And when Abram was ninety nine years old — Full thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. So long the promise of Isaac was deferred; Perhaps to correct Abram's over — hasty marrying of Hagar. That Abram and Sarai being so far striken in age, God's power in this matter might be the more magnified. T... [ Continue Reading ]
And Abram fell on his face while God talked with him — Either, As one overcome by the brightness of the Divine glory: Daniel and John did so likewise. Or. As one ashamed of himself, and blushing to think of the honours done to one so unworthy. He looks upon himself with humility, and upon God with r... [ Continue Reading ]
The promise is here introduced with solemnity: As for me, saith the Great God, Behold, behold and admire it, behold and be assured of it, my covenant is with thee. And thou shalt be a father of many nations — This implies, That his seed after the flesh should be very numerous, both in Isaac and in I... [ Continue Reading ]
In token of this, his name was changed from Abram, a high father, to Abraham, the father of a multitude. This was to confirm the faith of Abraham, while he was childless; perhaps even his own name was sometimes an occasion of grief to him; Why should he be called a high father, who was not a father... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will establish my covenant — Not to be altered or revoked; not with thee only, then it would die with thee but with thy seed after thee; and it is not only thy seed after the flesh, but thy spiritual seed. It is everlasting in the evangelical meaning of it. The covenant of grace is everlasting... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will give thee Canaan for an everlasting possession — God had before promised this land to Abraham and his seed, Genesis 15:18. But here, it is promised for an everlasting possession, as a type of heaven, that everlasting rest which remains for the people of God. This is that better country to... [ Continue Reading ]
The token of the covenant, is circumcision, for the sake of which the covenant is itself called the covenant of circumcision, Acts 7:8. It is here said to be the covenant which Abraham and his seed must keep, as a copy or counterpart, it is called a sign and seal, Romans 4:11, for it was. A confirma... [ Continue Reading ]
Sarah shall her name be — The same letter is added to her name that was to Abraham's. Sarai signifies my princess, as if her honour were confined to one family only: Sarah signifies a princess, viz. of multitudes.... [ Continue Reading ]
Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed — It was a laughter of delight, not of distrust. Now it was that Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day, now he saw it and was glad, John 8:56, for as he saw heaven in the promise of Canaan, so he saw Christ in the promise of Isaac, and said, Shall a child be... [ Continue Reading ]
And Abraham said, O that Ishmael might live before thee! — This he speaks nor as desiring that Ishmael might be preferred before the son he should have by Sarah, but as dreading lest he should be forsaken of God, he puts up this petition on his behalf. The great thing we should desire of God, for ou... [ Continue Reading ]
As for Ishmael, I have heard thee; I have blessed him — That is, I have many blessings in store for him. His posterity shall be numerous; I will multiply him exceedingly; They shall be considerable; twelve princes shall he beget. We may charitably hope that spiritual blessings also were bestowed upo... [ Continue Reading ]
He names that child, Isaac — Laughter, because Abraham rejoiced in spirit when this son was promised him.... [ Continue Reading ]