_And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers_ JACOB’S DEPARTURE FOR CANAAN I. IT WAS HASTENED BY PERSECUTION. II. IT WAS PROMPTED BY A SENSE OF OFFENDED JUSTICE. III. IT WAS AT THE COMMAND OF GOD. IV. IT ILLUSTRATES THE IMPERFECTIONS AS WELL AS THE VIRTUES OF JACOB’S CHARA... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am the God of Bethel_ THE GOD OF BETHEL I. THE GOD OF BETHED IS A GOD OF PROVIDENCE, of a special gracious Providence towards His people; and of this as exercised through a Mediator, by the ministry of angels. 1. He is the God of Providence, extending to all the creatures He has made. God did... [ Continue Reading ]
_Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house_ INHERITANCE FOR US So asked Rachel and Leah of Jacob. And we see how suggestive these historical touches in Old Testament story are, when vitalized by the spirit of the gospel. We think at once of the Saviour, who is the open... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then Jacob rose up._ LESSONS 1. Concurrence of all things with the call of God points out the time of man’s obedience to him. 2. He that hath God’s call for himself and others to any undertaking should prepare first for it. 3. It concerns husbands and fathers to provide for convenient motions o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, .. . ?_ LABAN’S EXPOSTULATION WITH JACOB, AND JACOB’S DEFENCE I. LABAN’S EXPOSTULATION WITH JACOB. 1. There was, apparently, cause for just complaint. (1) There were some crimina... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee_ LABAN’S COVENANT WITH JACOB I. IT WAS FORCED UPON HIM BY CIRCUMSTANCES. 1. His long journey in pursuit of Jacob. 2. The Divine warning. 3. His failure to criminate Jacob. 4. The overwhelming force of Jacob’s... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord watch between me and thee._ LESSONS 1. Injurious persons are most apt to suspect the innocent for doing wrong. 2. Wicked men would not have others wrong their children though they do it themselves. 3. Nature denieth polygamy though men’s lusts design and plead for it. 4. Want of human... [ Continue Reading ]