Genesis 24:1-9 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.… In this domestic concern of Abraham we see several of the most prominent features of his character. 1. His decided aversion to idolatry (ver. 3). Had Abraham then contracted a prejudice against his neighbours? This does not appear by what occurred between them in the last chapter. He does not complain of their treatment of him, but of his God. He has no objection to an exchange of civilities with them; but to take their daughters in marriage was a sure way to corrupt his own family. The great design of God in giving the land to Abraham's posterity was the eventual overthrow of idolatry, and the establishment of His true worship on earth. To what purpose, then, was he called from amongst Chaldean idolaters, if his son join affinity with those of Canaan? 2. His godliness. There does not appear in all this concern the least taint of worldly policy, or any of those motives which usually govern men in the settlement of their children. No mention is made of riches, or honours, or natural accomplishments; but merely of what related to God. Let not the woman be a daughter of Canaan, but of the family of Nahor, who had forsaken Chaldean idolatry, and with Milcah his wife had settled in Haran, and who was a worshipper of the true God. 3. His faith and obedience. The servant being about to bind himself by oath, is tenderly concerned he should engage in more than he should be able to accomplish. "Peradventure," saith he, "the woman will not follow me into this land: must I needs bring thy son again into the land whence thou camest?" No; as Isaac must not marry a daughter of Canaan, neither must he leave Canaan to humour a daughter of Haran; for though Canaan!' daughters are to be shunned, yet Canaan itself is to be chosen as the Lord's inheritance bestowed on the promised seed. Nor do these supposed difficulties at all deter Abraham; "The Lord God of heaven," saith he, "who took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and who spake unto me, and sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land, He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence." (A. Fuller.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.WEB: Abraham was old, and well stricken in age. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in all things. |
    |