The remarkable favours shewn to Abraham, engaged the growing respect of his neighbours, which brings Abimelech to renew his acquaintance with him, and to commit it by a solemn covenant. 1. Abimelech's proposal. Convinced of God's peculiar regard to him, he would engage him for his perpetual friend, and under oath of mutual kindness, secure to his son and sons, this great bleffing of Abraham's friendship. Note, (1.) It is wise to take care that our children, when we are dead and gone, may be in good hands, and connected with the friends of God. (2.) Good done us is an obligation to return it, as Abimelech pleads. 2. Abraham confents; but first acquaints Abimelech with a transaction, of which he denies the knowledge, respecting a well. This matter is amicably adjusted, as obserious between brethren should be. Note, Servants are often in fault, when the matter is blamed. The treaty then is passed; and after liberal preform, Abraham ratifies it with no oath. Note, (1.) It becomes us not to reject proffers of friendship: we may be connected with those as worldly friends, whom we cannot acknowledge as Christian brethren. We should be courteous to all men. (2.) An oath is lawful on solemn occasions, and a confirmation of confidence, as well as an end of strife. 3. The name the well bore ever after, Beer-theba, alluding to the oath there made, or the seven lambs, which confirmed it to Abraham: the word Sheba bears either sense. (1.) If we swear, let us be punctual in the observance. (2.) If we bargain, let us make our bargain good. Or too. 33. ¶ And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-theba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. 34. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines land many days. As in the womb he caught his brother by the heel, and got the name Jacob, we here for how well he deserved it in his dealing with Esau. Jacob knew the value of the birth-right, and the promise which Rebekah must before in love have told him, might embolden him to attempt obtaining it. Now therefore, when occasion offers, he soars it. Observa. 1. The critical time. When Esau returned hungry from hunting, and seeing Jacob with some delightful red meek of postage, begs to have it; then he proposes the bargain: if he will sell his birthright, the meek should be his own. Note, (1.) It was had in Jacob, to take advantage of his brother's necessity, though it might not be pride that made him covet it, but the regard for the spiritual blessings, yet we may not seek even good things by wrong means. (2.) God over-rules our evil to the purposes of his own glory. 2. Esau's content to the bargain. Hunger pleased, and though in no danger of death, the strength of his appetite suggested to weak an excuse. The birth-right is trivial in his eyes, and probably, he thought in Isaac's regard he was late, and then he should lose nothing by the tale. Thus profaneness is his character, Job. vii. 16. Note, (1.) Gratifying forbid appetites, is the universal ruin of men's souls. (2.) The pleasures of sense for a moment will all repay the loss of God's blessing and favour to eternity. (3.) The wife are often outdone by simpler men; at least in soul concerns, this is usually the case. The plain followers of their Bible make a wiser choice, than the cunning disputes against it. 3. Esau's carefully afterward. As if nothing had happened, he went his way, and never troubled his head about the matter. Note, To be negligent about spiritual blessings, is the sure way to be deprived of them. Here for a while he settles in comfort, yet hath not a home, but a lodging: but wherever his abode, there shall be a house of prayer. He plants a grove, a place for contemplation; or an open oratory set apart for his own and his family devotions, and any of his neighbours who chose to join with him, and the object of his worship is the everlasting God. Happy they who follow his steps, and find the everlasting arms of this everlasting God under them, as Abraham did. Here is, 1. Abraham a murmur for the death of Sarah, ver. 1, 2. 2. Abraham a purchaser of a burying-place for Sarah. 1. The purchaser humbly prespiled by Abraham, ver. 3, 4. 2. Fairly treated of and agreed with a great deal of mutual civility and respect, ver. 5—16. 3. The purchaser mourn paid, ver. 16. 4. The premises conveyed and secured to Abraham, ver. 17, 18, 20. 5. Sarah's funeral, ver. 19. 1. AND Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2. And Sarah died in 'Kirjath-arka; the same in Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. v. 1, 2. Sarah first pays the tribute of nature, and Abraham, justly afflicted with her life, with tears of no fictitious grief, laments the partner of his cares, who had been so long the comfort of his pilgrimage. Note, (1.) Death will part the nearest relatives; let us remember and provide against it. (2.) Tears are due to the memory of our departed friends. (3.) The great support under such affliction is, when, though we mourn, we can say, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 3. ¶ And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, 4. 'I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. 5. And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, 6. Hear us, my Lord; thou art a mighty prince amongst us; in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead: none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. 7. And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. 8. And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron, the son of Zour: 9. That he may give me the cave of Machpe-lah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me, for a possession of a burying-place amongst you. 10. And Ephron dwelt amongst the children of Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the § audience Before Chaff. of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gates of his city, saying, 11. 'Nay, my Lord, hear me: the field give I thee; and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee; bury thy dead. 12. And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land. 13. And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou will give it, I pray thee hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. 14. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him, 15. Nay, my Lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver: what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead. Abraham in the land of promise had neither house to come his head, nor sepulchre to bury his dead; but his present situation obliges him to make application for so needful a place. 1. His application to the children of Heth. He was a stranger among them, and therefore begs the favour to obtain some small spot for a burying ground. The beautiful Sarah was now no longer pleasing; the muft he hid from his sight. Nate, (1.) Death makes strange alterations with the fairest face. (2.) The death of others should remind us of our own; we are but strangers in this world, and sojourners, as all our fathers were. (3.) We should beware of over much forrow, and seek to divert that grief, which, if excessive, may hurt ourselves, but cannot profit the dead. 2. His application is received with the most generous offer of the best of their sepulchres. Though he called himself a stranger, they acknowledged him a great prince. 3. Their civility meets with a respectful return. He bowed himself in acknowledgment of the favour. It is duty to be courteous. And begs them to intercede with Ephron to tell the cave of Machpelah. It is no unlawful coveting to desire to purchase what our neighbour can conveniently spare, and we need. 4. Ephron's generosity. He offers to give it; and when Abraham would rain pay him, he mentions the value in such a way, as intimates his readiness to yield it without any consideration. It was prudent and just in Abraham, who was rich, to press the purchase. We should not needlessly be obliged to others. It was noble in Ephron to offer it: it shewed a contempt of worldly wealth, and a pleasure to oblige Abraham, which manifested how much he valued his friendship. Nate, (1.) It is well to be, as to make our friendship valued and sought. (2.) We find a generosity often among those who pretend not to Christianity, which is a severe reproach on niggardly professors of it. (3.) Between true friends nothing should be reserved. A union of heart will ever in some sort make community of purse. We shall say, What is that between me and thee? 16. And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron, and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. 17. ¶ And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure 18. Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. 19. And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. 20. And the field and the cave that is therein were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place, by the sons of Heth. Abraham preferring the purchase, Ephron accepts the money, and conveys to him the field where the cave stood, with all its appurtenances. Abraham is put in possession, and the children of Heth witness the bargain; and there Sarah's corpse is deposited. Nate, (1.) Fair reckonings make full friends. (2.) Fidelity in our bargain is to be scrupulously observed. (3.) The decent care of burial is a profession of our hope of the resurrection of the body. (4.) Whilst we are all so fullest in general for a burying-place for our bodies in earth, let it quicken us to greater solicitude, to secure a resting place for our souls in heaven. In the foregoing chapter we had Abraham burying his wife; here we have him marrying his son. Here is, 1. Abraham's care about Vea. I. it, and the charge be gave to his servant, ver. 1—9. 2. His servant's journey into Abraham's country, to seek a wife for his young mother among his own relations, ver. 10—14. 3. The kind prevalence which brought him acquainted with Rebekah, which further was Spain's employment, ver. 15—27. 4. The treaty of marriage with her relations, ver. 29—40. 5. Their custom obtained, ver. 50—60. 6. The happy meeting and marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, ver. 61, ad finum. 1. AND Abraham was old and well stricken in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. 2. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, 'Hur, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: 3. And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell: 4. But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. 5. And the servant said unto him, 'Peraiventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again into the land from whence thou camelt? 6. And Abraham said unto him, 'Beware thou, that thou bring not my son thither again. 7. ¶ The LORD God of heaven which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that swore unto me, saying, 'Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. 8. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. 9. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his matter, and swore to him concerning that matter. As Sarah's death concurred with Abraham's age, in reminding him how few were his days to come; he is delirious, as a good father, to see Isaac well settled before he dies. Two things he was solicitous to prevent; his marriage with a daughter of Canaan, and his return to his own country to seek a wife. Nate, (1.) Every godly man or woman should well weigh Abraham's caution. An unconverted partner is a most dangerous and deadly horse. (2.) Parents, as they have a right to recommend what appears best to their children, should, above all things, conflate their souls good. In consequence of these views we have, 1. His solemn charge given to his steward, confessed by an oath to set herein according to his intentions. He is to go and seek a wife from Abraham's kindred, and is solemnly enjoined by no means to suffer Isaac to go thither himself. The steward, according to his known fidelity and affection, confesses readily to be employed, and takes the oath, with one provide, if the woman should not be willing to come, he should be free. Nate, An oath is a solemn thing, and cannot be taken with too much warmth and consideration. 2. The encouragement Abraham gives him, v. 7. Past experience affixed him of present success, as he knew he was in the way of duty, he doubted not but success would attend him. Nate, It is good to remember the past mercies we have received, to encourage us in present dependance on the same care and kindness of our God. 10. ¶ And the servant took ten camels, of the camels of his master, and departed ( for all the goods of his master were as his hand:) and he sailed, and went to Mefopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. 11. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city, by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. 12. And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. 13. Behold, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: 14. And let it come to pass, that the damself to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and the shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be the dear thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. How great a blessing is a trusty servant. We have here, 2. His expeditious journey, and safe arrival in Mefopotamia, where Nahor dwelt. It is mentioned to his honour; for that servant Before Christ servant 1856. 9. His earnest address to God, for a blessing and direction in this important business. Nate, Where servants learn to pray, and fear God, the business of that family will prosper. He begs he may have good speed that day. Nate, Those who begin the day with prayer, may hope to end it with praise. The particular mercy he seeks, is a suitable partner for his master's son; and he mentions those best qualifications, humility of temper, and industry in her station; begging by these signs God would point out the person at the well where his camels rested. Nate, (1.) In difficult cases it is wisest to begin with prayer for directions. (2.) It is a great mark of spiritual prudence, to look for and follow the leadings of God's providence. (3.) Those who are bound most industrious and gentle in the house of their father, will prove most amiable and useful in the house of their husband. 15. ¶ And it came to pass before he had done speaking, that Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel but of Milcals the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brothers, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. 16. And the damsel tour of very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her, and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, (I pray thee) drink a little water of thy pitcher; 18. And the said, Drink, my lord: and she haffed, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 19. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. 20. And she haffed, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. 21. And the man wondering at her, held his peace, to wit, whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. 22. And it came to pass as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden year-ring, of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands, of ten shekels weight of gold; 23. And said, Whofe daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in? 24. And she said unto him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor. 25. She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. 26. And the man 'bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. 27. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I bring in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my masters brethren. 28. And the damsel ran, and told them of her mothers house the things. 9. 15—28. No sooner had he spoken, than God answers; so ready is he to hear our prayers. The maid comes, fills her pitcher, and is returning; but on his accosting her, the readily affills him to water his camels. In these days the qualifications of the fair were courtesy, humility, and diligence: let the degenerate daughters of pride, luxury, and laziness, bluffs at the compulsion. Thus providences remarkably concurred, and on enquiry he finds her a relation of his master, and is invited to the house. Happy they whom God thus brings together, not from the riotous assembly, or the market of public places, but by providential disposition, in answer to fervent prayer. Two things hereupon he does. 1. Makes her a handsome pretext for her kind assistance. To wear the golden bracelet was then thought not inconsistent with the labours of industry. 2. He blesses God for the mercy so graciously shown him. Prayer and praise are like found and echo. They who pray shall praise; and nothing more matter of praise, than finding such a partner, who to the amiableness of her person and manners adds the crowning beauty of religion. This was a fresh mercy to Abraham, and, like a good servant, his master's interests are his own, and he rejoices in God for his sake, that he had found a suitable wife for his son. 29. ¶ And Rebekah had a brother, and his name near 'Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. 30. And it came to pass when he saw the ear-ring and bracelets upon his sisters hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus isake the man unto me; that he came unto the man, and behold, he stood by the camels at the well. 31. And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD, wherefore standeth thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. 32. ¶ And the man came into the house: and he unguided his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the mens feet that were with him. 33. And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on. 34. And he said, I am Abraham's servant. 35. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly, and he is become great: and he hath given him stocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and camels, and ashes. 36. And Sarah my masters wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and 'unto him hath he given all that he hath. 37. And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Cananites, in whose land I dwell: 38. But thou shalt go unto my fathers house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. 39. And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. 40. And he said unto me, The LORD before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my fathers house. 41. Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou cometh to my kindred; and if they give not thee ear, thou shalt be clear from my oath. 42. And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper the way which I go: 43. Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 44. And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my masters son. 45. And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. 46. And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drink, and she made the camels drink also. 47. And I asked her, and said, Whofe daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the ear-ring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. 48. And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my masters brothers daughter unto his son. 49. And now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. 50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee had to good. 51. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy masters sons wife, as the LORD hath spoken. 52. And it came to pass, that when Abraham's servant heard their words, 'he worshipped the LORD, betwing himself to the earth. 53. And the servant brought forth 'jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. 9. 29—53. In consequence of what had passed at the well, Laban, Rebekah's brother, comes and gives him the kindest reception. From Laban's character it is to be feared, the bracelets paved the way; for a man's gift maketh raen for him, Prov. avio. 16. The cattle are first put up and fed. Nate, On a journey remember your heart before you eat yourself. And then the board is spread to entertain the stranger. But, before he eats, he opens. 1. His commission at large; whose servant he was; the design of his coming; the riches of his master; the settlement of all upon his son; his care to have him marry among his own kin, and not among the daughters of Canaan; his prayer; the providential answer to it in the meeting of Rebekah; then begs them to consider and determine concerning the issue of his journey. I know not whether most to admire the ingenuousness of the representation of his master's affairs, or the fidelity, which made him prefer his master's business to his own refreshment: both admirable, and worthy imitation. Nate, In religious courtship, plain dealing is the best waving. 2. The Before Christ about 1856. 2. The brother's consent to the proposal. They saw God's hand in the affair; and therefore, as Abraham's fortune made it advantageous, God's providence also bespoke their compliance. 3. The behaviour of Abraham's servant on the occasion. He thanked God for the speedy answer he had received. Note, As we go on receiving, we should go on laboring. We shall, with all our praise to God, he left far behind. And, to confirm the match, as well as evidence his master's opulence, he makes noble presents to the intended bride, as also to her mother and brothers. Note, The bride, the Lamb's wife, must be brought to him, not in her own ornament, but in the jewels with which he hath decked her. 54. And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night: and they rose up in the morning, and he said, 'Send me away unto my master. 55. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damself abide with us' a few days, at the least ten; after that the shall go. 56. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way: send me away, that I may go to my master. 57. And they said, We will call the damself, and enquire at her mouth. 58. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Will thou go with this man? And the said, I will go. 59. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and 'her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men. 60. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the master of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. 61. And Rebekah arose, and her damself, and they rose upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. A good servant never hisses. Instead of staying to spend the days in mirth and feasting, no sooner is his business done, than he is in haste to be gone. Few such servants to be met with now a days. But, 1. Natural affection pleads for a little respite. Though they know it is good for Rebekah, they are loth to part with her. Note, No joy pure without allay in this world. However, as he profess to be gone, Rebekah is called and asked. 2. She confents to go. She had, from the piety of the servant, conceived a high esteem for the family, and therefore the more readily yields. Note, Though parents have a right of advising, they have none of confining. Marriage must be of choice, not force. 3. On this they give her their blessing, take care she is suitably attended, and send her on her way. Note, New relations need our prayers for God's blessing upon them. 62. And Isaac came from the way of the 'well Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the even-tide: and he left up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. 64. And Rebekah left up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, 'she lighted off the camel. 65. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vali and covered herself. 66. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 67. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Isaac inherited not more his father's promises than his piety. We have him here, 1. Employed in meditation. Improving an evening's walk in the blessed work of communion with God. Wife are they, who can make even their amusements means of drawing them nearer the Lord. Note, (1.) Retirement is most needful for the soul. (2.) When we are in the field, we should imitate the patriarch, where every object around us may serve to awaken serious thoughts of God. (3.) None ever will feel the want of company, who have learned the arts of converse with a better world. 2. His meeting Rebekah. When we go to meet God, mercies come to meet us. He saw her at a distance, and when she knew him, she put on her veil, and alighted to meet him. Modestly is woman's best ornament. 3. His marriage, and putting her in possession of Sarah's tent. For three years he had mourned over his loss of so dear a mother; and now he is comforted in a gracious wife, and his affection sent to her, as a loving husband. Happy the pair, where mutual love makes marriage real union. Before Christ about 1856. The sacred hibernian in this chapter, (1.) takes his leave of Abraham, with an account, 1. of his children by another wife, ver. 1-4. 2. Of his left will and leftament, ver. 5, 6. 3. Of his age, death, and burial, ver. 7-10. (2.) He takes his leave of Ishmael, with a short account, 1. Of his children, ver. 12-16. 2. Of his age and death, ver. 17, 18. (3.) He enters upon the history of Isaac. 1. His prosperity, ver. 11. 2. The conception and birth of his two sons, with the words of God concerning them, ver. 19-26. 3. Their different characters, ver. 27, 28. 4. Ezekiel's filling his birthright to Jacob, ver. 29-34. 1. THEN again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2. And she bare him Ziman, and Jokthan, and Medan, and Madan, and Ithbali, and Shush. 3. And Jokthan begat Sheba and Dedan. 4. Chom. And the sons of Dedan were Asthurim, and Letuthim, and Leumim. 5. And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Akulah, and Ekizah. All these were the children of Keturah. 6. And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. 7. But unto the sons of the concubines which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son (while he yet lived) eastward unto the east-country. 8. And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threesome and fifteen years. 9. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. 10. And his son Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Mashpeh, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hattie, which is before Mamre; 11. The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife. Having brought the patriarch with glory to the end of the days of his phrenage, we have the conclusion of it in these verses. 1. His last marriage, when he was old, yet the most fruitful. He had several sons by Keturah, v. 2. Note, Age is not found the comforts of marriage. 2. His disposal of his goods among them. Isaac is his heir, and the son of his house; as the promises are entailed upon him, he hath the first and great portion; the next have each a fortune bestowed on them, and are sent to settle eastward, where they too became a great people: thus fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. Note, (1.) In the disposition of our effects to our children, we should be careful there may be no disputes when we are dead. (2.) It is lawful for every parent to distinguish those of his children who he has reason to think will make the best use of their portion. 3. His death. Full of days; after a long life, and happy old age, the taper of life burnt out, rather than extinguished, he is gathered to his fathers. Note, Death is the way of all fights; it is happy for those who by it are gathered to Abraham their father. 4. His burial by his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. They were now reconciled, and with filial duty lay him by the side of his beloved Sarah. Note, They who have lived together in love, may innocently desire to lie together in the grave, especially when born together of the grace of life, and expedients of a glorious resurrection. 11. And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac: and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi. 12. Now these are the generations of Ishmael Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham. 13. And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Misham. 14. And Mishma, and Dunah, and Maffa. 15. Hadar, and Temah, Jetur, Nephish, and Kedemah. 16. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. 17. And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people. 18. And they dwelt from Havila unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest towards Affyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. 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.