Abraham's pious care concerning his son was, that he should not marry with a daughter of Canaan, but with one of his kindred because he saw, the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew, that they were designed for ruin: would not marry his son among them, lest they should be eit... [ Continue Reading ]
His eldest servant — Probably Eliezer of Damascus, one whose conduct and affection he had had long experience of: he trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry thither by proxy; and no proxy so fit as the steward... [ Continue Reading ]
God's angels are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but guidance of the heirs of promise, Hebrews 1:14. He shall send his angel before thee — And then thou shalt speed well.... [ Continue Reading ]
He made his camels kneel down — Perhaps to unload them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Send me good speed this day — We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to the care of Divine providence. Those that would have good speed must pray for it this day, in this affair. Thus we must, in all our ways acknowledge God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let it come to pass — He prays God, that be would please to make his way plain and clear before him, by the concurrence of minute circumstances in his favour. It is the comfort, as well as the belief, of a good man, that God's providence extends itself to the smallest occurrences, and admirably serv... [ Continue Reading ]
And before he had done speaking, behold Rebekah came out — Who in all respects, answered the characters he wished for in the woman that was to be his master's wife, handsome and healthful, humble and industrious, courteous and obliging to a stranger. And providence so ordered it, that she did that w... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham — Observe here, He had prayed for good speed, and now he had sped well, he gives thanks. As yet, he was not certain what the issue might prove, yet he gives thanks. When God's favours are coming towards us; we must meet them with our praises. The Lord led... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here the making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, related largely and particularly. Thus we are directed to take notice of God's providence in the little common occurrences of human life, and in them also to exercise our own prudence, and other graces: for the scripture was not i... [ Continue Reading ]
Come in thou blessed of the Lord — Perhaps, because they heard from Rebekah, of the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, they concluded him a good man, and therefore blessed of the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
I am Abraham' servant — Abraham's name, no doubt, was well known among them, and respected; and we may suppose them not altogether ignorant of his state, for Abraham knew theirs, Genesis 22:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
Before I had done speaking in my heart — Which perhaps he mentions, lest it should be suspected that Rebekah had overheard his prayer, and designedly humoured it; no, saith he, I spake it in my heart, so that none heard it but God, to whom thoughts are words, and from him the answer came.... [ Continue Reading ]
The thing proceedeth from the Lord — Providence smiles upon it, and we have nothing to say against it. A marriage is then likely to be comfortable when it appears to proceed from the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
He worshipped the Lord — As his good success went on, he went on to bless God: those that pray without ceasing should in every thing give thanks, and own God in every step of mercy.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let her abide a few days, at least ten — They had consented to the marriage, and yet were loth to part with her. It is an instance of the vanity of this world, that there is nothing in it so agreeable but has its allay. They were pleased that they had matched a daughter of their family so well, and... [ Continue Reading ]
Call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth — As children ought not to marry without their parents consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Before the matter is resolved on, ask at the damsel's mouth, she is a party principally concerned; and therefore ought to be principally con... [ Continue Reading ]
And her damsels — It seems then, when she went to the well for water, it was not because she had no servants at command, but because she took pleasure in the instances of humanity and industry.... [ Continue Reading ]
He went out to meditate (or pray) in the field at the even tide — Some think he expected his servants about this time, and went out on purpose to meet them. But it should seem he went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary field, for mediation and prayer. Our walks in the fiel... [ Continue Reading ]
She lighted off her camel, and took a vail and covered herself — In token of humility, modesty and subjection.... [ Continue Reading ]