CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 21:1. The Lord visited Sarah.] Jehovah, the Covenant God. To “visit,” in this connection, signifies drawing near for the purpose of conferring a favour (Genesis 1:24; Ruth 1:6.) The LXX. has ἐπεσκεψατο, a word adopted by St. Luke in two places in the song of Zacharias (Luke... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 21:6_ THE REJOICING AT ISAAC’S BIRTH I. It was the reward of faith and patience. There were peculiar circumstances connected with the birth of this child which made it an extraordinary occasion. The promise had long been given, and the parents had waited... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 21:8. And the child grew, and was weaned.] The weaning was often delayed till three years, or more, after birth (2Ma. 7:27). Samuel was not weaned till he was old enough to be left with Eli, when he would, probably, be more than three years old. _Made a great feast._ The oc... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 21:14. Abraham rose up early in the morning.] Hence the Divine command was given to him in the night. _Bread._ Used as a general term for provisions. _Bottle of water._ The leathern bottle of the East, made of the whole skin of an animal. In this case, probably, a kid-skin,... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 21:22. Phichol.] Name signifies “mouth of all,” _i.e.,_ all-commanding. Probably an official title. GENESIS 21:23. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SON’S SON.] The LXX. has “neither my seed, nor my name.” _Murphy_ renders it _kin and kith,_ “to represent the conversational all... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 21:33. And Abraham planted a grove.] Properly, the Oriental tamarisk tree or grove. They grow to a remarkable height, and furnish a wide shade. It seems as if this were a religious act, as designed to secure some retired place for worship. Such groves were afterwards forbid... [ Continue Reading ]