THE HISTORY OF ABRAHAM At this point the specific purpose of the writer of the Pentateuch begins to appear more clearly. Speaking generally, that purpose is to trace the development of the kingdom of God in the line of Israelitish history. To this subject the preceding Chapter s of Genesis have form... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PERIZZITE] 'dweller in open villages.' It is thought by some that they were the original inhabitants of the country who had been subdued by Canaanite invaders. The words DWELLED THEN IN THE LAND indicate that the writer lived long after the conquest of Canaan. 8, 9. Abraham's offer was marked b... [ Continue Reading ]
If they were standing on the 'mountain east of Bethel' (Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:3), Lot would look eastward over the fertile Ghôr or Jordan valley, whilst in all other directions only the barren limestone hills of Judea would be visible. GARDEN OF THE LORD] Eden. AS THOU COMEST UNTO] i.e. in the di... [ Continue Reading ]
LAND OF CANAAN] see on Numbers 13:21. 14-17. The promises of Genesis 12 are confirmed to Abraham, only more fully and definitely.... [ Continue Reading ]
PLAIN] RM 'terebinths'; see on Genesis 12:6. MAMRE] an Amorite chief. It is evident from Genesis 14:13 that Abraham now settled down among this community of Amorites, and entered into a confederacy with them. HEBRON] an ancient city 20 m. S. of Jerusalem, earlier called Kirjath-Arba, Genesis 23:2. F... [ Continue Reading ]