make him their friend. Note, When the offending party seeks reconciliation, we should be ever ready to grant it. 3. Isaac confents, entertains them generously, confirms the league by oath, and they part in peace. Note, We must not insist upon pafs all usage, when there is a prospect of present peace, but gladly embrace the favourable motion. 4. That day, a new and copious well is found, so that all he parted with, is amply made up to him. Those who for peace take, or the truth's take, lose a little, find perhaps at the end of the year, that they are gainers by the increase which God's blefing hath brought. 34. ¶ And * Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bathemath the daughter of Esau the Hittite: 35. Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. 35. Esau's profaneness appeared before, but it is aggravated here. He takes two wives at once, both had ones, and of a different religion; not only without the consent, but to the great grief of his parents. Note, (1.) In chusing a wife, it is a principal concern that we agree in religious opinions. (2.) That it be done with consent of parents. We have here, 1. Isaac's purpose to entail the blefing upon Esau, ver. 1—4. 2. Rebekah's plea to procure it for Jacob, ver. 6—17. 3. Jacob's forceful management of the plea, and his obtaining of the blefing, ver. 18—29. 4. Esau's requirement of this: In which, 1. His great impersonity with his father to obtain a blefing, ver. 30—40. 2. His great enmity to his brother for defrauding him of the first blefing, ver. 41—40. 1. AND it came to pafs that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: Baton Chord Heb. Naut. son: And he said unto him, Behold, here am I. 2. And he said, Behold, now I am old, I know not the day of my death. 3. Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver, and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take + some venison; 4. And make me favour meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may blefs thee before I die. Infirmities of age were come upon Isaac, and therefore, as his time was likely to be short, he rejoices, 1. To bellow on Esau, as first-born, the blessing of the promised land and seed; perhaps, not understanding the prophecy, or not attending to it through natural affection and the rights of primogeniture. Nate, Man proposes, but God disposes. 2. He communicates his resolution to Esau, who was still, it seems, his favourier, though he had displeased him by marriage, and bids him shew one instance of his affection in procuring him some venison, that he might eat and blefs him before he died. Nate, (1.) Though children marry imprudently, parents must not be inflexible in their resentments. (2.) When we grow old, it is time to think of dying. (3.) All worldly concerns should be dispatched before that time; it is enough then to do to die. 5. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son: And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6. ¶ And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, 7. Bring me venison, and make me favourry meat, that I may eat, and blefs thee before the LORD, before my death. 8. Now therefore my son, obey my voice, according to that which I command thee. 9. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them favourry meat for thy father, such as he loveth. 10. And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may blefs thee before his death. 11. And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 12. My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. 13. And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go and fetch me them. 14. And he went and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made favourry meat, such as his father loved. 15. And Rebekah took + goodly raiment of her eldest son Isaac, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son. 16. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck. 17. And she gave the favourry meat, and the bread which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. Heb. Debrable. Rebekah overhearing the conversation between Isaac and Esau, rejoices immediately to put Jacob in his place, a thing, in many respects, utterly unjustifiable. Had she pleaded with Isaac the Divine command, simplicity had probably prevailed, and Jacob, without a cheat, had got the blessing; but now she contrives the plot, and will have Jacob execute it. His objections she answers, makes herself liable to the curse, and as women's wits are sharp, fixes on a method which can hardly fail of success. To Isaac's aged taste, the favourry kid can easily pass for venison, and Esau's cheaths can transform the smooth Jacob, with the kids skins, into the hairy Esau. Nate, Those who would ever appear before God with acceptance, must come in the garments of the all-perfect right-muchness of Jesus their elder brother; and though they are known to be miserable sinners, they shall find the blessing, because complete in him. Heb. Before me. 18. ¶ And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? 19. And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first-born; I have done according as thou baked me: arise I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may blefs me. 20. And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me. 21. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou let my very son Esau, or not. 22. And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father, and he felt him; and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 23. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him. 24. And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? and he said, I am. 25. And he said, bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may blefs thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank. 26. And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. 27. And he came near and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field, which the LORD hath blessed. 28. Therefore a God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. 29. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee; he shed over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: curled he every one that curseth thee; and blessed he he that blesseth thee. We have here, 1. The deception put upon Isaac. Jacob appears, with assurance answers his father's enquiries, produces his venison, brings in God for his helper, removes the just suspicions of his voice by producing his hands, and thus, after repeated adversations, confirms his father in the identity of his person as Esau. Herein committing a very great sin, or rather a complication of sins, which however God over-tailed for good, is noted to his shame. Learn here, (1.) How soon lying is learnt. (2.) When we are entangled in one life, we are bound to forge many more, to support ourselves in it. (3.) The simple-hearted men in general have need to fear being overtaken by this sin. (4.) The voice that imposes upon Isaac, cannot impose upon God. The lying lips, and the prayer of the hypocrite, will soon be put to confession. 2. The blessing obtained by it. He kissed him in token of his regard, he blessed him as the favourites of the Lord, and solemnly puts him in perfusion of the government of his brethren and the neck of his enemies, and therein conveys to him the generation of the promised seed, and headship over the church. Nate, They who take wrong means, may obtain their ends, through God's over-ruling providence, but they will suffer, as Jacob said, for the indirect steps they have used. 30. ¶ And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31. And he also had made favourry meat, and brought it unto his father; and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may blefs me. 32. And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy first-born Esau. 33. And Isaac + trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who, where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camself, and have blessed him + yea, and he shall be blessed. 34. And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35. And he said, Thy brother came with subsidy, and hath taken away thy blessing. 36. And he said, "It not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me their two times: he took away my birth-right: and behold now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Halt thou not reserved a blessing for me? 37. And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, "Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants: and with corn and wine have I sustained him; and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? 38. And Esau said unto his father, Halt thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lift up his voice, and wept. 39. And Isaac his father answered, and said unto him, Behold, "thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. 40. And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother: and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. Esau, big with the expectance of the blessing, hastes to his father with the favourry meat: but how amused, how shocked, to find his hopes disappointed, and the benediction already bestowed! Observe, 1. His bitter sorrow. Nate, It is too late to grieve for the consequences of sin, when we have neglected to grieve for the cause of them. He sought importunately now the privilege he had slighted. Baton Chord Heb. ai. 10. We have laws, (1.) Jacob's parting with his parents to go to Padan-aram; the charge his father gave him, ver. 1, 2. The blessing he sent him away with, ver. 3, 4. His obedience to the orders given him, ver. 5—10. And the influence this had upon Esau, ver. 6. (2.) Jacob's meeting with God, and his communion with him by the war. And there, 1. His vision of the ladder, ver. 11, 12. 2. The gracious promises God made him, ver. 13, 14, 15. 3. The impression this made upon him, ver. 16—19. 4. The view he made to God upon this occasion, ver. 20, 21, 22. v Chap. xxii. 2. &Col. iii. 18. 3. v Chap. xxii. 4. v Chap. xxii. 5. v Chap. xxii. AND Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, 'Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 2. 'Arise, go to 'Padan-aram, to the house of 'Bethuel, thy mo- ther's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of 'Laban, thy mother's brother. 3. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people: 4. And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land, wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. 5. And Isaac sent away Jacob, and he went to Padan-aram, unto Laban son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother. Rebekah's advice, we find, prevailed on Isaac; and now Jacob is sent away into a distant land, scarce better than a servant, and repelling a lingering eagle. Also, Thoife who are God's people, must expect the cross with the crown, the suffering with the blessing. Observe, 1. The charge given him, v. 2, whether he should go, and for what purpose. Note, (1.) It is comfortable to have a godly friend's house, where we can find an abidam. 2. It is not duty not to be unusually joked with unbeliever. 3. Cor. vi. 4. 2. The blessing bestowed on him. Isaac now was convinced it was God's will it should be Jacob's, and therefore confirms the promise. Fruitfulness and numbers should enlarge his house, and Abraham's emphistical blessing, the Messiah, spring from him. Tho' now a distant eagle, the possession of Canaan is his own, and Esau's abode shall not admit his title. Note, Faith can trust more securely upon the promise, than any other tenure. 3. Jacob sets off without delay, without a servant, on foot, in halfe, more like a flight than a journey, and unknowing when he shall return. Behold, how God trains him up for greatness by humiliation, and teaches him to govern by his servitude; we find no murmuring at his lot. Note, If they who are reduced to the lowest ebb, have the promise of God with them, they have enough to entitle and comfort them. 6. ¶ When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padan-aram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him, he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 7. And that Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and was gone to Padan-aram, 8. And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father: 9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had, 'Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son,' the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. Esau began now to see his eath choice, and said would mend it by a match more to his father's mind. In order to which, he takes a daughter of Ishmael: and thus instead of mending the matter, he but more confirmed the exclusion of his seed, for the bond woman was solemnly cast out and rejected. Note, 1. They who have only an eye to abode men in what they do, will often meet with bitter disappointments. 2. They who rest on partial presentations, lie down but the more securely under the wrath of God. 3. It is too late to be wife, when the opportunity is lost. 10. ¶ And Jacob went out from Beer-beba, and went toward 'Haran. 11. And he lighted upon a certain place, and carried there all night, because the sun was set: and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13. And behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: and the land whereof thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed. 14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth; and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all place whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land: for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee. We have here Jacob on his journey to Syria, and a long walk he hath had; night approaching, he bethinks himself of a lodging. Observe, 1. He had a hard bed, and a cold pillow for weary bones to rest upon; but he had God's blessing and care over him, and then he can sleep in peace. 2. His dream made up for all the inconveniences of his lodging. Bethuel Christ about 1733. Sighted v Chap. xxii. 2. 3. Chap. xxii. 1. 4. Heb. An affirming of prayer. 5. Chap. xii. 6. 7. Heb. Of thy, by waring. 8. Chap. xxii. 9. ¶ Heb. May end in the year, &c. 1. Chap. xxxv. 1. caller-Rahmuth 2. Chap. xxv. 13. 1. Hs. xii. 2. 3. Acts xii. 2. v John i. 17. Sec. i. 18. 4. Chap. xxxv. 1. &xt. vii. 3. v Chap. xiii. 18. 5. Heb. Behold forth. 6. Deut. xii. xxv. 7. Chap. xii. 3. &xxviii. 18. &xxix. 18. &xxix. 4. &xxix. 11. Before Chill 1913. ing, v. 12, 13. He was without a guard, but angelic hoffs watched over him. Note, there are the mindsting (petits, who, though unseen, still minister to the heirs of salvation. He was without a friend, but God appeared for him, let down his ladder of grace, and opened to him the gate of heaven. Now, Christ is this ladder; no man cometh to the father, but by him. 3. God's promise. A confirmation, to him and his feed, of the covenant made to Abraham: and moreover an assurance of protection and provision whithersoever he went. Note, (1.) If God be our guardian, no danger can come nigh us. (2.) Whom he loves, he never leaves. This chapter gives us an account of God's providences concerning Jacob, pursuant to the premises made him in the foregoing chapter. 1. How he was brought in safety to his journey's end, and directed to his relations there, who had him welcome, ver. 1—14. 2. How he was comfortably disposed of in marriage, ver. 25—30. 3. How his family was built up in the birth of four sons, ver. 31, ad finem. Heb. Lib. 1. up his feet. note, 7. Children. Is there point to Him? THEN Jacob went on his journey, and 'came into the land of the people of the east. 2. And he looked, and behold, a well in the field, and he, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. 3. And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. 4. And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence do ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. 5. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. 6. And he said unto them, Is he well! And they said, He is well: and behold Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. 7. And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. 8. And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep. With renewed strength, after such a wife from God, Jacob proceeds on his journey, and arrives safe at Haran. We have here, his meeting and conversation with some shepherds at a well, to which providence had directed him; his friendly enquiries after Laban, and his advice to them concerning their business. Note, It is kind to assist others with our best advice, though unaffred. 9. And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them. 10. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother; that Jacob went near, and 'rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 11. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. 13. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sisters son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. 14. And Laban said to him, 'Surely thou art my bone and my flesh: and he abode with him the space of a month.' &c. 1. Or my couch is good. 1. AND Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you 'in the last days. 2. Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father. 3. ¶ Reuben, thou art 'my first-born, my might, and 'the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power. 4. Unitable as water, ' thou shalt not excel, because thou 'wenteth up to thy father's bed, then defiledit thou it; he went up to my couch. The dying patriarch assembles his sons, to inform them concerning their posterity. They come at his command, and he enjoins them solemn attention, as to matters in which they were highly intereled. Now, (1.) The words of dying parents should deeply affect their children, and be long remembered by them. (2.) Tho' we cannot prophesy with Jacob: we can from God's word, admonish men of what will be the final issue of their conduct in this world. They who do good, shall go into life everlasting; and they who do evil, into everlasting fire. Reuben, as first-born, is called; his birthright, his excellence, and superiority, are mentioned, but he is solemnly degraded into the lowest place: no judge, prince, or prophet springs from that tribe: his crime is remembered to his confusion, and his unifiable temper marked with indelible reproach. Now, Though fin may be forgiven of God, good acts of lewdness leave a brand that is never forgotten among men. We have here the first interview between Rachel and Jacob, and an affectionate interview it was. It began that connexion which was afterwards so centered: he kissed her, and wept for joy; whilst she, as pleased to welcome her relation, of whose good qualities by report probably she had heard, runs to her father Laban, and he with great kindness comes and invites him to his house. Note, (1.) There is often great impression made at the first interview between those whom God designs for each other. (2.) Our relations have a title to our kindness; they are unnatural indeed, that in their distress refuse them their assistance. 15. ¶ And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldst thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? 16. And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17. Leah was tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favoured. 18. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. 19. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. 20. And Jacob 'served seven years for Rachel: and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. 15—20. Jacob now enters heartily into Laban's service, and Laban, in return, desires to know the wages he should give him. Note, The labourer is worthy of his hire. On this, we have, 1. The bargain made. Rachel's beauty he was not insensible to, and now had time to know her full greater amuishness: this shall be the wages of his seven years service, Laban contents, and Jacob enters on his work. 2. The fulfilment of it, and with pleasure too. Though the time was long, and the service hard, yet love made the labour light; and if Rachel was his companion too, how agreeably must these hours steal away. Note, (1.) Virtuous love brings its own reward with it. (2.) Nothing is irksome whilst those we love are with us, or that is done for them. (3.) If for a mortal love we can be delighted even with this, how little should we count every burden which brings us to the enjoyment of the perfection of beauty, in the eternal union of our souls to God. 21. ¶ And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife (for my days are fulfilled) that I may go in unto her. 22. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him: and he went in unto her. 24. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah, Zilpah his maid, for an hand- Before Chill 1913. Heb. Yet the day is gent. Heb. Him. ng. 27. Joseph is now the servant of Potiphan, and a diligent servant he is. He was not pining under the servitude to which he was reduced, but diligently industrious in his station, conforming his mind to his circumstances. Learn, It is a blessed symptom of a gracious state, when reduced low, to be content and satisfied. Potiphan's house was a good school: whilst he learnt so obey as a servant, he learnt also to rule as a master. God was with him, and the evident blessing which attended him hastened that advancement, which his industry and fidelity deferred. And now, from a perchafed slave he becomes lord of all; and, for Joseph's sake, all things prospered in the Egyptian's house. Learn, (1.) If God be with us, it is well whereever we are. (2.) His blessing it is, which maketh rich; without it, we labour in vain, and spend our strength for rought. (3.) A godly, truly servant is an inestimable treasure; they who are wise, will know how to value and prefer them. About 1799. 7. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Let with me. 8. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand. 9. There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me, but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and s' sin against God? 10. And it came to pass as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand; and fled, and got him out. Joseph was handsome, and that is his share. Note, Beauty, though so highly valued, is oftentimes a dangerous gift, and brings us into many difficulties, which otherwise we might have escaped. 1. Potiphan's wife beheld the pleasing youth, and, yielding to the dire temptation, drank in at her eyes what poisoned her heart. Hurried on by lawless paffion, the prefers him to her bed, and with ceaseless importunity, lost to all shame and muskility, wasarises him from day to day. Note, (1.) When a woman becomes abandoned, she is wise indeed; she forgets to blush, and flocks at nothing to gratify her rage. (2.) They who would keep a guard over their heart, must make a covenant with their eyes. 2. Joseph's resolute chastity. A most astonishing influence of virtue, and highly worth imitation. Satan had tried this severity of affliction; he happens it: but he freezes now a more fiery dart from his quiver; and how many have fallen hereby, that have wishlessed the bitterest crobes! A fiery furnace is left to be feared, than a beautiful abandoned woman. But what cannot alrightly grace effect? Though young and vigorous, living in plenty at his master's raft, his midwife the tempter, from whose favour he had every thing to hope, and from her disastrous every thing to fear; though alone, where no discovery could be feared, and even suspicion must be banished; though follicited, importuned, repeatedly, nay, with violence afflicted; he can refill, refute, yea, suffer every torment, rather than wound his own conscience, or his master's honour. It were basic ingratitude for the favours he had received; it were unbecoming a son of Israel; it was a crime of aggravated guilt; and, above all, it was against God. Determined therefore, he turns a deaf ear to her insecurity; and when she seized his cloak, as one escaping for his life, he leaves his garment in her hand. Learn, (1.) Flight is the best perseverance from violent temptations to lewdness. (2.) Better hazard our life, than wound our conscience. (3.) A deep sense of the evil of sin, is the great preservative against it. 13. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 14. That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us: he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a + loud voice. 15. And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled, and got him out. 16. And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. 17. And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me. 18. And it came to pass, as I lift up my voice, and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. What savage beast so cruel, as an enraged and frightened woman? Whilst chaste love is constant and unchangeable, disappointed lust turns to the fiercest hatred. The servants are called; the affiant loudly complained of; the garment laid up as a proof of the guilt; and his quitter no sooner returned, than informed of the pretended violence, and insolent assault on her honour. Note, (1.) There is no protection from a lying tongue. (2.) The hell of men have been accused of the most atrocious crimes. (3.) There is such a readiness to believe evil, especially against the provisions of religion, that the most improbable story gains easy credit. (4.) It is the comfort of injured innocence, that the day is coming, when, if not before, God will vindicate their cause. 19. And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did the servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20. And Joseph's master took him and put him into the + prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. 21. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison: and whatsoever they did there, he was the door of it. 23. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was Phil. ex. 25. In this chapter we have an account of the increase. 1. Of Jacob's family, Dan and Naphtali by Bilbah, Rachel's maid, vers. 1—8. God and Ather by Zilpah, Leah's maid, vers. 9—13. Ifschar, Zebulun, and Dinah, by Leah, vers. 14—21. And last of all, Joseph by Rachel, vers. 22—24. 2. Of Jacob's estate. He comes upon a new bargain with Laban, vers. 25—34. And in the six years further service he did to Laban, God wonderfully blessed him, so that his flesh of cattle became very considerable, vers. 35—43. And herein was fulfilled the blessing which Isaac dismissed him with, chap. xxviii. 3. God make thee fruitful and multiply there. 1. AND when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and did unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2. And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel; and he said, "An I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? 3. And she said, Behold, my maid Bilbah, go in unto her; and 'she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. 4. And she gave him Bilbah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob VOL. I. went in unto her. 5. And Bilbah conceived, and bare Jacob a son. 6. And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. 7. And Bilbah Rachel's maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son. 8. And Rachel said, With great wrestling have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. 9. When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. 10. And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son. 11. And Leah said, A troop cometh; and she called his name Gad. 12. And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son. 13. And Leah said, I happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed; and she called his name Ather. 6. 1—13. From connections like Jacob's, little domestic happiness could be expected. Accordingly we find, 1. Rachel's envy at her sister, and her perverse demand from her husband; she speaks as one at the point of death. Note, (1.) Envious discontent and disappointed pride, have the most fatal effects. A broken heart is not a death to uncommon perhaps, as it is thought to be. (2.) Inordinate desire after creature comforts, makes all our miseries. 2. Jacob's reproof. It was impiety to quarrel with God's dissensions. He compelled therefore warmly as he loved. Note, (1.) Our love to the person, must not suffer us to connive at their sons. (2.) In all our trials, God must be applied to. (3.) It is folly as well as sin, to expect that happiness from the creature, which only God can believe. 3. The wrong expedient Rachel took to relieve herself. The none surely could be so near as her sister's children, she could not rule them the thought, as she could those of her servant, and therefore Jacob must take her maid to wife; and when she bore two sons, they have names of contentions, Dan and Naphtali given them, as if she had now prevailed. Note, It is the wickedness of parents to transmit their quarrels in their children. 4. The same expedient used by Leah. Perhaps he contented at Rachel's importunity, and now he cannot refuse Leah pleading the precedent. Note, When we are overcome with sin once, we shall more easily yield to it a second time. Leah succeeds as her sister, in two sons, Gad a troop, and Ather herself, and counts herself happy, that she shall be esteemed for her numerous brood. Note, (1.) It is the folly of many, that they are governed by the estimation of the world, more than by reason or religion. (2.) It is no hessening of our guilt, that God brings good out of evil. 14. ¶ And Reuben went in the days of wheat-harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy sons mandrakes. 15. And she said unto her, It is a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldst thou take away my sons mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy sons mandrakes. 16. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me, for surely I have hired thee with my sons mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. 17. And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. 18. And Leah said, God hath given me nine hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Ifschar. 19. And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son. 20. And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry: now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. 21. And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. 6. 14—21. Leah's bed was now deserted, and she is punished thereby for her intrusion into Jacob's; but an occurrence happens, which reflects her to him, and makes her again the joyful mother of children. 1. Rachel, taken with the sight of mandrakes, whether flowers or fruit seems doubtful, which Reuben had brought his mother Leah, contents to give Jacob up to her for a night, in exchange for thee. Note, Our different patients often cross one another: to gratify one, we must mortify the other. 2. Leah from thence brings forth Ifschar, and counts him her hire. So apt are we to think success a proof of the rightness of the deed. Again she bears Zebulun, and Dinah, and then concludes the shall now possess more of Jacob's company, but is perhaps mistaken. Nothing can supply the place of affection. 22. ¶ And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23. And she conceived and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach. 24. And she called his name, Joseph; and said, 'The LORD shall add to me another son. 23. Had Rachel but exercised the patience of Rebekah, she had not been so badly to put her handmaid in her place. More prayer, and less worldly wisdom, had better answered her end; for now, at her earnest prayer, God remembers her and gives her a son. She calls him Joseph, in token of her confidence in the increase of her children, now she began to hear. Now, How little do we know what is good for ourselves. This name had not been given, if the could have foreseen her next son must be her death. 25. ¶ And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. 26. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. 26. Jacob now, after his long absence, began to think of home. The land of Canaan was not only the land of his nativity, but the land of promise, and the seed which should inherit it now began to multiply. Though he had nothing of his own, he has a good father to go to, who will welcome him and his; or, if not, he can trust God. Now, (1.) God will not give mouths, without sending meat for them. (2.) Every true Christian, however comfortably settled or increased in this world, hath his eye and his heart upon his own country, which is above. 27. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for 'I have learned by experience, that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. 28. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. 29. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. 30. For it: little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also? 31. And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing; if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock: 32. I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and if such shall be my hire. 33. So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face; every one that is not speckled and spotted amongst the goats, and brown amongst the sheep, that shall be accounted stolen with me. 34. And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. 35. And he removed that day the he-goats that were ring-braked and spotted, and all the she-goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had done white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hands of his sons. 36. And he set three days journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. Laban had now experience of his interest in Jacob's Bay, and God's blessing upon him; and therefore, though he could part with his daughters and children, he is loth to lose so good a shepherd as Jacob, by whose care he had prospered so greatly. He interests him therefore to Bay. Now, Worldly men can give good words to serve their own ends. To engage him, as his family was large, and his possessions small, and Jacob appeared not unwilling to yield, if he had a prospect of providing for his family, he confents to a proposal of Jacob's, to give him the speckled and ring-braked sheep for his hire. Thus the matter would be put into God's hands, and Laban have no pretext to dispute the property of Jacob. But to prevent any great advantage accruing to Jacob, he carefully separates these mottled sheep from the rest, and sets them three days journey afunder. Learn, (1.) How wise and cunning worldly men are for their own interests. (2.) How vain their caution, when God designs to frustrate their purposes. 37. ¶ And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel, and chesnut-tree; and pulled white flrakes in Jacob's policy to secure his wages was nothing blameable. He had to deal with an artful matter, and therefore is obliged to counteract his unjust designs. As in conception the imagination is thought powerfully to operate, he thus by the striped poplar got a speckled breed, and by fetting them before the rest, secured his own in the continuance of their colour in breeding; which Laban's looking on them, brought forth lambs like them. And as he fetched the stronger cattle, his flock became at once vigorous and numerous; and thus he got good wages by his work. Now, (1.) They often outwit themselves, who intend to impose upon others. (2.) The divine blessing can quickly make a little much. 'Jacob had left his father's house in a fright, came to his uncle in distress, very hard since he had met with them, and now is going back surrounded with fears. Here is, 1. His revelation is return, ver. 1—16. 2. His clandestine departure, ver. 17—21. 3. Laban's pursuit of him in distress, ver. 22—25. 4. The hat words that passed between them, ver. 26—42. 5. Their amicable agreement at left, ver. 43, all fmem. 1. AND he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold it was not toward him; as before. 3. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I will be with thee. 4. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5. And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before: but the God of my father hath been with me. 6. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. 7. And your father hath deceived me, and 'changed my wages' ten times: but God suffered him not to hurt me. 8. If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ring-braked shall be thy hire, then bare all the cattle ring-braked. 9. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. 10. And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the 4 rams which leaped upon the cattle were ring-braked, speckled, and grilled. 11. And the angel of God take unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. 12. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ring-braked, speckled, and grilled: for I have seen all that Laban doth unto thee. 13. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst you, you unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. 14. And Rachel and Leah answered, and said unto him, is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? 15. Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. 16. For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children: now then whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do. 9. 1—16. Jacob's great increase becomes now a dangerous share; but God makes it the means of harkening him home the sooner. So testify can his pervidence change our dangers into sources. 1. Laban's sons beheld with indignation the flocks of Jacob, and talked as if they only wanted occasion to take back the fruit of his bargain. They counted his share all, and saw his sheep magnified with the eyes of covetousness; while Laban himself, though he said nothing, betrayed in his countenance the same sentiments. Note, (1.) An envious mind cannot bear another should prosper more than themselves, especially in their own protection. (2.) The things of this world appear glorious to those who place their happiness in them; but they are little in his eyes, who hath seen, by faith, the glories of a better. 2. Jacob hereupon resolves to decamp, under the divine guidance and direction. The God of Bethel, to whom he owed all his success, who directed him how to all by a vision, now bids him be gone, and will protect him in his return. Note, (1.) When worldly prosperity increases, we are most tempted to take up our rest here: it is well then to think of our home in heaven. (2.) Whilst our worldly blessings come as common blessings, they are doubly sweet. (3.) When we have gone out under God's guidance, we need not fear returning him. 3. He acquaints his wives with his resolution, but privately, for fear of Laban, and gives them his reasons. Note, The husband, in matters of importance to his family, should consult his wife, who, as the partner of his fortune, should be the partner of his heart. They readily consent, conscious of the truth of his complaints, and the justice of his arguments. What Jacob had got, was not only his wages, but their just portion; they prefer therefore their husband, as hounders, to their father's house, and are ready to go wherever he pleases. Note, A good wife will delight to share her husband's lot, wherever, or to whatever God is pleased to call him. 17. ¶ Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon canish. 18. And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Palan-aram for to go to Ilaac his father in the land of Canaan. 19. And Laban went to steer his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. 20. And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. 21. So he fled with all that he had, and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead. The resolution thus agreed on and fixed, Jacob leaves the first favourable opportunity of Laban's absence; and as he had reason to fear restraint, if his purpose had been known, he goes off secretly. He took with him only his own, so that Laban might have no reason to complain; though Rachel thus has been a few years ago, he was a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago, and had been a few years ago. 22. And it was told Laban on the third day, that Jacob was fled. 23. And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. 24. And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob's either good or bad. 25. ¶ Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. We have here, 1. Laban's pursuit. He raises all his family, and pursues the fugitive seven days, and overtakes him at Mount Gilead. Note, When anger and covetousness are routed, what will not men do to gratify them? Even his own flesh and blood are now likely to rise his vengeance. 2. That night God stops his career, forbids him to interpose, and restrains him from offering Jacob the least injury. Note, (1.) God hath in his hand the hearts of all men. He saith to the furiousness of man, as to the raging sea, Hitherto shall thou come, and no further. (2.) He hath and will continue to rescue his people, when they seem upon the brink of ruin. Let us in every circumstance trust, and not be afraid. 26. And Laban said to Jacob, What hath thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? 27. Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me? and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? 28. And hath not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. 29. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your faith is speak unto me yeffernight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. 30. And now though thou wouldst needs be gone, because thou sore longest after thy father's house; yet wherefore hath thou stolen my gods? 31. And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Perseverance thou wouldst take by force thy daughters from me. 32. With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee: for Jacob know not that Rachel had stolen them. 33. And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maid-servants trents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. 34. Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camels furniture, and far upon them: and Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. 35. ¶ Heb. Febr. And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord, that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me: and he searched, but found not the images. Though Laban is restrained from hurting Jacob, he is not from upbringing him. Here is, 1. His charge against him, of great unkindness. He pretends wondrous affection to his children, nothing of which he had ever thrown. Note, When a man is disappointed of a mischievous design, he would lain have it thought he never intended it. He tugeth also, as though it were a force upon his daughters, though they were first consulted. Note, A had heart is pregnant in inventing evil families. He wants his power to hurt him, but owns himself under a divine restraint, from God's appearing to him the night past. Note, It were well, if men attended more to the secret notices, sleeping or waking, given their consciences from God. However, one charge at least with some colour he can maintain: his gods are stolen, and Jacob the thief. Sad gods indeed, that cannot preserve themselves. 2. Jacob maintains his innocence. If he went off suddenly, he had reason, from Laban's past conduct, to suspect injustice. As to his gods, he denies the charge, and imprecates vengeance on the thief. Had he known her, he had spoken more easily. Note, Evil wishes cannot be too sparingly dispoised: they may light on those we loath subject. 3. Laban's search for his gods in vain. Rachel by an artifice conceals them. It was probably an untruth, at best an excuse. Note, They who steal, will never want a lie or excuse to conceal it. 36. ¶ And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered, and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? 37. Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hath thou found of all thy household stuff? let it here before my brethren, and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. 38. This twenty years have I been with thee; thy own and thy the goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. 39. That which was torn of knots, I brought not unto thee, I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. 40. Thus I was, in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. 41. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. 42. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty: God hath seen mine afflictions, and the labour of thy hands, and rebuked thee yefternight. It is now Jacob's turn to abide, when Laban can make good not the least of his accusations, nor find a thread he can justly claim. Note, Though he had reason to expeafulate, he did wrong to be angry: no provocation can excuse that. He could appeal to Laban for his homely, carefulness, and fidelity; and ¶ Heb. The custom. Judg. 1:10. 5. 1 Sim. 6. 1:5. 7. Heb. The heart of his son. ¶ Heb. From good to bad. Before Chill 1897. and every influence he produces of the uprightness of his service, reflects upon Laban as an unjust and unreasonable muller. Note, Though it be our unhappy case to have such a muller as Laban, a good servant, like Jacob, will not be the less faithful and industrious. We must leave the matter with God, and then we shall have Jacob's blessing. m Jedwani. 1. 4 Chap. xxxiii. 18. 4 i. e. The heep of witnels. 2 i. e. A beacon, or watchtower. 4 Judges ii. 29. 5 Or, killed beasts. 43. ¶ And Laban answered, and said unto Jacob, Thefe daughters are my daughters, and thefe children are my children, and thefe cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seeft is mine: and what can I do this day unto thefe my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? 44. Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and 'let it be for a witness between me and thee. 45. And Jacob' took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. 46. And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. 47. And Laban called it Jege-Abrahintha; but Jacob called it Galeed. 48. And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed: 49. And 'Mif-pah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. 50. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives besides my daughters, no man is with us; See, God is witness betwixt me and thee. 51. And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar which I have cast betwixt me and thee; 52. This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. 53. The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob hears by the fear of his father Isaac. 54. Then Jacob's offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. 55. And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. Laban could not gain? Jacob's expostulation; truth and conscience confirmed it. But when he dares not do evil, he pretends kindness, and would fain make a merit of that affection which he had never shown, and bestow as a gift what was Jacob's by hand service, v. 53. Hereupon, 1. He proposes a covenant of friendship, and Jacob readily confents. Note. We must follow peace with all men, especially with those of our own house and family. The terms are, That Jacob shall take no other wise, and that no injuries should be offered on either side. Jacob never designed the one, nor intended the other. Note, They who behave ill, are most apt to subject others to be like themselves. Hereupon, a pillar is erected of stones, a sacrifice is offered, the oath is taken, they eat and drink before the Lord, and, according to their different languages, called the place the Heap of Wrench, and the War-browers. Learn, (1.) To forgive and forget all injuries is Christian-like. (2.) When friends are parted, it is their comfort, that God does and watches between them. (3.) Those who take the seals of the covenant, should look well that they be faithful to the engagements that are upon them; for God is not mocked. 2. Their parting in peace. The storm is blown over; anger subsides into paternal benediction, and threatening into kisses of love. Note, (1.) Strange alterations are brought about by God's providence. (2.) Near relations are doubly bound mutually to forgive, and live in peace. We have here Jacob still upon his journey towards Canaan. By the way he meets, 1. With good tidings from his God, ver. 1, 2. 2. With bad tidings from his brethren, to whom he sent a message to nearly his return, ver. 2—7. In his distress, 1. He divides his revenues, ver. 7—8. 2. He makes his prayer to God, ver. 9—12. 3. He sends a present to his brethren, ver. 13—23. 4. He worships with the angels, ver. 24—32. 1. AND Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanam. v. 1, 2. God hath preserved him hitherto, and still continues to guard him safe home. He had the promise of protection, and he trusted it; now he has the sight of his angelic-convoy, and may be comforted. Who can hurt them when angels minister unto? and need there was of every support, for his past dangers were only the prelude of greater impending. God thus prepares his people by strong confessions for difficult services. Note, When every believer draws near his last conflict in death, and Canaan is in view, then shall these attendant spirits surround the dying bed, to welcome the departing soul, and halge it safe in the bosom of Jesus. He called the place Mahanam, two hosts; they protected his front from Efau, and his rear from Laban. 3. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Efau his brother, 'unto the land of Seir,' the country of Edom. 4. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Efau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now. 5. And I have oxen, and afies, flocks, and mess-servants, and women-servants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. Judily apprehensive of Efau's old grudge, he endeavours to passly him by a kind and humble messager, acquainting him with his return, and the prosperity God had shewed him. Note, (1.) Yielding pacifies wrath. It is wise often to make submissions to superiors, though unjustly exasperated against us. (2.) Abundance, which should make a good brother rejoice, to a wicked one often proves an occasion of greater envy and displeasure. 6. ¶ And the Messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Efau, and 'also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. 7. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that met with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels into two bands; 8. And said, If Efau come to the one company and fume it, then the other company which is left shall escape. We have here, 1. The messenger's return; and a sad answer he brought back. Probably Efau had heard of Jacob's coming, and was in the way with his band of men, breathing out fury and revenge. Note, (1.) A malicious spirit never forgets. (2.) Jealousy is cruel as the grave; even a brother's life cannot stand before it. (3.) Power and policy are usually with the oppressors. What would become of the poor church of Christ, if some support more than human did not attend it? 2. Jacob's fear. And reason enough he had for it. Note, (1.) Repeated trials must be expected by every Christian. (2.) Fears of approaching danger may be, where confidence in the promise is unthaken. 3. His disposition of his family. At least, one part may escape, if the other is fortress. Note, Though God hath given us his promise, we are nevertheless called to the use of all prudent means. 9. ¶ And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saith unto me, 'Return unto thy country, and to thy kindness, and I will deal well with thee: 10. I am not worthy of the lead of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast shewed unto thy servants; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I am become two bands. 11. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Efau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smuff me, and 'the mother with the children. 12. And thou shalt, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude. Jacob had made the best disposition his circumstances would admit of; but he depended more upon the effects of prayer, than upon the arm of flesh. Accordingly we find him upon his knees, pouring out his distress before God. Note, The more danger perifies us, the more loud should be our cry to God; for in him is our help. A glorious prayer this way, and well worth notice: his plea is urgent, and his arguments forcible. He approaches God as his covenant God, having the entail of the blessings promised to Abraham and Isaac. He pleads God's warrant for his journey, and therefore God's honour engaged for his protection. He acknowledges his own unworthiness of any favour, yet with thanksfulness mentions the great mercies he had received, as an argument to hope for more. He then speaks his fears and distress from his apprehensions of Efau; and since he had no prospect of help elsewhere, commits his cause with earnest importunity into his hand, who was able to save him, and clocks with his plea of God's faithfulness; not Before Chill 1897. 4 Chap. xxxiii. 18. 16. 4 Chap. xxxiii. 8, 72. 2 Heb. Patd. 4 Chap. xxxiii. 8. 4 Chap. xxxii. 11. Heb. I am to them all, 8. 4 Hos. 9. 14. 2 Heb. Gym. 1 Chap. xxxiii. 13. 14. i. e. The bush, or camps. Before Christ so much to remind him of his promise, as to encourage his own heart to depend upon it. Learn hence, (1.) In all our trials, to spread them before the Lord. (2.) To come to God as our covenant God, believing his readiness to hear and help us. (3.) When in the way of our duty, we may boldly claim the fulfilment of his promise. (4.) Never let us forget our own vileness and sinfulness. (5.) Nor the great and repeated mercies we have already received, that no perfect distress may prevent our grateful acknowledgments. (6.) We cannot be too particular in our prayers, mentioning to God profess and circumstances, as to a friend who can be touched with the feeling of our distresses. (7.) To rise from our knees with confidence in the unchangeableness of God in his promise. 12. ¶ And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand, a present for Esau his brother; 14. Two hundred the-goats, and twenty-he-goats, two hundred ews and twenty rams. 15. Thirty-mile camels with their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty the-asses and ten foles. 16. And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Esas over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove. 17. And he commanded the forenoft, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and afterth thee, saying, Whose art thou, and whither goeth thou? and whose are these before thee? 18. Then thou shalt say, These be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and behold also he is behind us. 19. And so commanded he the second and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall you speak unto Esau, when you find him. 20. And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us: For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterwards I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of + me. Heb. My fact. Jacob having poured out his soul to God in prayer, in dependence on his care, takes the most likely methods to appease his brother's resentment. 1. By a considerable present, so divided into several droves, as both for them off, and served, from their repeated approach, to stay Esau for enquiry; thus giving him time to think, and such matter to move upon, as might allow the fury of his anger. Note, (1.) A present is a good letter of recommendation to a worldly mind. (2.) We cannot buy peace too dear. (3.) It is wisdom to present a part, if that can preserve the whole. Some through coreousness to spare a shilling often lose a pound. 2. By a submissive message, Esau must be called my lord, and Jacob his servant. Note, It tackles vain minds to have their tales repeated to them. Every servant pays his respects in Jacob's name, and adds, that Jacob himself was behind. Note, (1.) In danger it is usually falsest to put on a good countenance. (2.) Apparent confidence in a man's goodness lays him under a kind of obligation to shew it. Decr. iii. Heb. Heb. Clerk to pols. § Heb. 6f. ending of the morning. § See Mat. vers. 41. § Cor. vii. 5. § See Luke vers. 43. § Mat. vii. 4. In this chapter we have, 1. A very friendly meeting between Jacob and Esau, vers. 1—4. Since God is his friend, Esau shall not be his enemy. 2. Their testimony, (1.) About Jacob's family, vers. 5—7. (2.) About the present he had sent, vers. 8—11. (3.) About the progress of their journey, vers. 12—15. 3. Jacob's settlement in Gamoun, his house, ground, and other, vers. 16—20. 1. AND Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, 'Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. 2. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. 3. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. 4. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. At last the danger approaches, and now, as his father Abraham before him, he finds Jehovah Jireh, God will take care of him in his perilous situation. Note, They who have confidence in God, may cheerfully wait the issue of every trial. Observe, 1. Jacob's order of march. If flight was needful, the most beloved are hindered, and likened to escape. 2. His approach to Esau, full of deep respect to him as his superior. He mentions nothing of the birth-right, but pays the duty Before Christ daughter, which thing ought not to be done. 8. And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. 9. And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. 10. And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade you therein, and get you possessions therein. 11. And Shechem said unto her father, and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me: I will give. 12. Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as you shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. 13. And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, (because he had defiled Dinah their sister) 14. And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised: for that were a reproach unto us. But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we do, that every male of you be circumcised: 16. Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 17. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised, then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. We have here, 1. The resentment of Jacob's sons; highly provoked at the dishonour done the family, and, like many others, more incensed at the shame, than grieved at the sin. They call it folly, for sin deserves that name. What is foolish, as for a beathful indulgence to offend the holy God, and wound not our own souls only, but every friend and relation; and how much more scandalous in a house where religion is profiled? Oh did we know all the miseries of sin before we commit it, that we feel afterwards, nothing could tempt us to it. 2. Hamor's proposal to heal the breach by marriage, with the most generous offer of any dowry. Jacob's sons, under a pretence most precious, but with hearts burning with revenge, consent to the proposal, on condition of their becoming circumcised. They cannot, they say, intermarry with the uncircumcised; that would be a reproach to them. Note, The most bloody designs have been often covered with the cloak of religion; but God saith and judgeth: hypocrisy with him will be counted the deadliest of crimes. 18. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. 19. And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father. 20. And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, 21. These men are peaceable with us, therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them: let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. 22. Only herein will the men consent unto us, for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. 23. Shall not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. 24. And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city: and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. The argument which Hamor uses to persuade his subjects, is as wrong, as the design of Jacob's sons in their proposal. To profess religion on worldly motives is abominable, and never like to prosper. However they consent, and without informing themselves of the reasons and design of circumcision, submit to it. Note, How many baptized persons is it to be feared among us, know as little of the religion they profess, as the circumcised Shechments? 25. And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's Brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and flew all the males. 26. And they flew Hamor and Shechem his son with the refuge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. 27. The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28. They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field. 29. And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. 30. And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, 'Ye have troubled me,' to make me to think among the inhabitants of the land, amongst the Canaanites, and the Petrarites: and I bring few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and say me, and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. 31. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?