Genesis 33:19-20 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father… I. HIS FAITH. He bought a parcel of ground as a pledge of his faith in the future possession of that country by his posterity (ver. 19). This purchase of a portion of land, concerning which God had promised Abraham that it should be his, showed Jacob's deep conviction that the promise was renewed to him and to his seed. II. HIS PIETY. This was an evidence of his faith. He gave himself up entirely to God, and this inward feeling was expressed outwardly by acts of obedience and devotion. His piety is seen — 1. In an act of worship. "He erected there an altar." This was in keeping with his vow (Genesis 28:21). 2. In the use of blessings already given. He called the altar "El-Elohe-Israel" (ver. 20). He now uses his own new name, Israel, for the first time, in association with the name of God. He uses that name which signifies the Mighty One, who was now his covenant God. He lives up to his privilege, uses all that God had given. He had vowed that he would take the Lord to be his God. 3. In the peace he enjoyed. He arrived in peace at his journey's end (ver. 18). (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. |
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