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? We have here, 1. The cruel and treacherous murder of the men of Shechem. However just it might be in God to punish them for their profane abuse of the seals of his covenant, it takes nothing from the guilt of the murderers. Inflamed with passion, and spurred on by revenge, they fully forth to perpetrate the horrid deed. Though Shechem had made every reparation, and his subjects at least were innocent; though restrained by the most solemn promise, and doubly bound by that holy ordinance they had proposed; no considerations can bind their careful anger. Hamor and Shechem bleed the first under their swords; treacherously surprised, the innocent inhabitants fall the victims of their unrelenting cruelty. Simeon and Levi are foremost in the ravage; but the other sons of Jacob, not content with the rescue of Dinah, rush upon the spoil; and, whilst the men lie westerling in blood, their wives are captives, and their substance devoured. Note, The men of Shechem hoped to share Israel's spoil; but unjust attempts upon our neighbour's property prove often the ruin of our own. 2. Jacob's dislocation at the dead. They had cast the highest scandal on his religion; the very Canaanite might justly soak it, if this was their way; and how great was their danger also, when surrounded by those who might so justly avenge this shocking action. Note, (1.) Wicked children are a bitter grief and reproach to their parents. (2.) Sin and ruin are near killed. The prodigal son fears no consequences, but the wiser father trembles for him. 3. Their insolent reply. No acknowledgment of their fault, but rather a reflection on the tameness of their father. Note, They who are violent themselves, are ready to reproach the gentle, as mean-spirited. In this chapter, 1. God orders Jacob to Beth-el, ver. 1. 2. His journey after purging his house of idols, ver. 2—3. 3. The altar he builds, ver. 6—7. 4. Deborah's death and funeral, ver. 8. 5. God appears again, and confirms his covenant with him, ver. 9—13. 6. His grateful acknowledgment of it, ver. 14—15. 7. Rachel's travail and death, ver. 16—20. 8. Reuben's insight, ver. 21—25. 9. Isaiah's death, ver. 27—29. Lastly, an account of Jacob's sons, ver. 23—26. 1. AND God said unto Jacob, Arise, Go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddeest from the face of Efau thy brother. 2. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3. And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their car-rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. Jacob seems to have forgot his vow, chap. xxxviii. 19, 20. and God reminds him of it. Note, Mercors are apt to be forgotten; and promises made in distress, to be unsatisfied in prosperity. Hereupon, 1. We have Jacob's preparation for his journey: better late than never. And as his abode must be at Bethel, his family must go with him: but first they must get ready for the worship there to be performed, (1.) By putting away their idols. Note, There is no drawing near God with acceptance, with allowed sin in the heart. (2.) By washing their garments, typical of that spiritual purity, which becomes the worshipers of Jehovah. Note, We must have the first linen white and clean, which is the righteousness of the saints, or our services cannot please God. 2. Their obedience. It was strange in Jacob's family, that such idol vanities should be found. But in the most religious houses, there will be idols in secret. It was happy they so readily dily consented to part from them: had he commanded it before, he might have succeeded. Note, Much might be done, more than we imagine, if we had a greater zeal for God. All now are given up, even to their ear-tings, flanged with idol images, or worn as charms, and they are buried that they might never be found. Note, When we part from our sons, it must be with a purpose of heart, never to return to them. 5. And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. 6. So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan (that is Beth-el) he and all the people that were with him. 7. And he built there an altar, and called the place of El-Beth-el; because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8. But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Beth-el, under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth. Having thus made the needful preparations, they journey in safety. Though justly intertold, God put his foar upon the nations around; and as they had now put away their idols, and were going to God's altar, none shall hurt them. Note, When we are about God's work, we are under his special care. And now they arrive. 1. He builds an altar, and with his family, worship the God of Beth-el. It is our comfort in the church of God, to enjoy the pretence and communion of the God of the church. 2. He buries Rebekah's nurse: probably Rebekah died before; and respect for an aged servant, made her welcome to Jacob's house; and when she dies, it is cause of sorrow, as the name Allon-Bachuth signifies the Oak of Weeping. Note, An old and faithful servant in a family deserves respect, and should be lamented as a friend or a brother. 9. And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram; and blessed him. 10. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply, a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee: and kings shall come out of thy bims. 12. And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. 13. And God went up from him, in the place where he talked with him. 14. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of Bone: and he poured a drink-offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. 15. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el. We have here, 1. God's appearance to him the second time in Beth-el. When we are found waiting upon God, he will not fail to meet us in his ways. God now confirms his name of Israel, as a new support against the fears of the Canaanites; and renews his covenant with him, respecting the land and the food to inherit it, as the Almighty God, able to fulfil his promises to the uttermost. Note, God hath given us Christ the food, and promised us heaven as the land. May we with Jacob rejoice in hope. 2. No sooner was the appearance of God's glory gone up from over him, than Jacob erects a noble memorial of the favour, and confirms the name of Beth-el to the place. How little did Jacob think, that this house of God should one day become Bethaven, a house of iniquity, and Jeroboam's calf be fixed perhaps on this very pillar? Note, How many a church, when the faithful Jacob, the pastor, is gone, hath experienced these awful changes! 16. And they journeyed from Beth-el: and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17. And it came to pails when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18. And it came to pails as her soul was in departing (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem. 20. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day. We have here Rachel's death in child-bed. One death had made a breach in Jacob's family; another still more afflicting succeeds. Death often thus repeats his strokes. Rachel impatient for children, would die if she had them not, but little thought she should die with them: our perverse wishes indulged, no often fatal to us. The midwife would comfort her with a son born, but now she feels her burden so heavy, she cannot rejoice in him; she calls him Benoni, the son of her sorrow. Note, When we are dying, nothing in this world can any longer comfort us. Jacob however changes his name; his love for Rachel lives in Benjamin, the son of his right hand: the last of our children is usually the fondling. Rachel scarce names her son, but she departs. Note, (1.) The foul must return to God that gave it. (2.) As child-bearing in sorrow is the effect of sin, frequent death in child-bearing more strongly marks the wages due to it: but there is a child born who can save the dying mother. Jacob buries her on the spot, and in memory of her, erects a mountain pillar. Note, A great man may be made a useful remembrancer, and a continual formon. 21. And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar. 22. And it came to pails when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben were and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23. The sons of Leah: Reuben Jacobs first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Iffachar, and Zebulun. 24. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25. And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's hand-maid: Dan and Naphtali. 26. And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid: Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan-aram. 27. And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamor, unto the city of Athah, (which is Hebron) where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. 28. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourteen years. 29. And Isaac gave up the ghoah, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Jacob, like his father, was but a pilgrim in the land of promise, and he had enough to try his faith and patience in his children. Note, A man's family contains usually his greatest trials. Here is, 1. Reuben's incest. As his father was now old, and Bilhah much younger, she perhaps liked the son, and might be most criminal in the intrigue. Note (1.) It is a dangerous thing for a young woman to marry an old man. (2.) The eldest son, because the heir, is usually set most by, but often the greatest plague of the family. They thought, no doubt, to conceal their crime, but Jacob heard it: such vile deeds come strangely out; and for it he is afterwards severely punished, chap. xlix. 4. 2. An account of all Jacob's sons. 3. His visit to his father at Hebron. 4. The death of Isaac, the oldest of all the patriarchs. The longest lives, must die at last. 5. His burial by his two sons. God had now made a perfect reconciliation between them. Note, The bitterest enemies sometimes become the himself friends. In this chapter we have an account of the potterity of Esau, who from him were called Edomites. Here is, 1. Esau's wives, ver. 1-5. 2. His remove is mount Seir, ver. 6-8. 3. The names of his sons, ver. 9-14. 4. The duties which descended of his sons, ver. 15-19. 5. The duties of the Herites, ver. 20-30. 6. The kings and ducks of Edom, ver. 31. ad finem. 1. NOW these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom. 2. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Ziboon the Hivite: 3. And Bashemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth. 4. And Adah bare to Esau, Eliphaz: and Bashemath bare Reuel. 5. And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: These are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan. 6. And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the 4 per. sons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country, from the face of his brother Jacob. 7. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together: and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them, because of their cattle. 8. Thus dwelt Esau in a mount Seir: Esau is Edom. Before Christ 1. 1—8. We have here an account of Efau and his potferity, and therein the promise in part fulfilled to Abraham, that he should be the father of many nations. He is called Edom, or red, in memory of the profane fate of his birthright, for the red portage. Nate, If men by ill doings, get an ill name, they must thank themselves for it. His wives and family are mentioned, and his place of abode Mount Seir: there be fares, and leaves Jacob in peaceable possession of Canaan. Probably God had now convinced him of the unchangeableness of the decree, and he consented to it. Though God hated him to this kind, as excluding him from the succession, it seems not certain he was eternally lost. Nate, The counsel of God must stand, and they who must oppose it, must in the end submit. 9. ¶ And thefe are the generations of Efau the father of the Edomites, in mount Seir. 10. Thefe are the names of Efau's sons; * Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Efau, Reuel the son of Bafhemath the wife of Efau. 11. And the sons of Eliphaz, were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatan, and Kenaz. 12. And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Efau's son; and the bare to Eliphaz Amalek: thefe were the sons of Adah Efau's wife. 13. And thefe are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: thefe were the sons of Bafhemath Efau's wife. 14. ¶ And thefe were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon Efau's wife: and the bare to Efau, Juifs, and Jaalam, and Korah. 15. ¶ Thefe were dukes of the sons of Efau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born son of Efau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz. 16. Duke Korah, duke Gatan, and duke Amalek: Thefe are the dukes that came of Eliphaz, in the land of Edom: thefe were the sons of Adah. 17. ¶ And thefe are the sons of Reuel Efau's son; duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah. Thefe are the dukes that came of Reuel, in the land of Edom: thefe are the sons of Bafhemath Efau's wife. 18. ¶ And thefe are the sons of Aholibamah Efau's wife; duke Juifs, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: thefe were the dukes that came of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah Efau's wife. 19. Thefe are the sons of Efau (who is Edom) and thefe are their dukes. Efau's family is numerous and great. God often disposing to those who are out of his church, most of the world's good, and its titles of honour: but as they are no part of God's people, they are slightly mentioned: it is not the great, but the good whom God regards. The meanest circumcised servant of Jacob's, is greater in God's fight, than the dukes of Edom. 20. ¶ Thefe are the sons of Seir the Horites, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah. 21. And Difhon, and Ezer, and Difhan: thefe are the dukes of the Horites; the children of Seir in the land of Edom. 22. And the children of Lotan were, Efar, and Heman: and Lotan's litter was Timna. 23. And the children of Shobal were thefe; Aivan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and O-nam. 24. And thefe are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the * mules in the wilderness, as he fed the allies of Zibeon his father. 25. And the children of Anah were thefe; Difhon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah. 26. And thefe are the children of Difhon; Hemdan, and Eifhan, and Ithran, and Cheran. 27. The children of Ezer are thefe; Bilhan, and Zaavan and Achan. 28. The children of Difhan are thefe; Uz and Aran. 29. Thefe are the dukes that came out of the Horites; duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah. 30. Duke Difhon, duke Ezer, duke Difhan: thefe are the dukes that came of Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir. The genealogy of the Horites, who inhabited Seir, are here mentioned. By Efau's intermarriage, they soon became one people; and it is to be feared had one religion. Bad connections by marriage, usually end in our following our wives gods. Anah is distinguished from the red, for his ingenuity in having first found out mules, or as the same word signifies, but harbs. A duke is not too great to be employed in some useful invention or research. 31. ¶ And thefe are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel. 32. And Bela the son of Beor Veit. I. reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Din-habah. 33. And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Boarah reigned in his stead. 34. And Jobab died, and Hufham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead. 35. And Hufham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad (who found Mulam in the field of Mbab) reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith. 36. And Hadad died, and Samlah of Matre-kah reigned in his stead. 37. And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. 38. And Saul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. 39. And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and * Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matzed, the daughter of Mezahab. 40. And thefe are the names of the dukes that came of Efau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Al-vah, duke Jubech, 41. Duke Aholibamah, duke E-lah, duke Pinon, 42. Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 43. Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: thefe be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations, in the land of their possession; he is Efau the father of the Edomites. In external prosperity, Jacob is far behind. A numerous race of kings reign in Edom, whilst Jacob's potferity are servants in Egypt. Nate, We must wait with patience for the fulfilment of the promise. Efau has a present possession, Jacob only a land in prospect. Let us not envy the children of the world; they have their all in hand, whilst we have our all in hope; and death, which must call them out of their possessions, shall bring us to our inheritance inturnable and unfeated, and which fathith we many, reserved for us to heaven. Joseph's history begins, and in his humiliation and exaltation, we have an eminent type of Christ and every true christian, who bears the only before he wears the crown. In this chapter we have, 1. The mules of his brethren. (1.) Bequef is informed his father of their wickelmy, ver. 1, 2. (2.) Bequef his father loved him, ver. 3, 4. (3.) Bequef he dreamed of his dominion over them, ver. 5—11. 2. The mules they did him. (1.) His land wife gave them an opportunity, ver. 12—17. (2.) They first designed to say him, then determined to throw him, ver. 18—24. (3.) They changed their purpose, and told him for a flavor, ver. 25—28. (4.) They made their father believe that he was torn in pieces, ver. 29—35. (5.) He was told into Egypt to Pat-phan, ver. 36. And all this was working together for good. 1. AND Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2. Thefe are the generations of Jacob: Joseph being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren, and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colours. 4. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Nothing of the pathetic ever equalled the history of Joseph, which makes the principal part of the following book. The variety of the events, and the different difficulties, with the happy conclusion of the whole, contain one of the most affecting and pleasing relations, which ever was penned. (1.) His father's love began presently to appear towards him, as the peculiarity of his circumstances and conduct seemed to deserve. He was the son of his old age, the son of beloved Rachel, a dutiful son, industrious and diligent; and better, a pious son, who joined me in his brethren's evil, but for their good informed his father, that they might receive that admonition which from a younger brother would have been despised. This procured him distinction from Jacob, and his variegated coat bespoke at once the affection of the father, the desert of the son, and awakened the envy of his brethren. Nate, Though one child may justly defave more than another, it is dangerous for a parent to appear partial. 2. His brethren's anger appeared also. The coat of many colours was a sad eye-fore, and his information of their wickelmy still more provoking. Nate, (1.) Fine chords are, as there is any thing, apt to excite envy. Children of one house should be dressed Heb. Of his father's Supercising. Chap. 1—11. 2. Hebr. 11. 9. Or pieces. See Judg. v. 30. 1—10. See 18. Chap. 42a. 23. Bedeach: on an equality. (2.) Those who are desirous to have sin re-proved, must often expect for their kindness to get ill will. B-See Chaff about 1798 down mourning to his grave. Note, (1.) Immoderate love is generally punished with immoderate grief. I never see the doaning affection of a parent, but I tremble for the idol child. (2.) Obelinate sorrow is very sinful, as it reflects on God's goodness. (3.) Many of our hatred grays are as imaginary as Jacob's was. Joseph still lives, though a bond-man in Egypt, in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's; and disagreeable as his lot is call, blefles God it was no worse. Note, It is good to remember, how much worse it might have been with us, as a means to reconcile us to every trial. In this whole chapter, we have in Joseph a type of the belowed son of God, sent of his father, rejected of his brethren, sold by another Judas, and stript of his feamless corn, whilst they cry, Come, let us kill him. To all this, and more, he submitted for us men, and our salvation. C H A P. XXXVIII. This chapter gives us an account of Judah and his family, and such an account it is, that one would wonder, that of all Jacob's sons, our Lord should spring out of Judah, Heb. vii. 14. But God will show that his choice is of grace, and not of moral, and that Christ come into the world to give sinners, even the chief, and is not ashamed to be allied to them. We have in this chapter, 1. Judah's marriage and life, and the untimely death of his two vilely sons, ver. 1—11. 2. Judah's704 with his daughter-inlaw, Tamar, inquisite, ver. 12—23. 3. His confession when it was discovered, ver. 24—26. 4. The birth of his twin sons, in whom his family was built up, ver. 27, ad finem. 1 Chron. 6. 5. b Numb. new. 19. Numb. new. 19. d Numb. new. 19. Deut. xx. 5. Heb. Wm and in the arm of the Sons. 1. AND it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Cananite whose name was 'Shelah'; and he took her, and went in unto her. 3. And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name 'Er. 4. And she conceived a gain, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. 5. And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name 'Shelah'; and he was at Cheath, when she bare him. 6. And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, whose name was Tamar. 7. And 'Er Judah's first-born was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD flew him. 8. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto 'thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. 9. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he failed it on the ground, left that he should give seed to his brother. 10. And the thing which he did, displeased the LORD: wherefore he flew him also. 11. Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown; (for he said, Left peradventure he die also as his brethren did:) and Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Jacob is still more unhappy in his children. We have here, 1. Judah's ill conduct. He leaves his brethren, and gets a Cananite friend, one Hirah: had connections for young people are very dangerous: Evil communication corrupt good munner. There he meets a Cananitish woman, and marries her. How many a youth hath been thus trepanned by idle comparations, into a scandalous marriage, not only to the wounding of their conscience, but to the ruin of their future peace? How much wiser they who consult their parents, and make them their friends. 2. Judah by his wife has three sons; and, as might be expected, they partook more of the wickedness of Canaan, than the ways of Israel. He had married young and hastily himself, and seems to have committed the same fault with his children. Er, his eldest, notoriously wicked, was quickly slain. God sometimes makes, even here, monuments of his vengeance. Onan, in duty bound to raise up seed unto his brother, ahuled his own body to prevent it, and God flew him also on the foot. Note, Those sons which dishonour the body, if not visited by immediate judgments, are often in their issue, the cause of untimely death. Judah afraid of the like visitation, with held his youngest for a season, and sent Tamar to live a widow in her father's house. Note, Forced continence is a dangerous thing; they that must not marry, will burn. Hence, all the abominations of convents and nunneries. Heb. The four were malleys. 12. ¶ And in process of time, the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died: and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheep-shearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13. And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold, thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnath, to bear his sheep. 14. And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath: for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. 15. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. 16. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee (for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law) and she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? 17. And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock: and she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou fend it? 18. And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand; and he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. 19. And she arose and went away, and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. 20. And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive for pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. 21. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot that was speedy by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. 22. And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, sent there was no harlot in this place. 23. And Judah said, Let her take it to her, left we be ashamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou halt not found her. Before Christ about 1798. S. Jung, 2014. Heb. The four of eyes, 11 of Easjog Heb. A kid of the guns. Go to Easjog. Heb. Shecome a contompt. They who have not the gift of continence, should marry. We have here a shocking instance of the danger of fleshly lusts. 1. Tamar's wicked policy to enslave Judah. She had been kept in expectation of Shelah, but he was not given her; therefore on a day of festivity, when Judah's heart was open with wine and feasting on his shearing day, she exposed herself as an harlot, in an open place, and too getomely succeeded. Strange to think! from such a woman Jesus descends. Surely, it was to shew, that the vileft need not despair. 2. Judah's infamous lewdness. Though ignorantly guilty of incest, yet vile enough to turn in thus to a common frumpet; such lessons he had learnt from his bad friend Hirah. He makes a scandalous purchase of these stolen pleasures, and with equal folly pledges his jewels for the payment. Note, (1.) They who buy a momentary enjoyment of their lusts, by everlasting tornents in hell, will be found to have made a foolish bargain indeed. (2.) When men are violently fat on the gratification of their passions, they act as if infatuated, and expose themselves to every reproach. 3. His disappointment on sending the promised kid. The harlot is gone, and his jewels lost. However, he defists from farther enquiry, left his own shame should come out. Note, (1.) Most men are more concerned about their shame, than their sin: least we be ashamed, weighs more with them, than least we be damned. (2.) The day will come however, when their folly shall be manifest unto all men, and everlasting shame shall cover the face of the laxious. 24. ¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-inlaw hath played the harlot; and also behold, she is with child by whoredom: and Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. 25. When she was brought to forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, By the man whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet and bracelets, and staff. 26. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son: and he knew her again no more. 27. ¶ And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that behold twins were in her womb, 28. And it came to pass when she travelled, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. 29. And it came to pass as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out; and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. 30. And afterwards came out his brother that had the scarlet thread upon his hand; and his name was called Zarah. Go wherefore hast those with this breach spend that I i.e. A breath. 1 Chron. 6. 6. Mat.1. 5. Before Child 17th. None usually so severe in the punishment of others, as those who, whilst they indulge the time fine, would keep up an opinion of their own innocence. We have here, 1. Judah's raft judgment on Tamar's crime. Let her be disqualified, or burnt in the forehead, that her son and shame may appear unto all men. Or perhaps, let her be burnt to death, and so get rid of her, that he may marry him in a mother. Note, Malice against men's persons, often puts on the cloak of zeal against their sins. 2. Tamar's vindication of herself, to Judah's shame and conviction. The breaches are produced, and Judah is confounded. Note, Secret sins are often blown, and even here so before unto judgment. Judah pleads guilty, acknowledges her leath in fault; and, grieved at his conduct, dismisses her without punishment, and resolves to know her no more. Note, (1.) They have a right to our compassion, whom we have been the means of leading into sin. (2.) There cannot be true penitence for sin, without an entire forsaking it. 3. The fruit of this incessant commerce. Two sons, Pharce and Jacob, like Elon and Jacob, they struggled in the womb; Pharce prevailed, and got the birthright: they are distinguished in our Lord's genealogy. He who came to face the chief of sinners, didain'd not the nearest alliance with them. 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. Chap. xi 15. &xii. 16. 9. Note, Extended kind nefit unto him. 7. Read iii. ex. &xi. 3 &xii. 26. Phil. xxx. 28. Prov. xii. 7. with Dec. 1. 5 Chap. xx. 6. Lev. vi. 2. Phil. li. 4.