NOTES, CRITICAL AND PRACTIC AL, ON THE BOOK OF GENESIS; DESIGNED AS A GENERAL HELP TO BIBLICAL READING AND INSTRUCTION, BY GEORGE BUSH, PROF. OF lEB. AND ORIENT. LIT., N. Y. CITY UNIVERSITY. IN TWO VOLUMES VOL I., NINTH EDITION. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY MARK H. NEWMAN. 1850. Entered According to act of Congress, in the year 1838, by ELI FRENC El, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New Yolk. STERHOTYPED BY J 8. REDFIELD, No. 13 Chaimbers-street, New York. PREFACE. A VERY slight inspection of the pages of the present work will disclose to the reader its general character, and enable him to judge how far it is likely to supply an existing desideratum. Little therefore need be said by way ot' preface. My main object has been to afiford facilities for the correct understanding of the sacred text-to aidl the student of the Bible in ascertainino, with the utmost practicable exactness, the genuine sense of the original. With such an object in view it was perhaps impossible to avoid giving the work an aspect predominantly critical. But an apology on this score can scarcely be requisite at the present day, when the claims of sacred philology are beginning to be so highly appreciated; when it is so generally admitted that the grand aim of the Scriptural expositor should be to fix with the most absolute precision the'mind of the Spirit' in his own word; and when it is so well understood that this end can be attained only by means of a familiar acquaintance with the original in its verbal and idiomatic peculiarities, its plarallel usages, and its archeological illustrations. Besides, unless I have come wholly short of my aim, there will be found such a union of the practical with the critical, as to adapt the present and the ensuing volumes somewhat happily to popular use. Should this prove not to be the case, I shall feel that the failure has been rather in the execution, than in the plan; for I know no reason to suppose the two departments intrinsically incompatible, or that the two-fold function of the exegetical and the ethical expositor may not be united in the same person. The idea of combining them to the extent in which it is done in the present volume is no doubt somewhat novel, nor am I sure that occasionally a transition may not be noticed from one iii province to the other so abrupt, as to carry wvitl: it to the mind of the reader a mnomenta: y sensation of incongruity. But sucth cases- trust will be too few to stamp the experiment as abortive. No one at all conversant with the subject of biblical annotation but must be awiare, that there is a large mass of materials accumulated by the researches or reflections of prior commentators, and constitutilnrr a kind of common property, of Nwhich each successive labourer in the field feels at liberty to avail himself. The propriety of this is universally conceded, provided he sets up no special claitn to viihat lhe thus finds nmade ready to his hands. Indeed it is quite obvious that the credit of origin.ality in this department cannot be secured, but at the expense of the greatest measure of utlility-an exp'ense which I have inot seen fit to incur. I have accordingly availed mnyself freely of all accessible sources of Scripture elucidatioun that could lie made subservient to my plan, and have frequently interwoven with my own remarks, phrases and sentences, and, in some cases, paragraphs from other authors, without the formality of express quotation. But however large may be my indebtedness on this score, it is but justice to myself to say, that I lhae generally weighed in my own scales the evidence for or against a lparticular rend'ering or interpretation, and that after every abatement much will be found in the ensuing pages not to be met with any where else. Of the intrinsic value of these portions of the work the estimate must, of course, be left to those for whose benefit it has been prepared. In cases of doubtful interpretation, I have, as a general rule, con tented myself with giving what I conceived to be the right one, with the evidence in its favour, without distracting the reader's mind by an array of various and conflicting comments. Still less have I indulged the paltry propensity for introducing interpretations differing from my own, merely for the purpose of refuting them. Yet in some instances where the probabilities in favour of opposite or variant expositions were very equally balanced, it seemed but an act of justice to judicious critics to give their several constructions, and I have accordingly in such cases endeavolured to avoid the charge of undue assumption by candidly stating what might be said against as well as for a proposed interpretation. The number of passages in the compass of the sacred writings is far from small, in respec to which a positive determination of the sense is, with our presea PREFACE. V means of explication absolutely impossible.-An exception, however, to the above rule may be observed as it respects the ancient versions; particularly the Septuagint, the Chaldee Targums, and the Syriac and Arabic versions. These I have adduced very frequently, not only in dubious and difficult places, where their authority might have weight, but often in the plainer passages, in order that the reader might have the satisfaction of seeing by what shades of difference the most ancient renderings vary from our own. An account of these several versions, together with an attempted estimate of their value as tributary to the exposition of the sacred text, will be found on a subsequent page. To some it may be an objection that the pages of the work are so thickly interspersed with words and phrases in the Hebrew and Greek character. On this head I can only say, that if the reader will acquit me, as I readily acquit myself, of the design of giving in this way a learned air to my columns, I shall be willing to submit to some exceptions from one portion of my readers for the sake of another. My settled conviction is, that these notes will go into the hands of nurmbers of the religious community, especially ministers and theological students, to whom this feature of the work will be a strong recommendation; and perhaps, as the terms are almost invariably translated, besides being often given in English orthography, it is no nmore than a reasonable demnand, that the mere vernacular reader should concede this much to the preferences of his more learned lrother. It will be matter neither of surprise nor regret to any one who bears in mind that the Bible is strictly an Eastern book, that I have drawn so largely on Oriental sources of illustration. It is only from such sources that a large portion of the imagery, allusions, and diction of the inspired writers can be adequately explained. The works of Eastern travellers, therefore, have formed a leading department of the apparatus which I have collected together in reference to the present undertaking. Amon, these the'Pictorial Bible,' recently published in London, has been a repository from which I have enriched my pages with many of their choicest contents. It is an invaluable treasury of materials for elucidating the topography, the manners and customs. the rites, ceremonies, monuments and costumes of the East; and this, whether we regard the Engrravings or Vi PREFACE. Notes. both of which are full of new and intere:sting information. It is deeply to be regretted that the cost of this work is such as will be likely greatly to limit its circulation. It is mny purpose, should a favouring Providence permit, to go over all the historical books of the Old Testament on the same plan. Other indispen.able engagements may make the intervals of publication somewhat wide, hut if life and health are spared, the work will be continually in hand till completed; and so far as it may give presage of useful service to the cause of biblical knowledge and sound piety, I cannot hesitate to assure myself of the prayers of my readers, in conjunction with my own, for the blessing of Heaven to rest upon the enterprise. G. BN NEw Yo:lK, NIot. Ist, 1838. INTRODUCTION. i.-OF THE SACRED SCRIPTURES GENERALLY. ~ 1. Titles, Divisions, &c. THAT collection of writings which is every where regarded by Christians as containing the only true revelation made by God to man, and as the sdle standard of faith and practice, is familiarly known by different appellations. Thus it is frequently termed The Scriptures, as being the most important of all owritings; the Iioly or Sacred Scriptures, because composed by persons divinely inspired; and sometimes the Canonical Scriptures, friom a Greek word (K-asJov canon) signifying a rule, because they were regarded as an infallible rule of faith and conduct, and to distinguish themn fiom certain books termed Apocryphal, (aro0Kps5v)t hidden, concealed,) from their being of obscure and doub;tful origin, not possessing the proper testimonials to entitle 1hetn to a place among the genuine inspired writings. But the most usual appellation is The Bible (oLi LXop or fBhAtu biblion or biblia, Lat. liber, book, from!3t1.3A bibles, an Egyptian reed of the bark of which paper was made). This word in its primary import simply denotes a book, but it is applied to the writings of the prophets and apostles by way of emphasis and eminence, as being the Book q' Books, infinitely superior in excellence and imlportance to every humnatn composition. This title originated at a very early period, principally from the usage of the Greek Fathers, and has since been generally adopted by the Christian world. The most common and general division of the canonical Scriptures is into the Old and Neu. Tecstamnents; the former containing those revelations of the divine will which were communicated to the Hebrews, Israelites, or Jews, before the birth of Christ; the latter comprising the inspired writings of the Evangelists and Apostles. This distinction is founded on 2 Cor. 3. 6, 14. Mlat. 26. 28. Gal. 3. 17. Heb. 8. 8.-9. 15-20, where the ancient Latin translators have rendered 3taOtKrn diatheke (which signifies both a covenant and a testament, but in Biblical usage always answers to the Ileb. Inni2 berith, a covernant) by Testamentum, a testament; because,' says Jerome (Comment. in Mial. ch. 2. 2),'they by a Grmecism attributed to this word the sense of FPltdus, a covenant.' Were such the usage, therefore, there would be no impropriety in terming the two main portions of the Scriptures the Old and New Covenant; implying thereby, not two distinct and unrelated covenants, but merely the fornter and vii Vlll INrRODUCTION. the latter dispensation of the one grand covenant of mercy, of which the prophet Jeremiah, ch. 31. 31-34, as expounded by the Apostle, Heb. 8. 6-13, gives so ample a description. The books of the Old Testament again are usually farther subdivided by the Jews into the Law (.;qAi h attoirah), the Pirophets (DM 2n hannacebeim), and the IIagio,,rcpha (-l,1i;ha hakketebinm, lit. the.writtin.s, empllhatically so called); a classification expressly recognised by our Lord, Luke24. 44;'These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all thinos muist be fulfilled whichl are written in the lalw of ilioses, and in the p'roelset, and in the psalms concerning le;' where by Ps,7nls is meant, not merely the book bearing that title in the Scriptures, but what is otherwise termed the HaIgioar apia. In this distribution the Lawo comprised the Pentateuclc, or five books qf Moses, which were originally written. in one volume, as all the manuscripts are to this day, whichl are read in the synagogueis.'Ile n':jphets were divided into the folrme7r and latter, in reference to the time when they respectively tiourished; the first class containini, the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, the two last being each considered as one book; the second comprising Isaiah, Jereimiah, lEzekiel, and the twelve nlinor prophets, whose books were reckoned as one. The reason why MIoses is not included ainong the prophets, is, because lie so far surpassed all those who camer after him, in eminence and dignity, that they were not accounted worthy to be placed on a level with him; and the books of Joshua and Judges are reckoned among the prophetical books because they are generally supposed to have been written by the prophet Samuel. The Ketlubim or Hagiographa, that is, the olty lWritings, comprehended the Psalins, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomnon, Rluth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, and Neherniab (reckoned as one ), and the two books of Chronicles, also re'ckoned as one. This third class or division of the sacred books has received the appellation of i-fcttbimu, or Holy J'TVitinmgs, because they were not orally delivered as the law of Moses was; but the Jews affirml tihat they were composed by men divinely inspired, who, however, had no public mission as prophets. It is rerlmarkable that Daniel is excluded from the number of prophets, and that his writings with the rest of the Hagiographa, were niot publicly read in the synagogues as the Law and the Prophets were. This is ascribed to the singular minuteness with which he foretold the coming of the Messiah before the destruction of the city and sanctuary, and the apprehension of the Jews, lest the public reading of his predictions should lead any to embrace the doctrines of Christianity. The subordinate division into chapters and verses is of comparatively nmodern date. The folrmer is attributed to Hugo de Sancto Caro, a Roman Catholic Cardinal, who flourished about A. D. 1240; the latter to Rabbi Mordecai Nathan, a celebrated Jewish teacher, who lived A. D. 1445. T'he author of the versedivision in the New Testament was Robert as ert Stephens, a distinguished printer of Paris, who lived in the sixteenth century. As this division, however, is not always made with the strictest regard to the connection of parts, it may be considered, to the mere reader or intelrpreter of the sacred volume, who wishes to obtain a clear, connected view of the chain of narrative, precept, prophecy, or argument of a particular book, as a disadvantage. But on the other lhnd, the facilities afforded by it in the matter of quotation and reference are so great as IN'TR - T CT! ON. iX perhaps to counterbalance all other inconveniences. Without some division of this kind it would be next to imlpossible to frame a Concordance, and yet of all aids to the right understanding of the Scriptures, none is so important as a Concordance. ~ 2. Language, Mode qf Preservation, Incorrupt Integrity, &c., of the Old T'rstamnest Scriptures. The language in which the Old Testament is written, with the exception of a few passages in Chaldee, is the Hebrew, so called, in all probability, from being principally spoken by the Hebrew nation, the descendants, through Abraham, of Heber, the grandson of Shem. (See Note on Gen. IO0. 21 and 14. 13). This language belongs to a group or family of languages usually termed thei Stienitic, of which tile C-laldee, Syriac, and Arabic are cognate or kindred branchies, in each of which ancient versions exist affording very important aids in the interpretation of the Hebrew text. This text has been transmitted to us in the form of manuscripts, written mostly on vellum or parchment, either rolled like a map, or in a book-formn, with the contents written in two or three parallel columns. The Jews to this day use no other copies in their synagogues than the rolled manuscripts, which are transcribed with the utmost care and exactness, under regulations superstitiously strict, and often. in a chirography of extreme beauty. Of these copies it cannot be affirmed of any one now in existence, that it is absolutely perfect. The lapse of time and the numerous transcriptions through which the sacred writings have passed, would naturally expose them in some degree to the inroads of error; and some-instances of this kind have been pointed out. But on the whole the integrity of the Scriptures has been remarkably preserved. The mnost accurate inquiries have been instituted on this head, and the result of the laborious and critical examination of learned men has shown, that the alterations of the sacred text are extremely slight and trivial, and that in all essential points we have the divine revelation as it came from the hands of the several penmen. ~ 3. Ancient Versions. The principal Ancient Versions, which illustrate the Scriptures, are the Chaldee Paraphrases, generally called Targums, the Septuagint or Alexandrian Greek Version, and the Vulgate or Latin Version. In a more detailed view of this subject than we now propose, it would be proper to enumerate also the translations of Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion, together with the Samaritan, Syriac, and Arabic Versions, but as these are comparatively of secondary importance we shall not at present dwell upon them, but refer the reader who is desirous of fuller information to the Introductions of Horne, Jahn, Carpenter, and others who have treated of them in all their particulars. We shall confine ourselves to the following, which, the reader will observe, are made more especially prominent, by frequent quotation, in the ensuing pages. (a.) TiEi TARGUMS.-The Chaldee word Dn targum signifies in general any version or e. plaration; but the appellation is more particularly restricted to the versions or paraphrases of the Old Testament, executed in the East-Aramman X [TITRODUCTION. or Chaldee dialect, as it is usually called. These Tartuums are termed paraphrases or expositions, because they are rather commIenats and exprlicat.ions than literal translations of the text. They are written in that dir!ect, because it became more familiar to the Jews after the tinie of their captivity in lBabylor than the l-ebrew itself; so that when the law was' read in the synagogue every sabbath day,' in pure biblical Hebrew, an e.rplanation was sulbjoined to it in ChIaltlee, in order to render it intelligible to a people who had in a nleasure lost their native tongue. This practice originated with Ezra, and it is highly probable thiat the paraphrases were at first merely oral, but that they were afterwards committed to writing for the benefit of those who wished to study and ponder'the law of the Lord' at home. Indeed there are yet extant some manuscripts in whiclh tlte t, xt and the paraphrase are written alternately; first, a verse or two or tll, e in Hebrew, and then a corresponding number of verses in Chaldee. But books of this description were not allowed in the public reading of the Law. -There are at present extant ten of these Chaldee paraphrases on different parts of the Old Testament, three of which, and those by far the rnost importan t, comprise the Pentatetuch, viz. (1.) The'argum of Onlkel.os; (2.) That falsely ascribed to Jonatlhan, and usually cited as the Targumn of the Pseudo-Jonathan; (3.) The Jerusalemn Targuml. Of the rest it will be unnecessary here to speak. TCrltLm qf Onkelos.-It is not known with certainty at what time Onkelos flourished, nor of what nation lie was. The generally received opinlionl is, that he was a proselyte to Judaism, and a disciple of the celebrated Rabbi Hlillel, who flourished about fifty years before the Christian era; and consequently that Onkelos was cotemporary with the Saviour. But Bauer and Jahn place him in the second century. His rarguin, embracing the five books of Moses, is justly preferred to all the others, both on account of the purity of its style and its general freedom fiom idle legends. It is rather a version than a paraphrase, and renders the Hebrew text word for word and with so much accuracy and exactness, that being set to the same musical notes with the original Hebrew, it could be read or cartillated in the same tone as the latter in the public assemblies of the Jews. The best-known Latin translation of this Targum, which we have generally quoted by the simple designation'Chal.,' is that of Paulus Fagius, and the fullest inforiniuu:on concerning it is to be found in a tract by G. B. Winer, entitled,'De OinkI:lso ejusque Paraphrasi Chaldaica Dissertatio, 4to. Lips. 1S20. For the sake of affording the English reader a still clearer idea of the nature of these p!-aphrases, and how far they differ from the original, we subjoin a specimen of each, in a literal translation ranged in parallel columns with the corresponding passages from our received version. ENG. VERSION. TARG. OF ONKELOS. Gen. 1. 2. And the earth was without form, And the earth was waste and empty; and ant] voidl; and tldarkiess was upon the face darkness was upon the face of tile abyss: of the tleepi: anid tlie Spirit of God moved and a wind fromn before the Lord breathed upon the fiace of lhe waters. over the surface of the waters. v. 11. Andl Cod said, Let the earth bring And the Lord sait; Let the earth cause forth re;,ss, the he),) yiehlintg seed, and the to spring up the tender herb. whiose seed fruit-tree yieldliti fi-uil after hils kitl. whose iay be sown; the fruit-tree 1producing fruit seed is in itsell; upon the earth: and it was after its kind, Ihonse seed is in itself upon so. the earth: and It was so. INTRODUCTION. Xi v. I4. And God said, Let there be lights And the Lord said: Let thexer e litghts in in tie firmalment of the heaven, to divi(le the the exparse of heaven to distinguish ba. day from the night: and let themi be for tweain the (lay and the night, and let them siagns, and lor seasolis, and for days, and for be for signs, and for seasons, alnd for to years. measure by thlem days and years. v. 20. And God said, Let the waters bring And the Lord said: Let the waters proforth ablundl ntly the moving creature that dutce the creeping thing en(towed with the hath life, and fowl that may fly above the principle of life, and fowl that may fly over earth in the open firmtlament of heaven. the earth upon the face of the expanse of heaven. Ch. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man And the Lord God created the nman of the of the lust of the rrolnd, and breathed in- dust of the earth, and breathed into his nos to his nostrils the breath of life; and man trils the breath of life, and it became in the became a living soul. man a speaking spirit. v. 8. Aind the Lord God planted a garden And the Lord God had planted a garden eastward in Edlen; and there he put lhe in Eden from the beginning, and he placed nian whoil lie had Ibruled. there the man whom he had created. v. 9. And out ofthe groundmade the Lord And the Lord God caused to spring up God to grow every tree that is pleasant to from the earth every tree that was desirathe sight, and good for food; the tree of life ble to be seen, or good for food, aind the tree also in the midst of tl.le garden and the tree of life in the licldst of the garden, and the of knowledge of good andi evil. tree of whose fruit they who eat are wise in discerning between good and evil. v. 17. Butl of the tree of the knowleldge of Butt of the tree of whose fruit they wx-o good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for ill eat are wise in discerning between good al d the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt sure- evil, thou shalt not eat of it, for in the dav ly die. that thou shalt eat of it, thou shalt die the death. v. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not And the Lord God said: It is not fit that good that the ilan should be alone: I will man should be by hitself, I will viake for make him an help omeet for him. him a support, to be, as it were, his coun. terpart. v. 20. And Adam gave names to all cattle And Adam gave names to all cattle and and to the fowl of the air, and to every fowl of the air, and to every beast of the beast of the field: but for Adam there was field: but for man lie did not find a support not found an help meet for hibn. who was, as it were, his counterpart. v. 24. Therefore shall a man leave his fa- For this cause a man shall leave the bedther and his mother, and shall cleave unto chamber of his father and of his mother, itis wife: and they shall be one flesh. and shall adhere to his wife, and they shall be as one flesh. U-h. 3. 10. And he said, I heard thy voice And he said: T heard in the garden the in the g(arden: and I was afraid, because I voice of thy word, and I was afraid, because was naked; and I hid myself. I am naked, and I hid myself v. 15. And I.ill put enmity between thee And I will put enmity between thee and and the woman, and between thy seed and the woman, and between thy son and her her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou son. He shall remember against thee what shalt bruise his heel. thou hast done to him from the beginning, and thou shalt be observant of him unto the end. Targum qf the Pseudo-.Jonathan.-So called from being ascribed by many to Jonathan Ben Uzziel, who wrote the much esteemed paraphrase on the Prophets. But the difference in the style and diction of this Targllm, which is very impure, as well as in the method of paraphrasing adopted in it, clearly proves that it could not have been written by Jonathan Ben Uzziel, who indeed sometimes indulges in allegories, and has introduced a few barbarisms; but this Targurn on the Law abounds with the most idle Jewish fables that can well be conceived; whieh, together with the barbarous and foreign words it contains, renders it of very little utility. Learned men are unanimous in the opinion that K1i INTRODUCT'roN it could not have been written before the seventh, or even the eighth century. Its general character may be learnlled from a very few specimens. ENG. VERSION. TARG. OF PS.-JON. BGen. 1. 2. Andt the earth was confusion and empti-;eform, and voi a darthkness was wupon thle ness, destitute of tlhe sons of ten, anti bare foii, al voitdeep; and larkness was upof God of all cattle; and( darkness was upon the amoved o t the face ofd the wapiit of Goers. face of the abyss; and the spirit of lnercies 111)ve0d 0pon tlle face of the waters. fromn befbre the Lord breathed over the surlace of the waters. And the Lord called the light day, and v. 5. Andl God calledl the light Day, and made it that the inhabitcrs of thle world the darkness e catlled Nig-ht and the might work therein; and the darkness he evening anti the wnorning were the first called nighlt, and mIade it that his creatures d*ay should rest therein. And there was evening, and there was morning, one (:lay. And the Lord fornmed the firmament, which sustaineth ]lil, with three fingers v. 7. And Gd1 m-lade the firmlament, and breadth between the uttermost part of the divided the waters which were under the heaven, and the waters of thle ocean: and firmament firom the waters which were lhe adtle a sel)aration between the waters above the firmament: and it was so. which are under the firmlamentt, and the waters which are above ill tile tabernacle of the firmlalment: and it was so. And the Lord made the two great lights: and they were equal in their glory twenty and one years, subtracting' froml these six v. 16. Anrd God made two great lights; the liondred and seventy parts of a,, hour. But greater lighlt to rule the day, and the lesser after this, t1e 1)0oon brought a calslunious light to rule the night: he made the stars accu1sation ataintst ties sun, and she was also. made Iess: and lie appointed tlhe sun, which was the greater liglit, to rule in the (lay, and the moon, which was the lesser light, to rule in the nightt: with the stars also. And the Lord said to the angels who ministered before hitl. who were created on v. 26. And God said, Let us make man in the second day ol'the creation of the world: our image, aftier our likeness: and lel them Let us miiake nlanr in our iiage, in our have dominiio over the fish of the sea, ands likeness, and let thein bear rule over the over the fowl of the air. and over the cattle, fishes of the sea, andl over the lbwl in the and over all the earth, andl over every creel- air of heaven, and over the cattle, andl over ing thing that creepeth upon the earthl. all the earth, and over every creepingt thing which creepeth u1pon the earth. And the Lord created man in his own likeness: in tl-le inae of the I,ord created he v. 27. So God created man in his own irn- hirn, with two lrnnlred anf srty-eight imetage., hnte rag f o T e bers, andl three hundred and sixty-five sin. nale and fe miale cre God reated he hthe. ews, and clothed him with a skin, and filled male and femlale createdl he them. hiiii with flesh and blood: imale and fetmale in their body created he them. Ch. 2. 18. And the Lord GdM said, It is not And the Lord God said: It is not fit that good that tile nian should be salone: I will man should sleep by himself: I will make for hiim a woman, who shiall be a support to make hiii an help mleet for hm. hisi, as his counterpart. v. 25. And they were both nalred, the And they were both of them wise, the man and his wife, alnd were not ashained. man anld his wife: but they did not tarry in their glory. The Jerusalem Targum.-This also paraphrases the five books of Moses, and derives its name from the dialect in which it is composed. Itis by no means a connecteld paraphrase, sometimes omitting whole verses or even chapters; at other times ec:xplaining only a single word of a verse, of which it sometimes gives a twofi!ild inltrpretation; and at others, Hebrew words are inserted vithlot aonv INTR LODUCTI ON. xiJ explanation whatever. In many respects it corresponds with the paraphrase of the Pseudo-Jonathan, Awhose legendlar y tales and rabbinical fictions are copiously interspersed throughout, though sometimes abridged and sometimnes expanded. It cannot be referred to a date earlier than the seventh or eighth century, nor is any thing known of the author. The following may serve as specimens. LING. VERSION. JERUS. TARG. Gen. 1. 1. In the berinning God created In wisdom the Lord created the heaven the heaven and tire earth. and the earth. v. 5. And God called the light Day, and And evening was, and morning was, in the darkness he called Night: ard the even- the order of ttie work ofcreation, the first ing and the llmorning were the firstl day. day. Ch. 2. 15. And tie Lord God took tthe inaii, And the Lord God took the tman, and established him in the garden of Eden, and plaand put hiii into the garden of Eden, toere that he should be aclllivator'dress it, and~o keel it. of the law, andt sho.uld keep it. v. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not I will make for him a consort proceeding good that the man shouldt be alone: I will forth as it were fromi him. make hiin an help meet for hiimi. And the word of the Lord Go(l called unto Adamu, and said unto him: Behold, the world which I have created is laid open beCh. 3. 9. And the Lord God called unto fore ine: darkness and light are open before Adamn, and said unto him, Where art thou? ie, and how didst thou expect the place, in the midst of which thou art, not to be dis. covered before me? where is the cornmandinment which I enjoined thee? And it shall be when the sons of the woman shall attend to the law andl perform the precepts thereof, they shall prepare to wound thee on thy head and shall kill thee: but when the sons of the woinuan shall forv. 15. And I will put enmity between thee sake the commandments of the law, and ai.d the woman. and between thy seed atnd shall not perform the precepts thereof, thou her seed: it shallbruise thy head, and thou shalt be in readiness and shall bite them shalt bruise his heel. upon their heel, anti shalt aitfflict them with sickness. Nevertheless, there shall be a remedy for the sons of the wonuan; but for thee, O Serpent, there shall not be a remedy: for they shall provide a imedicine for one another in the heel, in the end of the heel of days, in the days of King Messiah. The above mentioned Targums, but more especially those of Onkelos and Jonathan Ben Uzziel, were held by the Jews in nearly as much veneration as their Hebrew Scriptures; and to give them the greater authority, they traced back their origin to the time of Moses and the ancient prophets; asserting that Onkelos and Jonathan only restored, by committing to writing, what they had received by divine tradition. But this supposition exceeds the usual extravagance of Rabbinical fictions; for it admits that Moses and the prophets dictated a Chaldee paraphrase to the Jews at a time when they could not possibly have had any knowledge of that langulage. But while we repudiate these extravagant claims, in regard to the antiquity and authority of the Chaldee paraphrases, and treat as they deserve the idle Rabbinical conceits, with which they are interspersed, we may adm-lit, at the same time, that they are of considerable value in the interpretation of the sacred text. They are undoubtedly the most ancient books, next to the Hebrew Scriptures, possessed by the Jestish nation, and being ex XiV INTRODUC(TION. tremely litetral, they serve to vindicate the original text, as it has come down to us, from the charge of corrulption by the Jews for the sake of evading the arguments of Christians. For the same reason they often afford the interpreter important aid in determining the signification of difficult words and phrases, although fronm the remoteness of their period from the age when the language was vernacular,their testimony cannot have the weioht of that of direct and irmniediate witnesses. But they undoubtedly serve as a channel for conveying down to us the earliest traditionary sense put by the Jews upon many obscure passages of the sacred writings, and correct information on this point is always exceedunglv desirable. In addition to this, they often reflect considerable light oh the Jewish rites, ceremonies, laws, customs, and usages mentioned or alluded to in both Testaments. But it is in establishing the meaning of particular prophecies relative to the Messiah, that these Targumns are pre-emrinently usefil. For tome striking illustrations of this remark, the reader is referred to Prideaux' Connection, vol. 4th. p. 236 (Charlest. ed. 1816), where the whole subject is fully and learnedly treated.-Walton's Polyglott Bible will present the student with all the Targurls; and Buxtorf's Biblia Rabbinica will not only give these, but all the distinguished Rabbinic Comnmentaries, such as those of Kimchi, Jarchi, Aben Ezra, etc. to which should be added his Lexicon Chald. Talmud. Rabbinicum, an invaluahle store-house of illustration in every department of Chaldee and Rabbinical literature. (b.) TtIE SEPTUAGIN-T.-This is the title applied to the most ancient and valuable of the Greek versions. It is so called, either from the Jewish account of seventy-two persons having been employed to make it, or from its having been ordered, superintended, or sanctioned by the Sanhedrin, or great council of the Jews, which consisted of seventy, or more correctly, of seventy-two persons. Much uncertainty rests upon the real history of this version, though its date is usually referred to the second century before the Christian era; but there is no question as to its value; and in so much esteem was it held by the Jews and the early Christians, that it was constantly read in the synagogues and churches. Hence it is uniformly cited by the early fathers, whether Greek or Latin, and from it all the translations into other languages (with the exception of the Syr iac), which were approved by the ancient Christian church, were executed, as the Arabic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Gothic, and old Italic or Latin version in use i)efore Jero;ne; and to this day the Septuagint is exclusively read in the Greek ind most other Oriental churches. As a source of interpretation it is invaluable. Desirous of possessing in Greek a faithful representation of the Hebrew Scripares, and being themselves Jews, the translators retained Hebrew forms and todes of expression, while the words employed were Greek. The language herefore of the Septuagint is a kind of Hebezo-Greek, which a native of Athena -light have found it difficult to understand. Such as it is, it has operated to give haracter to the style of the New Testament, and forms in fact one of the most nportant means of its critical illustration.' The book,' says Michaelis,' most,ecessaly to be read and understood by every man who studies the New Testaaent, is, without doubt, the Reptuagint, which alone has been of more service Ban all the passages firom the profane authors collected together. It should be,ad in the public schools hy those who are destined for the church, should form INTRODUCTION. XV the subject of a course o-f lectures at the University, and be the constant companion of an expositor of the New Testament.' This is confirmed by the testimony of Dr. Adam Clarke, who, in speaking of his biblical labours, says,' About the year 1785 1 began to read the Septuagint regularly, in order to acquaint myself more fullly with the phraseology of the New Testament. The stud of this version served more to expand and illuminate my mind than all the theological works I had ever consulted. I had proceeded but a short way in it, before I was convinced that the prejudices agninst it were utterly unfounded; and that it was of incalculable advantage towards a proper understanding of the literal sense of the Scrilture.' (Comment. vol. I.'Gen. Pref.) A marked difference of style in its different parts indicates the version to have been the work not of one but of several translators, and to have been executed at different times. In all, however, the'Greek abounds with Hebraisrns, and errors are by no means infrequent, particularly in the right construction of the original. This in many instances can only be resolved into absolute incapacity on the score of knowledge and general qualification for the task assumed. Yet very many parts are excellently translated. The first place in the scale of Inerit is due to the version of the Pentateuch, which far surpasses that of the other books. The' translator has for the most part religiously followed the Hebrew text, and has in various instances introduced the most suitable and best chosen expressions. Next to the Pentateuch, for ability and fidelity of execution, ranks the translation of the book of Proverbs, the author of which was well skilled in the two languages. Michaelis is of opinion that of all the books of the Septuagint this is the best; the most ingenious thoughts being clothed in as neat and elegant language as was ever used by a Pythagorean sage, to express his philosophic tmaxims. The books of Judges, Ruth, Samuel, and Kings, seeni to have been translated by one who does not admit more Hebraisms than the other translators, but has several other peculiarities. The Psalms and Prophets, according to Jahn, have been translated by men who were unequal to their task. The version of Jeremiah he considers better than the rest; those of Amos and Ezekiel deserve the next place, and the last mmst be given to that of Isaiah. The version of Ecclesiastes is remarkable for its being closely literal. In that of Job, additions have been made to those parts of the books which are in prose, while the poetical -parts are deficienlt in scores of passages. The translation of Daniel was so very erroneous, that it was totally rejected by the ancient church, and Theodotion's version substituted instead of it. The Septuagint version, however, which was for a long time supposed to have been lost, was discovered and published at Rome in 1772, from which it appears that its author had but an imperfect knowledge of the Itebruw language.-It may interest a portion of our readers to be informed that the only complete translation of the Septuagint into English was made by a countryman ufoar own, Charles Thomson, Esq. Secretary to Congress in the time of the Revolutionaty war. Though faithfully and creditably executed, yet it is to be regarded rather as a lit,:rary curiosity, thanas a work of much practical utility to the biblical student. It was, printed at Philadelphia, in 1808, in 4 vols. 8vo, and has now become extremely scarce.-Our quotations from this version, in the body of the work, are so numerous as to render additional specimens, for illustrating its style, unnecessarly.-Perhaps the best edition for comlon use is that of Leipsic lby Leander Van Ess. xVI INTRODUCTION. (C.) THE VULGATE. - This is the appellation given to the common Latin translation of the sacred Scriptures. After Christianity extended itself in the West, a Latin version of the Bible naturally became necessary. In the time of Augustine there were several of these; although only one of them was adopted by ecclesiastical authority. This was called Vulgata, common, popular, because it was made from the Greek version, also denominated icotvV common. In modern times this ancient Latin version is often called Italac, (Italic) in consequence of a passage in Augustine; but the reading there is false, and it should be read usitata. This translation was made literally from the Septuagint, and gives, most conscientiously, even all the verbal mistakes of the Greek. There are still extant of it the Psalms, Job, and some of the apocryphal books complete, besides fragments. As the manuscripts of this version had become by degrees very much corrupted, a revision of the Psalter and book of Job was undertaken in A. D. 383, by Jerome in pursuance of an appointment to the work by Damasus bishop of Rome. This is still extant, and called Psatteriuns Romanum, because it was introduced into the Roman diocese. While Jerome was thus employed in the revision of the ancient Vulgata, or Itala, he ventured to commence also, a new version of his own, out of the original Hebrew; being induced to the undertakilng partly by the counsel of his friends, and partly by his own feeling of the necessity of such a work. lie began with the Books of Kings, and completed the work, A. D. 405, with Jeremiah. While engaged int this work, he enjoyed the oral instruction of learned Jewish Rabbins in Palestine, and availed himself of all the former Greek versions and of tie Hexapla of Origen. His new version surpasses all the preceding in usefulness. The knowledge of Hebrew which Jcrome possessed was, for the age, very respectable; and he also made himself master of the Chaldee. His manner of explanation connects itself very closely with that of the Jews; and his choice of Latin expressions is, for the most part, very happy. Still, the production did not meet with the anticipated success and general reception; and especially Augustine and Rufinus wrote against it with virulence, as if a new Bible were about to be introduced. Nevertheless, the new version maintained itself along with the ancient one; and at length, in the seventh century, supplanted it almost entirely. The Vulgate was the first book ever printed. The first edition is without date or place; the first with a date was printed at Mayence, 1462. At the council of Trent, in 1545, the Vulgate was declared to be the standard version of the Catholic churclh, and to be of equal authority with the original Scriptures. Since this time, the stiudy of the original text has been regarded by the Catholics as a verging towards heresy. The Vulgate at present consists of different elements; the Psalms and most of the apocryphal books being from the ancient version, or Itala, and the rest from the latter Vulgate. The popes have taken great pains to obtain as correct a text of the Vulgate as possible; thus, in 1590, under Sixtus V., appeared the Editio Sixtin-a, which was declared to be the standard for all futture editions. But many errors being afterwards discovered in it, the popes purchased up all the copies, so far as possible, and a new standard, the Editio Clemen7tincz, was published in 1592, which still retains its authority. The great value of this version, which among Protestants has been underrated from the circumstance of its being so highly regarded by the Catholics, arises from its extreme antiquity. It is a consideration of no small weight that even INTRODUCTION. XVii the latest part of it was made upwards of fourteen hundred years ago, and is consequently many centuries prior to all the Latin translations now current, none of which can claim a date earlier than the revival of letters in the West. There are two things in this circumstance which powerfully tend to recommend the Vulgate version. (1.) Having been made from manuscripts older than most, perhaps than any now extant, it serves in some degree to supply the place of those manuscripts and to furnish us with the probable means of discovering the genuine ancient readings. For this reason this translation is usually considered as equivalent to a manuscript of the fourth century. (2.) From its having been executed long before those controversies arose which are the foundation of most of the sects now existing, we may rest assured, that, in regard to these, there will be no bias from party zeal to either side of the question; which cannot be said of the translations which have been made since the rise of Protestantism, either by Protestants or Papists. From the fact of its having been solemnly declared by the Council of Trent, in 1545, as the standard version of the Catholic church, and from some few passages having been produced which seem to fiavour the abuses and corruptions of that church, the impression became very common that the Vulgate is a Popish Bible, calculated for supporting the Roman Catholic cause. Now although it is certainthat besides manybarbarisms and solecisms, there are several expressions occnrring in this version which vary widely from the original, and seem to favour the false dogmas of the papacy, yet it can as little be doubted that in most of these cases there is nothing more than a perversion of the phrase from its primitive and genuine sense, occasioned by the corruptions which have subsequently and gradually crept into the church. From the changes incident to all languages, it sometimes happens, that words which expressed the true sense at the time when a translation was made, come afterwards to express a different sense. As institutions change, the meaning of terms applied to them changes also. Consequently, though those terms were once a proper version of the words in the origir-al, they are not so now, having acquired a new, adventitious sense, totally different from that which they formerly conveyed. Thus, for example, it cannot well be questioned that the Latin phrase' penitentiam agite,' do penan7ce, is in itself as correct a rendering of the Gr. pcravcew as the language admits and implies as much at least as the English word repent. But the erroneous notions which early found their way into the church in respect to the virtue of auricular confession and of various public exercises as a testimony of repentance, led at length to a total misapplication of the original phrase, which has been unhappily perpetuated by ecclesiastical usage and authority. The same may be said of several other modes of expression occurring in the Vulgate, which may reasonably be pronounced, on the whole, a good and faithful version, though unequal in style, often lacking in purity and perspicuity, and not seldom erroneous in its renderings. As to the enormously corrupt translation of Heb. 11. 21, which represents Jacob as'adoring the top of his stafl;' instead of' worshiping, leaning on the top of his staff,' the best judges among the Roman Catholics admit that the Latin text is not entire in this place, and that there has been an accidental omission of the preposition through the carelessness of transcribers; for they have not now a writer of any name who infers from the declaration of authenticity, either the infallibility of the translator or the exactness of the copiers. 2* XViii INTRODUCTION. As to the prejudices which have arisen against this version on the ground of its having been officially aLtthcsticatedby the council of Trent, and made the standard of ultimate appeal, the following remarks of Campbell (Prelim. Dissert. X. part 3. ~ 6), are well worthy of consideration.' It is no further back than the sixteenth century since that judgment was given in approbation of this version, the first authoritative declaration imade in its favour. Yet the estimation in which it was universally held throughout the western churches, was, to say the least, not inferior, before that period, to what it is at present. And we may say with truth, that though no judicious Protestant will think mnore tavourably of this translation on account of their verdict, neither will he, on this account, think less favourably of it. It was not because this version was peculiarly adapted to the Romish system that it received the sanction of that synod, hut because it was the only Bible with which the far greater part of the mnembers had, from their infancy, had the least acquaintance. There were but few in that assembly who understood either Greek or Hebrew: they had heard that the Protestants, the new heretics, as they called them, had frequent recourse to the original, and were beginning to niake versions fiom it; a practice of which their own ignorance of the original made them the more jealous. Their fears being thus alarmed, they were exceedingly anxious to interpose their authority, by the declaration above-mentioned, for preventing new translations being obtruded on the people. They knew what the Vulgate contained, and had been early accustomed to explain it in their own way; but they did not know what might be produced from new translations: therefore, to preoccupy men's minds, anti prevent every true son of the church fronm reading other, especially modern, translations, and from paying any regard to what might be urged from the original, the very indefinite sentence was pronounced in favour of the Vulgate, that in all disputes it should be held for authentic,' ut pro authentica habeatur.' On the whole, therefore, we ought not to consider the version in question, as either better or worse for their verdict. It is not intrinlsically calculated to support Romish errors and corruptions, nor ought it to be regarded as the exclusive property of that church. It is the'legacy of the earliest ages of Christianity to the universal church, much older than most of the false doctrines and groundless ceremonies which it has been brought to countenance.' For my own part,' say the writer Just cited,' though it were my sole purpose, in recurring to aversion, to refute the corruptions and absurdities of Popery, I should not desire other or better arguments than I am supplied with by that very version which one of their own councils has declared authentical.' ~ 4. Modern Versions. —The Bnglish. Referring to other sources for a more extended historical view of the earlier English translations of the Scriptures, we propose to notice only the present Authorised Version, which it is well known, was undertaken at the command of king James the First, of England, in consequence of several objections having been made, at the conference held in Hampton Court, in 1603, to the Bishop's Bible, which had previously been the one in common use. In pursutance of a resolution adopted the following year, the king gave orders that a new translation should be undertaken, ant-d fifty-four men, pre-eminently distinguished for INTRODIUCTION. xiX piety and learning, were appointed to execute this great work. Before it was commenced, seven of the persons nominated had either died or declined, and only forty-seven actually entered upon it. These were divided into six classes, and each individual translated every book allotted to his division. The whole division then met, and agreed upon the renderings which they would adopt. Their part thus finished was sent to each of the other companies to be again examined, and here the method was for one to read the translation aloud, while the others holding each in his hand some other Bible, either in the original tongues, orin some modern version, diligently compared what they heard with what was before their eyes, interrupting the reader by remarks whenever they deemed it necessary. In this way every precaution was taken to secure a faithful translation, as the whole Bible underwent at least six diftferent revisions by the most learned men in the kingdom. The result of their labours was first published A. D. 1611. It has subsequently been frequently revised with great care, and many marginal additions made, but no changes attempted in the body of the work. It still remains not only the standard Version, but by the unanimous voice of the most competent judges, it is ranked among the very best translations of this or any other book in the world. In point of fidelity, perspicuity, simplicity, energy, and dignity, it doubtless stands unrivalled. It cannot indeed be considered immaculate; but it may be doubted whether, taken as a whole, it could be surpassed by any translation which should now be attempted. A distinguished biblical critic of the last century (Dr. Geddes), in a work written with the express design of impugning the established version, and stating the reasons which had induced him to undertake a new one, is still constrained to acknowledge, that' if accuracy, fidelity, and the-strictest attention to the letter of the text, be supposed to constitute the qualities of an excellent version, this of all versions, must, in general, be accounted the most excellent. Every sentence, every word, every syllable, every letter and point seem to have been weighed with the nicest exactitude, and expressed, either in the text or margin, with the greatest precision. Pagninus himself is hardly more literal, and it was well remarked by Robertson, above a hundred years ago, that it may serve for a lexicon of the Hebrew language, as well as for a translation.' (Prosp. of a New Trans. p. 92). Testimonies to the same effect, and equally decided, from the most conpetent sources, might be accumulated almost without number in favour of the excellence of our received translation. to all which we are disposed heartily to subscribe. At the same time, it will not be considered as revoking the ample concession thus made, if we advert to some undeniable defects in this version. This we do, not for the purpose of weakening the confidence or lessening the pleasure with which the vernacular Scriptures are studied, but simply as a matter of impartial justice. And in noticing these defects we shall pass by all those which arose necessarily from the age and the circumstances in which the translation was made. In the nature of the case, the translators were precluded access to various sources of biblical criticism and elucidation which are abundantly enjoyed at the present day. We have a far more extended biblical apparatus than they had or could have at the period in which they lived. The publication of polylots, the collation of ancient manuscripts and versions, the multiplication of grammars, lexicons, concordances, and critical dissertations, the enlarged comparison of the affinities of the Oriental dialects, the researches of tray XX INTRODUCTION. ellers into the geography, manners, customs, natural history, &c. of the East. the Inore accurate tables of chronology, coins, weights, and measures, and the generally more advanced state of scientific criticism; have all tended to enrich us A ith facilities for performing such a work, to which our fathers were strangers. But not to dwell upon these considerations, nor upon the embarrassments thrown in their way by the arbitrary restrictions, growing out of the prejudice, the pedan Iry, or the caprice of the monarch by whom they were employed, the received vrision is marred by blemishes of another kind for which we cannot find the salne apology. Of these, by far the most prominent is a want of uniformity In the mode of rendering, both in regard to single words and to phrases. This, we admit, was in some degree to be expected, partly from the magnitude of the work itself, and partly from the number of persons employed in it; nor should we perhaps dissent from what the translators have said in justification of their not tying themselves down to an absolute'identity of phrasing.' As they remark, it would perhaps' savor more of curiosity than wisdom' that translators should feel bound in every case to render, for example, the same Hebrew or Greek words, by purpose, never by intent; always by think, never by suppose; always by journeying, never by travelling; always by pain, never by ache; always by joy, never by gladness, &c. Yet it is obvious that a more scrupullulls exactness may justly be required in a translation of the Scriptures, than in any other translation, and we doubt not that the instances adduced below will show that they have actually transcended all reasonable allowance on this score, not only often varying the terms unnecessarily, but so as to deprive the unlearned reader of the signal advantages to be gained in the study of the Bible from comparing terms and phrases strictly parallel. The justice of our criticism will be more evident from the subjoined specimens. L.-WoRDs. ( diadem, Job, 29. 14. locust, 2 Chron. 7. 13..: rend. Ihood, Is. 3. 23.. grasshopper, Lev. 11. 22., mitre, Zech. 3. 5. (mere, ec S lintel, 1 Kings, 6. 31. * (dwelling-place, Ps. 76. 2. door-post, Deut. 6. 9. habitation, Jer. 21. 13. to wait, Mic. 1. 8. den, Ps. 104. 22. " to mourn, Zech. 12. 10. wormwood, D 18. to lament, Jer. 4. 8. i FZlgwRae bereshith, in the beginning, from its commencing words. But in the Greek, which is followed in our version, the title is rEsvCsE genesis, generation, or production, from the account of the origin of the visible creation with which the book opens. The Greek titles of the remaining books of the Pentateuch bear a similar relation to their contents, as will appear when we come to treat of each in its turn. The claim of Moses to the authorship of this book is of course made out by the same arguments which go to ascertain the entire Pentateuch as his pro duction. As these have been already considered, it will be unnecessary here to repeat them. The general scope of the book is to give an authentic though brief history of the creation and the early ages of the world to the flood, and thenceforward to trace more particularly the origin and the varied fortunes of that re.marklable people who were chosen by God as the depositaries of the true religion and of the promise of the Messiah. The following synopsis, arranged in historical and chronological order, will give a condensed view of its contents, which cover a period of 2369 years. INT'rODUCTION. oxxiil 1. The Creation, c>hap. 1. 2. 2. Institution of flte Sablbat!h, and Fall of Man, chap. 2. 3. 3. History of Adaal and his Descendcants till the Deluge, chap. 4. 4. Genealogy of the Patriarchs, chap. 5. 5. State of the World immediately preceding the Deluge, chap. 6,7. 1-5. 6. The Deluge, chap. 7. 5, to end, 8. 1-13. 7. The Covenant with Noah, chap. 8. 13, to end, 9. 1-18. 8. Noah prophesies the Fate of his Sons, chap. 9. 18, to end. 9. The Confusion of Tongues, and Dispersion of Mankind, chap. 9. 1-10, 10. 11. 10-27. 10. The Life of Abraham, chap. 11. 27.-25. 11. 11. From the Death of Abaharn to the Selling of Joseph, chap. 25. 11.-36. 13. History of Joseph and his Family in Egypt, chap. 37.-47. 27. 14. Death of Jacob and of the Patriarchs, chlap. 47. 27.-50. Alinough it cannot reasonably be questioned that this book, as well as the rest of the Pentateuch was written by Moses, yet it is by no means agreed at what time it was written. Eusebius and some eminent critics after him have Conjectured that it was written while he kept the flocks of Jethro his father-inlaw, in the wilderness of Midian. But the more probable opinion is that of TheDdoret, that Moses wrote it after the exode from Egypt and the promulgation of the ILaw fromt Mount Sinai, as previous to the call related Ex. 3, he was only a private individual and not endowed with the spirit of prophecy. Without that spirit he could not, it is supposed, have recorded, with so much accuracy, the history of the creation and the subsequent events to his own time, nor could he have foretold so many signal events then future. But it is as impossible as it is of little consequence to determine the truth on this point. Sufficient is it for us to know, that Moses was under an influence of inspiration in the composition of his history, which secured the infallible truth of all his statements. ~ 2. Was the book qf Genesis compiled frsom more ancient documents? This is a question entirely distinct from that of the genuineness and authenticity of the book. Moses may have been its author, and all its statements absolutely true, and yet it may have contained passages which he did not write. In a historical work extending through a period of more than two thousand years, it would be very natural that quotations should be made from preceding writings of authentic character, provided any such were in existence; and though we are not expressly informed that any did exist, yet very plausible reasons may be urged in support of the hypothesis from the style and structure of the narrative itself. It is clear that Moses must have derived his knowledge of the events which he records in Genesis, either from immediate divine revelation, or from oral tradition, or from written documents. The-nature of many of the facts related, and the minuteness of the narration, render it extremely improbable that immediate revelation was the source from whence they were drawn. That his knowledge should have been derived from oral tradition, appears morally impossible, when we consider the great number of names, ages, dates, and minute events, which are recorded. The conclusion then seems fair that he must have obtained his information from written documents coeval, or nearly so, with the events which they recorded and composed by persons intimately acquainted XXXIV INTRODUCTION. with the subjects to which they relate. Such memoranda and genealogical tables written by the patriarchs or their immediate descendants, and preserved by their posterity until the time of Moses, may have been the sources to which he had recourse in constructing his narrative. He may have collected these, with additions from authentic tradition or existing monuments, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, into a single book. Certain it is that several of the first chapters of Genesis have the air of being made up of selections from very ancient documents, written by different authors at different periods. The variety which is observable in the names and titles of the Supreme Being is appealed to among the most striking proofs of this fact. This is obvious in the English translation, but still more so in the Hebrew original. In Gen. 1-2. 3, which is really one piece of composition, as the title, v. 4,'These are the generations,' shews, the name of the Most High is uniformly ~e R Elohimn, God. In ch. 2. 4 —ch. 3, which may be considered the second document, the title is uniformly n-t~;'ln Yehovah Elohim, Lord God, and in the third including ch. 4, it is -~']- Yehovah, Lord, only, while in ch. 5, it is,> Elohim, God, only, except in v. 29, where a quotation is made and Af'j. Yehovah used. It is hardly conceivable that all this should be the result of mere accident. The changes of the name correspond exactly to the changes in the narratives and the titles of the several pieces; and each document uniformly preserves the same name, except when a quotation is made, and then, as the fidelity of history requires, the name used by the person introduced as speaker, is inserted. It is impossible perhaps to decide definitely respecting the amount of quotations of this kind, but in the first fifteenl chapters of the book it seems to be considerable.' Now do all these accurate quotations,' says Prof. Stowe,'impair the credit of the Mosaic books, or increase it. Is Marshall's Life of Washington to be regarded as unworthy of credit, because it contains copious extracts from Washington's correspondence, and literal quotations from important public documents?2 Is not its value greatly enhanced by this circumstance. The objection is altogether futile. In the common editions of the Bible the Pentateuch occupies about one hundred and fifty pages, of which perhaps ten may be taken up with quotations. This surely is no very large proportion for an historical work extending through so long a period.' It is undoubtedly true that to an English reader the hypothesis of the compilation of the book of Genesis from pre-existent documents, may at first sight, appear strange and in some degree revolting. It will, however, bear the test of closer examination, and in proportion as our acquaintance with the book itself increases, our belief of the fact of its compilation will be apt also to strengthen. Pareau, a sober and moderate critic, uses the following strong language:' Many have observed and proved beyond a doubt, that the book of Genesis is formed of various fragments, written by divers authors, and merely compiled by Moses, and thus prefixed to his own history.' (Inst. Interp. Vet. Test. p. 112.) He draws from the fact a strong argument in favour of the credibility and historical accuracy of the book. The inspired authority of the work is in nowise affected by this theory, for, as Jahn has well remarked, some of the documents are of such a nature, that they could have been derived only from immediate revelation; and the whole being compiled by an inspired writer, it has received the sanctise of the Holy Spirit in an equal degree with his original productions. INTRODUCTION. XXXV ~ 3. Commentators. It was the author's original intention to have given a detailed view of the principal commentaries, and other sources of illustration, of which he has availed himsellf in the preparation of the ensuing notes. These he had purposed to have accompanied with such characterlising notices as might aid the biblical student in making a selection of the most valuable works in this department. But after devoting so much space as he had already done to the various prolegomena contained in the foregoing pages, he soon found that it would be impracticable to do justice to his design, without doing injustice to a portion at least of his authorities. Under these circumstances lie determined to wave the mninute specification which entered into his original plan, and to put before the reader, in the most conmpendious form, a catalogue of important biblical works, a large portion of which he has consulted in the course of his labors. The list is by no means complete, nor would it perhaps be possible to present one so ample but the question might still be asked why it did not include more. In fact, this department of sacred litera ture is enlarging itself so rapidly by accessions from innumerable sources, that its very bibliography is becoming voluminous, and a catalogue that would answer a very good purpose this year becomes rdecidedly defective the next. The following enumeration, in which regard has been had to the wants of others than mere English readers, comprises the titles of what may be considered as at least the nucleus of a tolerably extensive apparatus for the study and the exposition of the sacred volume, but more especially of the Pentateuch and the historical books of the Old Testament. Walton's Polyglott. Llghtfoot's Works. Pool's Synopsis. Kidder on the Pentateuch. " Annotations. Schmidius' (Seb.) Annot. in Genesim. Ainsworth on the Pentateuch. Willet's Hexapla in do. Calvin's Commentaries. Venema in Genesim. Patrick's " Pfeiffer's Dubia Vexata. Calovius' Biblia Illustrata. Pareus in Genesim. Calmet's Commrentary. Fuller on Genesis. " Dictionary. J P. Smith's Scrip. Testimony. Saurin's Dissertations. Outram on the Sacrifices. Ie Clerc's Commentary. Holden on the Fall. Bochart's Works. Carpzovius' Critica Sacra. Rosenmiiller's Commentary. " Introd. Vet. Test. Heidegger' s Historia Patriarcharum. Lamny's Apparatus Biblicus. Vitringa's Observat Sacrte. Hewlett's Commentaries. " (Fil.) Dissert. Sacrae. Wells (Ed.) on the Old Testament. Hale's Analysis of Anc. Chronology. " Geography of the Bible. Trapp's Cornmentary. Geddes' Trans. of Pentateuch. Haak's Dutch Annotations. Horsley's Biblical Criticism. Jahn's Initrod. to Old:Testament. Marsh's Lectures. Stackhouse's Hist. of the Bible. Graves on the Pentateuch. Vatablus' Biblia Sacra. Michaelis on the Laws of Moses. Junius &_ Tremnellius' do. Ancient Universal History Assembly's Annotations. Barringtoin's (Ld.) Miscel. Sacra XXXVI INTRODUCTION. Buddeus' Hiistoria Ecclesiastica. Jamieson's Use of Sacred History. Delany's Revelation Examined. Siemon's Crit. Hist. of Old Test. Collyer's Sacred Interpreter. Priestley's Notes on Scripture. Faber's Horm Mosaicre. Boothroyd's Family Bible. " on the Three Dispensations. Cottage Bible. Magee on the Atonement. Wolfius' Bibliotheca Hebraica. Warburton's Divine Legation Bibliotheca Bremensis. Hughes on Genesis and Exodus. Eichhorn's introd. to the Old Test. Gray's Key to the Old Testament. Farmer on Miracles. Luther's Commentaries. Hall's Contemplations. ()de's Commentarius de Angelis. Lowman on Heb. Ritual. Stillingfleet's Origines Sacr. " Three Tracts. fKennlicott's Two Dissertations. Burder's Oriental Customs. Itllclr's Farnily Bible. " " Literature. A. Clarlke's Commentary. Paxton's Illustrations. (Co i0)rt hensive Commentary. Roberts' Oriental Illustrations. Fi amer's Observations. Maundrell's Journey. BiEsh's Scripture Illustrations. Burckhardt's Travels. PiC'torlial Bible. Shaw's do. ScIIeucilzer's Physica Sacra. Volney's do. EIallett's Notes on Scripture Texts. Mariti's do. Ludov. de Dieu's Animad. in Vet. Test. Clarke's do. Glassins' Philologia Sacra. Tournefort's do. Lowth's Lectures on Heb. Poetry, Buckinaham's do. Jennings' Jewish Antiquities. Madden's do. Jones' do. do. Chateaubriand's do. Lewis' do. do. Stephens' Incidents of Travel. Jahn's do. do. Delamartine's Pilgrimage. Taylor's Heb. Concordance. Laborde's Visit to Petra. Tromrnius' Concord. in Sept. Russell's Nat. Hist. of Aleppo. Moriinus Exercit. Biblicae. Keppel's Narrative. Drusius ad Loca Difficilia. Moriers' Journey through Persia. Pfeiffer's Critica Sacra. Waddington's Travels in Ethiopia. Gousset's Lexicon Hebraicum. Hoskins' do. do. Lamy de Tabernaculo. Jowett's Christ. Researches. Fuller's Miscellanea Sacra. Wilkinson's Domest. Man. of Egypt Black wall's Sacred Classics. Heeren's Asiatic Researches. Pocock's Theol. Works. " African do. Watson's Tracts. Smith and Dwight's Researches in Witsius' Mlscellanea Sacra. Armenia. ABBREVIATIONS. Arab. The Arabic version of the Polyglott. Arab. Erpen. Another Arabic version published by Erpenius. Chal. TIhe Chaldee version, or Targum of Onkelos. Targt. Jon. The'J'clarmcm qf Jonathan. Targ. Jerus. The Jerusalem Targum. Sanm. The Samaritan Pentateuch. Sept. The Greek vewrsion of the Seventy. Syr. The Syriac version of the Polyglott. Vulg. The Latin version commnonly called the Vulgate. THE BOOK OF GENESIS. CHAPTER I. 2 And the earth was without JN the a beginning God b created form, and void; and darkness was the heaven and the earth. upon the face of the deep: c and aJohn, 1. 1, 2. Heb. 1. 10. b Ps. 8. 3. & 33. 6. 15. & 17. 24. Col. 1. 16, 17. Heb. 11. 3. Rev. & 89. 11, 12. & 102. 25. & 136. 5. & 146. 6. Is. 44. 4. 11. & 10. 6. c Ps. 33. 6. Is. 40.13, 14. 24. Jer. 10. 12. & 51. 15. Zech. 12. 1. Acts 14. CHAPTER I. logy or preamble, or any of the formaThe general scope of the first chapter lities both common and proper in hstoof Genesis is too obvious to stand in ries composed by mIsen, acquaints us need of comment. It is the record of with the naked fact, that'In the bethe creation of the heavens and the ginning God created the heaven and earth-a work which we learn was not the earth.' Nothing is said by way of effected by a single instantaneous act of assertion or proof even of the fundaOmnipotence, but performed by gradual mental truth of the being qf a God. stages through the space of six succes- This is a truth taken for granted; as if sive periods of time, that begin to be the idea of its being questioned was an reckoned from the first emergence of idea which never entered into the wrilight from the previous darkness by ter's mind; or as if it were designed to which the globe was encompassed. Of teach us that those who denied the existthe interval between the original pro- ence of an intelligent First Cause, were duction of the matter of which the earth rather to be rebuked than reasoned was formed, and the formation of light, with. But although the Mosaic history nothing is said, because the objects for of the creation does not embrace all the which a revelation is given to man did points on which it might have been supnot require any thing to be said. Nor posed, a priori, that a divine revelation does it appear that it entered into the wousld have instructed us, yet it is to design of the sacred writer, or rather of be borne m mind, that it is true as the Holy Spirit by whom he was mov- far as it goes, and in no way inconsisted, to give an account of the whole crea- ent, when rightly explained, with any tion, but merely of that which it more subsequent discoveries which have been immediately concerns us to know. The made in the structure of the globe, or Scriptures were not written to gratify the laws of the planetary system. As curiosity, not even all lautdable curio- the Bible and the universe have one and sity, but to nourish faith and govern the same Author, we may be sure that human conduct. Accordingly, they af- the truths of the one can never miford no answer to a multitude of ques- litate with those of the other. That tions that might be asked respecting they may in some cases apparently the when and the why and the how of come in collision, may be admitted; the divine operations. A simple it was but time, and patient research, and a so, is the sum total of the information wider collation of facts, will not fail in given on a great variety of hne most in- the end to bring nature and revelation teresting subjects which can occupy the into the most perfect harmony with mind of man. An introduction of ma- each other. jestic sublimity ushered in without apo- 1. In the beginning. That is, in the be-.3 2(6 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. ginning, or at the outset, of the work cf structed; the first verse condensing in creation here recorded. Whether this limited compass the sum of the several were absolutely at the beginning of time, particulars afterwards specified. That or even of the existence of the matter of it was not the finished'heavens' and the heavens and the earth, cannot be de-'earth' that were in the first instant of termined fiom the phraseology. The creation spoken into existence, is evidesign of the sacred writer seems to be dent from what follows, in which we simply to carry back the mind of the learn that these names were not bereader ti the period previous to which stowed, and consequently, that there this wo,elr erful fabric in its present state were no grounds for their bestowment, did nal: tu-ist. He does this in order to before the second and third days.conv.ey upon the highest possible autho- ~ God. The original for'God,' tljn5b rity, the assurance, that the universe, as Elohim, is a very remarkable word, it now appears, had both a beginning and occurring for the most part in the plural, a creator; that it did not springinto be- and yet usually connected, as here, ing without a cause, nor, as some of the with a verb in the singular. The eviancient philosophers imagined, exist dence, however, drawn by some from from eternity. This was all that his this fact in proof of the doctrine of the leading scope required him to say in this Trinity, is not in itself conclusive, as a connection; and all that the words in a similar idiom in Hebrew in respect to fair interpretation import. Taken along words denoting rank, authority, emiwith the context, the drift of the whole tence, majesty, is by no means uncomverse seems to be to give, in a brief and mon. See Ex. 21. 4. Is. 19. 4. Mal. compendious form, a summary of the 1. 6. Ps. 58. 11. The use of the plural work of creation, which is more fully in such cases seems to be Inerely for detailed in its various particulars in the the purpose of giving to the word greataccount of the six days following. Such er fulness, emphasis, and intensity of general statements not unfrequently oc- meaning. The rendering of the name cur in the sacred writers, as a preface to in the singular in other languages, more expanded details that follow. however, has the unequivocal sanction Thus, it is said in general terms, v. 27, of holy writ; for the New Testament that'God created man in his own im- writers, copying the Septuagint, uniage; male and female created he them;' formly translate it Oos God, instead of whereas the particulars of their creation Oeso Gods, an example which has been are given at fill length, ch. 2. 7, 18, 25. properly followed by all the versions Sometimes they stand at the close of a ancient and modern, as no other lanchapter or paragraph, as a concise guage can in this particular reach the sumiming up of the previous statement. propriety and exactness of the Hebrew. Thus after the particular recital of the The Englishword' God,' Germ.' Gott,' various work of the tabernacle, Ex. is of Anglo-Saxon origin, supposed to 39. 42, it is said,'According to all that be a contraction of'good;' God and the Lord commanded Moses, so the good being justly considered as correlachildren of Israel made all the work.' tive terms. It may be remarked, that lt like manner, in speaking of the erec- the Hebrew word Rt:I Elohim, is tion of a common edifice, it might be sometimes applied to angels, Ps. 8. 5, said,' such an architect built this house;' and sometimes to magistrates, and disand then, describing the process more tinguished personages, Ex. 21. 6; in fully,'he first laid the foundation, then which last case, it is rendered by reared the walls, then put on the roof,'judges.' —S Created. It is a matter and finally added the ornaments.' It rather of rational inference than of exis precisely on this plan that we sup- press revelation, that the material unirose the Mosaic narrative here con- verse was created out qf nothing. Yet B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER 1. 27 it is such an inference as cannot be re- create out of nothing. And as in no sisted without doing violence to the fun- other instance throughout the sacred damlental laws of human belief. For writings, if this passage be excepted, has as every material existence is, fiom the the word necessarily or naturally this very constitution of our minds, conceiv- signification, we perceive no sufficient ed of as an effect, the production of ground for so interpreting it here; for some adequate cause, it necessarily sup- the usus loquendi, or prevailing usage, poses a previous state of non-existence is the only sure guide in determining or nothing, from which it passed into the import of words. Allowing then being. But it does not appear that the that the materials, the primordial eleoriginal word here emplloyed (vq) was ments, of the heavens and the earth, designed to convey precisely this idea, were brought into existence at an indeor that there is any word in any finitely prior period, the term'create' language which does. The leading may be understood as expressing the import of the present term is two- action of the Almighty Agent upon the fold: —(1.) The production or effcc- rude chaotic mass, in moulding and artuation of something new, rare, and ranging it into its present comely order wonderful; the bringing something to and grand and beautifill forms. This pass in a striking and marvellous man- view of the writer's language is unner, as Num. 16. 30,'But if the Lord doubtedly more consistent wvith ascermake a new thing (Heb. Watt inY') tained geological facts, than any other, create a creation or a creature), and the and it is certainly desirablle to harmoearth swallow them up,' &c. Jer. 31. 22, nize, as far as possible, the truths of I For the Lord hath created a new thing revelation with those of natural science. (Heb. A p M) in the earth, A wo- -- Thre heaven. Heb.'7 shamaman shall compass a man,' (2.) 7he yim. The root ofthe original word, which act of renovating, re-modelling, or re- is lost in Hebrew, is supposed to be constituting something already in ex- preserved in the Arabic Shan.aa, to istence. In this sense it is used al- be high, lqfty, sublime. As to its most exclusively in the -Scriptures true import in this place, we canin reference to the effects of the di- not doubt that we are bound to be vine influence in the moral or spiritual governed by the sense assigned to it creation, i. e. regeneration and sancti- by the sacred writer himself, in v. 8, fication. Thus, Ps. 51. 10,' Create where we are expressly told, that God (M-n) in me a clean heart, O God,''called the firmament, heavent,' as he explained by the parallel clause,' Re- did'the dry land, earth' The' heaven' new a right spirit within me.' Is. 65. 17, and the'earth,' therefore, which were'Behold, I create ([Ri:n) new heavens now created, we take to be precisely the and a new earth,' i. e. I re-create the same heaven and earth which are subheavens and the earth; I establish a sequently described, v. 6-10, and that new order of things; I effect a stupen- these are necessarily confined to our dous revolution moral and political. planet and its surrounding atmosphere, The corresponding Gr. term (crlt,,) we shall endeavor to show in our notes with its derivatives, is unequivocally on those verses. This view of the subused in the same sense, as Eph. 2. 10, ject, if we mistake not, effectually pre-'We are his workmanship, created cludes the idea that by heaven and (K7rSVioVres) in Christ Jesus.' 2 Cor. 5. 17, earth in the first verse, is meant the'If any man be in Christ, he is a new matter of which they were composed, creature (Katrv KrtelS).' In all these and which, it is supposed, is here said eases the act implied by the word is to be first brought into existence out of exerted upon a pre-existing substance, nothing. Such an hypothesis, we and cannot therefore strictly signify to think, will be found to introduce inex 28 GENESIS. LB. C. 4004. tricable confusion into the narrative. See governed solely by the exigency of the on v. S.-~. 7fe earth. Heb. ]Y7x place in rendering any particular word By'earth' here is tobe understood that in one of these tenses or the other. portion of the globe which was after-'Was,' therefore, in this instance, we wards, when reclaimed from the water, hold to be more correctly translated by so called in contradistinction from rn had been,' or perhaps'had become,''seas,' v. 10. Seldom if ever are we to i. e. in consequence of changes to which affix to the term' earth' in the Scrip- it had been subject in the lapse of ages tures the idea of a planetary sphere, or long prior to the period now alluded to. component part of the zolar system; a Vatablus suggests that the true clew to sense of the word which is the result of the connection is to inclose the whole astronomical discoveries made long of the verse in a parenthesis. rendering since the volume of inspiration was it,'For the earth,' &c. It has indeed penned, and which of course it could been generally supposed that it desnot be expected to recognise, though it cribes the rude and chaotic state which contains nothing inconsistent with ensued immediately upon the creating them. The biblical sense of'earth,' is coilmmand. But this we think is confor the most part merely a portion of trary to the express declaration of Jet.'ze earth's su.face, a country, a terri- hovah himself, Is. 45. 18,'For thus tory, though sometimes used metapho- saith the Lord that created the heavens; rically for the inhabitan! s of the earth. God himself, that formed the earth and See on Gen. 12. 1. made it; he hath established it, he creat2. Without form and void. Heb. ed it not in vain (Heb. hniy'lIln R~:21i tohut rvavohl. Chal.' Desert he created it not ('ohu) desolate);' i. e. and empty.' Gr.' Inrvisible and incorn- the action denoted by the word Rd. posed,' i. e. chaotic. The original words, created, did not result in the state dethough rendered adjectively, are real noted by the word I-,-) desolate, but the substantives, employed in several cases reverse-' he formed it to be inhabited where the object of the writer is to ex- (?r:n5 1V a).' It vas in this desolate press in significant terms the idea of and formless state when the process of dreariress and desolation, particularly creation commenced. Thewords'withas the effect of divine judgments in lay- out form and void,' therefore, are not to ing waste a country or city. See to be considered as strictly epithets of the this purpose, Jer. 4. 23. Ps. 107. 40. In earth as such, but as descriptive of that Is. 34. 11, they are rendered confusion chaotic state which preceded the'earth,' and emptiness. They are in fact the very and which ceased simultaneously with words which a Hebrew writer would the developement of the earth out of it. naturally use to express the wreck and Thus we may say of a statue,'This ru:ins of a former world, if such an one statue was a block of marble,' but it were supposed to have existed. In the can never be properly said,'This stapresent connection they refer wholly to true is a block of marble,' because the the surface of the earth, and imply a two states of the material are opposite desolate, dreary, hideous waste, with- to each other, and the one ceases when out order or beauty, inhabitant or fur- the other begins. The state of the globe niture. This verse is probably to be therefore designated by the terms' withconsidered as descriptive of the state out form and void,' continued till the and appearance of the globe antecedent second day, and to that part of the to the conimencement of the six days' third, in which the dry land liberated work, so that in the order of sense, it is from the dominion of the water, obtainin reality prior to the first. As there is ed the name'earth,' v. 9, 10. As to no distinction of past, perfect, and plu- the condition or history of our planet, perfect tenses in Hebrew, we are to be during the ages that may haveinterven B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER I. 29 ed prior to this period, no information is ginal 1~n7 ruahh is the proper term for given, because it did not fall within the breath or wtind, whence some commenscope of the objects of a divine revela- tators take it to mean a' wind of God,' tion.' The Bible instructs us that man, i. e. a mighty wind, which was now and other living things, have been plac- made to agitate the chaotic mass. This, ed but a few years upon the earth; and however, is less likely, as it does not the physical monuments of the world appear that the atnlosphere was now bear witness to the same truth. If the created, nor is the idea compatible with astronomer tells us of myriads of worlds the kind of motion indicatedlby the epinot spoken of ir the sacred records, the thet that follows. Others therefore with geologist in like manner proves (not by more probability interpret it of the diarguments from analogy, but by the vine agency, egicienry, or energy, the incontrovertible evidence of physical tndoubtedsense of the phrase in numephenomena), that there were former rous other instances, as particularly conditions of our planet, separated from Job 26. 13,'By his spirit he hath gareach other by vast intervals of time, nished the heavets; his hand has formduring which manl and the other crea- ed the crooked serpent.' Ps. 33. 6,' By tures of his own date, had not been the word of the Lort were the heavens called into being. Periods such as these made; and all the host of them by the belong not, therefore, to the moral his- breath of his mouth (1 i )-).' Ps. tory of our race, and come neither 104. 30,' Thou sendest forth thy spirit, within the letter nor the spirit of reve- ) they are created; and t elation. Between the first creation of i( ) they are created; a nd thou re-the reltl, adhtaiwiht -west the face of the earth;' in all the earth, and that day in which it w s which cases the predominant idea is pleased God to place man upon it, who shall dare to define the interval? On that of phner. That the phrase is herthis question Scripture is silent, but to be understood in alusion to a c ero that silence destroys not t.e mean'.sonal distinction in the Godhead, cannot, that silence destroys not the meaning w t h p i we think, be positively affirmed.of i-lose physical monuments of his Moved upon theface f the aters. ~ 21,roved upm,1 the.f/ace of the wcaters. power that God has put before our eyes, giving us at the same time faculties Heb. ~tr ~N was moving, or rather whereby we may interpret them, and was houeing. The oiiginal implies a coinm:pronend their meaning.' Sedwciek. gentle waving or fluttering motion, like -~ Darkntess. The mere privatio ation of a bird over its yomlng. Thus, of light, and therefore not an object of Deut. 32. 11,' As an eagle stirreth up her crieatjioni. — f'The deep. Fleb. IoJIM nest, fluttereth (Cl~) over her young, tehomn. That is, the vast mass of waterspreadeth abload her wings,'&c. Whatcircumfused around the globe, with ever may have been the nature or effect which it was originally'covered as with of the operation described in these a grarment,' Ps. 104. 6, and which uere words, it appears to have been put forth not yet' laid up in store-houses,' i.e., upon the terrestrial mass in its chaotic distributed into seas, oceans, lakes, and state previous to the creative work of subterraneous receptacles. Ps. 33. 7. the six days. For this reason this The original word is generally rendered clause ought not to he separated by a period from the preceding, as is the case in the Gr. version by,:t-urso-og abyss, a.. i, n some edition~s of the English Bible, term occasionally used in reference to in some editions of the whole verse lly formle, since the whole verse really forms a deep subterranean caverns and recesses continuous and closely connected narin the earth, in which the presence of rative. water is not implied. But that sense is 3. And God. saild That is, willed; evidently inadmissiblehere.-~q Spirit efficaciously purposed; decreed within of God. Heb. Heb. ~. The ori- hilself-a very frerquent sr ns. of the S* 30 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004 tile Spirit of God moved upon the 4 And God saw the light, that lace of the waters. it was good: and God divided the 3 d And God said, e Let Lttcre light fiom the darkness. be Fight: and there was light. d Ps. 33.9. e2Cor.4.6. word'say' in the Scriptures. It is not nary shone forth in unclouded lustre, to be supposed that there was any vo- so by a renewed operation of divine cal utterance. Indeed, throughout the power upon the benighted soul,'God, narrative the phrase,'he said,' is sim- who commanded the light to shine out ply equivalent to'he willed.'' God's of darkness, shineth in our hearts to speaking is his zw:lling, and his willing give us the light of the knowledge of is his doing.' Bp. Hall-. IT Let there the glory of God, in the face of Jesus be lighlt. The sacred writer having in Christ.' v. 2, described the condition of the globe 4. That it was good. Good, as anin its pre-existing chaotic state, now swering the end for which it was made, enters upon the details of that stupen- and good in the sense of pleasant, gratedous process by which the whole was ful, refreshing. Thus Eccles. 11. 7, reducd into order, and converted into' Truiy the light is sweet, and apleasant the grand fabric of the heavens and the (Heb. good) thing it is for the eyes to earth as they now appear. The first behold the sun.' -f Divided the light step was giving visibility to light, an from the darkness. Heb.'separated element emanating, as we shall shortly between the light and between the darksee, from the sun, and diffused in the ness.' This must mean something regions of space around the exterior more than'distinguished' between light surface of the globe, but not at this and darkness, as this was effectually time penetrating the dense mass of done by the bare creation of light, an aqueous and aerial fluids by which it element in its own nature directly opwas surrounded. To this the Psalmist posite to, and therefore perfectly distinalludes, Ps. 104. 2,'Who coverest guished from, darkness. The'divisioa' (thyself) with light as with a garment,' of the light from the darkness here where, from a misconception of the spoken of is undoubtedly the'succeswriter's scope, our translators have in- sion' of the one to the other, arising serted'thyself,' instead of'the earth,' from the revolution of the earth round the proper term; as it will be evident its axis, —a strong confirmation of the upon inspection, that the Psalmist's opinion that the sun had already been drift is to recite the successive grada- brought into being. As to the expetions in the work of creation, and from dient fancied by some commentators thence to derive matter of praise to the of a temporary luminary,'an auroraGreat Architect. So also in the moral like meteor,' to perform the office of the creation, there is first a' truelight which sun fi r the three first days and nights, lighteneth every man that cometh into we see not why Omnipotence should the world,' but as the light of the sun have resorted to it when the production did not at first pierce through the su- of the sun itself was equally easy; and perficial gloom that covered the globe, that the letter of the record does not so the spiritual light' shineth in dark- militate with this supposition we shall ness, and the darkness comprehendeth endeavor to show in the note on v. 14. it not,' i. e. admitteth it not; but as on It may here be remarked, that the inthe fourth day every interposing me- terpretation which has sometimes been dium to the light of the natural sun given to the word'light,' as implying was removed, and, that bright lumi- a subtle, ethereal, all-pervading fluid, B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER I. 31 5 And God called the light Night: and the evening and the f Day, and the darkness he called morning were the first day. f Ps. 74. 16. & 104. 20. which produces light from being excited created, and should begin to express by appropriate agents, and of which their thoughts by language. Yet a great philosophers have imagined the sun to degree of uncertainty rests upon the be the great exciting instrument, re- etymology of the word. The supposition ceives no countenance from the predom- of Gesenius is perhaps as probable as inant usage of the word in the sacred any other, viz. that it comes by a slight writers. The notion of a light which softening of the guttural ~ from tnT does not actually shine is entirely for- (i't, ~i') to be wiarm2, hot, to glow with eign to the simplicity of the primeval heat; analogous to which is the Arabic tongue; and though we neither affirm yahina, to glow with anger. This in renor deny the theory as a matter of ference to the sultry climate of the East, science, we are confident that such an would seem to be a very suitable desiginterpretation is doing great violence to nation of the day as distinguished from the meaning of words; nor would it the night. In either case it cannot be probablyever have found a place in the doubted, that there was in some way a explication of the Mosaic cosmogony, peculiar intrinsic adaptedness in the had it not been for the purpose of solv- terms appropriated to day and night, to ing the supposed difficulty in the histo- point out the distinguishing nature of rian's statement that light was created each, as otherwise it is not easy to see on the first day, and yet the sun not -why the original words nIN or, light, till the fourth. This difficulty we trust and J7zl hoshek, darkness should not will appear on a subsequent page to be have answered the purpose equally altogetherimaginary, and consequently well. And so in regard to the names the proposed key to it entirely useless.'heaven' and'earth' bestowed on the 5. And God called the light Day. firrmament and the dry land. What This phrase is somewhat remarkable in may be the bearing of these passages thisplace. As there were now no human on the question touching the primitive beings to make use of language, and language of the human race, would be as God himself could stand in no need a very interesting subject of inquiry, of articulate words to express either his but one into which it falls not within will or his works, it is.not at once ob- the compass of our present plan to envious in what way the clause is to be ter. —~ And the eveningand the mornunderstood. For the most part, by ing were the firstday. Heb.'And there God's' calling' any thing by a particle- was evening and there was morning, lar name is meant rather a declaration one day (~nIN ar1' yom ahad).' The of the nature, character, or qualities of evening is probably mentioned first bethe thing named, than the mere be- cause the darkness preceded the light. stowment of an appellation by which On the ground of this recorded order it should be ordinarily known. In the of things in the sacred narrative, the present case, therefore, it is probably to Jews commenced their day of twentybe understood that there was something four hours from the evening. Lev. 23. in the import of the word tqn yomn, day 32.-The remark of Josephus on this which rendered it a peculiarly appropri- clause is worthy of note. He observes, ate term by which to express the diur-'This was indeed the first day; but nal continuance of light, and one that Moses said it was one day; the cause lie would have to be employed by men of which I am able to give even now; br this purpose when they should be but because I have promised to give 32 GENESIS. lB. C. 4004. 6 M And God said, g Let there the waters, and let it divide the be a firmament in the midst of waters from the waters. g Job 37. 18. Ps. 136. 5. Jer. 10. 12. & 51. 15. such reasons for all things in a treatise six days' period of the creation;' These by itself, I shall put off its exposition are the generations of the heavens till that time.' J. Antiq. B. I. c. 1. ~ 1. and the earth, in the day (le'1l beyom) He evidently considered the phrase that the Lord God made the earth and'one day' as having, in this connection, the heavens.' So in Job 18. 20, it apsomething of a peculiar sense. What pears to be put for the whole period of that was can only be determined from a man's life;'They that come after him other instances of the usage that ob- shall be astonied at his day (17i1 tains in regard to each of these terms. yo01mU);' and in Is. 30. 8, for all future As to the numeral -r[N one, we find time;'Now go, note it in a book, that several instances in which its true im- it may be for the time to come (Vjen port seems to be that of certain, pecu- nR for the latter day), for ever and liar, special, Lat. quidam, as Dan. 8. 13, ever.' In like manner the phrase,' The'Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, day of the Lord,' so often occurring, unand behold, there stood before me a doubtedly denotes a period of indeterram,' Heb. aiFrm 5'R a certain ram, minate length. To this it may indeed i. e. a ram of a peculiar description; one be objected that the day here spoken of having two horns of unequal height. is said to have been made up of evening Ezek. 7. 5,' Thus saith the Lord God; and morning; and how, it will be asked, an evil, an only evil, behold,. is come,' could a single evening and morning Heb. Ir;;W' one evil, i. e. an evil of constitute a day of indefinite duration? a unique and unwonted nature. Cant. To this we reply, that nothing is more 6. 9,' My dove, my undefiled is (but) common in Hebrew than to find the sinone; she is the (only) one of her nlo- gularusedinacollective~senseequivalent ther, she is the choice (one) of her that to the plural. When it is said, therefore, bare her;' where it is plain that the that'the evening and the morning were term'one' conveys the idea of some- a certain day,' we understand it as equithing peculiar, something especially dis- valent to saying, that a series or suctinguished from others of the same cession of evenings and mornings (Gr. class. Comp. Gen. 37. 20. Kings 19. 4. yvX7os1epia, twenty-four hour days) con-20. 13. Dan. 8. 13. Now if this sense stituted a peculiar kind of day, a day, a may be admitted in the present passage, period, of undefined extent; and so of to which we see no valid objection, the the subsequent days of the creative meaning will be, that the evening and week; the sense of the common day the morning constituted a ccrtcain, 0a being really involved in that of the special, a peculiar day, a day sui gene- other; or in other words, each of the ris; in other words, a period of time of six indefinite days or periods, being indefinite length. For that the Hcb. made up of an equally indefinite numt1n iyom, day is repeatedly used in the ber of common or twenty-four hour indefinite sense of epoch or periodc no days. It is doubtless under some disone will question who is at all acquaint. advantages that this interpretation is ed with the Scriptural idiom. Thus, in thus briefly and nakedly proposed, but the very first instance in which it oc- as our limits will not allow enlargecurs after the history of the six days' ment, we have no alternative but to work, as if to furnish us with authority leaveit to co;nmend itself as best it may for such arendering, we find itemployed to the judgment of the reader. By the.n a collective sense to denote the whole I author it has not been rashly adopted. B. C. 4004. ] Cit Ir F 1tER I. 33 7 And God made the firma- 8 And God called the firmanlent, h and divided the waters ment Heaven: and the evening which were under the firmament and the morning were the second from the waters which were day. i above the firmament: and it was SO. h Prov. 8. 28. i Ps. 148.4. 6. Let there be ajirnament. Or, Heb. In our modes of speech one thing may rlr: an exp anzsion. The original word be said to be in the midst of another, as for'firmanlent' comes from a root a stone in a bucket of water, without (y1~) signifying primitively to beat, to the same time wholly separating the smite or stamp with the- feet, or other ins- parts of the containing sulw Lance. But trztent, to make hard o7rfirm by tread- the design of the firmament was wholly ina; hence, to spread out by beating, to separate the waters above from the as thin plates of metal, and finally to waters below, and to express this the stretch out, to expand, as a curtain. word'between' is much more approThe sense of'expansion' is undoubted- priate than' in the midst.'- ~ Let it ly prominent in the present use of the divide. Heb.'eIn let it be separating, term, yet subordinate to this is the idea i. e. let it continue to separate. The of a' firmament' (Gr. sr-,clPita), or that original implies a continued act. So Is. which firmly supports an incumbent 59. 2,'Your iniquities have separated weight, as the atmosphere does the (Heb. F e'n~ are separating) between masses of watery clouds above. But you and your God,' i. e. continue to sesince the aerial regions, by an illusion parate, form a fixed ground of separaof the senses, seem to extend to the tion. By this arrangement one portion heavenly bodies, therefore the sun, of the waters remained suspended in the moon, and stars are said to be placed upper regions of ether, whilst another in the firmament, though in reality re- was forced down in immediate contact moved to immense distances beyond it. with the body of the earth, and the exIt is the usage of the Scriptures to de- panse left void by their separation was scribe the things of the natural world called by the name of'firmament,' or as they appear, as they strike the eyes' heaven.' Probably a considerable porof plain unlettered observers; accord- tion of the space now occupied by the atingly in former ages, before the true mosphere was previously occupied by structure of the solar system was un- the surrounding waters, as the Psalmist derstood, the idea naturally suggested says, referring to this period, Ps. 104. 6, by the word'firmament' was.)al of'They stood above the mountains.' the blue vault qf heaven; but now tmat 7. Waters which were under. Rather, our superior knowledge enables us to' waters which are under,''waters correct the impressions of the senses, which are above,' &c.; for it cannot be we interpret the term with stricter pro- conceived how the firmament should priety of the extensive circumambient be the first means of dividing the wafluid the atmosphere, or rather of the ters, if a portion of them were already region which it occupies.-~f In the above, and a portion already below. midst qf the waters. This rendering, 8. Called the firmament heaven. The though answering very nearly to the correct interpretation of the term'healetter of the original, would be better ven,' or'heavens,' depends of course exchanged for'between,' a term which upon that of'firmament.' If this has gives the English reader a far more ac- been rightly explained, it will follow curate idea of the true situation and use that the word'heaven' does not in of the firmament as above described. strict propriety, though in general usage 34 GEN ESIS. LB. C. 4004. 9 IT And God said, kLet the land Earth; and the gatherinc waters under the heaven be ga- tooether of the waters called he thered together unto one place, Seas: and God saw that it was and let the dry land appear: and good. it was so. 11 And God said, Let the earth 10 And God called the dry 9. & 136. 6. Prov.8. 29. 8.. Jer. 5. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 5. k Job 2s. 10. & 38. 8. P;. 33. 7. & 95. 5. & 104. it does, include the heavenly bodies.'Thou coveredst it (the earth) with the This is confirmedl by 2 Pet. 3. 5-7. deep aswith a garment: the waters' Whereby the world that then was pe- stood above the mountains. At thy rerished; but the heavens and the earth buke they fled; at the noise of thy which are now, by the same word are thunder they hasted away. They go up kept in store reserved unto fire,' &c. by the mountains, they go down by Here it will be noted that' the world the valleys unto the place which thou which then was' is opposed to'the hast founded for them. Thou hast set heavens and the earth which now are,' bound that they may not pass over; as if they were commensurate terms;, that they turn not again to cover the and as it was only the globe with its earth.' This may be considered as an surrounding atmosphere which felt the appropriate comment on the phrase effects of the deluge, so it is to be in-'one place,' wnlch is not to be taken in ferred that if a future physical destruc- its strictest import, but merely as imtion be here intended, it will be of the plying that the waters werefor the most same extent. Consequently'heaven' is part congregated together in one vast a term for the atmosphere. The phrases, body, instead ofbeinguniversally diffis-'hosts of heaven,''stars of heaven,' ed over the face of the earth. This is the &c., do indeed frequently occur, but it is state of things which we now contembecause the starry hosts are apparent- plate; the various great seas and oceans Iy placed in the superior regions of that constituting in fact but one bdy of which is really and truly'heaven,' viz. water called in different regions by difthe atmospheric firmament. ferent names, as the Atlantic, Pacific, 9. Let thevwaters-be gathered together Indian, Southern, &c. oceans. unto one place. The vast mass of wa- 10. Seas. Heb. citot yamim, from ters wh;ch had hitherto covered the a word signifying tumultuous agitation entire surface of the globe was now to and roaring. The term is therefore be brought within a narrower compass, used in many instances in the symboand large tracts of the submerged earth lical language of the prophets to denote to be reclaimed and rendered habitable a vast body of people in a state-of restground. Of the causes or movements less commotion. See Ps. 65. 8. Is. 57. by which this mighty result was ef- 20. Jer. 51. 42. Rev. 17 15. The word fected no detail is given. It is easy to is sometimes applied to a lesser collecconceive that it must have been attend- tion of waters, as that which one of the ed by a tremendous convulsion of the Evangelists denominates a' sea,' Matt. exterior portions of the globe, and it is 8. 32, another calls a'lake,' Luke 8. not unlikely that many of the irregular 33; and it is elsewhere used to denote and broken appearances and traces of not a body of water, but the reservoir violent action which are now visible on which contains it,'as the'brazen sea' the earth's surface are to be referred to of Solomon, 2 Chron. 4. 2, and the' sea this event. The language of the Psal- of glass' of the Apocalypse, ch. 4. 6. mist, Ps. 104. 6-9, would indicate that 11. Let the carth bringfotlt grass. the phenomena must have been strik- Heb. mlU'he the lender budding grass, a ulg and awful beyond description;- term applicable to every kind of grassy B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER I1. 35 bring forth grass, the heirb yield-' after his kind: and God saw that ing seed, and the fruit tree yield- it was good. ing m fruit after his kind, whose 13 And the evening and the seed is in itself, upon the earth: morning were the third day. and it was so. 14 ][ And God said, Let there 12 And'the earth brought forth be n lights in the firmament of the grass, and herb yielding seed af- heaven to divide the day from ter his kind, and the tree yielding the night; and let them be for fruit, whose seed was in itself, 1 Heb. 6. 7 m Luke 6.44. n Deut. 4. 19. Ps. 74. 16. & 136. 7. or verdant vegetable in a state of ble from its being said,'Let the dry sprouting, and pointing more especially land appear (tIeb. be seen),' when as to such as are propagated rather from yet there was no eye to see it-then we the root than the seed. —-T Herb yield- may reasonably conclude that the sun ing seed. Heb. Y't ~'Y seeding- was formed on the first day, or perhaps seed. Gr. aret pov crrspoa; by which is had been created even before our earth, meant such wild or cultivable plants and was in fact the cause of the vicissias were to propagate themselves by tude of the three first days and nights. yielding, shedding or scattering their But as the globe of the earth was during seeds. The word'herb' embraces the that time surrounded by a dense mass whole departle.nt of the vegetable of mingled air and water, the rays of world between grasses and trees, the the sun would be intercepted; only a three grand divisions which are recog- dim glimmering light, even in the day nised in this verse.-~T Fruit tree time, would appear; and the bodies of yieldin.g. fruit. Heb. > ->tg;p ma- the heavenly luminaries would be enking. fruit. For a view of the scriptu- tirely hidden, just as they now are in a ral usage in respect to the word make very cloudy day. Let it be supposed in the sense of increase, mnultiplication, then that on the fourth day the clouds, accumulation, see note on Gen. 12. 5. mists, and vapors were all cleared away, As trees by their height rise superior and the atmosphere made pure and seto the rest of the vegetable tribes, they rene; the sun of course would shine are, in prophetic style, a symbol of per- forth in all his splendor, and to the eye sons of rank, eminence and authority. of our imagined spectator would seem The grass, on the other hand, denotes to have been just created; and so at the mass of the common people. See night of the moon and stars. This efthis confirmed Ezek. 17. 24.-31. 5. Is. feet of the divine power, according to 14. 8. Rev. 8. 7. the usual analogy of the Scriptures, is 14. Let there be lights, 4.c. It is un- described from its appearance, and the questionable that the Scriptures gene- language employed —'let there be lights rally describe the phenomena of the in the firmament'-and —'he made two natural world as they appear, rather great lights and set them in the firmathan according to strict scientific truth. ment'-is to be interpreted on the prinThus the sun and moon are said to ciple above stated. They might then rise and set-the stars to fall-and the be said to be' made,' because they then moon to be turned into blood. Conse- first began to be visible, and to perform quently, if this history of the creation the office for which they were designed. were designed to describe the effects of The original word for'made' is not the six days' work as they would have the same as that which is rendered appeared to a spectator, had'one been' create.' It is a term frequently ermpresent,-a supposition rendered proba- ployed to signify constituted, appointed 36 GEUNESIS. [B. C. 4004. signs, and o for seasons, and for 15 And let them be for lights days, and years. in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it o Ps. 74. 17. & 104. 19. was so. set for a particular purpose or use.- therefore, whenever the judgments of Thus it is said that God' made Joseph God or extraordinary events are siga father to Pharaoh'-' made him lord ni fed by remarkable appearances in of Egypt'-' made the Jordan a border them. In this way eclipses of the between the tribes' —'made David the sun and moon, comets, meteors, fallhead of the heathen;' and so in innu- ing stars, &c., serve as signs, i. e. as merable other instances. As therefore preternatural tokens or monitions of the rainbow was made or constituted a the divine agency in the sight of men. sign, though it might have existed be- This is the genuine force of the original, fore, so the sun, moon, and stars, may which very often conveys the idea of a be said to have been made and set as miraculous interference or manifestalights in the firmament, on the fourth tion. Ps. 65. 8.'They also that dwell day, though actually called into exist- in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy ence on the first, or previously. Thle tokelns ('r;n] signs).' That they same result had indeed been really ef- may have been designed also to subfected by the same means during the serve important purposes in the variprevious three days and nights, burt ous economy of human life, as in afthese luminaries were henceforth by fording signs to the mariner to aie' him their risinlg and setting, to be the visible in navigation, and to the husbandman means of producing this separation or to guide him in regard to the proper succession. — [Lights. Heb. R't seasons for ploughing, sowing, plantlighters, instruments of illumination, ing, pruning, reaping, is not improblight-bearers, light-dispensers. The ori- able, though we think this not so ginal word is differentfrom that render- strictly the true import of the origled'light,' (~IR) v. 3. —-- T7o divide nal. But it is certain they have antheday, 4c Heb.'To separate between swered for this end, and perhaps, were the day and between the night.'- so designed. —ITAnd.for seasons. Heb. ~f Let them be foi signs. That is, let nn Hh set or appointed times; from a signs be observed by means of them. root (jge) signifying to fix by previous The manner in which the heavenly bo- appointment. The phrase points not dies were destined to serve for'signs,' only to the seasons of the year, which in the sense in which that term gene- are regulated by the course of the sun, rally occurs in the Scriptures, may be and to the computation of months and learned from such passages as the fol- years, but also to fasts, feasts, and lowing; Luke 21. 25.'And there shall other religious solemnities, such as were be signs in the sun, and in the moon, appointed to be observed by the people and in the stars; and upon the earth of Israel. Compare Is. 66. 23. 1 Chron. distress of nations with perplexity; the 23. Ol1. Ps. 104. 19.- And.for days sea and the waves roaring' Acts 2. and years. As the word'for' is here 19, 20.'And I will show wonders in omitted before'years,' though occurthe heavens above, and signs in the ring before each of the other terms, the earth beneath; blood and fire and va- sense of the phrase is undoubtedly'for por of snloke; The sun shall be turned days even years;' implying that a day into darkness and the moon into blood is often to be taken for a. year, as is the before that great and notable day of the case in prophetical computation. See Lord come.' Thev answer this end, I Erk. 4.6. Dan. 9.24,25. Of two words B. C. 4004.] C;HAPTrrER I. 37 16 And God P made two great 18 And to' rule over the day, lights; the greater light to rule and over the night, and to divide the day, and q the lesser light to the light from the darkness: and rule the night: he madle r the stars God saw that it was good. also. 19 And the evening and the 17 And God set them in the morning were the fourth day. firmament of the heaven to give 20 And God said, Let the walight upon-the earth. ters bring forth abundantly the p Ps.136. 7, 8, 9. & 148. 3. 5. q Ps. 8. 3. r Job,38. 7. s Jer. 31. 35. connected by the copulative' and' the God had made.' This we offer, however, last is very frequently merely exegeti- merely as a,suggestion on a point ical or explanatory of the first; as which deserves perhaps a more strict Eph. 4. 11.'And he gave (i. e. appoint- investigation. —' The greater light. ed) some pastors and teachers,' i. e. That is, the sun, usually termed in the pastors even teachers. 2 Cor. 1. 3. (Gr.) Hebrew 3J2h? shemesh, i. e. minister'Blessed be God and the Father of our or servant, from its ministering light Lord Jesus Christ,' i. e. as rightly ren- and heat to the earth with its inhabidered in our common translation,'God tants and productions. The name was even the Father, &c.' The original well adapted, as perhaps it was designword for year (, z1) has the import ed, to prevent the sun from becoming of change or reiteration from the cir- an object of religious worship, a species cuit or revolution involved in the idea. of idolatry which crept into the world 16. God made two great lights. The at a very early period.-~'f To rule sun and moon are alike called great the day. To regulate the day as to its luminaries from their apparently equal, commencement by its rising and as to or nearly equal size, not from the de- its close by its setting; to be, as it were, gree of light which they give. Every a presiding power over the day and its thing in this narrative is described with various transactions and events. reference to its appearance to the eye of 20. The moving creature. Heb. Y'ta supposed spectator. It would seem sheretz. It is remarkable that there that the words,'And it was so,' in the are two distinct words, of very different preceding verse were designed to inform origin, which the English translators us of the actual execution of the crea- have rendered promiscuously'creeping ting command in respect to the lumin- creatures' or'creeping things,' and also aries; if so, we see no serious objection' moving creatures,' following no doubt to supposing that this and the two en- the authority of the Septuagint, which suing verses are to be taken parenthet- gives pzr'era reptiles for both; thus maically, the writer's scope being to inform king the order of the successive creaus, that God had previously created tions much less clear and perspicuous these bodies for the purpose here men- in our version than it is in the Hetioned, but that they had not hitherto brew text. The first of these words been able to answer the ends of their is that here employed'1=2 sheretz, renformation on account of the turbid state dered in the margin'creeping creatures' of the atmosphere. Otherwise thepas- It comes from a root?.-iM sharatz sage must be considered as a mere re- signifying to bring forth, increase, or petition, in more expanded particulars, multiply abundantly; and is in fact the of what is affirmed in the preceding very verb which in this same verse is verse. The phrase, therefore,'And rendered'bring forth abundantly.' God made' would be better read'For Thus too Gen. 8. 17,' That they mayi 4 35 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004 moving creature that hath life, whales, and every living creature and fowl that mnay fly above the that moveth, which the waters earth in the open firmament ofi brought forth abundantly after heaven. their kind, and every winged fowl 21 And u God created great after his kind: and God saw that it'was good. u ch. 6. 20. & 7. 14. & 8. 19. Ps. 104. 26. it teas good. breed abundlantlly (1Y t) in the earth, d"aering the Heb. qtjP oph by' fowl' our b reed abu n-dantly (I-Z'~) in t[he earth and befruitfil and multiply in the earth.' Ex. 1. 7.'And the children of Israel so as to include only the birds. But were fruitful and increased abundantly,the term includes alsowinged insects, (i2%znj) and multiplied, and waxed as is evident from Lev. 11. 20,'All exceeding mighty, and the land was fowls (iPr) that creep, going upon four.' The proper rendering is not filled with them.' Ex. 8. Y,'And the for.' The proper rendering is not river shall bing'forh frogs abuzdatly fowl, but flying thing, including the i rngormths iogs ap unasty tribes of all kinds that can raise (p).' From thisitappears thationthe themselves up into the air; as is inproper translation ofbu the unrapidly s deed made obvious by the expression not the creeping, but the rapidly mul-r in the next verse ~. 1 every Jlytiplying or swarming creature. It is ing thing that hath wings. From the applied not only to the smaller kinds lettr of this clause it would appear th letterof this clause it would appear that of fishes, but to various species of land aninals, as mice, snails, lizalds, dc.the fowls, as well as the fishes, were formed out of the water, but in ch. 2. Lev. 11. 29, and even to fowls, Lev. 11. Lev. 1. 29, and evens to fowls, Lev. 11. 19, it is said that'out of the ground the 23; in short, to all kinds of living crea Lord God formed every beast of the tures inhabiting either land or water, Lord God formed every beast of the earth and every fowl of the air.' To which are oviparous and remarkable reconcile the apparent discrepancy for fecundity, as we know is pre-eminently the case with the finny tribes. some have proposed to interpret the Ps. 104. 24. 25,'The earth is full of thy word ground in a large sense, as sy riches; so is this great and wide sea, nonymous with'earth,' includingboth wherein are things creeping innumera- land and water. A better mode is to ble.' The other word translated' creep- vary slightly the translation in the presint 7 remes, and the area- sent passage, which the original will g things' mes, and the well admit, and read,' and let the fowl tures expressed by this name were creyfly above the earth.' The object of the ated during the sixth day or period. writer here seems to be to specify the reWe shall afterwards show (see note Oil We shall afterwards show e note on spective elements assigned as the habi v.24) that it has a very different meaning tation ofthe fishes andthe flying things. frotn 7I here applied to a part of the In the other passage tile design is to animate creations of the fifth day. animate creat-ions of the fifth day.-*n acquaint us with the source from whence sT'/Lmathath life. Heb. netl Ad living the beasts and birds originated. They soeul. The original word implies'breath,' re probably here mentioned together and so denotes an animal which lives from the similarity of the elements in by breathing. It is chiefly applied in which they live, and of the motions by the Scriptures to creatures capable qf which they pass through them.-~/ln sensation, and thus distinguished from the open firmament. Heb. D'~ a 5.7 inanimate matter. Though spoken of on the face qf the firmament. To an man, it. does not by itself denote the in- eye loolking upwards the flight or sailtellectual or rational faculty, which en- ing motion of a bird appears to be on the ters into our ideas of the human soul. face of the sky, which, as Job says, is See note on ch.2. v. 7.-SAndffowlthat'spread out as a molten looking glass.' mayfly. Heb. ~rlYP q 1. By ren- 21. God created great whales. Heb. 3. C. 4004.] CHAP E: I. 39 22 And God blessed them, say- and let fowl multiply in the earth. ing, -v Be fruitful, and multiply, 23 And the evening and the and fill the waters in the seas, morning were the fifth day. w ch. 8. 17. ~'iS 0.3~,.~ Gr. Ta K)lr7T ra IEtXaa. tannuth) of the wilderness. On the The execution or effect of the command whole, the probability, we think, is, that contained in the preceding verse is the original is a generic term more pehere described. The retndering adopt- culiarly appropriate to the serpent or ed in our translation has evidently been lizard tribes, but applied also without governed by that of the Septuagint, but much regard to scientific precision to difit decidedly fails to represent the true ferent kinds of animals of large dimenimport of the original. Indeed, neither and fearful propertes whether the Greek nor the English translators aquatic or terrestrial or both. Without, have been consistent with themselves therefore, absolutely condemning the therefore, absolutely condemning the in rendering the Heb. word f7i tan or present translation,'great whales,' we'lDn, tannim, in both which forms it may still admit that'great reptiles' occurs. We find them in other places, would have been better; and if there for instance, severally translating it by be any term in the sacred narrative 9paKoJv and'dragon.' Thus Ezek. which can be fairly supposed to em29. 3,'I1 am against thee, Pharaoh, brace the extinct tribes of the Saurian king of Egypt, the great-dragon. (Heb. and other species of animals whose 51n titn. Gr.rvO p )aKOVUa TOY fEyaP)) huge remains are amlong the principal that lieth in the midst of the rivers.' wonders of geological discovery, it will The figure in this passage is evidently scarcely be questioned that qhtan, trml borrowed from the crocodile of the Nile, tannim,orq%2n tanninwith which]j'-i for to what could a king of Eg ypt be leviathan is closely connected, may more properly compared than to the claim that distinction. The result to crocodile? A similar allusion is doubt- which we are brought is, that'the work less to be recognised, Is. 51. 9,'Art of the fifth day was the creation of the thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and inhabitants of the waters; of the birds wounded the dragon (I"'I, tannin)?' and the winged insects; and also of Yet in numerous other passages the the amphibious reptiles. —~ Living term. is applied in such connections that creature that moveth. Heb. nrlj7:jneither whale, crocodile, nor dragon creeping. Theoriginal, though properly would seem to be intended. Thus in signifying to tread, is applied both to Job 30. 29. Ps. 44. 19. Is. 13. 22-34. things which creep ofi the earth, and 13.-35. 7. —Jer. 9. 11.-14. 6.-49. 33. which swim in the waters, Lev. 11. 44, Mic. 1. 8, the scene of the animal's re- 46 Ps. 69. 34. Gen. I. 25. In the lansidence is one of utter desolation, and guage of modern zoology, fishes are the animal himself is described as snuf- not ranked among reptiles, but the anfing the wind, wailing, and-belonglng cietnt writers whether sacred or profane to the desert. In Lam. 4. 3, it is term- made not such nice distinctions. ed in our translation' sea monster,' 22. God blessed them. That is, gave though from its being said to'draw out them power to propagate their several the breast to its young,' the term would species by generation, and thus to inappear to denote some kind of wild crease into a countless multitude. This beast, rather than a tenant of the deep. idea of increase or multiplication is ofIn Mal. 1. 3. it is said,' And I hated ten conveyed by the word blessing in Esau, and laid his mountains and his the sacred writers, as Gen. 26. 60,' And keritage waste for the dragons ( r)lq Ithey blessed (i. e. invoked a blessing t40 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 24 Ei And God said, Let the 25 And God made the beast of earth bringr forth the living crea- the earth after his kind, and cattle ture after his kind, cattle, and after their kind, and every thing creeping thing, and beast of the that creepeth upon the earth after earth after his kind: and it was his kind: and God saw that it so. was good. upon) Rebekah, and said unto her, is by no means limited in its applicaThou art our sister, be thou the mother tion to insects or reptiles. Thus we of twousands of millions, and let thy find it, Ps. 104. 20, applied to the beasts seed possess the gate of those that hate of the forest,'Thou makest darkness them.' Ps. 128. 3, 4,' Thy wife shall be and it is night, wherein all the beasts a fruitful vine by the sides of thy house; of the forest do creep.forth ( t97wr'h).' thy children like olive plants round Yet that it is occasionally used of the about thy table. Behold that thus shall inhabitants of the water is clear from the man be blessed that feareth the Lev. 11. 46,'This is the law of every Lord.' It is in virtue of this' blessing' living creature that moveth (l;7hfia) in of God that the almost infinite increase the waters; and froln Ps. 69. 34,' Let of the various animated tribes of the the heavens praise him, the seas, and creation has hitherto resulted, and is every thing moveth (w21) therein.' In still perhaps going on; though the fact the present case,as the 1!.3Zn are grouped of a continued multiplication whether of with the mi, i and Em;ii, li.e. the animals or men is a matter not easily larger herbivorous cattle and the largdetermnined. —~T Fill the waters -in the er beasts of prey, it is probable that the seas. The word'seas' here evidently term refers to the smaller classes of has the meaning of gulfs or cavities land animals whose bodies are brought forlmling the reservoir of the waters of by means of short legs into closer conthe ocean. See note on v. 10. Thus too tact with the earth. If reptiles are inare we to understand the term, Is. 11. 9 luded, they must be exclusively land-'The earth shall be full of the know- reptiles athe amphibious species were reptiles, as the amphibious species were ledge of the Lord as the waters cover the embraced in the previos day's work C, embraced in the previous day's work. sea,' i. e. the bed of the sea. 24., ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -- LS Beast. lIeb. atrl hayah. This 24. iing creature. Heb. term in Hebrew is derived from a word living soul; collective singular for'living signifying'life' or'living,' and is the souls.'-' Cattle. Heb. i1t7:n behe- term usually applied to wild beasts in mah. Under this term are included the contradistinction from thetaome, which, various species of tame and domestic asjust remarked, are usually, though not animals, especially such as are herbi- always, denominated cattle. Although vorous. —~[ Creeping thing. Heb. it is probable that nons of the animal -)t~ remes. In our translation ve tribes at the creation or before the fall here find creeping things again men- were wild in the sense of fierce and tioned and included among the objects ravenouzs, yet the different species unof the sixth day's creation. The Eng- doubtedly possessed different natures, lish phrase in its common acceptation some being originally more vivacious, undoubtedly implies some of the in- active, and vigorous, and less adapted sect or reptile tribes; and this sense is to man's dominion than others. plainly favored by the Septuagint ren- 25. And God made. It is to be redering ipTsrea; but the Heb. h1: is de- marked that although the earth and the rived from a verb signifying in a more water are commanded to bring forth general sense, to move or to tread, and respectively the creatures which were to B. C. 4004.J (1.;.ii 41 26 ~'F And God said, x Let us and over the fowl of the air, and make man in our image, after over the cattle, and over all the our likeness: and Y let them have earth, and over every creeping dominion over the fish of the sea, thing that creepeth upon the earth. x ch. 5. 1. & 9. 6. Ps. 100. 5. Ec. 7. 29. Acts, 17. 20, 28, 29. 1 Cor. 11. 7. y cb.9. 2. Ps. 8- 6. inhabit them, yet in speakingof the ac- tile Jews belonged, its ruddy blush tuai execution of the work, it is not or flesh-tint. Others, with less likesaid the earth created, or the waters lihood. trace its origin to;Srn7 adacreated, their. several tenants, but that mIl, ground, earth, while Josephus upGod created them one and all. No on,, while Josepbus upon very insufficient authority combines creative power was delegated to the el- both;'This man was called Adam, ements in any degree. Omnipotence which in the Hebrew tongue signifies alone was adequate to the result, and one that is red, because he was formed omnipotence only e~ffected it. out of red earth compounded together; 26. And God said, let us make man. for of that kind is virgin or true earth.' The remnining and crowning work of Ant. B. I. c. I. It is also the genetic the sixth day, the creation of man, is name for the whole race, who are call. nere described. The habitation having ed'Adam,' Gen. 9. 6, and'sons of been duly prepared, the destined ten- Adam,' Ps. 11. 4.- IIn our image ant was now to be ushered into it. ItdoesnotapThis purpose is expressed by-a peculiar pear that these two words matially phr y'Let us make man;' apear that these two words materially phraseology, Let us make man;' as differ in import from each other. They if by way of consultation. Instead of probabiy used together merely for saying,'Let there be man,' as he had the purpose of making the expression before said,'Let there be light,' or more emphatic. That the'image of giving a command to the elements to God' implies a likeness to him in morbring forth so noble a creature, he al attributes is plainly intimated in the spealks of the worlk as immediately his words of the Apostle, Col. 3. 10, where own, and in the language of delibera- he exhorts christians to'put off'the old tion; implying thereby not any more man with his deeds, and to put on the intrinsic difficulty in this act of his new man which is renewed in knowpower than in the creation of the small- ledfe after the imaqe of him that creaest insect, but the superior dignity and ted him.' See also Eph. 4. 24. But excellence of the creature he was about ther cabe as little doubt that the there can be as little doubt that the to form. The language employed is phrase in this connection denotes pri not, however, ill itself any more a de- th d cisive argument in favor of the doctrine marly ty. This is evinced by the words of the Trinity than the use of the pll auth- i et them have ral term Elohimn, v. 1, on which we clause, have already remarked. Comp. Job, 18. dominion,' which is to be regarded as 2, 3. 2 Sam. 24, 14. rhle original for explanatory of the term'image.' So the Apostle, 1 Cor. 11. 7, denominates man t oRdan is from a root signify- the man the' image and glory of God,' ing to be red, and is closely related to especially on the ground of his being the Hebrew word for blood, which'the head of the wonman,' or having prethe Scriptures speak of as the seat eminence over her. The expression of vitality, Gen. 9. 4, and which implies that man was appointedbythe gives to the human countenance in Creator to sustain towards inferior many countries, particularly those in- animals a relation strikingly similar to habited by the Caucasian race, to which that in which he himself stands tow4* 42 GENESIS. LB. C. 4004. 27 So God created man in his earth, and subd(.ue it: and have owtn image, in the image of God dominion over the fish of the sea created the him; - male and fe- and over the fowl of the air, and male created he them. over every living thing that I mov28 And God blessed them, and eth upon the earth. God said unto them; b Be fruitful, 29'[ And God said, Behold, I and multiply, and replenish the have given you every herb bearz I Cor. 11. 7. a ch. 5. 2. Mal. 2. 15. Mat. 19. 4. Mark, 10. 6. 6. bch. 9. 1, 7. Lev. 26. 9. Ps. 127. 3. ards man; and hence that man upon 27. Male and female created he them,. earth represents or bears the image of That is, the destined human race was God nearly in the same sense in which to be constituted male and female. the governor of a province is said to re- The allusion to the other sex is evidentpresent or bear the image of his sover- ly proleptical, as nothing had yet been eign. — [ Let them have dominion. said of the creation of woman. This is Prom the use of the plural pronoun detailed in all its particulars in the next here it is evident that'man' is taken chapter. i,: a collective sense implying the whole 28. And God blesssd them, c.c. Here race. It was not Adam alone who was again the term' blessing' has reference to exercise this dominion, but his pos- to the multiplication qf seed as explainterity also. In virtue of this delegated ed above, v. 22.-~r Su5due it. Heb. authority it is probable that Adam's 1:6-. This may be understood either control over the animal creation was of bringing the earth, the material globe, much more complete before the fall into subjection to the uses of man by than that which his descendants have the labors of agriculture, by obtaining exercised since; but that in conse- possession of its mineral treasures, by quence of his transgression this ascen- levelling its hills and filling up its valdlancy or lordship was in a great mea- lies, and making it in every possible sure forfeited, and his rebellion against vway to conduce to his well-being; or God punished by the rebellion of the the'earth' here may be taken as sysubject creatures against himnself. Still nonymous with its brute inhabitants there appears to have been an original and to' subdue' it is but another term difierence in the constitution and in- for obtaining and exercising that mas stincts of the'cattle' and the'beasts,' tery over them which was especially and we see no reason to suppose that designed for man at his creation, v. 26. the lion and the tiger were ever so com- Interpreted in this sense the last clause pletely subject to the dominion of man of the verse is merely explanatory of as the ox and the sheep. Probably the the meaning of the term'subdue.' leading idea is, that man was invested 29. Behold, I have given you, q.c. It with a dominion over the animal tribes is not perhaps to be understood from by being created with powers of a high- the use of the word' give' that a simer grade, such as gave him immense pie permission was now granted to advantages over them, and made him man of using that for food which it capable, in great measure, of reducing would have been unlawfiul for him to them to subjection, and thus of making use without it; for by the very constithem subservient to his pleasure or tution of his nature he was made to be use.-IT Over all the earth. That is, sustained by that food which was most over all the creatures and productions of congenial to his physical economy; and the earth, and over the earth itself, to this it must have been lawful for him to manage it as they should see fit for their employ unless self-destruction had been own advantage and comfort. his duty. The true import therefore of B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER I. 43 ing seed, which is uporn the face eth upon the earth, wherein of all the earth, and every tree, in there is life, I have given every the which is the fruit of a tree green herb for rmeat: and it was yielding seed; c to you it shall be so. for meat. 31 And f God saw every thing - 30 And to d every beast of the that he had made, and behold, it earth, and to every e fowl of the was very good. And the evenair, and to every thing that creep- inog and the morning were the sixth day. cch. 9. 3. Job, 36. 31. Ps. 104. 14, 15, &: 136. 23. & 146. 7. Acts, 14. 17. d Ps. 145. 15, 16, & f Ps. 104. 24. 1'rim. 4.4. 147. 9. e Job, 38. 41. the phrase doubtless is, that God had rally speaking, in Asia, at the present appointed, constituted, ordained this day. The mass of the people have it as the staple article of man's diet. He only occasionally, and in snall quanhad formed him with a nature to which titlies, and many do not eat flesh-meat a vegetable aliment was better suited more than two or three times in a year.' than any other. That we do no vio- Pictorial Bible. lence to the historian's language in put- 31. BRhold it was very good. This is ting this sense upon it, will be evident the divine testimony respecting the from the following instances of parallel works of the creation when all was usage. Gen. 9. 13,'I do set my bow finished. God saw that every thing in the cloud.' Heb.'I do give my bow was good, because it perfectly answerin the cloud;' i. e. I appoint, constitute ed the end for which it was made. my bow as a sign of the covenant. The reason of these words being so 1 Chronicles 17. 22,'For thy peo- frequently repeated throughout the preple Israel didst thou make thine own ceding narrative is, to direct attention to people for ever.' Heb.' Thou hast the contrast between the original state of given (i. e. appointed, constituted) thy things and the present, and to intimate people Israel for thyself for a people for that whatever disorders or evils now exever;' thus rendered in the parallel pas- ist to mar the works of God, they dia sage, 2 Sam. 7. 24.' For thou hast not originally belong to thern, but have confirmed to thyself thy people Israel been introduced in consequence of man's to be a people unto thee for ever.' It transgression.-If it be asked why the cannot perhaps be inferred from what space of six days was employed in the is here said that the use of flesh-meat work of creation when omnipotence was absolutely forbidden, but it clearly could have effected every thing in a moimplies that the fruits of the field formed ment, it may be answered, that one the diet best adapted to the constitu- reason probably was, that all to whom tion which the Creator had given him. the record should come might be able This view of the sense of'giving' is more leisurely and distinctly to conconfirmed by the ensuing verse, where template the Creator's works as they the same phraseology is employed, and proceeded successively fromn his hand. God is said to have' given' the green Another reason perhaps was that he herb to the beasts and birds. This might lay the foundation of the weekly cannot mean a permission, but an ap- division of time, and of the institution pointment, as explained above.'There of the holy Sabbath, an ordinance to is no difficulty in supposing animal be perpetually observed to the end of food not in use in the primitive times; the world. for it can hardly be said to be so, gene- REMARKS.-The reflections naturally 44 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. excited by the narrative of the stupen- rived! But it was merely the fruit of dols work of the creation, resolve them- his own good pleasure that he was inselves for the most part into sentiments duced to draw upon those stores of beof the deepest adoration, gratitude and ing and blessedness within himself, and "praise, in view of the divine perfections communicate existence to creatures. which it displays. The power, wisdom He might have remained eternally satand goodness of the Deity shine forth isfied with his own perfections, and all in these works of his hands, with a the springs of created existence been light and demonstration which even the sealed up for ever. But instead of this, most perverted reasonings of fallen na- his infinite beneficence has prompted ture can neither gainsay nor resist. We him, out of his own fulness, to bring feel prepared at once to subscribe to the myriads of worlds and millions of creajustice of the apostle's sentence, that he tures into being, and to make their exwho refuses to admit the existence of a istence a source of happiness! How God, or to refer the created universe to liberal, how kind, how benignant, how him as its author, is utterly without cx- God-like! Under what constraining cuse;' the invisible things of God from bonds of love and gratitude are we laid! the creation of the world, being clearly How constant,how spontaneous,should seen and understood by the things that be our emotions of thanksgiving and are made, even his eternal power and praise! In a transport of joy the godhead.' Psalmist, Ps. 148, calls upon all created (1.) What a claim is made upon our things, animate and inanimate, to join gratitude, that we are furnished with in a hymn of praise to the great Creathis inestimable record! Without it, tor; wishing, in effect, that they were what a dreary and impenetrable dark- all possessed of understandings and ness would rest upon us! What anx- tongues, that they might suitably celeious inquiries would harass our minds brate the perfections that appeared in which we could never answer! But in their formation. Such should be the this short and simple history the great habitual frame of our spirits. problem, which would for ever hlave (3.) The God that has made the unitaxed the human intellect, is solved so verse has made us. We are a part of the that a child may learn in an hour from great system of things, the origin of the first page of this sacred book, more which is here detailed. As such, we owe than all the philosophers in the world ourselves, in all our being and faculties learned without it in thousands of years! and powers, to our Creator. He prefers Let us then prize beyond price the ora- an incontestable claim to all that we cles of inspired truth. have and are. He who is the maker, is (2.) In directing our thoughts to the the absolute proprietor, lord, and soveramazingdisplayofPowerwhich is visible eign of all creatures, and has the first in the creation, not only in forming, but and highest title to our reverence, subin constantly upholding the vast fab- mission, and obedience. Let us, then, ric, let us not lose sight of the Goodness yield ourselves to him in the ready and which is equally conspicuous in all. willing subjection of sons and servants. From what has been manifested, we Let us put ourselves confidingly under see how infinitely rich in himself is the his guidance and guardianship, assured glorious and eternal God. What a that he will care for, keep, and comfort boundless fulness of life and being, us. The power which he has visibly what an imn-mense and inexhaustible put forth in the creation of the heavens treasury of all good, must that be froni and the earth, makes it certain that he which so much life and being and con- can accomplish for us all the great and scious and happy intelligence was de- glorious things of the gospel. Ile can B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER IL 45 CHAPTER II. - 2 b And on the seventh day qrHUS the heavens and the God ended his work which he had - earth were finished, and a all made; and he rested on the sevthe host of them. enth day from all his work which he had made. a Ps. 33. 6. b Exod. 20. 11. & 31. 17. Deut. 5. 14. IHeb.4. 4. raise us from the dead, change our vile The original for'host' (Rz_ tsaba, pl. bodies, and clothe us with honor and im- tsebaoth or sabaoth) properly denotes a mortality. This should not seem to us band or multitude duly disposed and incredible, for he has already performed marshalled, an army in battle array. things equally incredible, and we have Hence the visible contents of the heavconstantly before us the effects of a ens and earth are so called from their power no less wonderful. multitude,variety and order, and their being subject to the power that called thein CHAPTER II. into existence, like a well-disciplined 1. Thus the heavens and the earth iarmy to the will of a commander; were.finished. Heb. lqZe were perfect- wherefore it is said, Is. 45.,12,'I have ed. The language implies a gradual stretched our the heavens, and all their process of completion, and in this sense hosts have 1 commanded.' The word is is not altogether consistent with the accordingly employed in the phrase popular and prevailing idea entertained'Lord of hosts,' a title of the Most of the scope of the first verse of the High,which in two instances in the wripreceding chapter, viz. that it was in- tings of the apostles is given in the Hetended to import the original instanta- brew form of'Lord God of Sabaoth,' neous creation of the heavens and the Rom. 9. 29. James, 5. 4. In another earth out of nothing. If so, it is not passage, Rev. 4. 8, the same phrase in easy to understand what is meant by the original taken from Is. 6. 3, is renthe expression elsewhere occurring, that dered'Lord God Almighty.' The ex-'in six days God created the heavens pression'host of heaven,' besides being and the earth;' for the act of creation spoken of the stars of the firmament, could not have extended through that Deut. 4. 19. Is. 34. 4, is also repeatedly whole period. The correct view un- applied, though doubtless in a figurative doubtedly is, that what are here termed sense, to the angels, 1 Kings 22. 19. the' heavens' and the'earth,' i. e. the Luke 2. 13, 15; and in Ex. 12. 41, the firmament and the dry land,weregrad- people of Israel, as a great organized ually wrought to their present state of body or marshalled army of worshipperfection, and that too, unquestiona- pers, are called the'hosts of the Lord.' bly, by the subordinate agency of those The term is applied also to the order of natural causes which tended to pro- priests and Levites, exclusive of the duce the result. That this effect might rest of the congregation, who performhave been brought about in six com- ed the work of the sanctuary. In the mon days or six hours, is undoubtedly Greek version it is rendered by Koa/po; true, yet as a far more prolonged period ornament, garnishing, which is rather would harmonize better with the ascer- a paraphrase describing the effect protained facts of geology, and is equally duced by the hosts of heaven and earth, consistent, we believe, with the letter than an exact translation of the word. of the sacred narrative, we see nu ol- It is here evidently used in a sense jection to considering this tlhe tlite illtcr- eqivalent to things created, parallel to pretation.- ~f And all the host of lheml. which is the language of the Psalmist. 46 GE NESIS. LB. C. 4004. 3 And God cblessed the sev- cause that in it he had rested from enth (lay, and sanctified it: be-. all his work which God created and made. c Nell.. 9. Is. 58. 13. Ps. 33. 6,'By the word of the Lord the end of the world?-.T Rested on were the heavens made, and all the the seventh day. Heb. SAID shabalth, hosts qf' theC2 by the breath of his ceased. Taking the term'rest' in its mouth.'-The first three verses of this ordinary acceptation, this is obviously chapter properly form the conclusion of applying to the Most High language ch. 1., and in the division of chapters, which is strictly to be predicated only should not have been separated from it. of his creatures.' The Creator of the 2. On the sevenlh day God en7ded his ends of the earth fainteth not, neither work. These words, literally nnder- is weary,' nor can he stand in need of stood, would seem to imply, that the the refreshment of rest.'Ceased' Allnighty performed some part of the would undoubtedly have been a'better work of creation on the seventh day. rendering, as the original is not opposed But, as we are elsewhere informed that to weariness but to action. It is true, six days only were actu.ally thaus em- the idea of rest is closely connected ployed, it would, perhaps, be equally with that of cessation.frosn action, but proper to rentler the original'had end- they are still distinct, and it is impored,' instead of'ended,',as is done by tant that the distinction should here be many commentators. There is, how. kept in mind, to prevent the impression ever, no absoltute necessity for this, as that therest spoken of was reposefrom in Scripture style the'end' of anything fatigue rather than a ceasing to create. is often synonymous with its'perfec- From the original'shabath' to cease, tion,' and the holy rest of the Sabbath comes our English' sabbath,' a cessamay have been designed as a kiind of tion, i. e. cessation from the ordinary perfection, crowning, or consummation secular work of the week. There is of the six days' wvork.-The original nothing, therefore, in the genuine inmword for' seventh,' comes fiom a root, port of the term to imply that a total signrlifying to be futll, complete, entirely inactlion is enjoined on that day, but made up.' Seven,' therefore, is often merely a desisting, and consequent restcalled a perfect number, being used for insg, fijom secular occupations. The many, or for a fill rtumber, however most industrious and even laborious large, as Gen. 33. 3. Lev. 4. 6. Jer. 15. performance of religious services may 9. No numnber mentioned in the sacred be perfectly compatible with the rest, volume occurs so frequently as this, and properly understood, of the holy Sabas it is plain that no particular number bath, It is not to be a day of mere inwhen viewed abstractedly by itself, dolent repose to body or mind, but a apart from the thing numbered, has any resting from the concerns of this world, more virtue or significancy than anoth- in order to an active, devotement of er, it is to be inferred that the incessant ourselves to things spiritual and eternal, use of this numeral in the Scriptures things connected with the duties of carries in it some important allusion. worship and the highest interest of our What more probable than that it is own souls and the souls of our fellowfounded upon this history of the crea- men. Thus the Most High now ceased tion occupying with its Sabbath-rest from multiplying the objects of creathe space of seven days, and shadow.- tion, yet in another sense he still coning out a seven-fold division of time to tinued active, as our Saviour says, John B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 47 5. 17,'My Father-worketh hitherto and angels and the spirits of the blessed ares I work.' it is one continued Sabbath. It is a 3. God blessed the seventh day. A day, a perpetual day of rest, of holy peculiar eminence and distinction are rest; and in that, there is perpetual here clearly attributed to the seventh enjoyment. And to as many as are day above the other six, for upon it waiting and desiring this rest of heavalone was bestowed the express bene- en, the rest of the Sabbath will be a diction of the Deity. As it cannot be source of happiness. To as many as conceived how any particular day can are sensible of the influence of worldly be said to be'blessed,' othc.wise than things, in hindering their growth in by being made the alpp.inted time for grace, and preventing nearness of acthe communication of some benefit or cess to God, the holy rest of the SaDhappiness to intelligent creatules, when bath will be longed for and enjoyed. God blessed the seventh day, he must Far from us then be the feeling which have pronounced it to be tlie time for con- would count the Sabbath other than a ferring his choicest blessings on man. delight, which would esteem its services He blessed it, therefore, by connecting grievous, and its hours a weariness. inestimable blessings with the proper The Sabbath was made for man; it is observance of it. He consecrated it as amnong the kindest provisions of heava day of holy rest and worship; as a en for his happiness; and nothing but season set apart for the devout contem- a state of mind fearfully estranged from plation of the Creator's works, and the the love of God, and at variance with divine perfections manifested in them, peace, can prevent us from realizing and whoever honottrs the day with a and enjoying it as such.-It is obsercorresponding observance will not fail vable that this day is not described by to experience the peculiar blessings of evening and mornling. like the other Heaven in consequence. We shall, days, which consisted of light and darktherefore, entertain very inadequate ness, but this is all day or light, repreviews of this institution, if we do not senting that glorious sabbatical state of regard the Sabbath as emphatically de- the world yet future, spoken of Is. 60. signed to be a day, not of joyless con- 20 Rev. 21. 25; and to which the anstraint, or irksome penance, but a day cient Rabbinical writers thus allude: of positive happiness to man. The'And if we expound the seventh day of grand scope of its observances, is to the seventh thousand of years, which bring the creature into nearer commun- is the world to come, the exposition is, ion with the Creator, and whatever has and he blessed, because in the seventh this effect cannot but be a source of thousand, there shall be there an augaugmented blessedness to the subject of mentation of the Holy Ghost, wherein it. The withdrawment of the mind we shall delight ourselves. Andso our from all worldly cares, the hallowed Rabbins of blessed memory have said calm of the season, the exercises of in their commentary,' God blessed the prayer and praise in the closet, the in- seventh day,' i. e. the holy God blessed structive ministrations of the sanctua- the world to come, which beginneth in ry, the devout perusal of the Holy the seventh thousand of years.' AinsScriptures, the fixed contemplation of worth. Time alone can determine the the wisdom, power, and goodness dis- justness of such an interpretation. We played in the works of creation, of cite it merely asan historical fact. -1 providence, and grace; all tend to dif- And sanctified it. Heb. X kadash. fuse an ineffable peace and joy over the It is by this term that the positive apsoul0, and impart to it a foretaste of the pointment of the Sabbath as a day of very bliss of heaven. There, where rest to man, is expressed. God's saneo 48 GENESIS. LB. C. 4004. tifying the day is equivalent to his comrn- traces of a Sabbath from the begin manding men to sanctify it. As at the ning of the world. F'or if no Sabbath close of the creation the seventh day had ever been given, whence came the was thus set apart by the Most High practice of measuring time by weeks? for such purposes, without limitation Yet that custom obtained both in the to age or country, the observance of antediluvian and the patriarchal ages, it is obligatory upon the whole human Gen. 8. 10, 12.-29. 27, 28. Again, alrace to whom, in the wisdom of Prov- though the observance of the Sabbath.'dence, it may be communicated., This had no doubt been much neglected in farther appears from the reason why Egypt, yet the remembrance of it was God blessed and sanctified it, viz.,' be- not wholly effaced; for Moses, before cause that in it he had rested,' &c., the giving of the law, speaks of the which is a reason of equal force at all Sabbath as an institution known and times, and equally applying to all the received among them, Ex. 16. 23. And posterity of Adam; and if it formed a without any express direction, they gathjust ground for sanctifying the first day, ered on the sixth day a double portion which dawned upon the finished system of manna to serve them on the Sabof the universe, it must be equally so bath, which surely it could not have for sanctifying every seventh day to been expected that they would have the end of time. The observance of done had no such institution existed. the day is moreover enjoined in the dec- It can scarcely be doubted, therefore, alogue, which was not abolished with that the Sabbath is as old as the creathe peculiar polity of the Jews, but re- tion, and of the wisdom of such an apmains unalterably binding upon Chris- pointment a moment's reflection will tians in every age of the world. Some convince us. As God made all things commentators and divines have indeed for himself, so he instituted the Sabthought that the mention here made of bath in order that his rational creatures the Sabbath is merely by anticipation; might have stated opportunities of payand that the appointment never took ing him their tribute of prayer and place till the days of Moses, Ex. 20. 11. praise. If no period had been fixed by But if this were the case it is not easy him for the solemnities of public worto see how Moses came to specify the ship, it would have been impossible to circumstance of God's resting on the bring mankind to an agreement reseventh day, as the reason for that ap- specting the time when they should poirntment. It would have been a render to him their united homage. good reason for our first parents and They would all acknowledge the propritheir immediate descendants to hal- ety of serving him in concert; but each low the'day; but it could be no reason would be ready to consult his own conat all to those who lived almost five venience. And probably a difference of and twenty hundred years after the sentiment would arise as to the length of event; more especially, when so obvi- time to be allotted to his service. Thus ous and cogent a reason as their de- there would never be one hour when liverance out of Egypt was assigned at all should join together in celebrating the very same time. But if the com- their Creator's praise. But by an aumand given to the Jews was a repetition thoritative separation of the seventh day, of the injunction given to Adam, then God has provided that the whole race there was an obvious propriety in as- of men shall acknowledge him, and signing t e reason that was obligatory that his goodness shall be had in everupon all, as well as that which formed lasting remembrance. This act of sepan additional obligation on the Jewish aration he has seen good to express nation in particular. Besides, there are by the word'sanctify,' which is used B. C. 4004.J CHAPTER II. 49 in the Scriptures primarily to d.:nte is, both are, on the whole, capable of the setting apart. devoting, or appro- doing as much, with this weekly alterpr~iating any thlrg from a common to nation of rest, as they could coinfortaa peculiar and generally to a sabred use. bly perform without it. The rest of the Thus God is said to have'sanctified,' Sabbath, therefore, is to be considered or set apart for a holy use, the first- as an indispensable part of its due obfruits of the earth, the tabernacle with servance; nor can we rid ourselves of its various furniture, the tribe of Levi the obligation by merely abstaining to the office of priests, &c. In this from bodily labour, while we are othsense to sanctify is the same as to' hal- erwise occupied as during the week. It low,' and is opposed to calling or treat- is the allotment of one man to be eming any thing as' unclean,' or'common.' ployed at manual labour, and of anothThe sanctification of the seventh day er to be employed chiefly in mental exin the present case, can only be under- ertion; and if the rest of the Sabbath stood of its being set apart to thie special had been designed only as a cessation worship and service of God; for it is of-bodily labour, to a large proportion to be remembered, that at this time, of mankind it would have been inapevery thing was holy as far as moral plicable. But this is not the case. purity was concerned. Every day of' Six days shall thou labour, and do all the week, as well as the seventh, was t/ry work'-whatever it may be —'but in this sense Irept holy to God, and it the seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord could only be sancltifed or set apart, by thy God: in it thou shalt not do any being set apart for the objects just sta- work, thou nor thy son, nor thy daugh ted. ThustherestoftheSabbath wasto ter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy be froln the beginning a holy rest; and maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy as these ideas enter so essentially into stranger that is within thy gates.' Ex. the nature of this institution, it tmay be 20. 9, 10. The rest of the Sabbath is proper to dwell upon them a little more here made obligatory on all classes in at length. (1.) The Sabbath is to be a general, whether accustomed to nmanuday of rest. This formed a prominent al labour or not, and it cannot be dispart of its original design, and is in puted, that the precept applies to every fact the most elementary view which species of occupation. It is indeed, can be taken of the institution. Rest true, that from this universal rest of the is essential to the Sabbath. It is this Sabbath, there are certain exceptions, which constitutes it a Sabbath; and usually comprised under the head of which must be observed on the part of works of necessity and mercy, and so all for whom the Sabbath was intend- far as our circumstances place us under ed. The day is, under every dispensa- any of these exceptions, we ought readtion, a portion of time which the Crea- ily and cheerfully to forego our enjoytor has reserved for the rest of all his ment of rest, and to fulfil every duty. creatures that require it-for the rest of But let us not be partial judges. We man and as many of the inferior ani- ought to judge and feel, not as if we tnals as are subservient to his use and wished to get rid of the restriction, but sharers of his toil. It is thus to the as if, desirous of observing the Sabbath, other days of the week, what night is we yielded ourselves to another duty acto day, and winter to summer; nor is cording to the will of God. In the exthere reason to believe, were there no ercise of such feelings we are little likesuch rest allowed, that either men or ly to err on this head; and in the abbeasts of burden would be able to sus- sence of them, there can be no right taiet, for any length of time, the unaba- observance of the Sabbath, under any ted waste of continual labour. But as it circumstances.. (2.) The Sabbath is to 5 50 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. be a day of holy rest. We have hither- words; then shalt thou delight thyself to considered the day, simply as a day in m the Lord,' &c. Anything short if of rest, and in this light. the invasion of Ithis is a virtual desecration of this holy its sanctity may be summed up under season, which not only deprives us of its the general fault of carrying forward inestimable benefits, butlaysus open to the employments of the week into the the most marked tokens of the divine disrest of the Sabbath. But mere absti- pleasure. —T Because that in it he had nence from worldly labour, so far from rested, &c. These words assign a reabeing all that the appointment requires son for the institution, and a powerful of us, only affords an opportunity for motive to its observance. The appointthe due discharge of other duties, on ment of the Sabbath as a day of rest which its observance more strictly de- is here enforced by the example of God's pends. We come short of the divine rest after the completion of the six requisition, unless we hallow or set days' work. The institution is thus apart the rest thus reserved to the spe- presented to us not merely in the light cial service of the living God, as a day of an arbitrary enactment, but as cloth to be religiously observed, as a season to ed with the constraining moral power, be spent in the various appropriate ex- which naturally attaches to such a preercises of public and private worship. ce:lent. Such is the innate and invetIt is to be feared that this duty is but erate apathy of our nature to exercises imperfectly appreciated even by many of a purely spiritual character, that inwho admit, and, in form, observe the finite wisdom sees fit to superadd the Sabbath as a day of rest. It is to be force of endearing nmotives to naked feared that there are many who dis- precepts, and thus allure an obedience continue their ordinary occupations on which it might properly compel. True the Lord's day, and are nevertheless it is that the Sabbath was subsequentSabbath profaners, inasmuch as they ly changed from the seventh, to the carry their observance no farther. Are first day of the week, but this change they not such who rest upon the Sab- of the day under the Christian disbath only by resting a great pait of the pensation, makes no essential diflirday in their beds, and spend the re- ence in the character of the season, or mainder of it in idle sauntering or vain of the duties which it demands. Adrecreation'?' Is this the rest that I ditional considerations do indeed, conhave chosen?' may the Lord very prop- nect themselves with the spiritual duerly say of such a mode of devoting the ties of the day, enforced by more solemn consecrated hours. We have only to and sublime sanctions, but the essence revert to the original design of the insti- of the institution is the devoting of one tution to see that this is a most gross seventh part of our time to the more perversion of the rest which it enjoins. immediate service of God, and whether God intended by its appointment to this comes on the seventh or the first secure to all men a seventh portion of day of the week is immaterial. It is their time fior the special business of plain from the drift of the passage tlat eternity, and how this end is to be at- the Sabbath is to be regarded as a comtained his own word explicitly instructs memorative institution. Its stated reus, Is. 58. 13,' If thou turn away thy currence was designed to remind our foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy first parents of the finished work of pleasure on my holy day; and call the creation and lead them to a devout conSabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord templation of those perfections of tne honourable; and shalt honour him not Deity which it displayed. And to doing thine own ways, nor finding thine place this consideration in its proper own pleasure, nor speaking thine own light, itis to be borne in mind, that at the B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER II. 51 4 d These are the genera- earth when they were created, in tions of the heavens and of the the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, d ch. 1. 1. Ps. 90. 1, 2. time of its first appointment, there was our heads.-~ Which God created no Bible. The revelations which it re- and made. Heb. n8t55 ANA created cords had not then been communica- to make, or to do. This, though differted. There was as yet no history of ent from our mode of expression, is past times to illustrate the character of an idiom of the original, implying its God, in the works of his providence. being done in the most perfect, excelWhat is now called the book of nature, lent, and glorious manner. The word was therefore then the only book to nl j to make, or to do is frequently which man had access. XBt with us subjoined to another word, to convey the case is different. We have other the idea of intensity or of the utmost the idea of intensity or of the utmost things to celebrate with the periodical degree of the action specified.'hus, returns of this holy day. To us, it is Ecc. 2. 11,'The labour that I the memorial of a finished redemption, bouredto do (~V2~)~'~,~.~).' Ps. 126. as well as of a finished creation. While 2, o;'he Lord hath done great things1or therefore, the primeval ends of the institution of the Sabbath hold equally them (ml r n hath magnified to with regard to us, and we are called to do).' Judg 13. 19,'And the angel did observe the day as a season of devout wondrously (hulk th wrought meditation and grateful remembrance miraculously to do).' of God, as the Creator and bountiful 4. Generations of the heavens and,Benefactor of mankind, yet under the the earth. Heb. n1'5'iln births. Events Christian dispensation, the day brings of whatever kind are sometimes said in with it far more interesting associations, scripture style to be begotten, as Prov. and the life, death, resurrection, ascen- 27. 1,'Thou knowest not what a day sion, and mediatorial reign of Christ, may bring.forth (,'l).' See also Ps. all lay claim to our contemplations, 90. 2. Hence the term'generations' and our praises. This great work of is nearly equivalent to occurrences, inthe Saviour should in fact, constitute cidents, things that happen to any one. the main, the central theme of our med- Gen. 6. 9.' These are the generations itations. Our services and devotions of Noah,' i. e. the specially memorable should have a special reference to him; events in the life of Noah. So Gen. 37. 2. for the day is now honoured by a des- Here the phrase,' the generations of the ignation that makes it peculiarly his- heavens and the earth,' is equivalent to,'the Lord's day.' On this day his res-'the narrative of the remarkable events urrection occurred, and ro commemora- connected with the creation of the ting that event, we are to look forward heavens and the earth;' referring to the to the resurrection of believers, and account given in the first chapter. The their entrance upon the promised glory. Septuagint renders it,' The book of the Thus the Sabbath becomes to us, a Genesis,' &c., i. e. the booke or history of prefigurative sign of the rest of heaven. the generations, &c. —f In the day. We are to look upon it as a pledge of that That is, in or at the time. See the scripeternal salvation, into which we may tural usage in regard to this word illuseven now enter by the anticipations trated in the note on ch. I. 5. —11 The of faith, and place ourselves among the Lord God made. Heb. tl~' An'd ~ ransomed captives, returning to Zion, Jehovah Eloltim. A new title begins with songs and everlasting joy upon here to be applied to the Creator which 52 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004 5 And every e plant of the field c f cau -ed iP to rain upon the earth, before it was in the earth, and ev- and there uwas not a man g to till cry herb of the field befbre it the ground. grew: for the LoiRD God had not e ch. 1. 12. Ps. 104.14. f Job 38. t61, 27, 28. g ch. 3. 23. is kept up throughout this and the fol- selves, however, afford no warrant for lowing chapter. The original;rlm'1 this extreme scrupulousness. If it were Jehovah implies the eternal self-exist- lawful for Moses to write the name, it ence of the Most High, and his being is doubtless lawful for us to read and to the cause of all other existence. It is speak it, unless expressly forbidden.equivalent to the august name, Ex. 3. As to the origin and import of the En14, I AM THAT I AM. The true import glish word Lord, it is a derivative from of the word is supposed to be declared, the Angl,-Saxon tIlkford, afterwards Rev. 1. 8,'which is, and which was, contracted into Loverd, and finally inand which is to come,' i. e. the ever- to Lord; from Hlaqf, bread (whence lasting; in accordance with which, the English loaf) and Ford, to give Rab. Bechai, an ancient Jewish writer, out, to supply. Lord, therefore, implies says,'These three times, past, present, the giver of bread, or him who sustaius and to come, are comprehended in this and nourishes his creatures. The title is proper name, as is known to all.' highly expressiveand appropriate when Why a change in the appellation oc- applied to the universal Benefactor, curs here it is not easy to say. By but it is on the whole to be regretted some it is considered as strong evidence that the Anglicized.Jehovah was not that this part of the narrative is from uniformly retained by our translators, another hand than that of Moses. wherever the original is r;'in Yehovah, But by comparing the passage with as they would thus have avoided giving Ex. 6. 3,'AndI appeared unto Abra- the same representative (L,ord) to two ham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by different words in Hebrew, besides dothe name of God Almighty, but by my ing fuller justice to the sense of the name JEIOVAH was I not known to original. But the example of renderthem,' it may perhaps be safely main- ing it into another language was first tained, that the title here is not used in set by the Greek version of the Sevenallusion to his power like'Elohim,' but ty. And this usage the writers of the to his actually performing, fin;ishing, New Testament have seen fit to adopt, or consummating his works.'As we always employing as its equivalent find him known by his name Jehovah KVp1nt0 kurios, Lord, and thus establishwhen he appeared to perform what he ing a precedent which all modern transhad promised, so now we have him lators have felt safe in following. known by that name when he had per- 5. And every plant of the field before fected what he had begun.' Henry. it was in the earth. That is, these are The Jews attach so much sanctity to the generations, or this is the history, of this name, that in reading the Hebrew the production of the plants and herbs, Scriptures, they never, with the single prior to the ordinary mode of propagaexception of Num. 6. 23, 27, pronounce tion from the seed. They were produit, but always substltnte n1'"; Adorai, ced in their full perfection, by a simple another title which is frequently, but act of omnipotence, without going not exclusively, applied to the Deity, i through the present established process and which is also in our version ren- of germination from a seed, or being at dered Lord. The Scriptures them- all indeoted to the influence of rain, or B. C. 4004.J CHAPTER II. 53 6 But there cwent up a mist man of the h dust of the ground, irom the earth, and watered the and i breathed into his k nostrils whole face of the ground. the breath of life; and I man be7 And the LORD God formed came a living soul. h ch. 3. 19, 23. Ps. 103. 14. Eccl. 12. 7. Isa. 64. 8. 1 Cor. 15. 47. i Job 33. 4. Acts 17. 25. k ch. 7. 22. Isa. 2. 22. 11 Cor. 15. 45. of human tillage. The Hebrew parti- eminently distinguished for its fidelity cle (Gs3 terem) rendered' before' may to the original. mean'nriot yet,' viz.' and every plant 7. Formed man of the dust of the of the field was not yet in the earth, and ground. Heb. Ci~t1I:;'I3 -Y ~ "'I: every herb of the field had not yet n N.~ formed man dust of the sprung up,' which substantially agrees ground; i. e. made him to be of the with the former; the design of the wri- same material as the dust of the ground, ter being to enhance the wonder of such so that when he died it might be said a production in the absence of all the that he returned or was resolved into natural causes which now contribute dust. Strictly considered the creation of to it. a living being from a preexisting inert 6. But there went up a mist. As this substance can scarcely be distinguished verse reads in our translation it is fromacreationoutofnothing. Thesame somewhat singularly introduced; at decree of power is requisite in the one least, it is not easy to perceive its con- case as in the other.- F Breathed innection with the context, nor the pre- to his nostrils the breath of life. Heb. cise design with which it is here insert- 17 tw7z breath of lives; intimating, ed. Probably a more correct rendering as some have supposed, that man posof the words is,'Neither had there sesses the vegetative life of plants, tile gone up a mist,' &c. The Heb. copu- sensitive life of animals, and that higher lative 1 aend is in repeated instances in rational life which distinguishes huthe scriptures to be rendered nor when inanity. Still it is not certain that this the preceding clause or sentence is neg- is the import of the plural in this word, ative. Thus, Ex. 20. 4,'Thou shalt nor is it possible to say with confidence not make unto thee any graven image what is. As to the action here attribunor (Heb. and) any likeness.' Ps. 44. ted to the Creator, we are not to sup19,'Our heart has not turned back pose that any such process was actualfrom thee, nor (Heb. and) our steps de- ly performed by him as breathing into dined from thy paths.' Is. 42. 8,' My the nostrils of the inanimate clay which glory will I not give to another, nor he had moulded into the human form. (Heb. and) my praise to graven ima- This is evidently spoken after the manges.' The design is still to intimate ner of then; and we are merely to unthat the process of vegetation, which derstand by it a special act of omnipousually requires the genial aid of rain tence imparting the power of breathing or dew, was now miraculously effected or respiration to the animal fabric that without either. So far indeed from he had formed, in consequence of there having been a rain, not even a which it became quickened and conmist bad arisen to which the result verted to a'living soul,' that is, a living could be attributed. This rendering and sentient creature. This act is inoccurs in the Arab. version of Saadias dicated by the phrase'breathed into his and is adopted in that of Junius and nostrils,' because the function of resTremellius,,wthich is, for the most part, piration is chiefly visible in this part of 5, 54 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 8 ~T And the LORD God plant- o Eden; and'there P he put the ed m a garden n eastward in man whomhe had formed. m ch. 13.10. Isa. 51. 3. Ez. 28. 13. Joel 2. o ch. 4. 16. 2 Kings 19. 12. Ez. 27. 23. p v. 15 3. n ch. 3. 24. the human frame. The subject is still word for' garden,' which properly sigfurther considered in the next note. nifies an enclosure, from a root deno- I~ Became a living soul. Heb. anirl ting protection, is rendered in the Sept. inb5 t became to a living soul; arl by 1aalpt,rns a paradise, a term howidiom of the original properly rendered ever not of Greek or Hebrew, but in our version. The phrase'living of Arabic or Persian origin, used to desoul' is in the foregoing narrative re- note a park, pleasure-garden, or woodpeatedly applied to the inferior orders land enclosure, surrounded by a wall, of animals which are not considered to watered by running streams, and be possessed of a' soul: in the sense in abounding with fiuit and flower trees, which that term is applied to man. It and other objects fitted to regale the would seem to mean the same, there- senses. Thus Xenoph. (Econom. IV. fore, when spoken of man that it does 13,' The king of Persia takes particuwhen spoken of beasts, viz. atn anima- lar care, wherever he is, to have ga — ted being, a creature possessed of life dens or enclosures, which are called and sensation, and capable of perform- Paradises, full of every thing beautiful ing all the physical finctions by which and good that the earth can produce.' animals are distinguished, as eating, The term at lengthby a natural process drinking, walking, &c. As to the in- came to be applied to any peculiarly fer tellectual faculties which raise man so tile or delightful region, and was intro far above the tribes of the brute crea- duced into the later Hebrew in the form tion, we find no terin that expressly des- of ~B Pardes, in which it occurs ignates them in any part of the sacred Neh. 2. 8, rendered'forest,' and Eccl. narrative. The fact of his being pos- 2. 5. Cant. 4. 3, rendered'orchard.' sessed of therr seems rather to be im- From its denoting a place abounding plied in what is said of his being made with enchanting scenery, and one in the image of God, and in the great- which in the case of our first parents er degree of importance attached to the was the abode of innocence and bliss, circumstances of his creation. Indeed it became in process of time a metnit may be remarked that the Scriptures phorical appellation of heaven, the seat generally afford much less e.zplicit evi- of the blessed, 1 Cor. 12. 4. Luke, 2'. dence of the existence of a sentient im- 43. The import of the Heb. )'77 Eden naterial principle in man, capable of is pleasure, intimating the superior living and acting s-eparate firom the body, beauty of the region known by that than is usually supposed. Yet favoured name. As to the true site of this primas the idea is by so many analogies of itive abode of man, though it has been nature and by such strong inductions the subject of almost endless discussion of reason, it would be presumptuous to among the learned, it is still involved deny the existence of such a principle, in great obscurity, and an approximaeven though the Scriptures had been tion to truth is perhaps all that is to be entirely silent on the subject. expected as the result of the mrost care8 The Lord God planted a garden. ful inquiry. It may, we think, be safeRather'had planted,' i. e. at some time ly assumed that the name Eden desigprevious. The place of residence was nates a place or region which was so fitted up before the intended occupant denominated in the time of Moses, rawas introduced into it. The original ther than at the time of its occupation B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 55 9 And out of the ground made life also in the midst of the garthe LoRD God to grow q every den, sand the tree of knowledge tree that is pleasant to the sight, of good and evil. and good for food; rthe tree of qEzek. 31.8. r oh. 3. 22. Prov. 3.18. & 11. 30. Rev. 2. 7. & 22. 2,14. s ver. 17. by its first happy tenants; for why region sufficiently large to have embra. should it then have been distinguished ced them all. by a name at all'? Geographical dis- 9. Every tree that was pleasant to the tinctions naturally and necessarily arise sight. The garden of Eden, which had from the settlement of the globe by its been planted by the hand of God himinhabitants, but cannot well be con- self for the residence of the happy beceived as existing prior to such periods, ings he had created, was, as its name unless the name were given by God imports, the centre of every terrestrial himself, for which we can see no suffi- pleasure. The bounty of the Creator cient reason. The same remark may had stored it with every plant and flowbe made of the rivers and the other pla- er and tree, that was pleasant to the ces nlentioned in this connection. They eye, grateful to the smell, or adapted to are doubtless to be considered as post- the sustenance of life. In addition to diluvian and not as ante-diluvian names. this, ample and refreshing streams of The site of Eden therefore is to be water, so necessary to the very existdetermined by determining, as far as ence of an oriental garden, diffused a possible, the respective positions of the perpetual verdure over its whole extent, adjacent streams and regions,an attempt and imparted to every plant, a beauty, at which is made in a subsequent note. vigour, and fertility, perhaps unknown in f- Eastward in Eden. HAeb. t~1'D any other district of the globe. Among US in Eden from, or at, the east, or these goodly productions of the garden, eastward. Eden, we suppose, was a two of remarkable character and use region of very considerable extent,while are distinctly specified. The first was the garden was a smaller tract embra- the'tree of life,' an appellation denoced within its limits. The object of the ting, in addition to its spiritual or moral sacred writer here appears to be to in- import, a living tree, just as'oath of dicate the position of-the garden, not bond,' is equivalent to' binding oath;' only in reference to the country in' words of grace,' to'gracious words;' which Moses dwelt when the history'vessel of choice,' to'chosen vessel,' was written, but also in reference to the &c. It was probably a tree or class of territory of Eden itself; it was situated trees, of the evergreen species, continin the easterly part of that highly fa- ually flourishing and fruitful, from its vored land. That this was a widely possessing an undecayingvitality. To extended region is to beinferred not on- this tree there is evident allusion in the ly from what is said of the several riv- description of the heavenly paradise, ers by which it was bounded or travers- Rev. 22. 2, in which was the'tree of ed, but from the fact that severhl places life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, of the name of Eden, yet remote from and yielded her fruit every month.' In each other, lay a traditional claim to both cases it may be presumed that the having been the primeval seat of the trees were named, in part at least, from human race. Probably the correct their commron inherent property of permode of adjusting these claims is to ennial fruit-bearing. But this by no suppose that the original Eden was a means exhausts the full import of the 56 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. appellation. The tree of life in Eden, simple intelligence, but also of a practiundoubtedly conveyed to Adam, by cal.feeling or e.aperimental sense of the the express appointment of the Creator, thing known. Thus Ps. 101. 4,' will a symbolical meaning, serving as a vis- not know a wicked person;' i. e. I will ible sign or pledge of the continuance to not have complacency in him. Mat. him of a blessed natural life, as long as 7. 23,' Then will I profess unto them, he should continue obedient. Regard- I never knew you;' i. e. I never approed in this light he undoubtedly often ved of you. Rom. 7. 7,'I had not ate of the fruit of the tree before his fall, known sin but by the law;' i. e. had not perhaps as a means of sustaining not experinmentally known it. —It tl-e life, or of making him immortal, but above remarks we have given what we sacramentally, as Christians now eat conceive to be, on the whole, the most of the Lord's supper, to confirm their correct interpretation of the phrase, faith in the divine promises, and as a' tree of knowledge of good and evil. symbol of spiritual blessings imparted At the same time it is, perhaps, but just to the soul.-. /n the midst of the to advert to an objection urged against garden. Heb. Li l tnZD. Thelphrase this sense of the words by the learned'in the midst,' as used by the sacred Vitringa, who seldom advances an writers, often signifies merely within cer- opinion that is not entitled to great retain limits, without implying an exact- spect. He argues, that'to know good ly central position. Thus Gen. 41. 43, and evil,' in the language of Scripture, Heb.' In the midst of the same (city;)' is to understand the nature of good and Eng. in the same. Job, 2. 8, (Heb.) evil, of right and wrong, not to experi-'He sat down ir the midst of the ashes;' eince it; and that the tree therefore Eng. amlong the ashes. Luke, 8. 7, could not have been so named prolepti(Gr.)'Fell in the midst of thorns;' cally from the event. For although Eng. among thorns. In like manner by the fall the original pair had indeed all that is implied here probably is, that full experience of sin and misery, yet the tree of life grew within the precincts how could it be said that they thereby of the garden, while it was not found acquired the knowledge of good? If it without. This is confirmed by Gen. be answered'by contrast,' the experi3. 22, 23, where the reason given for the ence of evil having taught them the man's being driven out of the garden is, value of those blessings which they had'lest he should put forth his hand and lost, this imnplies that they were previtake of the tree of life,;' from which the ously unacquainted with good; and not inference is natural, that the tree did only so, but that they experienced good not grow without the garden.- f by an event from which they only deTree qf knowledge qf good and evil. rived evil. This is indeed a specious Gr.'The tree of knowing that which objection, and has led sonme commenmay be known of good and evil.' Chal. tators to understand by the appellation' The tree of whose fruit they that eat a tree which wuas the test qof good and shall know the difference between good evil; a tree by which our first parents and evil.' These paraphrases give would be tried whether they would be the sense of the expression. The tree good or bad, or by uwhich it would apwas so called because, being appointed pear whether they would obey or0 disoas a test of obedience, Adaml by eating bey the colmmnands qf' their Creator. of its fruit, would acquire the knowl- From the whole tenor of the history it edge of good by losing it, and of evil would appear, it is said, that the tree by e.perie-lcing it.'The term kaowl- of knowledge was appointed to be the edge in the idiom of the Scriptures usu- test of Adan's fidelity to his Creator, ally carr;-w with it the idea not only of and conseluent!v was so called front B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER II. 57 10 And a river went out of! from thence it was parted, and Eden to water the garden: and became into four heads. God's knowing by the result whether that it might be said, that the river or he would cleave to good or make choice rivers flowed out of it, which in their of evil. This view of the import of the course ran through the Paradisaic enterms it would not perhaps be very ea- closure. With Michaelis, Jahn, and sy to set aside, were it not for the lan- other distinguished critics, we are inguage of ch. 3. 22,'Behold, the man is edined to consider the word'river,' become as one of us, to know good here as a collective singular for the pluand evil.' Here the'knowing' is clear- ral, one of the commonest idioms of ly attributed to Adam and not to God, the Hebrew, implying that not one onand as this was the result of eating of ly, but a number of rivers, viz. the four that particular tree, we know not how afterwards specified, flowed in different to avoid the conclusion that such is directions about the garden or through the meaning of the appellation, viz. that it. We are led to this conclusion from it was a tree by which Adam should the extremedifficulty of identifying any know, insteadof being known. —It is not place in the region of the Euphrates perhaps necessary to supposethat there which answers fully to the localities were barely two individual trees of the here given.-After all, it is, we think, species abovenmentioned. The term not improbable that the word rendered tree is repeatedly used as a noun of' went out' really implies rising or multitude, implying many trees (see on springing out of the ground, the deGen. 3. 2), and we suppose that the sign of Moses being here simply to trees here spoken of were in fact two inform the reader that these rivers oridistinct species qf trees, which the Cre- ginated in the district of Eden, and ator saw fit to appropriate to this pe- consequently afforded an abundant culiar use. They were probably inter- source of irrigation. That the Heb. spersed here and there throughout the term ARd to go forth is used in the garden, so that Adam in traversing the sense of issuing or springing forth delightful region would frequently meet from the earth, especially as applied to with them, and thus be constantly re- plants, and streams of water is unquesminded of the terms on which he held tionable. See 1 Kings, 5. 13. Is. 11. his happiness. While he was at full lib- 1. Job, 14. 2. Dent. 8. 7. Is. 41. 18. erty to pluck and enjoy the fruit of the -~f From thence it was parted. Heb. one, he was to consider himself forbid- t) ut'1. If but a single river be den by the most awful sanctions from here intended, the partition spoken of putting forth his hand to the other. must have commenced immediately 10. A river went out qf Eden to wa- upon its leaving the garden, and at the ter the garden. The language here is same time not very far from its mouth; peculiar, and such as we should scarce- for although it is not unusual for a ly expect, if the common opinion re- large river to discharge itself by several specting the topography of the garden distinct outlets into the sea, like the Nile be correct. For as the garden itself and the Ganges, yet it is very seldom was, within the limits of Eden, why that it is found thus dividing itself in the should it be said that a river went out midst of its course, and far in the inteof Eden in order to water it? This rior of the country through which it can only be explained on the supposi- flows. But it utterly confounds all that tion that Eden, compared with the gar- is known of eastern geography to make den, was so large a tract of country, the Euphrates and the Tigris short b8 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 11 The namne of the first is Pi- "the whole land of H'avilah, where son: that is it which compasseth there is gold; u ch. 25. 18. branches of a larger river on which the known or distinguished as four prircigarden was situated. We are constrain- pal rivers, four capital streams; a preed, therefore, to reject the idea of but vailing sense of the word' head' in the a single river being intended. We original, denoting the chief or principal adopt also the opinion, that the phrase of any thing to which it is applied. As'from thence' (73 r2 n mishsham) is in- to the sense of sources or fountaindicative rather of time than of place; heads, it is supported by no instance a sense which it undoubtedly has in the whatever of such an usage. It is here following among other passages, Hos. clearly synomynous with' river,' as ap2. 15,'And I will give her vineyards pears from v. 13, where it is said that.from thenzce (t)=7),' i. e. from that time,'the name of the second river'-one of afterwards. Is. 65. 2.0,''here shall the abovementioned heads-' is Glhon.' be no more thence (zt:) an infant of 11. The name qf the first is Pison. days,' i. e. from that time. Thus in- The name of the first river, not the first terpreted the historian's meaning is head, v. 13. It was so called from the simply, that from the beginning four multitude, increase, or volume of Its considerable rivers, including the three waters. Accordingly, the author of principal in central Asia, flowed over Ecclesiasticus, ch. 24 25, in alluston to or along the pleasant land of Eden, this etymology, says of God,'He fillby means of which, or some of their ethl all things with- his wisdom as Pibranches, the enclosure of the garden son.' As the names of the two first rivwas watered and fertilized; that at the ers here mentioned have long since betime of which le speaks neither the come obsolete, they can only be deterregion of Eden, nor the rivers them- mined by settling the locality of the selves weredistinguiished by nain s; but countries to which they are adjacent, that afterwalrds (:ray:) at a period in- and even this is a matter of no small definitely subsequent, geographical dis- difficulty from our yet imperfect tinctions arose, the extensive tract was knowledge of the geography of the divided into minor portions, and the East.-~S Which compasseth. The rivers were'parted,' that is, assigned original word does not always signify in geogroaphical reckoning to particular to encircle or surround, but sometimes districts or territories embraced in the merely to pass along by the side of, to larger original whole. These rivers meander or wind its way through. It thus'parted' were afterwards known occurs Josh. 15. 3 and 6. 16, where it by the names which he proceeds to spe- is properly rendered passed along and cify, and by the designation of which passed by; in which sense it is probahe would help the reader to understand bly to be taken here.- T'he whole the true topography of the primitive land of Havilah. So called from the Eden. As to a physical partition or name of its first and most distinguished division of a single river into different occupant, like'land or Ashur,''land of channels or courses, it is by no means Edom,''land of Zeblulon,' &c. all so necessarily implied in the import of the named from the individuals by whom original word. It is the proper term they were settled. There were two for expressing that kind of convenlional persons of the name of HIavilah, one the allotment which we understand by it. son of Cash, the son of Ham, Gen. 10. See note on Gen. 25. 23.- I Became 7, whose territory lay in Arabia, near into four heads. That is, came to be the Persian Gulf, Gen. 25. 18. 1 Sam. B. C 4004.1 CHAP'ER II. 59 12 And the gold of that land is 13 And the name of tie sccond good: wthere isbdellium and the river is Gihon: the same is it onvx-stone. that compasseth the whale land of Ethiopia. w Nunib. 11. 7. 15. 17. But from the absence of any course: so that the soundings, which river of note in this region, though it amount to fifteen feet, are regular from was indeed somewhat distinguished for shore to shore, if we except a few yards its treasures of gold and precious stones, on either side, where the water is still. it is hardly probable that this is the T'his data would give a discharge of Havilah here intended. Theother per- 110,500 cubic feet per second; but by son of this name, Gen. 10. 29, was the Buat's equations for the diminished vesn.l of Joktan of the race of Shem. locity of the stream near the bed, comHis possessions fell to him to the east pared with that of the surface, it would of Persia in the country watered by the Ibe decreased to 93,465 cubic feet. Some Indus, in or near the region afterwards further deduction should be made for termed Cabul, which mright, thlroiuolh the diminished depth towards the the oriental pronunciation, be easily shores: and 80,000 cubic feet per secderived from H:tavilah. He was broth- ornd may be taken as a fair rate of diser to Ophir, whose land was celebrated charge of the Indus in the month of for gold, and the English editor of Cal- April. From what has been above stamet, with other eminent geographers, ted, it will be seen that the Indils, in is of opinion that the ships of Solomon discharging the enormous volume of in sailing to Ophir ascended the Indus. 80,000 cubic feet of water in a second, The two brothers may be supposed to exceeds by four times the size of the have settled near together, and if so, the Ganges in the dry season, and nearly hypothesis is very probable, that the equals the great American river, the ancient Pison was no other than the Mliississippi.' Travels into Bokhara, modern Indus. And how well this riv- Vol. I. pp. 137, 138. On the east, thereer is entitled to the appellation of abun- fore, we consider the land of Eden to dlant will appear from the remarks of have extended to the borders of India, Mr. Burnes who has devoted a chapter and in accordance with this the Targum to a comparison of the Indus and the of Jonathan renders the verse,'The Ganges in respect to the quantity of name of the first river is Phison, which water which they severally discharge environs (i. e. runs along) the whole into the sea.'It appears from MIr. G. land of India, where there is gold, and A. Prinsep's essay, that in the month the gold of that land is excellent.' of April, the Ganges discharges, at 12. rThe gold of that land is good. Sicriguli, about 21,500 cubic feet of wa- That is, fine, precious, of superlative ter in a second. The average breadth excellence. Thus 2 Chron. 3. 5,'And of the river at that place is given at the greater house he ceiled with fir-tree, 5000 feet, which is also the velocity in which he overlaid with fine gold (Heb. a second of time: while its average good gold).'- r There is bdellium. depth does not exceed three feet. In Heb. rq21 bedolahh. Of the many the middle of April, I found the Indus l opinions respecting the true import of at Tatta to have a breadthof 670 yards, the original Hebrew term the most and to be running with a velocity of probable is, that it stands for thepearl. two miles and a half an hour. It hap- Some indeed contend for its being a repens that the banks are steep on both sinous aromatic gum, exuding from a sides of the river in this part of its certain species of tree, and used as in 60 GENESIS. [B. C. 4)C4. cense for burning. But we adopt the son of Ham, spread themselves, by vaformer opinion, not only because the rlous removals, over countries widely bdellium is here mentioned along with separated from each other, the general gold and precious gems, but for another term appears to have been employed by still weightier reason. AMoses descri- the Hebrews to denote all the countries bing the manna Num. 11. 7, says that (f tlhesouth, an extensive region spread-'it was like the seed of coriander, and ing along the southern coast of Asia, the colour thereof as the colour of bdell- from the Persian gulf westward, ann iutm.' But we know from another pas- the eastern coast of Africa, embracing sage Ex. 16. 14, 31, that the manna particularly all those races of people was white, which corresponds with the distinguished by the black or dusky colour of the pearl. But neither the colour of their skin; a characteristic round shape of the coriander seed nor pointed out in the very etymology of the white colour of the manna corres- the word Ethiop, which signifies dark pond with the aromatic gum which has *face. The name of the country therereceived the name of bdellium. The fore is well rendered by Luther Mollpearl therefo re is undoubtedly meant; renland, i. e. the land qf the blacks, as and it is well known that the shores of it appears from a passage in Jeremiah, the Persian gulf and the Indian ocean, ch. 13. 23,'Can the Ethiopian (Heb. along which the province of Havi- Cushite) change his skin',' that the lah lay, produce finer pearls and in term Czushite was synonymous with greater abundance than any other place' man of colour.' Of these the inhabitin the,, orld.-I- And the onyx-stone. ants of Egypt and East Africa generalHeb. At iz shoham. All that is known ly were the most remarkable, and with certainty of this substance is; that though many of the race were settled it was a precious stone, probably a kind in the southern parts of Arabia along of flesh-coloured agate, resembling the the coasts of the Red sea, we seem to human nail; whence it is rendered in be guided by this circumstance to fix the Greek,v,, onyx, i. e. nail. It is else- upon the Nile as the river intended by where translated beryl, and was one of the Gihon: and it is a circumstance the geins in which the names of the peculiarly worthy of notice, that thee twelve tribes were engraven and borne editor of Calmet remarks in the aron the breast-plate of the High Priest, tide on the'Nile,' that'the inhabitants Ex. 28. 9, 10. of the kingdom of Goiam call this river 13. The name qf the second river is Gihon.' (Robinson's Calmet, p. 702). Gihon. A name imlporting in the origi- This view of the subject, it is admitted, nal eruption of Waters. The identity represents the ancient Eden as a very of this river, like that of the former, widely extended territory, reaching from can be determined only by fixing the the Indus on the east, to the Nile and site of the country to which it was con- the Mediteranean on the west, and intiguous.-I The same is it that com- eluding the intermediate countries. But passeth the whole land of Ethiopia. we perceive nothing in the letter of the Heb.'land of Cush.' Our English narrative or the reason of the thing translators, following the example of which compels us to regard it as pecuthe Septuagint, have generally rendered liarly smnall, nor do we think it possible, Cush by Ethiopia, as though but one without violently wresting thelanguage country were intended. Such howev- of Moses and assuming the most graer is not the fact, and a want of atten- tuitous hypotheses, to make the tract tion to this will involve some places of of Eden any other than a large one. Scripture in inextricable confusion. As As to the garden itself, the reader may, the different descendants of Cush, the if he chooses, conceive it to have been B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 61 14 And the name of the third 15 And the LORD God took the river is x Hiddekel: that is it man, and Y put him into the garwhich goeth toward the east of den of Eden, to dress it, and to Assyria. And the fourth river is keep it. Euphrates. x Dan. 10. 4. y ver. 8. a district of only a few miles or even therefore in respect to the place where acres in extent.- Since penning the Moses wrote may be said to have been above, the writer has had the pleasure before it, which is in several instances to find that nearly every position here the undoubted sense of the original. taken:,n regard to the topography of -~r The fourth river is Euphrates. Eden is unequivocally confirmed by Heb. Dnd Pherath, whence it is unithe authority of the eminent lexicogra- versally called by the present inhabitpher Gesenius. He too maintains that ants of the East the Phrat. The name the Pison is the Indus, the Gihon'Euphrates' is supposed to be comthe Nile, and that Havilah was situated pounded of two words' Hu' and'Pheon the borders of India. See the arti- rath' (Ieb.:-t rin) signifying'this cles in his Lexicon on these different is Pherath,' as if in answer to a quesnames. tion respecting the name of the river. 14. The name of the third river is This was too noted a stream in the Iiiddekel. This is compounded of two time of Moses to require any additionwords implying lightness and velocity, al specification, and therefore he says and pointing consequently to a stream nothing about the countries which it distinguished by a rapid current. That bordered, as he does of the others. The such is the Tigris, universally under- Euphrates is frequently called in the stood to be meant by the Hiddekel, ap- Scriptures by way of emphasis htoe pears from the testimony of both an- river,' and' the great river,' Ps. 72. 8. cient and modern writers. Pliny ex- Deut. 1. 7.-If the view above given of pressly says,'The Tigris is so called the topography of Eden be correct, it from its celerity.' In the oriental ver- will be seen that it embraced the fairest ions it is called Diglath or Diklath, of portion of Asia besides a part of Africa, which the derivation is thus traced from comprising the countries at present IHiddekel; —lHeb. Hiddekel; Syr. Hidkal- known as Cabul, Persia, Armenia, Kurto, whence by dropping the first sylla- distan, Syria, Arabia, Abyssinia, and ble, Dekalto; whence Diglitho, Diglith, Egypt. The garden, however, which Diglath; from Diglath or Diglith comes is said to have been'eastward in Eden,' Tiglith, Tigrith, Tigris, the 1 and r, and was probably situated somewhere in th and s in the oriental languages being the neighbourhood of the Euphrates, frequently interchanged for each other. probably not far from the site of BabyThis river, as is well known, is a branch lon, a region nearer its eastern than its of the Euphrates. A particular descrip- western limits; but the exact position tion must be sought from the works of it is probably vain to attempt to detergeographers. -~ Which goeth toward mine. the east of Assyria. Rather, Heb. 15. The Lord God took the man. AJDZS - r j~ 15pjj i goethbeforeAshur The historian now resumes the thread or Assyria. The Tigris does not of the narrative, which had been brorun toward the east of the region of ken off v. 7, in order to introduce, by Assyria, but washes it on the west, and way of parenthesis, the description ot 62 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 16 And the LoRD God corn- knowledge of good and evil, manded the man, saying, Of ev- i thou shalt not eat of it: for in ery tree of the garden thou may- the day that thou eatest thereof est freely eat: b thou shalt surely die. 17 But of the tree of the z ver. 9. a ch. 3. 1,3, 11, 17. b ch. 3. 3, 19. Rom. 6. 23. 1 Cor. 15. 56. Jam. 1. 15. 1 John 5. 16. the garden and its localities. By God's Adam's sentence. His labour othertaking the man is to be understood, not wise would have been a mere pleasant a physical lifting him up and putting him recreation. By his being appointed to down in the garden, but simply his ex-'keep' as well as to'dress' the garden, erting an influence upon him which may be meant either that he was to induced him, in the exercise of his free guard it from the depredations of the agency, to go. He went in conse- wilder class of beasts, or, in a diffirent quence of a secret impulse or an open sense, to preserve it, to maintain possescommand of his Maker. So it is said sion of it, by continuing obedient and Josh. 24. 3, of Abraham's leaving the not doing any thing to forfeit it. Viewed place of his nativity, that God took him in this light, the precept must be taken and led him into Canaan. See note in in immediate connection with what folloc.-: And put him irnto the garden. lows. Heb. r;,i, - made him to stay, or abide; 16. lThe Lord God commanded the somewhat improperly rendered'put.' man. Although the creation of the wo— T T'o dress it and to keep it. That man has not yet been expressly detailis, to till, to cultivate the ground, to ed, it is still evident from the result that bestow labour in sowing, planting, rear- she also was embraced in the prohibiing, and training the various vegetable tion, and this makes it probable that productions which might be necessary the prohibition itself was not given till for his subsistence, or tend to beautify after her formation. The exact order still farther the paradise of pleasure in of time is frequently departed from in which he was placed. Man, even in a the sacred narrative, and probably in state of innocence and: surrounded by the present instance. It would seem all the external sources of happiness that the work of the sixth day was, (1.) was not to pass his time in indolent re- The creation of Adam and the placing pose. By the very constitution of his him in the garden. (2.) The bringing animal frame, exercise of some kind before him the animal tribes that he was absolutely essential to him, and a might bestow upon them appropriate peculiar honor is put upon the pursuits names. (3.) The creation of the woof agriculture by their being appointed man. (4.) The grant of all the trees of as the occupation of the head of the ho- the garden for food with the exception man race in his primeval state. Sim- of the one here forbidden. But the last ple I'abour in the tillage of the earth is apparently by way of anticipation was not a part of the curse incurred by mentioned out of its due order. transgression, but was the destiny of 17. Thou shalt not eat of it. By this man from the first. It was labouring prohibition the Creator saw fit to apin toil and sorrow, exhausting and point a special test of obedience to the wearing out the physical energies by creature he had formed. Although by the hardships of the field, which con- the very law of his nature he was bound stituted the bitterness of that part of to love, honour, and obey his Maker, B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER II. 63 18 T And the LORD God said, be alone; c I will make him an It is not good that the man should help meet for him. cch.3. 12. 1Cor.ll.9. 1Tim.2.13. and was moreover disposed to do it, yet punished with all the evil results that as an intimation of God's sovereign followed.- I In the day that thou eatdominion over all his works, and to est thereof thou shalt surely die. Heb. *give to Adam a still more impressive 3h 11 p dying thou shalt die. Gr. sense of his dependance, he was pleas-' Thou shalt die the death.' Implying ed to adopt the method of positive in- by the utmost emphasis of expression stitution or arbitrary enactment, by the absolute certainty of the punishwhich to make trial of his obedience as ment denounced. The threatening we a free moral agent. This was a pro- suppose to have embraced all the evils ceeding altogether wise in itself, worthy spiritual, temporal, and eternal, which of God, and advantageous to man; for we learn elsewhere to be included in the inference would seem to be inevita- term death as a punishment for sin. ble, that in case he had stood the test The meaning is not that temporal death and come out steadfast from the ap- should be inflicted the same literal day pointed ordeal, his rewards would have on which the offence was committed, been proportioned to the conflict, and but on the day of his eating he was to that he, together with his posterity, become dead in trespasses and sins; would have been confirmed in a holy the seeds of decay and dissolution were and happy. state secure from ever after- to become sown in his body, which wards falling by transgression.As to should thenceforth become mortal, and the particular injunctiotn laid upon Ad- finally be brought down to the grave; am, it has indeed often been. cavilled at as. and he should be made liable to what is absurd and derogatory to the Supreme usually understood by the pains of eterBeing. But as th.e perfections of the nal death in another world. Adam, inDeity. demand obedience from all his ra- deed, might not at the time have under-.tional creatures, something must have stood the full import of this dreadful been enjoined upon our first parents as sentence, having had no experience of a test of their fidelity. It could not, any thing which would enable him to however, be any moral obligation like do so; but we are taught by the actual those in the Decalogue, there being no result what sense to affix to the terms. opportunity under the circumstances in It is an awful character of sin that it which man was placed in Paradise, of draws after it consequences of which violating the moral law; and the com- the perpetrator is often very little mand not to eat of a particular tree was aware, and which nothing but the dolean easy prohibition, when free indul- ful event can filly disclose. gence in all other fruits was granted; 18. Not good that man s!hould be while it was a suitable test of Adam's alone. aeb. i-'~ ~i hr'l'- 2113 Rlt fidelity, inasmuch as it was placed in not good is the being of the man in the garden with h'm, and gave him ev-, his separation, or solitary state. As ery moment an opportunity of testify- man was originally formed with oring his obedience by abstaining from it. gans, faculties, and affections adapted The infringement of this injunction was to social intercourse, the Creator saw therefore an act of direct rebellion that it was not good, i. e. not fit nor against the sovereign authority of the convenient, not consistent with his Creator, and was accordingly justly highest happiness, nor with the pur 64 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004 19 e And out of the ground the am to see what he would call LORD God formed every beast of them; and whatsoever Adam callthe field, and every fowl of the ed every living creature, that vas air, and f brought them unto Ad- the name thereof. e ch. 1. 20, 24. f Ps. 8. 6. See ch. 6. 20. poses connected with his creation, that no female help.' A man, wishing to he should remain in dreary solitude, a say something to his wife, will address stranger to the blessings of society, her as follows:'My help meet, hear having none with whom to share the what I am going to say.' Itis worthy sweet interchange of thought and feel- of observation, that the margin has for ing, or to partake the cares, occupa- help meet,'as before him;' and this tions, and comforts of life. Indeed it gives a proper view of her condition, for is scarcely possible to conceive how, she literally has to stand before her with the constitution God had given husband to serve him on all occasions, him, it would have been possible for and especially when he takes his food; man to have been happy in Eden itself she being then his servant. Say to a if left to a state of utter loneliness. woman,'Leave thy husband!' she will The Creator, therefore, kindly purposed reply,'No, no; I will stand before to fill this dreary void, to complete what him.' Roberts. was wanting to the felicity of his crea- 19. Out of the ground the Lord God ture, in the formation of a being like formed. Or Heb.'had formed.' This himself and every way suited to the verse and the following seem to be inexigencies of his- condition. —-- An serted here, immediately prior to the help meet for him. An help or com- account of the woman's formation, in panion suitable for him. The exact order to intimate the necessity there rendering of the original is,'An help was for a new creation to supply Ad as before him,' i. e. one corresponding am's lack of a companion. On a surto him, one adapted to him, a counter- vey of all the animal tribes there was part of himself, one like him in person, none found suitable for the purpose. disposition, and affection, united to him With this, however, was connected in the tenderest tics, always present another reason, to wit, the naming of before him to aid, sympathise with, the animals, which is especially menand comfort him; in a word, a second tioned.-I- Brought them unto Adam. self. Such was the merciful provis- That is, conducted them by a secret ion which the Most High determined supernatural impulse, as they were afto make for man that his cup of inno- terwards brought to Noah to be gathcent bliss might be full. —' This is the ered into the ark. This like most othpolite way of speaking of a wife in the er parts of the narrative of the creaEast, though it must be confessed that tion, has been the subject of infidel cavthey associate with this term too much il. It being ascertained, say the objectof the idea of a servant. Does an aged ers, that animals are exclusively adaptDerson advise a young friend to get ed to the respective regions which they married; he will not say,' Seek for a inhabit, it would be contrary to their wife,' but'Try to procure a thunive, an nature to leave their indigenous clihelp meet.' A man who repines at his mates, and they would not assemble at single state, says,' I have not any fe- one place. Of course, the account canmale help in my house.' A widower not be received as a literal fact, but Iays,'Ah! my children, I have now must be understood in some mytholo B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 65 gical or figurative sense. Thus a mod- ded others; inasmuch as the expreserm materalist and skeptic asserts,'that sion,' every beast of the field, and every the representations of all animals being fowl of the air,' may only denote the brought before Adam in the first in- field and climate of Paradise. As to stance, and subsequently of their being the reasons of such a proceeding, it may all collected in the ark, if we are to un- have fulfilled a number of benevolent derstand them as applied to: the living purposes, though not particularly meninhabitants of the whole world, are tioned by the sacred historian. (1.) It zoologically impossible.' Lawrence's mnight have been the means of assuring Lectures on Physiology, ~ 2, c. i. p. 130. Adam of the power and domin'on over If by the expression' zoologically im- the animal creation with which he was inpossible' it be only intended that such. vested by his Maker; for when he beheld a concourse of animals could not be various species of beasts thus conming to effected by their own natural instincts, crouch at his feet, to sport and gambol beno one will doubt the assertion. Sup- fore him, he might conclude that they posihg-what by the way really re- were innoxious, and subjected tohis aumains to be proved-that there was thority by an overrulingpower. (2.) By then the same diversity of climate that such an appointment theAlmighty might exists now, we may admit that those design to give him such a knowledge peculiar to the polar regions, and to the of their nature and properties as was torrid zone, would certainly never as- requisite in his peculiar situation in the semble in any one spot without an im- infancy of the world. Had he remainmediate exertion of divine power. But ed ignorant of the ends which they he, at whose word the immense variety were intended to serve, he could not of living animals burst into being, could have used them to any beneficial or surely bring them together, and, when valuable purposes. Many years must so congregated, could easily have sup- have rolled away before he could have plied them with the means of support. learned this by experience; and it might Till it can be shown that the Deity therefore suit the benignity of the Dicould not perform, or that there could vine Being to communicate to Adam be no sufficient reasons for performing, how his dominion over the creatures such a miracle, objections of this na- was to be exercised, and how their powture can have no wei_ ht. But we may ers and qualities might be made subbe content to take less elevated ground, servient to the comfort and convenand to understand the passage in a re- ience of man. (3.) In seems plainly stricted signification. The Heb. word intimated by the historian that the asin kol, all, it is well known, does not sembling of so many animals together invariably mean all in the largest sense, was in part designed to convince Adam but sometimes many or much; and of his solitary condition, and of the nethat it was designed to be received cessity of a partner to the completion with some limitation in the present of his happiness. The various species case is evident from the fishes of the of creatures doubtless came in pairs; he sea not being specified, and the inutility saw them adapted to each otherin exterof giving names to such animals as nal form and identity of instincts, while were to inhabit distant regions of the for himself' there was not found an globe, and which Adam might never help meet forhim.' Though lordof the afterwards see. It is also uncertain creation, yet panting forsomethingunwhether the assemblage consisted of possessed; though surrounded with those only which were within the pre- living creatures, yet feeling the listlesscincts of the garden of Eden, or inclU- i ness of solitude, he would discern that 6* 66 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. he alone was destitute of a companion, generations. If the second, the mean a cheerless and lonely hermit roving ing evidently is, that they were brought amidst a wilderness of delights. And to Adam that he might see by deeply when he received from the bounty of contemplating them, by attentively heaven his new-created bride, he would studying their nature and properties, be impelled to increased veneration of by observing the peculiar habits andinhis beneficent Creator. (4.) The im- stincts of the several species, how they position of names upon the animal cre- were most appropriately to be named. ation by their new master, might like- To do this correctly so shortly after his wise be intended to call into play thevo- creation would seem to have required a cal powers with which he was endowed. stretch of intelligence absolutely miracHe must early have acquired the use ulols, and we deem it not unlikely that of language, as an associate would have he was supernaturally assisted in doing been given himn in vain, unless they it. However this may be, it is strenu, could have communicated with each ously contended by Bochart and others, other through the medium of speech; that the names of the animal tribes they would have been deprived of all which we meet with in the Hebrew the pleasures arising from rational and Scriptures are the same that Adam social intercourse. If language was gave them at the beginning, and these, heaven-taught, and certainly the hu- as is well known, are for the most part man faculties appear unequal to its in- significant. Josephus says,'God brought vention, no period agrees so well with to Adam the several species of animals the revelation as that when Adam exhibiting them to him male and female, formed the vocabulary of the living and he imposed upon them the names creatures.-In the above enumeration by which they are even now called.' we may not have assigned all the real So long, however, as the question rereasons for bringing a part of the animal specting the claims of the Hebrew to becreation to Adam for the purpose speci- ing the primitive language remains enfled, but we have stated enough to con- compassed with all the difficulties which vince us, that, so far from being objec- modern researches in comparative phitionable, it was an instance of C-od's lology have thrown around it, this indulgent care and tenderness to the can be regarded only as an hypothesis, first man; and consequently that it venerable indeed for its antiquity, but cannot be urged against the literal in- lacking in that clear evidence which terpretation of the history. -'o see alone can command belief in reflecting what he would call them. Heb. i ", minds. In fact the whole subject of call him or it, i. e. each one of them; an language, its origin, development, diveract which implies his being invested with sities, &c. is one which, from its pecusovereignty over them, as is plain from liarly subtle and complex nature, is perwhat is saidof bestowingnames, Dan 1. haps more calculated to task the pow7. Num. 32. 38, 42. The phrase,'to see ers of the human intellect than any what he would call them,' may be un- other which comes within the range of derstood either of God or of Adam. If its inquiries. A bare entrance has as the first, it is spoken after the manner yet been made upon it, as a theme of of men, implying not that he would philosophical investigation.- r And thereby receive any new information, whatsoever Adanm called every living but simply that a demonstration would creature that was the name qf it. This be made of the extraordinary wisdom is but another modeof saying, that Adand sagacity of his creature, one which am's choice of names entirely met the should strikingly impress all future divine approbation, so that no necessity B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER 11. 67 20 And Adam gave names to and he slept; and he took one of all cattle, and to the fowl of the his ribs, and closed up the flesh air, and to every beast of the field: instead thereof: but for Adam there was not found 22 And the rib, which the LORD an help meet for him. God had taken from man, made 21 And the LORD God caused he a, woman, and h1 brought her a g deep sleep to fall upon Adam, unto the man. g oh. 15. 12. I Sam. 26. 12. h Prov. 18. 22. Hebr. 13. 4. existed for changing them in any res- others when favoured with visions and pect. It was therefore a virtual attest- revelations front God. Nor do we see ation to the wonderful wisdom and sa- any objection to Lightfoot's supposigacity evinced in the transaction. tion, that such was the nature of Ad20. But for Adam there was not am's sleep at this time, that the whole found an help meet. The particle'but' scene of Eve's creation was presented here stands adversative to an idea that to his imagination in a divinely inspired is implied but not expressed, viz. dream: for it is evident from v. 23, that that all the males of the brute creation Adam was fillly apprized of the circumwere supplied with mates, but for man stances of her origination. -~~ Took no such provision had yet been made, one of his ribs, &c. Whether there as among all the animals none was was some peculiar organization in Adfound suitable for him.-' All that he am in order to provide for the producsaw were fit to be his servants, none tion of the woman, or God substituted his companions. The same God that another rib for the one taken away, finds the want supplies it. Rather than we need not inquire. The account of man's innocency shall want an out- the woman's formation has indeed been ward comfort, God will begin a new made the subject of the frequent procreation; not out of the earth, which fane cavils of the enemies of revelation; was the matter of man; not out of the but there is surely nothing in the narrainferior creatures which were the ser- tive calculated to weaken its credibility, vants of man; but of himself, for dear- or to reflect upon the wisdom of the ness, for equality. Doubtless such was Almighty Architect. The miracle is in man's power of obedience, that if God the creation, not in the choice of subhad bidden him yield up his rib, waking, jects to create from. That omnipofor his use, he had done it cheerfully; tence which bids the embryo grow up but the bounty of God was so abso- into the full proportion and stature of lute, that he would not so much as con- a man, can with equal ease expand the suit with man's will to make him hap- smallest atom of nature into the perpy. As man knew not while he was fect symmetry of the human frame. made, so shall he not know while his That there was moreover an imporother self is made out of him; that the tant mystical meaning intended to be comfort might be greater, which was conveyed by this mode of formation seen before it was expected.' Bp. Hall. sufficient to vindicate it from all re21. Caused a deep sleep to.fall upon proach, will appear from a subsequent Adam. As this deep sleep is said to note, see on v. 23. have been caused in a supernatural way, 22. Made him a woman. Heb. the Sept. version is probably correct in l,=M5 =1 g builded her to a woman; rendering it extacy or trance, such as whence our bodies are called'houses,' usually fell upon the prophets and Job, 4. 19. 2 Cor. 5. 1. —- And (is GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 23 And Adam said, This is of my flesh: she shall be called now i bone of my iLones, and flesh Woman, because she was 4 taken out of man. i ch. 29. 14. Judg. 9. 2. 2 Sam. 5. 1. & 19. 13. Ephes. 5. 30. k 1 Cor. 11. brought her unto the man. Heb.,ebRn as their own bodies: he that loveth led, conducted, that is, presented her to his wife, loveth himself. For no man the man. Compare the Latin phrase ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourducere uxorem, to lead, i. e. to marry, a islieth- and cherisheth it, even as the ztefe. It can scarcely be supposed that Lord the church; for we are members she was, after her formation, taken to of his body, of his flesh, and of his a distance from Adarn and then recon- bones. For this cause shall a man ducted into his presence. Itis far more leave his father and mother and shall rational to understand the term of simply be joined unto his wife, and they two presenting her to him on the spot where shall be one flesh. This is a great she was created, which was doubtless mystery; but I speak concerning Christ the same where Adam was reposing at and his church.' On which passage the time. The word implies, moreover, Macknight remarks that'Adam, in the formal solemn bestowment of her whom the human race began, was a in the bonds of the marriage covenant, natural image of Christ, in whom the which is hence called'the covenant of human race was to be restored; and God,' Prov. 2. 17, implying that he is his deep sleep, the opening of his side, the author of this sacred institution. and the formation of Eve of a rib ta23. This is now bone of my bones, ken out of his side, were fit emblems of and fesh of my flesh. Heb. Ac; Christ's death, of the opening of his side rtyr, this is for this time, this once, on the cross, and of the regeneration implying that it was only on this of believers by his death. The love occasion that woman was to come into which Adam expressed towards Eve, being in this manner; thereafter the and his union with her in marriage, ordinary mode of her production should were lively images of Christ's love to be different. The phrase,'bone of my believers, and of his eternal union with bones, and flesh of my flesh,' points not them in one society after their resuronly to the woman's origin, but also rection. Thus the circumstances which to the nearness of the marriage rela- accompanied the formation of Eve, betion, to the partnership and love, that ing fit emblems of the formation of the was henceforth to subsistbetween them. church, we may suppose that they Their being both as it were of one flesh were brought to pass to prefigure that shows that the nuptial state was de- great event; and by prefiguring it, to signed to be one of the utmost mutual show that it was decreed of God, from tenderness and endearment, and the the very beginning.' Com. in loc. Thus foundation of affection being thus laid many valuable purposes were answerin their identity of nature, strongly ed by the creation of Eve from a rib taevinces the indissoluble bond of that lien from the side of man; and this union. The language of Paul more- consideration should fortify our belief over, Eph. 5. 28, 32, shows that the of the fact as recorded against the scorn creation and marriage of our first pa- and sarcasms of infidel objectors.rents wvere intended to be typical of the IIT Shie shall be called woomnan. That is, union between Christ and the church; being partaker of my nature she shall' So ought inen to love their wives be in effect called by my name; for B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 69 24 1 Therefore shall a man leave 25 n' And thev were both naked, his father and his mother, and the man and his wife, and were shall cleave unto his wife: and not "ashamed. they shall be one flesh. 1 ch. 31. 15. Ps. 45. 10. Matt. 19. 5. Mark 10. m h. 3,7,10,11. nExod. 32.25. Isa. 47.3. 7. I Cor. 16. Eph. 5. 31. the original word for'woman' is isha binding nature of this holy covenant, (rtwR), the feminine of Ish (VN;R) man, than such a declaration? Indeed one and properly signifies, however un- cannot easily be guilty of a greater outcouth the so'ind to our ears, man-ness. rage against a solemn ordinance of So in the old Latin vir, a man, vira, a heaven, or inflict a deeper wound upon wooman, whence virago, contracted vir- the best interests of society, than to go, a virgin. The English word wo- treat the marriage tie as any other than man, however, will appear a more ap- an indissoluble union between one man propriate rendering if its Anglo- Saxon and one woman. Although it be true origin womnb-man, i. e. female man, be that God did for wise reasons and in a borne in mind. It may be remarked less enlightened age tolerate for a seaalso that the word' called' both here son the practice both of polygamy and and often elsewhere in the Scriptures is divorce, yet it is unquestionable that properly significant of nature, as well both are contrary to the original design as of title. See note on Gen. 32. 28. of the institution, and cannot take 24. Therefore shall a man leave his place without sin on one side or the father and his mother, &c. Whether other. As for polygamy, it is clearly this is to be considered as an inspired forbidden by the fact that but a single comment of Moses on the language of pair only were created, and by the terms the preceding verse, or as the words of the command, that a mall snail of Adam himself in continuation, it is cleave to his wife (not wives) only. difficult to determine. If they be sup- And as to divorce, although it is auposed to have been uttered by Adam, thorized for one reason and but one, as he could as yet have had no idea of yet even in that case it is by no means a father, mother, child, or the relations certain that the essential obligation of and affections subsisting between them, the union, the real vinculum matri-hey must have been prompted by im- monlii, ever can be truly dissolved, notmediate inspiration. But to which- withstanding a. separation of the parties soever of them the words are to be as- may take place.'In the sight of God cribed, they are by our Saviour, Mat. the sinning husband or the sinning 19. 4-6, evidently referred to as an au- wife is still held by the moral bonds of thoritative expression of the divine will the original compact, though the innoin regard to the institution of marriage. cent party may be at liberty to marry It is an explicit declaration that this en- again. dearing union was to be of a more inti- 25. And were not ashamed. They mate and sacred nature than any oth- had no consciousness of any thing that er; that every other was to yield to it, ought to occasion shame or cause a and be, as it were, swallowed up in it; blush. Shame is a fruit of sin. But that the parties were to deem them- in the primeval state, such sensations selves as entirely and indissolubly uni- were unknown, and the guileless feelted, as if they were in reality one per- ings of infancy reigned in the bosom of son, one soul, one body; and what can innocence.' Clothes are the ensigns of convey a more impressive idea of the our sin and covers of our shame. To 70 GENESIS. (B. C. 4004 CHAPTER III. made: and he said unto the woOW a the serpent was b more man, Yea, hath God said, Ye subtle than any beast of the shall not eat of every tree of the field which the LORD God had garden? a Rev. 12. 9. & 20. 2. b Matt. 10. 16. 2 Cor. 11. 3. be proud of them is as great a folly as ed their expulsion from Paradise, and for a beggar to be proud of his rags or! overwhelmed them with all the unuta thief of his halter. As the prisoner terable miseries of the fall. looking on his irons thinketh on his 1. 7The serpent. Heb. ~3y] nahash. theft, so we looking on our garments, The word'serpent' in our language should think on our sins.'- Trapp. comes from the Latin serpo, to creep, but the Hebrew term has no relation to CHAPTER II. the form or motion or any external atThe happiness of our first parents in tribute of the serpent. It is a term deParadise must have far exceeded any scriptive solely of mental properties, thiogb which we can now inagine. being derived from a root signifying to Formed in the image of God, with all srch scirtize cosely, to find out their faculties perfect and their appetites by erperiment, and in some few instanin subjection, undisturbed by care, and ces to pradise civination or auury. as yet unllassailed by temptation they Gen. 44. 5. Lev. 19. 26. 1 KiLngs, 20. 33, walked with God as a nian nwalketh The name therefore is obviously more witlh his friend, and enjoyed commoln- lappropriate, in its original import, to ion with heaven, though their abode was some kind of rational being, than to a ulponl- earth. There was no cloud upon brute beast or an unintelligent reptile their understanding, no undue bias on And this brings us to the consideration their will, nothing inordinate in their af- of tle question respecting the real agent fections. As to externalcomforts, they or agents to whom the too successful wvere surrounded by every thing t~hat temptation of our first parents was owcould minister to their innocent delight,'ng. This has been a point of great and in the keen relish of their new-cre- controversy in all ages, and in the efated existence, their pure hearts expan- forts of learned ingenuity and pervertded with emotions of love, adoration, ed criticism to reduce this part of the gratitude, and joy, towards their boun- sacred history to allegory or fable, even tiful Creator. But this happiness, the presence of a real natural serpent alas! was of short duration! In the has been denied, and the whole treated present chapter a sad reverse comes as a mere figurative or symbolical repover the beatific scene which we have resentation designed to convey under hitherto contempIated. We are reluc- expressive emblems certain great moral tantly brought forward to that awful truths, which it was important for man revolution which took place in their to know. But as to this alternative of condition. Henceforth we behold them resolving the present record into an alfallen, sinful, degraded, wretched, ruin- legory, it creates as many difficulties as ed! Their history now becomesblend- it removes. For as Horsley well reed with that of the wicked and malig- marks,'The narrative of this chapter nant spirit, who had' left his first es. must be either all plain matter of fact, tate' of holiness and bliss, and who, or all allegory. It cannot be matter of by his fiendish arts, having seduced the fact in one part, and allegory in anothhappy pair from their innocence, expo- er. For no writer of true history would red them to the wrath of God, procur- mix plain matter of fact with allegory B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER III. 71 in one continued narrative, without any ing real words, since the inspired histointimation of a transition from the one rianl expressly asserts the fact. But to the other. If therefore any part of was this all? Is there not clear evithis narrative be matter of fact, no part dence of the presence also of a higher of it is allegori6al. On the other hand, power latent under the serpentine forml if any part be allegorical, no part is alid acting through it as an obsequious naked m:atter of fact; and the conse- organ? Moses, it is true, makes no quence of this will be, that every thing express mention of any such agent, in every pairt of the whole narrative but there. are plainly some things asmust be allegorical. If tilhe formation cribed by the history to the serpent, of the woiatn out of man be allegory, which do not agree with the properties the woman must be an allegorical wo- of a mere brute creature. The serpent man. The mnian must therefore be an has not only the faculty of speech, but allegorical mnan; for of such a man he reasons upon matters relating to only the allegorical woman will be a God and man; he speaks of good and mee't companioin. If the man be alle- evil as if possessed of a thorough gorical, his Paradise is an allegorical knowledge of the laws of nature and garden; the trees that grew in it, alle- providence; he argues against the digorical trees; tne rivers that wateredit, vine prohibition; steals upon the woallegorical rivers; and thus we may as- man with the most alluring artifice, and cend to the very beginning of the crea- finally persuades her to disobey the intion, and conclude at last thlat the heav- junction. No mere animal, it is, eviens are allegorical: heavens, and the dent could be capable of itself of what earth an allegorical earth. Thus the is heire attributed to the serpent, which whole'history of the creation will be an must consequently have been impelled allegory, of which the real subject is not by some superior intelligent agent who disclosed; and in this absurdity the used that creature as the passive instruwhole scheirie of allegorizing ends.' ments of his malignity. Such being Biblicala Criticism, vol. I. pp. 9, 10. the case, no doubt can remain as to We may theioefti'o safely rest in the lit- this agent, for no being, except the eral int:rpri'etation of the narrative, apostate spirit, could either plan or exeand assert the presence and the agen- cute the malevolent design of supplantcy of a true material serpent. That ing primeval innocence, and destroying the act attributed to him of littering the happiness of paradise. This conarticulate sounds, was indeed pre- eclusion is confirmed by the nature of eminently wonderful and miraculous, the sentence which the Lord God, ver. no one will hesitate to admit. But a 14, pronounces upon the serpent,' Besimilar circumstance is unequivocally cause thou hast done this thou art curasserted of Balaam's ass, Num. 22. 28, sed,' &c.'Here the sentence is plainly and the trtth of the miracle cannot be directed against an intelligent being and questioned, as it is confirmed by apos- free agent, who had been guilty of comlolic authority, 2 Pet. 2. 16. It is therie mitting a crime of enormous character. said indeed that'the Lord opened the It were ridiculous to suppose the Almouth of the ass,' whereas in the pres- mighty in so solemn a manner addresent narrative it is not said by what sing only a brute animal incapable of agency utterance was given to the ser- moral guilt. Intimations, moreover, pent; but the possibility is equal in both to the same effect are found in other cases and a due reverence for Scripture, parts of the sacred volume. Thus our would seem to force from us the admis- Saviour, John, 8. 44, tells the Jews sion that hei'e was a real serpent utter- that' they were of their father the dev 72 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. il,' and that' he was a murderer from kind which in Scripture are called serthe beginning,' where he probably al- aphs or seraphim, from their luminous, ludes to his ( estructive agency in the burning, glozing appearance, an aptransaction here recorded, as well as to pearance that might very naturally that which he exercised in instigating have suggested the phrase,'angel of Cain to the murder of Abel. For if he light.' There can be no reasonable was'a murderer from the beginning,' doubt, therefore, that the devil actuated he must have been so from the earliest the serpent by which Eve was beguiled, period in which he could have been and that he was consequently the instiguilty of this crime; and he could not gator of the first sin in Paradise. This justly be styled'the father of lies,' if he being is here designated under the apwere not the first from whom a lie ev- pellation serpent from his insidious, er proceeded. But he plainly acted in subtle, and malignahnt nature, and the both these characters at the period re- epithet old is applied to him Rev. 12. ferred to, and to this our Lord undoubt- 9, from his having commenced his diaedly alludes. Again, the Apostle Paul in bolical acts at the creation, and continexhorting the Corinthians to beware of ued to practise them through several false teachers, says,'I fear, lest by any thousand years down to the period of means, as the serpent beguiled Eve that prophecy. He is moreover elsethrough his subtilty, so your minds where called Devil from his being a cashould be corrupted from the simplicity lumniator, or slanderer; Satan from his that is in Christ.' Here is a compari- being an adversary or hater; and the son between the seduction of the Co- Wicked One from his general character. rinthians, and the seduction of Eve; - 1' Was more subtle than any beast and as the former were in no danger of of the field. Heb.'It:P. That is, being deceived by a mere brute animal, more cunning, wily, insidious. The Eve cannot be supposed to have been term in its primary import signifies nabeguiled by a mere irrational creature. ked, but like many other Hebrew If the serpent in Genesis were nothing words originally expressive of physical more than the brute reptile, the com- properties, it came gradually to be apparison is destroyed, but if it were the plied to certain mental acts or attributes organ of Satan, the comparison is true of a somewhat analogous nature. and forcible; that is, there was danger Whatever is naked is more free from lest Satan should deceive the Corinthi- impediments, and can therefore act in an converts through the means of false a more unembarrassed, easy, flexible, teachers, as he did Eve by means of the and effective manner than that which serpent. That such is the apostle's is hindered and harassed by any kind meaning is implied in vs. 13-15, of the of covering. The transfer of the term, same chapter;'For such are false therefore, from corporeal to intellectual apostles, deceitful workers, transform- operations, as equivalent to expert, ing themselves into the apostles of. adroit, possessing quickness of mind, Christ. And no marvel; for Satan discernment, sagacity, either in a good himself is transformed into an angel of or bad sense, is at once natural and aclight.' We know from Scripture of no cordant with the metaphorical usages other period in the history of this arch- of most ancient tongues. Thus, Heb. apostate when the transformation here 5. 14.'Who by reason of use have predicated of him is so likely to have ta- their senses exercised (Gr. ycyvpPvasycva ken place as that now referred to when make naked) to discern both good and le perhaps assumed the form of abright, evil.' It is consequently in numerous glorious, and winged serpent, of that instances the term in the original which B. C. 4004.J CHAPTER III. 73 the:Greek translators have represented its unwary victim, and of aiming to seby the epithet lpovipos wise, and in the cure its head when assaulted, it is not present passage that version exhibits peculiarly distinguished by superior asOpovqIPor7aoe most wise, in allusion to tuteness. But its shape and properties which our Saviour says to his disciples, may not have been originally the same ifat. 10. 16,'Be ye wise (g povtpoi) as they now are. It is not unlikely A Bserpentsand harmless asdoves.' In th ata debasing and deteriorating change has taken place in consequence of the other cases it is translated by rravovpyo acehe curse pronounced upon it. It is here cunning, crafty, alld in our English ver- classed aong e beasts of the field;' sion is very often rendered by the epi- but if it had the been a vile reptile as but if it had then been a vile reptile as thet prudent, as Prov. 12. 16,'A pru- it now is, it would have been more natdent man (Otzi'n) covereth shame.' Pro. urally ranked among'the creeping 14. 8,'ihe wisdom of the prudent things,' as the distinction is somewhat ({'I1;) is to understand his way?' closely observed in the first chapter of The verbal root occurs in the sense Genesis; and the denunciation,'Upon of actbing with serpentine subtilty in thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt 1 Sani. 23. 22, where in reference to Da- thou eat all the days of thy life,' would vid's hiding himself in lurking places moreover to import some great and thence making sudden sallies on and remarkable punishment, such at his enemies, it is said,' It is told me that least as his being reduced to a more abhe dealeth very.subtilly (tJY'IPY)' ject condition than that in which he In the present case commentators are was created. Accordingly we find a not unanimous in explaining the app!i- general belief both aniong the ancient cation of the epithet. Some think that Jews and the early Christians that theit refers both to the animal and the dev- serpent before the fall was not only il who actuated it; others, that the ser- gentle and innocuous, but in form and pent is called' subtle' solely by reason appearance among the most beautiful of the subtlety of the devil, who used of creatures. In Nm. 21. 6 it is said it as his instrument, as the tongue isery serpents that'The Lord sent fiery serpents said to be wise or crafty when moved among the people, and they bit the peoby a person possessed of these qualities. The former of these opinions strikes us as the more probable of the two. The Here the original phrase is titl attribute described pertained, we think,, seraphim or burning serpents, both to the primary and the secondary probably from their resplendent colour, agen~t here employed. At the same in which they resembled an order of time, we do not hesitate to admit that angelic beings called also seraphs or the dominant and more especial refer- seraphim. Isaiah also ch. 14.29, speaks ence is to the spiritual rather than the of a'flying fiery serpent,' doubtless of natural serpent; for of him insidious similar species. We know therefore cunning and malignant subtlety may of no insuperable objection to considerbe preeminently predicated. We may ing the serpent of Eden as a far more remark also that as far as the epithet splendid and beautifill creature than the applies to the material serpent, it is not common reptile so denominated; and properly characteristic of the reptile the traditionary comment of Rabbi Betribe as at present known to us, as clai may perhaps rest upon solid this is neither the most sagacious, nor grounds.'This is the secret (or mys the most cunning and subtle of the tery) of the holy language, that a serbrute creation. Except in the mere in- pent is called C"]? saraph as an angel stinct of lurking insidiously to attack is-called tltU saraph;' and then after 7 74 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 2 And the woman said unto which is in the midst of the garthe serpent, We may eat of the den, God hath said, Ye shall not fruit of the trees of the garden: eat of it, neither shall ye touch it 3 c But of the fruit of the tree lest ye die. cch. 2. 17. quoting Num. 21. 6, he adds,'The of the tempter evidently was, by artful Scripture calls serpents m'1tet sera- insinuations, to weaken the authority ot phim because they were mr ni:rr r'l' God's word.' What, is it credible, is it possible, that a Being so good, so boun^2',; I, the o"spring of the old serpent. Understand this as a mattringofther of great tiful, so mindful of the happiness of his concernmlent.'' Which can have no creatures, should have laid such an arbitrary command upon you? —that he meaninf, I think, but this; that the trary command upon you thenjoyment devil, whom St. John calls Rev. 12. 9, should have grudged you the enjoyment the old serpent,' in this serpent here of any part of the ample provision he'the old serpent,' in this serpent here has made for your use and comfort? — spoken of counterfeited a glorious ser-urely you must have mistaken his aphim, and thereby seduced Eve to you must hay give credit to him.' Patrick. If this man Thus corrupt nature always reasons when it craves a forbidthen were the primitive form and aspect of then ere theprimitive form and aspect den indulgence. It secretly impeaches of the serpent, he may have possessed the reevonableness of the divine prea proportionate degree of intelligence, epts and finally comes to deny both and sagacity, and a part of his sentence their ruth and their existence. C, ).. their truth and their existence. may have consisted in his being degra- 2 We may eet of the fruit of the ded in the scale of creation, not only trees of the garden. The first assault in outward form, but in the inward of the insidious tempter is well susproperties here spoken of. But of this tained by the woman, though she would sentence we shall have more to say in a probably have acted a still wiser part subsequent note.-~11 Said unto the by flying at once and holding no parwomelan. Knowing doubtless that she Iey whatever with one who had thus was the weaker of the two, and less assailed her instinctive sense of right. capable of sustaining an assault; and It will be observed that his question, taking advantage, moreover, of an op- from its ambiguous phraseology, was portunity when she was alone, bereft very artfully framed. Without notof the counsel and succour of her hus- cing the free grant of all the trees but band, and consequently still less pre- one, he slyly insinuates that they had pared to withstand the temptation.- been forbidden the use of every tree ~ Yea hath God said? Heb. e qt without exception.'But no,' says the vZ-i-1R is it surely so that God woman,' you misinterpret the tenor of hath said? As the particle'yea' in En- the command. It is not a prohibition glish is generally used as an addition to of every tree. On the contrary the Cresomething going before, so the corres- ator has kindly allowed us the use of ponding Hebrew phrase is one that sel- all the trees, with one single exception. dom occurs at the beginning of a sen- We may not eat of the tree in the midst tence. The probability therefore is that of the garden. this was not the commencement of his 3. God hath said, Ye shall not eat of discourse, but that something which it, neither shall ye touch it. The phrase, the historian does not relate had been'neither shall ye touch it,' does not ocpreviously said. — 11 Ye shall not eat cur in the terms of the original prohibiof every tree af the gardea. The drift I tion, and some have supposed that the B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER IIl. 75 4 d And the serpent said unto the day ye eat thereof, then e your the woman, Ye shall not surely eyes shall be opened; and ye shall die: be as gods, knowing good and 5 For God doth know, that in evil. d ver. 13. 2 Cor. 1l. 3. 1 Tim. 2. 14. e ver. 7. Acts 26. 18. poison had even now begun to work in into a gentle caution against a possible the mind of Eve, and that this was ad- or probable misfortune,'Touch notfor ded as a tacit insinuation of the harsh- fear ye die.' But this construction can ness of the command. But as in our scarcely be sustained upon philological view her innocence was yet incorrupt, grounds. The Heb. It pen frequently we cannot well imagine that she should occurs in connections where it implies knowingly have added to God's word, no doubt, as Ps. 2. 12,'Kiss the son, and therefore we deem it more likely lest ('t) he be angry, and ye perish that she sincerely understood the pro- from the way,' &c. Where there are hibition of touching to be involved in so many real grounds for condemning that of eating, as the former would nat- Eve's conduct, it is our duty to be cauurally be the occasion of the latter, and tious in giving those which are merely so was carefully to be avoided. And problematical. this exposition of the woman while up- 4. Ye shall not surely die. Heb.' ye right affords a good rule to us. If we shall not dying die.' Gr.' ye shall not would shun evil, we must shun the ap- die the death.' Improving the advanpearance of it, the occasions of it, every tage he had already gained in securing avenue that leads to it. To parley with Eve's ear to his suggestions, he pro temptation is to play with our ruin. In ceeds to question in direct terms the all this Eve sinned not nor charged grounds of her fears as to the penalty God foolishly; and by thus reciting the threatened.'It is not so certain as command in all its entireness, she not you imagine that such a direful conseonly vindicated it from the falsification quence will follow. True, indeed, God' and distortion of Satan, who would has said it, but you cannot suppose he have represented it as capricious and was really in earnest. He made use of tyrannical, but showed that she regar- this language merely as an expedient ded it as altogether kind and equitable, to keep you in awe, or he had some and such as ought to be implicitly obey- mystical meaning in the words different ed; first, because God had liberally from that conveyed by the simple letgiven them the freedom of all the trees ters. Do not then give way to such of the garden with one exception; and unworthy thoughts of an infinitely kind secondly, because he had enforced the and gracious Being. Do not suppose command by the terrible threatening of that for so trivial an offence as eating death in case of disobedience. —- Lest a little fruit he will doom you to perdiye die. Heb. ~,rh.'It. These words, tion, and thus suddenly destroy the it has been supposed, indicate a secret most excellent work of his hands.' working of the power of temptation; Thus the enemy proceeded to impugn inasmuch as they show a disposition the divine veracity, charging God with on Eve's part to soften the terms in nothing short of a lie. And such is usuwhich the prohibition had been given. ally the method adopted by his artful While God had said,' Thou shalt sure- emissaries. They begin by suggesting ly die,' she in repeating it said,' lest ye doubts, often in the form of specious die;' thus converting a most positive interrogatories, and end in positive asthreatening of instant and certain death I sertions, denying, ridiculing, or openly 76 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004 6 And when the woman saw make oane wise; she took of tht that the tree was good for food, fruit thereof, f and did eat; ant and that it was pleasant to the gave also unto her husband with eyes, and a tree to be desired to her, g and he did eat. f 1 Tim. 2. 14. g ver. 12. 17. blaspheming the divine declarations. In brought to the condition of the angels allusion to the policy of Satan on -this that fell, as angels are sometimes styled occasion, our Saviour says, John, 8. 44, Elohim, Ps. 8. 6. By' knowing good'When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh and evil' she doubtless understood a of his own, for he is a liar, and tlhe kind of divine omniscience, whereas father of it.' Accordingly here, as far his meaning was that they should have as we know, is his first-begotten lie. a woful experience of the difference be5. Your eyes shall be opened. Find- tween good and evil. or between happiing that Eve did not revolt at his impi- ness and misery, such as he himself ous assertions, le rises in his effrontery had. The same equivocal character and assumes a tone of direct and open distinguished the responses of the anblasphemy. Knowing that to an in- cient oracles, which were probably the telligent and holy being nothing was special engines of Satan; and wicked so desirable as knowledge, he boldly deceivers in all ages have employed the affirms that there was in the fruit of the same diabolical subtlety in the use of tree a virtue capable of wonderfully en- double senses to compass their ends, larging her views, so that she and her concealing tlhe essence of a lie under husband should'become as gods,' and the semblance of the truth. possess a self-sufficiency and indepen- 6. When the woman saw. That is, dence suited to that high character. by a close and prying observation, by Not only so, he appeals to God hinm- gazing upon it with a longing eye, by self, as knowing that this would be the imagining to herself the gratification it case, and blasphemously insinuates would afford. Thus Achan saw and that in withholding the fruit from them coveted and took. Josh. 7. 21.-~1 he had been actuated by nothing but Pleasant to the eye. Heh.'a desire, a envy, and a mean jealousy, lest they lust,' i. e. sorething exceedingly to be should become as wise and happy as longed for. The lust had now conceivhimself. In all this there was at the ed which, as the apostle say,'bringeth same time an artful ambiguity of phrase forth sin, and sin when it is, finished wonderfully calculated to impose upon bringeth forth death.' James, 1. 15. unsuspecting innocence. His language -~f 7I' make one wise. That is, it is so constructed that while he meant the word of the serpent were to be beone thing, she would naturally under- lieved. This was all the evidence she stand another. By'opening the eyes,' had that the tree was possessed of this she understood a farther and higher de- property. As to its other inviting qualgrae of wisdom, as the phrase imports, iies, she could be satisfied of them, in a Acts, 26. 18. Eph. 1. 18, but he tleant measure, by the testimony of her senit of their perceiving their own misery ses, but as to its ability to make one and feeling remorse of conscience. By wise, this she was necessarily obliged'being as gods' (Elohim), she probably to take upon trust.-~ She took of understood the being elevated almost the fruit thereof, and did eat; and to an equality with the Deity himself gave also unto her husband with her, in point of knowledge and dignity; but and he did eat. Yielding to the soph he probably meant it of their being istry of the serpent, and overpowered B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER III. 77 by the alluring aspect of the fruit, and tempted, thus overcome, and thus inthe hope of attaining superior knowl- volved in sin, misery, and death, when edge, the too frail mother of the human he could easily have prevented it? But race put forth her hand in evil hour to the true question is, whet':er he could the interdicted tree, and thus wrought have prevented it without tdoing vioher ruin! Not only so,' she gave also lence to the nature of man as a free unto her husband with her,' i. e. that agent, and consistently with the great he might eat with her; that he might ends which he had proposed to himself participate with her in the act and its in his creation. By his very constituconsequences; and Adam with fatal tion he was endowed with free will, facility complied; thus consummating and therefore liable to temptation and the sin which' brought death into the transgression; and infinite wisdom world and all our woes.' In regard to foresaw that it would be productive of both it was their own free and uncon- more ultimate good that man should strained act; for however Satan may be made a free moral being, though he incite, he cannot compel. They could might abuse his freedom, than that he lay the blame of their disobedience should be made otherwise. He thereupon no one but themselves, and look- fore created him, as Milton happily exing to themselves, they could find no presses it:apology for their crime. By one rash sufficient to have stood, but free to fall. act committed against an express corm- mand, and under circumstances of the And having placed him in a state of highest enormity, they lifted the flood- probation, surrounded by motives of gate which has poured in a deluge of which some induced to obedience and miseries upon the world. Besides the some to disobedience, but with perfect loss to themselves of the image and fa- liberty of choice, an easy duty was envour of God, remorse of conscience, joined, and the penalty of transgression expulsion from Eden, the curse of toil, laid before him. He had abundant sorrow, and sickness, and the sentence power and abilities to enable him to of death to body and soul; all the sins, stand the test. He was under no comsufferings, crimes, and woes which have pulsion to disobey. His Maker had set afflicted the earth in its countless mil- life and death before him, and left it to lions of inhabitants from that day to his own unforced volition which to this, are to be traced to that transgres- choose. Had omnipotence interposed sion as their fountain-head. The lim- in these circumstances and exercised a ited grasp of the mind of man is not supernatural influenceupon his freedom adequate to take in the length and of will to prevent his sin, he had therebreadth and fearful extent of the evil by destroyed the foundation of all the which has thus been entailed upon the merit of obedience, and put it out of his human family-an evil running paral- power to make any trial of him at all. lel with the present life and reaching It would have beep to govern him not forward into an unmeasured eternity! as a free, but as a necessary agent, and -An event so awfully disastrous in its any reward for his cqnduct would in immediate and its remoter consequen- that case have been as absurd as to reces, especially when viewed in connec- ward the sun for shining, or the rivers tion with the divine attributes, natural- forrunning into the ocean. Man there ly gives rise to many anxious inquiries fore fell not by any inevitable necessi which we may find it difficult to an- ty, but by the abuse of his free agency, swer. We areplrone to ask why, in the and to say that God did not interpose full foresight of such a result, God to prevent it, is merely to say that he did should have permitted man to be thus not see fit to do violence to the moral 7* 78 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 7 And h the eyes or them both that they were naked: and they were opened, i and they knew sewed fig-leaves together, and h ver. 5. i ch. 2. 25. made themselves aprons. nature of the being he formed, but left it cy to suppose, that the loss of the hapto be influenced according to the laws piness of the one will be followed by to which he had made it subject. And the acquisition of still greater felicity in this he did because he saw, that in its the other. Had not man fallen, none bearings oil the vast scheme of his gov- of that joy would have been experi. ernment, this course would tend finally enced which now springs up in heavto produce a far greater degree of glory enly minds over the repentance and to himself and of happiness to his crea- salvation of sinners, which will increase tures than any other. And even with and deepen for ever.' By the redempour present imperfect vision, aided by tion of Christ, heaven as well as earth, the light of Christianity, we are able to angels as well as men, are mater;ally discover some signal benefits arising changed from their former circums.anfrom that catastrophe which to a super- ces and character. Nay, the who'e ficial view might appear fraught only immense and eternal kingdom of Jehowith fatal and unhappy consequences. vah, by means of this amazing work, For had not Adam fallen, Christ would assumes a new aspect; and both creanot have redeemed mankind. Had tion and providence are invested with there been no sinners, there could have a new character. God is seen by his been no Redeemer, and no redemption. intelligent creatures in new manifestaThe mercy of God, the most engaging tions of beauty, glory, and loveliness. of all his attributes, and the consum- Throughout never-ending ages, virtumation of all his excellence, would have ous minds will be enlarged with knowlbeen unknown to the universe. All edge, exalted in holiness, and improved the blessings bestowed on mankind in dignity and happiness beyond all would have been the reward of the obe- which would otherwise have been proper dience of Adam and his posterity. But or possible; and their affections, obedithe blessings bestowed on glorified ence, and praise become more refined saints are rewards of the obedience of and more elevated, in a rapid and regthe Son of God. These rewards could ular progress.' Dwight. Such are the not have been given, had not Christ consolatory views of the present, and obeyed; and Christ could not have the enlivening hopes of the fiuture, obeyed had he not become the substi- which we are taught in the sacred writute for sinners and the Mediator be- tings to draw from the primeval transtween God and apostate creatures. We gression. What God saw not fit to may see therefore that the glory of the prevent, he has been pleased to repair, divine perfections is more advanta- and the baneful consequences of that geously displayed by the grand scheme sad event are remedied by a dispensaof human redemption than it could have tion of such transcendant wisdom and been by the uninterrupted innocence of mercy as will be a theme of admirathe first man. We are moreover, capa- tion and praise to adoring millions for ble in this way of attaining higher hap- ever. Truly' where sin has abounded, piness than if our first parents had con- grace has much more abounded.' tinued in their integrity. The terres- 7. And the eyes qf them both were trial Paradise presents only a faint im- t.pened. That is, the eyes of their age of the celestial Paradise of God; minds. They had the mental percepand it is most agreeable to infinite mer- tion of their guilt and misery. They B. C. 4004. CHAPTER III. 79 8 And they heard k the voice and Adamn and his wife I hid of the LORD God walking in the themselves from the presence of garden in the cool of the day: the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. k Job 38. 1. 1 Job 31.33. Jer. 23. 24. Amos 9. 3. had a sense, a discovery, of the conse- nothing more than applied, fitted, adquences of their sin which they never justed; and so also Ezek. 13. 18,' Wo had nor could have before. A similar to the women that sew (mn'ioi) pileffect always follows the commission lows to all armholes.' The leaf of the of known sin. A terrible light is let in fig-tree is large and broad and well on the soul to which, during the pro- adapted to the purpose.-~T Aprons. cess of the temptation, it was a com- Heb.' things to gird about.' Their sin parative stranger. It is in fact the ex- made them sensible of their nakedness; perimental knowledge of the difference their nakedness awakened the sense of between good and evil. The result in shame; and the impulse of shame the case of our first parents was, that prompted them to the expedient of an they saw themselves naked; by which artificial covering for their persons. is meant, not so much that they were 8. Heard the voice of the Lord God sensible that their bodies were desti- walking in the garden. The newly tute of clothing, for of this they were begotten sense of guilt was now awadoubtless aware before, but they now kened by another circumstance. The recognized their nakedness with shame phrase' voice of the Lord God' is usu and confusion, and were at the same ally applied to thunder, of which a stritime conscious of a sad privation of king proof occurs, Job, 37. 4, 5. Ps. innocence, which had before covered 29. 3-9, and it is not improbable that them as with a robe. They felt them- now for the first time a fearful tempest selves bereaved of the comfortable pres- attended with loud peals of thunder ence and favour of their Maker, and was the occasion of their terror. The thus made naked through exposure to epithet'walking' is to be joined, not his wrath. This view of the meaning with'Lord,' but with'voice,' as it is of the terms is abundantly confirmed in the original the same word with by the parallel usage, Ex. 32. 25. 2 that used to signify the sound of the Chron. 28. 19. Rev. 16. 15.-~T They trumpet upon Mount Sinai, Ex. 19. 19, seiwed fig-leaves together. Heb.'l~'And when the Voice of the trumpet An unfortunate rendering, as the term sounded long (Heb. walked).' A voice sewed is too definite and such as gives may be said to walk or go when it inoccasion to infidel cavils, as if Moses creases in intensity waxing louder and represented the use of the implements louder. The same term is applied to of sewing as known to Adam and Eve any thing which is capable of increasin Paradise. The true meaning is, that ing in degree, as to a constantly brightthey tied, twisted, platted, or fastened ening light, Prov. 4. 18,'The path of together the leafy twigs and small the just is as the shining light which branches of the fig-tree, so as to form shineth more and more (IF:'. walketh) a sort of girdle, somewhat resembling to the perfect day;' and to -the sea exthe laurel wreath worn upon the head cited by a storm, Jon. 1. 11,' For the among the Romans. The original sea wrought (Heb. walked) and was Itrt taphar occurs Job, 16. 15, where, tempestuous;' i. e. became increasingly although it is rendered,'I have sewed tempestuous. See note on Gen. 26. sackcloth upon my skin;' it can mean 13.-~f In the cool of the day. Heb. 80 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 9 And the LORD God called that thou wast naked? Hast thou unto Adam, and said unto him, eaten of the tree whereof I comrnWhere art thou? manded thee, that thou shouldest 10 And he said, I heard thy not eat? voice in the garden: - and I was 1;2 And the man said, "The afraid, because I was naked; and woman whom thou gavest to be I hid myself. with me, she gave me of the tree, 11 And he said, Who told thee and I did cat. m ch. 2. 25. Exod. 3. 6. 1 John 3. 20. n ch. 2.18. Job 31. 33. Prov. 28. 13.'in the wind or breeze of the day;' i. e. ifest in his sight,' but his purpose was towards evening when the wind rises to awaken in the minds of the culprits in oriental countries. Or with Calvin a still deeper sense of guilt and thus to we may understand it of the morning bring them to a penitent confession bebreeze, called the wind of the day in fore him. Designing moreover, to proopposition to that of the evening or ceed against them in a way of unimnnight. This however, would seem to peachable equity, he would give them be less probable, as it would bring the every opportunity to account for their arraignment and condemnation of the conduct, and say what they could in guilty pair to the morning of the first their defence-a pattern for all ministers sabbath, which it is reasonable to sup- of justice. In like manner and for the pose was not marked by so gloomy an same reason the Lord afterwards inevent.-~-f Iid themselves. Through terrogated Cain respecting his brother. the terror inspired by conscious guilt. 10. I was afraid because I was naThat presence which they had before ked. Evidently dissembling the true welcomed with Joy now fills them with cause. He had been naked before, but dismay. Their consciences set their that circumstance had neither occasin before them in its blackest aspect, sioned him shame, nor prompted the and as they had then no hope of a fu- least disposition to shun the presence ture Mediator, there remained to their of his Maker. He would fain make it apprehension nothing but'a fearful believed that he had hid himself from looking for of judgment and fiery in- a reverential awe of the divine Majesty. dignation' ready to devour them. The How naturally does crime lead to preconsequence was, that they fled into varication! the most retired and dark recesses of 11. Who told thee that thou wast nathe garden under the vain hope of elu- ked? That is, whence didst thou acding the all-seeing eye of their Maker. quire the consciousness of thy nakedSuch is invariably the prompting of a ness? Whence, but by transgressing guilty conscience; but where, alas! can the express command laid upon thee? the trembling sinner hope to conceal He would extort the confession from his person or his crime? Trees, rocks, his own lips in order to pave the way and caverns will be resorted to in vain. for the righteous sentence which was HIis only hope is in falling down at to follow. once with a broken heart and in deep 12. The woman whom thou gavest repentance at the footstool of sovereign to be withme, &c. Adam is here brought mercy. to convict himself, yet his confession is 9. Where art thou? Not as if God not candid and ingenuous, but cquivowere ignorant of Adaml's hiding-place, cating and reluctant.'I did eat,' which for'there is no creature that is not man- should have been his first words, are B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER III. 81 13 And the LORD God said un- P unto the serpent, Because thou to the woman, What is this that hlast done this, thou art cursed thou hast done? And the woman above all cattle, and above every said, o The serpent beguiled me, beast of the field: upon thy belly and I did eat. shalt thou go, and q dust shalt thou 14 And the LORD God said eat all the days of thy life: o ve 4. 24. Cor. 11. 3. 1 Tim. 2.14. p Exod. 21. 29,32. q Is. 65. 25. 5ic. 7.17. placed last, and are preceded by an nature, and nothing but a condign punapology which only aggravated the ishment awaited him. Cursing with crime. But his conduct was in perfect men is equivalent simply to evil speakaccordance with what diaily meets us ing or to verbal imprecations; it canwhen criminalsaredetected inthecom- not go beyond words. But God's mission of a crime. Not daring wholly curse is not merely verbal; it implies to deny his guilt, nor yet willing ingen- the actual infliction of the voe denounuously to confess it, he proceeds to ced. Thus when the fig-tret was curTcast the blame upon the woman, and sed, Mat. 11. 21, it withered away; thus indirectly upon God, who had when the wicked children were cursed formed and bestowed her upon him. in the name of the Lord, 2. Kings, 2. Thus' the foolishness of man pervert- 24, they were torn in pieces of wild eth his way, and (yet) his heart fretteth beast. So on the other hand of the against the Lord.' Prov. 19. 3. So divine blessing. It is the effectual befruitful is the depraved heart in excuses stowment of mercies. The object of and apologies for its sins! So prone the curse in this case was both the natto extenuate what it cannot deny! ural visible serpent employed as the in13, Said to the ywoman. Taking no strument, and Satan himself by whom notice of the reply of Adam, as being he was instigated. It was not the sertoo foolish to deserve it, he turned to pent alone, and by itself, that tempted the; woman, to hear what she could of- the first pair; it was that animal, as fer in her own behalf. — What is moved and impelled by the devil, which thisthat thou hast done. OrHeb.'why accomplished their ruin. The expreshast thou done this?' — The serpent sions then appertain to both;'Because beguiled me, and I did eat. The fact thou, Satan, hast done this, through was too palpable and glaring to be thy agency, thou art cursed,' &c. and denied, but in imitation of Adam, she en- also,' Because thou, serpent, hast done deavours to free herself from the blame this, as the instlnment, thou art curby casting it upon the serpent. But sed,' &c. Not that a brute reptile could alas! their poor evasions, like their fig- really be guilty of sin, or a fit subject leaves, were too narrow to cover their of punishment, but it is entirely in acsins, too thin to ward off the stroke of cordance with the usual method of the justice! divine dispensations to put some token 14. Because thou hast done this thou of displeasure upon the instrument of art cursed, &c. God interrogated the an offence, as well as upon the offender man and the woman, because he pur- who employs it. Thus the beast who posed to lead them to repentance, but had been lain with by man, Lev. 20, 15, he puts no question to the serpent, as was to be burned to death as well as his guilt could admit of no palliation, the man himself; the golden calf made nor was there the least mercy in store by Aaron was burnt and ground to for him, He had tempted Eve self- powder and strewed uponi the water, moved out of the pure malignity of his Ex. 32. 20; and even the censers of 82 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. Korah and his companions were con the same order of beings has distindemned as no longer fit to be applied to guished some with peculiar advantages a sacred use. This is done in order to above the rest, who can lay ought to express more forcibly the divine detest- the charge either of his goodness or ation of the act, while at the same his equity? There may have been wise time we may freely admit that the main and benevolent reasons with which we weight of the curse undoubtedly fell are unacquainted for such a proceeding; upon the principal agent, whose doom and it is most rational to infer the meris mystically expressed in the terms cy, justice, and wisdom of all acts that appropriate to a natural serpent. But are resolvable into the sovereign pleasnotwithstanding the intrinsic weight ure of an infinitely merciful, just, and and pertinency of the considerations wise being. (2.' It is not clear to what above adduced in justification of the extent the serpent's sentence is to be sentence upon the natural serpent, ma- regarded as a real punishment. To ny persons are perplexed in the attempt punish is to inflict misery; but we do to reconcile it with the divine attributes. not find any intimation of pain or torThey see not the propriety of inflicting ture consequent upon the denunciation. a punishment upon a brute serpent for The serpent might be deteriorated as to the crime of a rational agent. Certain its properties; it might be lowered in it is, however, that whatever difficulty the scale of creation; it might be trans. exists on this score, it is a difficulty formed from a shape and appearance equally affecting the allegorical inter- the most beautiful in the eyes of man, pretation, since it is alike improper to into a form the most disgusting; and represent the Deity acting ifi contradic- all this without any diminution of its tion to equity and benevolence in ficti- corporeal pleasures. It will not be pretious as in real history. To attribute tended that the serpent endured any injustice to God, even in a fable or apo- mental suffering by the change. It had logue is a blasphemy of which no mor- none of the anguish which rends the al or pious author can be guilty. But human heart in the sense of degradathe difficulties arising from this source tion. It had no pangs of conscious may perhaps be in some measure re- disgrace, no anticipation of death; it moved, and the sentence freed from had the means left of providing its objection, if due weight be given to the food; it could protect itself from its enefollowing remarks. (1.) It maybe suf- mies; and as far as we can perceive, ficient to rest the vindication of the the diminution of its powers brought transaction solely upon the sovereignty no diminution of its enjoyments. In of God, who has a right to dispose of what sense then, strictly speaking, was all his creatures in whatever manner it punished? (3.) Important benefits he pleases. What they have and are resulted from the sentence pronounced proceeds from his creative will; and upon the serpent. It evidenced God's he is most assuredly free to take away righteous hatred and abhorrence of sin; what he has freely given. In withhold- and was an instructive emblem to the ing from one that which he has bestow- fallen pair of the divine punishment ed upon another, who will dare to ar- with which transgression is inevitably raign his justice?' Who art thou that visited, as our Lord's cursing the barren repliest against God? Shall the thing fig-tree was designed to teach his disformed say to him that formed it, why ciples emblematically the destructive hast thou made me thus?' If the sov- consequences of not bringing forth fruits ereign Creator have reduced any partic- meet for repentance. Without this u!ar species in the scale of being, or in standing monument of the penalty of B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER III. 83 sin, they might have flattered them- sh]alt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat. selves that their criminality in tasting But another phrase for the extremest the forbidden fruit was not very hein- subjection and degradation. To what ous; and that their present degraded extent this sentence involved the doom state was owing rather to the natural of a change in the external form and course of things, than to their own motion of the serpent, it is not possible wickedness.' Nothing therefore could confidently to affirm. If the suggesnore effectually convince them of the tions thrown out in a preceding note reheinousness of their guilt, and the cer- specting the primitive shape and aptainty of the divine vengeance due to pearance of the creature h( re employed it, than the change wrought upon that be well founded, there was doubtless a creature which was no more than the signal transformation made to pass upmere instrument of evil. It was easy on him in consequence of the curse now for them to infer, if the mere instru- inflicted. From having formerly movment of evil be thus dealt with, what ed by the aid of wings, or with the will become of the real authors and head and brast elevated above the actors!. (4.) The sentence of the serground, he was now reduced from this pent and its immediate execution, may imposingposture, andbecomein thefullhave served too as a typical prophecy est sense of the term, a reptile, vile and of the victory to be obtained over sin, loathsome, and incapable of eating any death, and Satan, by our blessed Re- food but what should be more or less deemer. As the literal sense does not mingled with the dust. Still we canexclude the mystical, the cursing of the not strenuously insist on this interpreserpent may have been designed as a tation. The curse might have taken symbol, a visible pledge, of the male- effect without any external change of diction to be visited, in the fulness of shape or aspect, just as the woman's time, upon the prime instigator. Ihn- pain in parturition, though natural to mediately after the fatal transgression her from the beginning, was made a our first parents would become fully curse by being greatly increased in insensible of their ruin and degradation. tensity. The essence of the sentence They would feel that they had violated was the degradation denounced, and a sacred command, that they had lost in this sense, it was equally applicable their primeval innocence, and had then to the natural and the spiritual serpent. only the melancholy prospect of fiuture Satan was to be cast down fromn heavmisery. In this situation, trembling en to earth and overwhelmed with everwith apprehension and conscious of lasting disgrace. Rev. 12. 9. It has their weakness, how gladly would they indeed been a matter of doubt how fat accept any intimation of mercy from the sentence,'dust shalt thou eat,' their offended Creator? Such an inti- holds literally true of the common sermation was given in the scene transpir- pent, or whether it is peculiar to him. ing before their eyes. The instantane- But the meaning probably is, that the ous effect of the sentence upon the rep- serpent, in consequence of his creeping tile would be to them a certain pledge on the ground, should of necessity that the promise now symbolically swallow dust with food. Such mltst, made would in the appointed time be in the nature of things, be the case. fulfilled. Viewed in this light the dread That other creatures take dust into the visitation upon the instrument of the stomach in some measuremay be true; temptation, may be amply accounted but, if it be, it shows no inappropriatefor in perfect consistency with all the Iless in this particular of the sentence. divine attributes. —-~ Upon thy belly It is not said that the serpent should 84 GENESIS. r3B. C. 4004. 15 And I will put enmity be- seed: tit shall bruise thy head tween thee and the woman, and and thou shalt bruise his heel. between l thv seed and ~ her r Matt. 3. 7. & 13. 38. & 23. 33. John 8. 44. Acts 13. 10. 1 John 3. 8. s Ps. 132. 11. Is. 7.14. t Rom. 16. 20. Col. 2. 15. Hebr. 2. 14. IJohn Mic. 5. 3. Matt. 1. 23, 25. Lulie 1. 31, 34, 35. 5. 5. Rev. 12. 7, 17. Gal. 4.4. eat dust alone qf, or more than, other between men and snakes. Such a creatures; but that it should eat dust, punishment would be utterly disproporwhich is certainly the fact. But the tioned to the crime; and it would be phrase has a tropical import.'Eating signally unworthy the divine majesty the dust' is but another term for grov- to array itself in all the terrors of avenelling in the dust, and this is equiva- ging wrath in order to declare so unlent to being reduced to a condition of important a fact. Some further and meanness, shame, and contempt. Thus higher meaning then it must have been the prophet Micah speaking of the na- intended to convey, and what else tions being confounded, says ch. 7. 17, could that be than a symbolical pre-'They shall lick the dust like a ser- diction of Satan's continued hostility pent,' i. e. they shall be utterly over- to man, and of the final subjugation of thrown and made vile, debased, and his empirein the world by theRedeemcontemptible. er, here pointed out as'the seed of the 15. And I will put enmity, &c. The woman.' It is clear, however, beyond double sense or twofold application of all contradiction that the sentence does, the terms of the serpent's curse, the in the first instance, apply to the natone having reference to the instrument, ural serpent.- Between thy seed the other to the agent, is to be recog- and her seed. That is between thy nised here also. Nothing is more no- posterity and her posterity, as seed is torious than the fixed and inveterate often used for children. By the seed antipathy which naturally subsists be- of the serpent is to be understood all tween man and the whole serpent tribe. wicked men who are called serpents, A hatred of serpentsis apparently inhe- generation of vipers, children of their rent and instinctive in every human father the devil; and as the seed of the breast, and may be considered, as per- woman is set in opposition to these, it haps it was designed, as a shadow of must necessarily follow, since Eve is that deeper and more irreconcilable ha- the natural mother both of good men tred which was henceforth to exist be- and bad men, that it denotes a limited tween the seed of the woman and their portion of the human race, including great enemy, the devil, the old serpent. first and chiefly the Lord Jesus Christ, It could be no present consolation, nor who in allusion to this promise is called ground of future hope to Adam, to learn by way of eminence the seed, Gal. 3. that serpents should sometimes bite 16, 19, who came'to destroy the works the heels of his posterity, while they of the devil,' Heb. 2. 14. 1 John, 3. 8, in return, should sometimes trample and secondly, all the members of Christ these disgusting creatures to death. his true people, the sincerely pious in Nor in this can we discover any par- every age and country. These constiticular connection or correspondency tute the spiritual body here called the with the offence; for so dire an aposta- seed of the woman, and they all bear the cy would certainly be visited with some most implacable hatred to the wicked greater vengeance than the antipathy one, while he on the other hand is ac B. C. 4004.1 CHAPTER III. 85 16 Ufnto the woman he said, I i'v and thy desire shall be to thy will greatly multiply thy sorrow husband, and he shall x rule over and thy conception; u in sorrow thee. thou shal* bring forth children: thou shalt bring forth children w ch. 4. 7. x 1 Cor. It. 3. & 14. 34. Eph. 5. u Ps. 48. 6. Isa. 13. 8. & 21. 3. John 16. 21. i 22, 23, 24. 1 Tim.. 11, 12.'it. 2. 5. 1 Pet. I Tilm. 2. IS. { 3. 1. 5, 6. tuated by an equally deadly hostility or injury would be attended with most against them, and is incessantly plot- trifling consequences. In a serpent, on ting their injury and ruin. The war- I the other hand, the life is more concenfare between these contending parties trated ill the head. It is the head that now commenced which has ever since is always struck at in the attempt to been kept up, and will continue till a kill, and that which the serpent w,;en complete victory over the devil and his in danger is most anxious to protect. angels shall be obtained by Christ and From the malice of Satan he might his people.- 1 It shall bruise thy head. suffer afflictions and p rsecutions, but Heb. 1vx,'1 Rin it, or he, shall in comparison with his better part they bruise, smite, or crush these as to thy should be but as a bruise of the heel head; the masculine he denoting that which could not endanger the spiritual Christ is more especially to be under- and eternal life of the soul. This was stood by the seed here spoken of. It out of the reach of the utmost efforts of was to be in consequence of his suffer- tIle enemy. But as to him, his most ings and death, and the power with vital part was most exposed, and upon which he was to be invested as Me- that would the crushing foot of the diator, that the power of Satan was to promised seed fall with all its weight. be broken and a signal victory obtain- 16. 1 will greatly multiply thy sored over him. This was in fact the first row and thy conception. Meaning acgospel promise, and though Adam and cording to the Hebrew idiom, thy sorEve did not then probably understand row in conception, i. e. the sorrow and its full import, yet it must have been a pain of pregnancy and parturition. In great consolation to them to be assured this sense the term'conception,' octhat the present advantage gained by curs in several instances. See Gen. 16. the adversary was not to be a perma- 4. Judg. 13. 3. —~T Thou shalt bring nent one; that their posterity, though forth children. Heb. =in' sons, under they might suffer in the struggle, should which term daughters also are compreyet finally prevail and crush his evil hended, as appears from Ex. 22. 24. empire in the world. Subsequently Ps. 128. 6.-~- Thy desire shall be to they were no doubt both instructed thyhusband. Heb.,-D'li; teshukah. more largely in the bearing of the prom- That is, thy desire shall be subject to ise, and it is reasonable and charitable the will and pleasure of thy husband; to presume that by faith in its provis- thine obedient regards shall be to thy ions they received the pardon of their husband; he shall be the lord of thy personal transgression, and again be- wishes and thus mainly control thy coming heirs of that eternal life which happiness. Arab.'The direction of thee they had forfeited by sin, were received shall be with thy husband.' The same at death into a far more glorious Para- phrase occurs ch. 4. 7, to express tno dlse than that which they lost on earth. deference and obsequious respect wnlen — fT Shall bruise his heel. The least Abel should evince towards Cain his vital part in lr;ln, and where a bruise elder brother, who was to possBss this 8 86 GENESIS. LB. C. 4004 17 And unto Adam he said, ground for thy sake; c in sorrow Y Because thou hast hearkened shalt thou eat of it all the days unto the voice of thy wife,' and of thy life; hast eaten of the tree a of which 18 d Thorns also and thistles I commanded thee, saying, Thou shall it bring forth to thee; and shalt not eat of it: b cursed is the e thou shall eat the herb of the field: y I Sam. 15. 23. z ver. 6. a ch. 2. 17. b Ecol. 1. 2, 3. Isa. 24. 5, 6. Roen. 8. 20. c Job. 5. 7. Eccl. 2. 23. d Job 31. 40. e Ps. 104. 14. superiority in virtue of his birthright. whenever it shall universally prevail The latter clause, therefore,'he shall we may confidently hope that this part rule over thee,' is explanatory of the of her severe sentence will be done words. The sentence we understand away., as a prophecy rather than as an enact- 17. Hast hearkened unto. Hast givment which was to be always binding. en heed to, hast obeyed.- r Cursed It is, if we mistake not, the announce- be the ground for thy sakce. As the ment of a fact that should occur with blessing of God upon any of his crearespect to a large portion of the sex and tures usually carries with it the idea of through a long period of time, but not increase, abundance, multiplication, so one that should hold universally or on the contrary the curse involves the perpetually. As Eve in yielding to the opposite of all this, and in relation to tempter acted alone without subjecting tne earth implies, that it should be deher desires to the counsel or consent of prived in great measure of its fertility, her husband, so now as a penalty for that it should not pour forth its proher perverseness it is announced, that ducts in the same profusion, nor should she, in the persons of her descendants, man avail himself of themr with the should be made to suffer from the cruel same ease, as before. Its productiveand tyrannical treatment of the other ness should be so far impaired that the sex. Instead of being considered asan fruits necessary to his subsistence equal and a companion, woman should should be, as it were, extorted from it be subjected to degradation and viewed with labour and toil, with weariness as little better than the slave of an im- and sweat. Extensive regions should perious master. We have only to con- be condemned to utter barrenness, sult the history of the race to see how while its spontaneous productions completely this has been fulfilled, par- should be thorns, and thistles, and briticularly in the East, in all ages down ers, and weeds. That which in his state to the present time. Wherever the of innocence would have been merely lightof Christianity has not penetrated, a pleasant recreation, was henceforth women have been invariably the sub- to become a drudgery and a burden jects of oppression and have groaned in scarcely to be borne. This M as to be the bitterness of their lot, though often for man's sake, or on account of his unaware that any higher destiny was sin, or as far as he was concerned; and ever designed for them. But the spirit as the earth was created for his use and of Christianity is opposed to this bar- made a part of his possession, it was *aeous lordship, and in proportion as it right that it should become in conse-v.ailis never fails to relieve woman quence of the curse pronounced upon )i~. miarital authority and restore her it instrumental in the punishment of to her proper grade in society; and its offending lord-one wliho had so B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER III. 87 19 f In the sweat of thy face thou art, and h unto dust shalt shalt thou eat bread, till thou re- thou return. turn unto the gruund; for out of 20 And Adam called his wife's It wast thou taken: g for dust h Job 22. "6. & 34. 15. Ps. 104. 29. Eccl. 3. 20. f Eccl. 1. 13. 2 Thess. 3.10. g ch. 2. 7. & 12. 7. Rom. 5. 12. Heb. 9. 27. greatly abused its bounties and shown had before called her'Isha' as a wife; himself unworthy of the provision made here he calls her'Havah' as a mother, for his happiness.-~r In sorrow shalt though as yet in anticipation only. But thou eat of it. That is, in painful and the bestowment of the name indicated exhausting labour; whence the Psalm- his faith in the promise of a future seed. ist Ps. 127. 2, speaks of eating the Some however suppose that though the bread of sorrow, i. e. bread procured by name was given by Adam, the reason excessive care and toil.-I- Thou here assigned for it was given by Moshalt eat the herbs qf the field. As a ses. But we may properly understand vegetable diet was undoubtedly design- the phrase' was the mother' as eqmlved for man from the beginning, by his alent to'was to be the mother,' and here being appointed to eat of the herb whether the clause be referred to Adam of the field as a part of his punishment or Moses is of little moment. It is is implied probably that there was to plain it is spoken by divine inspiration. be a change, a coming down, from the It is a question of more importance to more grateful and delicious kinds of determinewhetherAdarn, inthe bestowfood to which he had been used in par- ment of this name, had respect to any adise. The original for field often thing farther than her being the natural signifies a cultivated field, and the im- mother of all mankind. The probabilplication may be, that he was hence- ity, we think, is, that Adam had an eye forth to eat of the fruit of those herbs more especially to the promise just givor grains which require the hand of til- en, that she was to be the mother of a lage for their production. seed that was to bruise the serpent's 19. Shalt thou eat bread. Heb. t15i head, and so by being the progenitor of lehem. A general term for all kinds of Christ was to be the mother of all that food by which life is sustained. The sen- should have spiritual life in and through tence does not imply that all men were him; for'as in Adam all die, so in to devote themselves to the labours of Christ shall all be made alive;''the agriculture, for there are various me- second Adam is made a quickening chanical and otheremployments which (i. e. life-giving) spirit;''iii him was it was foreseen would be equally essen- life, and he is the life.' All mankind tial to our highest well-being; but we by the first Adam are in a state of are taught by the words that as a gen- death, dead in trespasses and sins, but eral rule some species of toilsome occu- Christ is a fountain of life by bruising pation is the appointed lot of all men; the head of the serpent, and destroying that they are not allowed to spend their him that had the power of death. All lives in idleness and sloth. This is con- his spiritual seed are the truly living firmed under the Christian dispensation, ones, and we see no reason why a spe2 Thess. 3 10,'For when we were cial reference may not have been hadto with you tnis we commanded you, that them in the prospective maternity here if any would not work neither should affirmed of Eve. The name in itself le eat.' considered is indicative rather of the 20. And Adam called his wife's name quality of her posterity, viz. the living, Eve. Heb.,jl Havah, life. Adam than of the universality of the relation 8S GENESIS [B. C. 4004. name Eve, because she was the wife did the LCIaD God make mother of all living. coats of skins, and clothed theni. 21 Unto Adam also and to his which she was to sustain; and as a is evi(lent thamt he railn r-sr[t.ct to her namlie is given for distinction's sake, it lhonour- in Erivii, h, r hiIls i anme.'he would seeill that the namne Hlva/. imust name it-slif, Lift, is I-lollot:al le; and have been exprlessi e of something that which lie mentions coterning her which shou'd distinguish her both from being the mother of eve, y living o07e Adam and from all other mothers, which is doubtless something he had respvct it does not, if its meaning be restricted to as honourable to her. Since ihe simply to the sense of natural life. changed her name fromn ai rd to her The annexed remarks of President Ed- honour, it is most likely (.vould sigwards on this passage go to set this nify it in that which was her peculiar subject in a still stronger point of view. honour; but that was the most hon-'It is remarkable that Adam had before ourable of any thing that ever happengiven his wife another name, viz. lsha,' ed, or that ever would happen concernwhen she was first created and brought ing her-that God said that she should to him; but now, that on the occasion be the mother of that SEED, that should of the fall, and what God had said up- bruise the Serpent's head. This was on it, he changes her name, and gives the greatest honour that God had conher a new name, viz. Life, because she fe.rred on her: and we find persons' was to be the mother of every one that names changed elsewhere to signify has life; which would be exceeding something that is their peculiar honour, strange and unaccountable if all that as the new names of Abraham, Sarah, he meant was, that she was to be the and Israel.' Notes on the Bible, in loc. mother of mankind. If that was all 21. Did the Lord God make coats. that he intended, it would have been Not immediately or by direct agency, much more likely to be given her at but he oas the authorof its being done; first, whena God gave them that bless- he prompted, tatight, or ordered them ing, viz.' Be fruitful and multiply,' by to do it for themselves.- God is often virtue of which she became the mother said to do that which he merely comof mankind; and when mankind was mands, causes, or permits to be done. hitherto in a state of life, and death had The institution of animal sacrifice was not yet entered into the world. But doubtless of divine appointment, and in that Adanm should not give her this consequence of this Adam was enabled name then, but call her Isha, and then, to provide himself with clothing. In after that, change her name, and call like manner it is said of Jacob, Gen. 37. her name Life, immediately upon their 3,' Now Israel loved Joseph mnore than losing their life and glory, and coming all his children, because he was the son under a sentence of death, with all their of his old age, and he made him a coat posterity, and the awful, melancholy of many colours;' i. e. he ordered or shadow and darkness which death has procured it to be made. See also Lev. brought on the whole world, occasion- 7. 8. Adam and his wife are mentioned ed by Eve's folly, is altogether unac- severally and distinctly that it might be countable, if he had only meant, that intin;.ted that the clothing was adapted she was the mother of mankind. It is to the respective sex of each. On this moreover most probable, that Adam was probably founded the prohibition would give Eve her name from that Deut. 22. 5,'The woman shall not wear which was her greatest honour, since it that which pertaineth unto a man, nei B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER III. 89 ther shall a man put on a woman's conceivable connection is there, apart garment; for all that do so are abomi- from divine appointment, between the nation unto the Lord thy God.'- blood of a brute animal and the sins of QOf skins. That the beasts whose a human being? Indeed there was skins were allotted fora covering to our much more reason to think that God first parents on this occasion had been would have been displeased with the slain, it is natural to suppose; and unauthorized destruction of his creathere were no purposes for which they tures, than that he would so accept could have been slain, except those of it as to forgive iniquity on account food, of sacrifice, or of clothing. That of it. Such an offering without a dithey were not slain for food is evident vine warrant would have been at best from the fact that the grant of animal a mere act of superstitious will-wor. food was not made till the days of No- ship, for which no one could have ah, ch. 9. 3. Neither can it be admitted promised himself acceptance; for what that they were slain merely for cloth- superstition can be more gross than to ing; since it cannot be supposed that believe without any authority for so Adam would immediately after the sen- doing, that God will transfer the sins tence of the divine displeasure, have of the sacrificer to the sacrifice, and that dared to kill God's creatures without his thus the sacrificer himself shall be parpermission. Nor is it likely that God doned'?. The very pagans themselves should order them to be slain solely for judged more rationally, for they are their skins, when man could have been unanimous in ascribing the origin of supplied with garments made of other sacrifice to a divine command. The materials. It follows then that they divine acceptance therefore of the offermust have been slain with a view to ings must be regarded as a demonstrasacrifice. This alone supplies an ade- tion of a divine institution designed to quate reason. The whole of the ani- prefigure the great atoning sacrifice, mal (as the primitive offerings were and that they were now appointed for probably all holocausts) would here be the express purpose of directing the devoted to the use of religion, except view of fallen man to the future propitithe skin, which would be employed for atory sacrifice which Christ should ofpurposes of clothing. And even this fer to God upon the cross. And how might not be without its moral and re- well such a symbolical rite was adaptligious ends; for while Adam and Eve ed to the end may be judged of fromn thought only of a covering for their the following remarks by the Rev. J. bodies, God pointed out to them a cov- P. Smith in his Treatise on Atonement ering for their souls. They were des- and Sacrifice.'The selection, presellpoiled of their original righteousness, tation, and immolation of the unoflen:and they needed a robe to cover their dingf animal, the regard paid to its blool, naked souls, that they might again its consumption by fire, the solemn stand before God'without spot or ceremonies which accompanied, and the blemish.' We undoubtedly see then particular confession and supplications in this incident the first institution of of the worshipper,-must have poweranimal sacrifces; for that such a rite fully impressed the ideas of sin and should have originated in mere human guilt, the desert of punishment, the device cannot be maintained with any substitution of the innocent, and the show of reason. How should it have pardon of the transgressor. When entered into the mind of man to imag- men were accustomed to symbolical ine that the blood of a beast could make actions, such a signification would be satisfaction to God for sin? What I more readily apprehended and more 90 GhNESIS. [B. C. 40C4. 22 IT And the LORD God said, And now, lest he put forth his i Behold, the man is become as hand, k and take also of the tree of one of us, to know good and evil. life and eat and live for ever' I ver. 5. Like Isa. 19. 12. & 47. 12, 13. Jer. k ch. 2. 9. 22. 23. solemnly felt than under our circurn- ise; q. d.'Behold, all ye angels the stances and habits. The refinements fruit of man's rashness! See how of advanced society and the general use he has obtained the object of his an-biof letters, have made us far less sensi- tion! See what he!has gained by lisble to the languagee of living signs than tening to the voice of the serpent! See the ruder children of nature have al- the pitch of divinity to which he has ways been Hlow much more must raised himself by his newly-acquired the impressions on the heart have been knowledge of good and evil!' It is by increased, when the first sacrifice was some objected to this that it attributes offered; when the parents of our race, to the Most High an unbecoming levrecent frolm their guilty fall, were aba- ity at the awful period when he was sed by the divine rebuke, driven from detenirininc the fate of his fallen creatheir blissful seat, and filled with dis- tures. But as this kind of holy sarmay at the threatening of DEATH!-a cas'ni is sometimes employed in the threateningpiercing their souls,butofthe Scriptures, there is perhaps no insupernature and effects of which they could able objection to this view of the meanform but a vague idea. But when ing of the text. But a preferable inter directed by stern authority to apply pretation we think is, to take the words some instrument of death to the lamb as implying what the man had aimed which, with endearing innocence, had and attempted to become, rather than sported around them, they heard its what he actually had become. This unexpected cries, they beheld the ap- is entirely agreeable to the Hebrew idipalling sight of streaming blood and om by which an action is said to be strugglinlg agonies and life's last throes done when it is merely attempted or -they gazed upon the breathless body, proposed to be done. (See note on -and they were told, THIS IS DEATH;- Gen. 37. 21.) This construction too is how stricken nmust they have been with perhaps more in accordance with our horror such as no description could ever natural sense of the gravity and solempaint! And how would their horror nity of the whole proceeding, and makes be aggravated to' think that they them- the expression one rather of cominiseraselves were the guilty authors of so tion than of taunting reproach. Still nuch misery to the beings around the correctness of this interpretation them? It is easy then to perceive with cannot be positively affirmed.-' what important and salutary lessons And now, lest he putforth his hand, &c. the rite of sacrifice was fiaught.'-For It will be observed that the sentence is some farther views on the subject of defective, and is to be supplied in some sacrifices, see note on ch. 4. 3, 4. such way as this;-' And now care is 22. Behold the man is become as one to be taken lest,' or' Now he must be of us. The usual interpretation put driven forth lest,' &c. The clause upon this passage has been to consider omitted is plainly hinted at in the comit as an ironical mode of upbraiding mencement of the next verse,'ThereAdam with the issue of his transgres- fore the Lord God sent him forth from sion; as an ind gnant taunt at his cre- the garden.'- Ir And take also of the dulity in trusting to the tempter's prom- tree of liffe, and live foa ever. That B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER II. 91 23 Therefore the LORD God Eden, I to till the ground from sent him forth from the garden of whence he was taken. 1 ch. 4. 2. & 9. 20. is, in the hope, the vain hope, of living they should henceforth be debarred for ever. If it be asked how Adam from the sign. Thus viewed the excluwould have sinned by eating of the sion is perhaps to be considered as an fruit of the tree of life, which had not act of mercy, inasmuch as it cut the been prohibited, the proper answer is, offenders off from the liability again to that the sin would have consisted rath- incur the divine displeasure by a renewer in the purpose than in the act-the ed act of sin. purpose in this way to counteract and 23.,Sent him forth from the garden. render null and void the sentence of The original denotes something more death which he had incurred. Yet than a gentle dismission. It is the term even in this he would have been disap- used in speaking of the divorce of a pointed, fdr the tree was intended mere- wife from her husband, which implies ly as a sacramental pledge of the con- a violent separation. So here, as aptinuance of a happy life as long as he pears from the ensuing verse, it is probremained obedient, but was not, that ably to be understood as signifying a we can learn, endowed with any stern and angry ejection. —— ~ To till remedial virtue to restore life when the ground fromn whence he was taken. once lost. The language, it must be Referring either to the element from acknowledged, seems to imply, that, which he was formed, or to the ground had man tasted of the tree of life, even without the precincts of paradise; for after his rebellion, he would have lived he was created without those limits and for ever, and that he was expelled from afterwards' taken' and placed within Paradise to preven t such a consequence. them. The original term for'till' is But this, as appears from several con- the word usually rendered to'serve,' siderations, is an erroneous view of and denotes all th: t servile work which the text. When the first pair viola- should be requisite to procure a subsisted the divine command, they immedi- tence, and which makes man, as it ately became mortal, subject to infir- were; a servant to the earth. Thus mity and death, agreeably to the pen- Eccl. 5. 9,' The profit of the earth is alty,'in the day that thou eatest there- for all; the king himself is served by of thou shalt surely die.' This was the field (Heb. is servant to the field).' the original doom, and therefore they His tilling the ground, however, would could not avoid the penalty, and be- be compensated by his increased enjoycome immortal by eating of the tree of ment of its fruits, and his converse with life after their transgression. The sen- the earth would naturally be improved tence incurred by their sin, would una- to keep him humble and remind him of voidably take effect in the time ap- his latter end. Thus the curse was in pointed by the Almighty, whatever a measure overruled to be a blessing attempt the fallen pair had made to in more respects than one. The diminreverse it. They had forfeited life and ished fruitfulness of the earth has a mercould not avoid the punishment of their ciful tendency to restrain the progress guilt. They were expelled froln Para- of sin, for if the whole earth were like dise, then, not because their eating of tne plains of Sodom in fertility, which the tree of life would have rendered them are compared to the garden of God immortal, but because it was proper (Gen. 13. 10), its inha:.itants would be that having forfeited the thing signified very apt to be as- Sodom and Gomorrha 92 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. 21 So he drove out the man: a flaming sword which turned and he placed n' at the east of the every way, to keep the way of the garden of Eden " Cherubirns, and tree of life. m ch. 2. 8. n Ps. 104.. I leb. 1. 7. in wickedness. The necessity of hard employe2 and rendered'placed' (-~,~ lalbour in obtaining a sustenance, which yashkan, mnade to dwell), is the root of is the lot of the far greater portion of Shekinah, a dwelling or tabernacling mankind, tends greatly by separating in a peculiar manner, as the God of men from each other, and keeping down Israel did among or between the chertheir spirits, to restrain them from the ubim —a mode of residence having a excesses of evil. Moreover, by experi- typical allusion to the future tabernaencing the toils and hardships of life, cling in the flesh of his son Jesus Christ. man becomes more resigned to quit If the cherubim here spoken of were this world when commanded away by really angels, as is generally supposed, death, and is stimulated to fix his hopes still this does not militate with the idea of happiness oi another and better state that their office on this occasion was of existence. not only to keep Inan from re-entering 24. Placed cherubims and a flaming- the garden, but also to serve as a strisword. From subsequent descriptions king symbol of the same objects Ur it appears that the form of the cheru- truths as were afterwards represented bim was that of living creatures with by them in the tabernacle, the temwings, Ezek. 1. 5, and 10. 15, but Mo- ple, the visions of Ezekiel, and the ses goes into no particulars here be- mystic scenes of the Apocalypse; and cause he wrote for those who were fa- that these had reference to the most miliar with the figure of tile cherubim important things in the gospel econoembroidered in the curtains of the tab- my is undeniable. The present was in ernacle, Ex. 26. I, and who were ac- fact, if we mistake not, the first introquainted with the form and perhaps duction of that remarkable symbol with the mystical purport of those that which was subsequently to become a overshadowed the mercy-seat, Ex. 25. permanent representative of the deep18. Whether the clherubim here men- est mysteries of redemption, one of tioned were real living beings, or merely which the Jewish writers say,'it is the the same kind of emmlematic or hiero- foundation, root, heart, and marrow oa glyphical irnages that we afterwards the whole Levitical dlspens:ation.''Parread of, accompanied with a fiery splen- adise to be a fit residence for uncondor resembling the vibrations of a fla- taminated innocence, must have been ming sword, it is difficult to say. There something more than a place of sensuis undoubtedly a great degree of obscu- al ease and enjoyment; it was surely a rity resting upon the subject of the school of religious instruction, a place cherubim wherever mentioned in the especially adapted to excite sentiments Scriptures, but that they were ordina- of piety and devotion, a place designed rily symbolical beings intimately con- to convey spiritual knowledge by the nected with the S&eki7nah, or visible visible, but emblematical objects that it divine glory, is beyond question, as contained. If such was the general they formed an essential part of the ap- and sublime design of the Paradisaical paratus of the tabernacle and temple, constitution, some highly instructive in which Goid in his visible 1lanifesta- information must certainly have been tion dwelt. Indeed the very word here intended tobe conveyed by so splendid B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER IIT. 93 and stupendous a display of celestial sword turning itself.' It is tiot wesuppower as the cherubic emblems at the pose to be inferred firoi this tiltt the east of the garden of Eden. The best, cherubim were armed with flaming perhaps the only means of communi- swords which they brandished on evecating a knowledge of spiritual and in- ry side in an intimidating manner, but visible things in the early periods of the that there were flames of fire of the world was by symbolical representa- shape of swords streaming or darting tions; for which reason it was, in all out from the midst of the cherubim, likelihood, one of the modes by which the and displaying a constant flickering Almighty taught his creatures in the in- motion that would naturally strike tel. fancy of the human species. In at- ror into every one that approached. tempting to explain the hieroglyphic Similar fiery appearances are mentionmeaning of the cherubim, it is easy for ed in connection with the cherubim in a luxuriant imagination to transgress -the remarkable vision of Ezekiel, ch. 1. the bounds of sobriety and reason; but 13, and are perhaps alluded to by tlhe some spiritual instruction they were apostle, Heb. 1. 7,'Who maketh l,s doubtless meant to convey; and the angels spirits, and his ministers a flame proto-evangelical promise, that the of fire.' Seed of the woman should bruise the REMARKS.-This chapter contains the head of the Serpent, combined with the record of the darkest, the most disreflected light from subsequent revela- astrous event, that has ever occurred in tions, points out the mystery of re- the history of our world. Indeed every demption as the leading object of the other calamity by which the earth has celestial vision. The free communica- been afflicted is to be traced to this as tion with the Tree of Life was forbid- its primal source. Among the solemn den to the fallen, rebellious creature, reflections to which it gives rise are the and the only access to it that now re- following:mained, was through the mediatorial (1.) We learn from it the unspeakaoffice of a Redeemer, who has remedied ble malignity of Satan as the grand enthe evil originating from the Fall. This emy and tempter of mankind. What a was typically discovered in the glorious fiendish disposition is that here nmaniand cherubic appearance at the entrance fested in plotting and effectingo the ruin of the garden of Eden, an appearance of the first pair, with their unborn posnot intended to drive our first parents terity! How deadly must have been from the Tree of Life in terror, but to the hatred to purity and goodness which inspire them with hope, to demonstrate actuated him in this foul transaction! to them that the Divine mercy was No injury or provocation had he receivstill vouchsafed to man, though now fal- ed from them; no personal resentment len, and to be an emblematical repre- or spirit of revenge could have promptsentation of the covenant of grace.' ed him to the fatal deed. It was the Holden. This momentous emblem, pure unmixed malignity of his nature however, we conceive, has never been that goaded him on to compass the adequately explained in all its bear- overthrow of primeval innocence. It ings, but is yet destined to open an was hatred to goodness for goodness' immensely important and interesting sake. And let us not forget that such field of biblical research.-For further is the nature of all sin. Though it remarks on the import of the cheru- may differ in degree, in kind it is the him, see note on Exod. 25. 18 —22.- same. The children of the wicked one, ~f And a.flaming sword which turn- though prevented by the various reed every way. Heb.' the flame of a straints of providence from acting ollt 94 GENESIS. [B. C. 4004. all the evil that dwells in their hearts, race. Despoiled of the holy image of are continually prompted to do the our Maker, filled with vicious and hateworks of their father. It is he who j ful dispositions, loaded with the dislives and acts in them, and who is still I pleasure of the Allnighty, we-are subaiming with a restless malice to extend jected in the present world to troubles, and perpetuate the mischief' which he diseases, disorders, and death, and in here began. And his policy is still the the eternal world, to indignation and same. He approaches the citadel of wrath, tribulation iand anguish for everour hearts in the same covert and sub- more. In this direful complication of tle manner, and ini order to detect his evils and woes we are all by nature inmachinations we have only to ask res- volved; not a son or daughter of Adpecting any tempter, Does he lessen in am is exempt; and yet how little are our eyes the sinfulness of sin? Does our minds affected with the truth of he weaken our apprehensions of its our condition? Th'le amazing change danger'! Does he persuade us to that that has passed upon us is not more which is forbidden? Would he make wonderful than the insensibility to it us think lightly of that which is threat- which every where prevails. Alas! how rned? Does he stimulate our desires mighty is the power of that depravity after evil by considerations of the profit which reigns in and over us! Were it or pleasure that will attend it? Does not for the delusion which accompanies he calumniate God to us as though he it, we should smite upon our breasts in were unfriendly, oppressive, or severe? sorrow and anguish, and implore withIf our temptations be accompanied by out delay the mercy that we so much any of these things, we may know as- need. ~uredly that'the enemy hath done this,' (3.) We learn hence how astonishing and that he is seeking our destruction. was the divine mercy in providing for Let us then be on our guard against us a Saviour. It is needless to say that him. Let us watch and pray that we our first parents could do nothing to reenter not into temptation. However pair the evil which they had commitremote we may imagine ourselves to be ted. But God with infinite benignity from danger, let us not be over-confi- interposed and announced a purpose of dent. For if, under all the advantages mercy immediately after the fall. As which they enjoyed, he vanquished our if he feared that the s, ntence would first parents, he will certainly overcome overwhelm the unhappy culprits, he us, unless we resist him' strong ill the hastens to declare the tidings of recovLord and in the power of his might.' ery before he declared their condemna(2.) How vast and awful the change tion and ruin. With the promise of a that has taken place in our condition, Saviour he cheered the hearts which and how deplorable the state of every were yielding to the dark dominion of unregenerate man? Many arnongAd- despair. To this gracious promise we am's descendants have experienced the owe it, that we are not all involved in melancholy transition from health to endless and iiremediable misery. What sickness, from ease to pain; many have reason have heaven and earth to stand passed fromn riches to poverty, from astonished at the goodness of our God! glory to shame, and not a few haveex- In what an amiable character does the changed empire itself for banishment or Most High here appear! What instance a dungeon. But in consequence of the of divine mercy can Lbe conceived of sin of Eden more than the accumulated more tender, more condescending, more weight of all these at once has fillen captivating than this, that self-moved upon the devoted heads of our guilty and unsolicited he should have purpos B. C. 4003.1 CHAPTER IV. 95 CHAPTER IV. - 2 And she again bare his A N D Adam knew Eve his brother Abel. And Abel was a wife; and she conceived, and keeper of sheep, but Cain was ~ a bare Cain, and said, I have gotten tiller of the ground. a man from the LORD. a ch.. 23. & 9. 20. ed in so glorious a manner to repair the most emphatical and demonstrative disasters of the fall! And what aggra- manner, and the Targum of Jonathan vated condemnation will be ours if we renders it,'I have gotten a man the anrefuse to testify our acceptahce of the gel of Jehovah,' which was an estabproffered grace by fleeing for refuge to lished appellation of the Messiah in the the hope set before us! latter period of the Jewish church.' Our first parents must have had their CHAPTER IV. minds directed habitually and with 1. I have gotten a man from the Lord. strong feelings of interest towards the Heb. armt7 tIM Y h'p I 1 have promised seed which was to triumph gotten a man (even) the Jehovah, or over the destroyer of their happiness, with Jehovah. Gr. tla rto, Oeov by God. and the birth of their first child must She accordingly bestowed upon him have been productive of the deepest imthe name Cain implying possession or pressions on their minds. Notwithrather acquisition. It is not perhaps standing what they might have observto be understood from this that Eve re- ed in animals, the severe and unexpectally imagined that the son now born ed pains endured could not but occasion was the divine personage prsomised as great distress and alarm. Yet equally the Messiah, but recollecting the gra- great would be the delight when the cious assurance recorded ch. 3. 15, she pains suddenly ceased, and a new huis now on the birth of her first-born so man creature was brought to view. filly persuaded of the truth of the Let any tender mother recollect her piomise, that although she may never own feelings on the first enjoyment of be privileged to see the predicted seed in this blessing, and let her then try to person, yet by faith she already posses- imagine what must have been the feelses him, and in token thereof bestows ings of thefirst mother on the first ocupaon her child a name which should be casion of a child being brought into the a standing testinlony of her faith to all world! The most vivid imagination succeeding generations. Thus the pa- must probably fall short of conceiving triarchs, Heb. 11. 13,' not having re- the reality of this most impressive case. ceived the promises (i. e. the things It would seem to have been an idea not promised) but having seen them afar off merely probable, but inevitable, to Adwere persuaded of them and embraced am and Eve, that the beauteous and themn.' It is but just, however, to ob- lovely creature thus presented to them serve that the words may literally be by the providence of their God was inrendered,'I have obtained a man even deed the destined Deliverer.' J. P. Jehovah,' and may be considered as ex- Smith. This is'a plausible view of the pressing her eager and pious, though subject, but we still incline to the opinnlistaken, expectation, that the above ion that in, the birth of Cain she did not promise was now actually accomplish- recognise the wished-for Redeemer himecl. The primary and usual force of self, but simply a proof and pledge of the part cle —,t 1th1 placed here before his appearance in due time. Jc-iovahm is to (lsignate an object in the 2. And she again bare his brother 96 GENESIS. [B. C. 3875. 3 And in process of time it G the firstlings of his flock, and of came to pass, that Cain brought the fat thereof. And the LORD b of the fruit of the ground an of — had d respect unto Abel, and to fering unto the LORD. his offering: 4 And Abel, he also brought of b Num. 18. 12. ~ Num. 18. 17. Prov. 3. 9. d Heb. 11. 4. Abel. The name Abel (Heb. 5 Iie- ration of any set period when this serbel) signifies vanity, or a soon vanishingr vice was to be performed. Adam had vapour, a term applied by the Psalnmist taught his sons the duty of religious to the human race in general. Ps. 39. worship as well as that of industrious 5,'Verily every man at his best estate toil in some usefill occupation.- is altogether vanity (Heb. Hebel).' So Brought. That is, either to the place also the apostle James, ch. 4. 14,'For appointed for the special worship of what is your life? It is even a vapour God, where the Shekinah or visible glothat appeareth for a little time and then ry was displayed, or to Adam as theofvanisheth away.' Perhaps his parents ficiatlng priest of the family, or, which were secretly overruled to give him a is perhaps still more probable, brought name of prophetic import in allusion to here is to be understood as synonymous his untimely and mournful end, many with qifered, a usage of very frequent instances of which occur in the Scrip- occurrence. —-1 Qf the fruit of the tures. See note on Gen. 5. 29.-Tfr ground an qfleritg. Heb.;,srlD Abel was a keeper qf sheep. Heb.'A mincha, an oblation, usually rendered feeder, or shepheid, of a flock,' which meat-qflering, Lev. 2. 1, 4, 7, although, in the original comprehends both sheep as it consisted of flour, cakes, wafers, and goats, as appears from Lev. 1. 10. &c., a more correct version would be Whether these employments were of n meal-offering or wheat-ofering. But their own selection respectively, or ap- the English word meat, at the time pointed them by their father, is uncer- when thepresent translation was made, tain; but it is plainly to beinferred that was applied to farinaceous as well as the brothers had been brought up by animal substances. Thus Prov. 23. 3, their parents to habits of active labour'Be not desirous of his dainties, for they instead of indolence and ease-an ex- are deceitful meat (Heb. bread of lies).' ample set by the father of the race 1 Sam. 20. 34,' And Jonathan did eat worthy to be followed by all other fa- no meat (Heb. bread of food) on the thers. Abel the younger is here named second day of the month.' The Minbefore Cain the elder either because his cha when given by one man to anothemployment was considered the more er denotes some peculiar dignity in the honourable, or as an intimation of the receiver, of which such a gift is the acprecedency which, as a general fact, the Itnowledgment, and is a token of subyounger son was to obtain over the el- jection, or at least submission on the der. See note on Gen. 9. 24. part of the giver. But when a llincha 3. In process of time. Heb.'ptj is presented by man to God it usually, tnt- at the end of days. That is, though not invariably, signifies a bloodprobably, at the end qf the year, the less oblation in contradistinction from time at which the feast of the ingatiJer- the rn- zeba, or bloody sacrice, which ing was afterwards kept, Ex. 23. 16. constituted Abel's offering, though the The expression, however, is in itself in- Mincha was for the most part joined definite, and may denote the end of the with the Zeba in the sacred oblations. year, the end of the week, or the expi- 4. Brought of the Jirstlings'f his B. C. 3875.J CHAPTER IV. 97 flock. Either the first-born, which who tells us, that'by faith Abel offerGod afterwards, by an express law, ed unto God a more excellent sacrifice appropriated to himself, or the choicest (Gr. r.st,:ua o us.i) than Cain,' or as and best of the flock; as the chief of WicklicT's translation with more litany thing is frequently called the first- eral exactnmss renders it,'a much more born, Job 18. 13. Jer. 31. 19. Heb. sacrifice,' i. e. a more fill or complete 12. 23. —t The.fat thereof. Heb. sacrifice. Here by declaring the offer-' the fatnesses of them.' A similar re- ing of Abel to have been made by faith, mark to the above is applicable to this the writer teaches by necessary impliterm also. The fat of any thing is cation that Cain'soffering wasnotmade equivalent to the best part of it. Thus by faith, and hence undoubtedly it is, Num. 13. 2,' All the best (Heb. the fat) that the sacrifice of Abel is said to have of the oil, and all the best (Heb. the fat) been more full, complete, and excellent of the wine,' &c. Gen. 45. 18,'And than Cain's. It was distinguished by I will give you the good of the land of a principle which the other lacked. Egypt, and ye shall eat of the.fat of Cain undoubtedly had a general belief the land.' Ps. 147. 14,'He filleth or persuasion that God would accept thee with the finest (Heb. the fat) of his oblation, for the very act of offering the wheat.' The offerings of Abel, a sacrifice involves the persuasion of however, we suppose to have been hol- the sacrificer that it would be acceptaocausts —r The Lord had respect ble. But the faith here spoken of is of unto Abel and to his fferizng. That a more particular kind. It is evident is, kindly and favourably regarded, had from the context that the faith which complacency in. Chal.'He accepted the apostle celebrates is a prospective with good will Abel and his gifts.' As.faith in Christ. Faith then in Christ the apostle Heb. 11. 4, informs us that was the faith of Abel, and this faith God testified his approbation of Abel's was that which Cain wanted. His ofoffering, it is reasonable to suppose fering was a mere acknowledgment of that this was done by the visible token God as a benefactor. It was just what of fire from heaven consuming it upon a self-righteous heart would offer. It the altar. The Hebrew word denotes plainly evinced that he recogniscd no to look woith a rapid and keen glance qf material breach between him and his the eye, indicating special earnestness. Creator, nor any need of confession of It is apparently with great propriety sin or dependence on an atonement. therefore, that Theodotion renders it He had indeed so far a sense of reliEvetitscev kindlcdor set on fire; upon gious obligation as to thank God for which Jerome remarks,'How could the benefits of'his providence, but he Cain know that God accepted his broth- evidently thought it sufficient to trust er's offering and rejected his own, un- solely to the divine mercy and his own less the translation which Theodotion good works for acceptance. But as has given be the true one?' If it were this was virtually denying the only renot by this particular token that Abel vealed plan of grace and pardon to sinunderstood that God was propitious to ners, his offering was rejected. His him, it must have been by some other conduct showed that he preferred the equally indubitable. Conip.Lev.9.24. conclusions of his own reason to the Jud. 6. 21. 1 Kings, 13. 38. 2 Chron. express appointment of his Creator. 7. 1. For a correct view of the reason The two brothers therefore may be of the more favourable acceptance of considered as the representatives of two Abel's offering, we must have recourse great classes of men found in all ages, to the words of the Apostle Heb. 11. 4, one of whom serve God merely accord. 9 98 GENESIS. [B. C. 3875 5 But unto Cain, and to his of- Why art thou wroth? and why feringr, he had not respect. And is thy countenance fallen'? Cain was very wroth, e and his 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou countenance fell. not be accepted? and if thou do6 And the LORD said unto Cain, est not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, e ch. 31. f2. and thou shalt rule over him. ing to the light of natural reasor. which 7. If thou doest well, or Ileb.' doest instead of dictating the propriety of an- gouJ.' By which we are taught that imal sacrifices, would simply require what God esteems well-doing consists the expression of thanksgiving and not so much in outward oiffrings or homage, while the other have a single services as in the state of the heart, in eye to the divine precept as to the true a truly pious spirit, and especially in mode of seeking God, and always re- the exercise of a simple faith in the dicognize the principle laid down by the vine declarations and promises.' In apostle, Ileb. 9. 22, that'without the these words it is plainly implied that shedding of blood there is no remission.' Abel acted' well,' i. e. righteously, in 5. CCain was very wroth. Displeas- the business of his sacrifice; and that ed, disaffected, angry. The original Cain acted' not well,' i. e. unrighteousimplies an inflamed and burning an- ly, in the business of his sacrifice. This ger, or fierce resentment. He was indig- righteousness in Abel, by which he ob nant at the marks of the divine favour tained the preference to his brother, the bestowed upon Abel and denied to him- apostle ascribes to his'faith.' Here self. His eye was evil because God we see that the first act of worship was good. Ile was not only angry which God accepted with open marks of with his Maker for not accepting his approbation, was a sacrifice, in which services, but enraged with his brother the life of one of his creatures was debecause he was evidently the object of voutly offered up to himn; and that the divine complacency rather than what made it acceptable was the faith himself. The excellence of Abel's char- of the offerer. In this account are conacter served only to add fuel to the tained two points: (1.) That sacrifice flame. His virtues were his faults; so was from the beginning acceptable to true is it that the wicked dislike the God; and (2.) That faith made it so.good for no other cause than their Nothing is more absurd than to imagoodness-an awful argument of the gine that God could ever be gratified or deep depravity of our nature. Cain appeased by the destruction of his crea hated in his brother the divine image tures. Such an action is not in itself as much as he envied him the divine acceptable to God; and therefore nothfavour.'The light of his brother's ex- ing but duty could make it acceptable; ample was offensive to his eyes; and and nothing but the command of God on' this account he sought to extinguish could make it a duty in the case before it.-'- T His countenance fell. That us. No action is just or good otheris, it henceforward assumed a downcast, wise than as it is conformable to the gloomy, sullen aspect. The workings will qf God either revealed or estabof his envious and malicious spirit lished in the nature of things. But that showed themselves in his looks, and such an action as this was conformalike the gathering cloud before tile telr- ble to the divine will could only be pest were a presage of the terrible rtsult known by revelation, i. e. by being that followed. commanded; therefore the rectitude of B. C. 3875.] CHAPTER IV. 99 it could only arise from obedience, and and satisfactory view of the coherency obedience (alone) could justify it.' Del- of the verse is obtained and the comaney. Thus the divine institution of mon, but somewhat forced version,' a sacrifices would seem to be unquestion- sin-offering,' render ed unnecessary. able.-fT Shalt thou not be accepted? The sense of the passage, then, may be An interrogation carrying with it the given thus:-' If thou doest well, shalt force of an affirmation; implying that thou not enjoy the appointed preemithe principle of the divine dealings was nence? (but if thou doest not well, sin so well known to Cain, that he might lieth at the doorj and unto thee shall be directly and confidently appealed to be his obsequious respect, and thou respecting it. The scope of the pas- shalt rule over him.' This construcsage is clearly to intimate that God's tion brings the first and last clauses of respect to sincere obedience was impar- the verse into immediate connection, tial; that he rewarded it wherever he and in such a way, if we mistake not, found it; and that if Cain's offering as to affiord the only true key to the was not equally acceptable with that interpretation.-' There are some who of his brother, the fault was purely his affect to smile at the idea of sIN lying own. He had only to evince the same at the door: it is, however, an Eastern piety of spirit with Abel to receive the figure. Asli a man who is unacquaintsame tokens of approbation.-The ori- ed with Scripture, what he understands ginal word for acceptance properly sig- by sin lying at the threshold of the nifies lifting up, elevation, excellency, door; he will immediately speak of it and points not only to the removal of as the guilt of some great crime which his sadness, of that gloomy and deject- the owner had committed. A man ac-,d air which he exhibited, and the lift- cused of having murdered a child, would ng up of his face in the erectness of be accosted in the following language:;onscious innocence, but also that pre- -' If you have done this, think not to.edence and preeminence which formed escape; no! for sin will ever lie at your; part of his birthright as the elder door: it will deacend from generation brother. In this sense the word un — to generation.' To a man accused of questionably occurs Gen. 49. 3,'Reu- having committed any other dreadftil ben, thou art my first-born, my might, crime, it would be said,'Ah! if I had and the beginning of my strength, the done it, do I not know sin would ever excellency of dignity (Heb. r.R~ ele- lie at my door?' The idea is sin pervation, eminence).' From the latter sonified in the shape of some fierce anclause of the verse it is evident that imal crouched at the door. Its crimiGod alludes to the prerogatives of the nality and punishment remain. Tabirthright which Cain would be in no king the other view of it, sents to danger of losing if his conduct were amount to this; Now, Cain, if thou such as it ought to be. -f And if doest well that will be thy excellency, thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. thou shall be accepted: but if thou doHeb. f:'t2 croucheth. That is, the est not well, it is a matter of no very guilt and punishment of sin await thee; great consequence, because there is a deserved judgment shall follow close sin-offering at thy door.' Roberts.upon thy transgression; it shall be'f~ Unto thee shall be his desire. That like a fierce mastiff or furious beast is, Abel's desire. See this phrase exof prey crouc.Sing, as it were, at the plained in the note on Gen. 3. 16. That very door of thy house to seize upon the respect and honour implied in this thee unawares. By enclosing these expression was a distinction of the eldwords in a parenthesis, a far more clear er brother forming an important pare. 100) GEN ESTS. [B. C. 3875 8 And Cain talked with Abel Cain rose up against Abel his his brother; and it came to pass brotlteir and slew him. when they were in the field, that fMatt. 23. 5. 1 John 3. 12. Jude. 11. of the birthright is clear from Gen. 27. him quietly.' 2 Sam. 20. 9, 10,'To 29,' Let people serve thee and nations Amasa he said, Art thou in health, my bow down to thee; be lord over thy brother? and took him by the beard brethren, and letthy mother's sons bow to kiss him;' but these pretences of down to thee.' If, as Venema supposes, friendship, like those of Cain on this Cain understood fiom the tokens of the occasion, were only to secure access divine approbation towards Abel that to their persons that he might with he had forfeited the birthright and that surer effect strike the dagger to their it was now transferred to the younger hearts. In like manner Absalom combrother, it will account more satisfhc- passed the murder of Amon, making a torily for the settled hatred which now -hospitableentertainmentacovertoeffect took possession of his breast. It the destruction of his brother in the makes the case of Cain also entirely midst of his convivial mirth. Viewed analagous to that of Esau and of Jo- in this light the treachery of Cain awseph's brethren, whose disaffection to- fully enhanced his guilt as a fratricide. wards the favoured one arose from pre- Had it been the effect of sudden wrath, cisely the same cause. See note on though criminal beyond expression, yet Gen. 37. 3, 4. - our instinctive feelings would have 7. And Cain talked with Abel his found some apology for him; but bebrother. Heb.'And Cain said unto ing the result of premeditation and conAbel his brother;' after which there is, trivance, of deceit and treachery, its in many of the Hebrew copies, a blank enormity is increased an hundred-fold. space left, as if something had been ---- Rose up against Abel his brothomitted.' Accordingly the Sept. and er, and slew him.'And wherefore Sam. versions supply the supposed slew he him? Because his own works omission by adding the words,'Let us were evil and his brother's righteous,' go into the fields;' but for such a sup- 1 John, 3. 12. In this fearful transaction plement there is no authority beyond we trace the legitimate results of an conjecture, nor is it at all necessary. indulged envious spirit. There is inThe meaning probably is that Cain dis- deed such a connection between the links sembled his hatred, conversing freely of the chain of evils mentioned by the and familiarly with his brother, till an apostle,'envy, debate, deceit, murder,' opportunity occurred of executing his that wherever the first is harboured the murderous purpose. Had he disclosed rest would follow of course, if God in the sentiments of his heart, he would his infinite mercy did not interpose to have put his brother on his guard; limit.the operation of our sinful propenwhereas by feigning affection towards sities.'O envy, the corrosive of all him he would remove all fear and sus- ill minds, and the root of all desperate.picion from the mind of his intended actions! The same cause that moved victim, and thus facilitate the accom- Satan to destroy the first man, the plishment of the fatal deed. To simi- same moves the second man to destroy lar means assassins have had recourse the third.-If there be an evil heart in all ages. It was thus that Joab slew there will be an evil eye;-and if both Abner and Amasa; 2 Kings 3. 26, 27. these, there will be an evil hand. There IE-e sent messengers after Abner, and never was an envy that was not bloody; took him aside in the gate to speak with i if not in act, yet in affection.' Bp. Hall. B. C. 3875.] CHAPTER IV. 10O 9 1T And the LORD said unto 10 And he said, What hast Cain, gWhere is Abel thy broth- thou done'? the voice of thy er? And he said, h I know not: brother's blood i crietil unto me Am I my brother's keeper? from the ground. g Ps. 9. 12. h John 8.44. i Heb. 12. 24. Rev. 6. 10. Death thus began its ravages, and the question, as if he had no right to interfirst man that died, died a martyr for rogate him respecting it!'Am I my religion. But though his parents' hearts brother's keeper.' Is he not capable of must have bled over the mangled re- taking care of himself? Does he need mains of their son, yet they doubtless a guardian? or was I appointed one felt acuter pangs for living Cain than over him? Had he been innocent the for dead Abel. He died in faith; and, question would have awakened the from a sinner on earth, became a deepest anxiety in his bosom; for a saint in heaven. He was the first of kindly concern for those who are near the noble army of martyrs, the first of to us by kindred is not only one of the -human kind who entered the abodes of first duties of religion, but one of the the blessed. most instinctive promptings of nature. 9. Where is Abel thy brother? A But what a hardened indifference to a question proposed not for the sake of brother's fate is indicated in every obtaining information, but to awaken word, and what fearful impiety must in the culprit a sense of his crime and that have been which could give rise to thus to lead him to repentance. The such an answer! Indeed were it not words' thy brother' would tend to re- for the indisputable record of the facts, mind him of the tender ties of flesh it would be scarcely conceivable that a and blood which he had broken, and if worm of the dust should have been he had any workings of conscience re- guilty of such heaven-daring effrontery. maining within him, must have pierced 10. TIe voice of thy brother's blood him to the quick. T'he circumstance crieth to mefrom the ground. He had affords moreover a striking instance of effectually silenced his brother's voice; the divine forbearance that God should so that no testimony could be borne have deigned to hold a colloquy with by him. But the blood which he had one whom his justice might have smit- shed had a voice which cried aloud; a ten down by a sudden stroke. But he voice which reached the throne of Alwould set an example of clemency mighty God and brought him down to by affording to the most guilty an op- plead the cause of injured innocence. portunity of speaking in his own de- Indeed every sin has a voice which fence.-I-' I know not, am 1 my broth- speaks powerfully in the ears of God, er's keeper? Alas! how inseparable the and calls for vengeance on the head of connection between guilt and falsehood! him who has committed it. But it is Hie who dares to commit sin will never not always that the vengeance wakes hesitate to cover it with a lie! It would so suddenly as in the present instance. hardly be possible to express in human The Hebrew instead of'voice of thy language a reply more fraught with brother's blood' has' voice of thy brothfalsehood, insolence, and contempt of di- er's bloods,' which the Chaldee Tarvine authority than is couched in these gum thus interprets;-' The voice of the words. He not only boldly denies all bloods of the generations (the multiknowledge of the fact, but with amaz- tudes of just men) which should have mg hardihood charges impertinence up- proceeded from thy brother.' The word on his Judge in putting to him this however in the plural usually signifies 9* 102 GENESIS. [B. C. 3875. 11 And now art thou cursed thee her strength: A fugitiveand from the earth, which hath open- a vagabond shalt thou be in the ed her mouth to receive thy broth- earth. er's blood from thy hand. 13 And Cain said unto the 1.2 When thou tillest the ground, LORD, My punishment is greater it shall not henceforth yield unto than I can bear. inurder and its consequent guilt, and cultivated soil. A curse superadded to the habitual perpetrators of this crime the original one denounced for Adam's are called by the Psalmist, Ps. 5. 7, offence should cause the earth compar-'men qf bloods.' This is probably its atively to withhold its increase; and import here. The original for crieth is not only so it should, in a sense, deny in the plural agreeing with bloods-' are him a permanent abode. He was crying'-an idiom of peculiar emphasis, thenceforth to become a fugitive and a which cannot well be transferred into vagabond in the earth, condemned to English. In allusion to and by way of perpetual disgrace and reproach among contrast to this blood of Abel demand- men. Instead of dwelling in peace ing vengeance, it is said, Heb. 12. 24, among his own family and kindred, he that the blood of Christ speaketh bet- was to be banished from their society, ter things than the blood of Abel, i. e. and compelled to withdraw to some cries for pardon. distant and lonely part of the earth, as a 11. Cursed from the earth. Heb. wretched outcast abhorred and rejected 67,3 ground. That is, in regard to of all his kind. To this were to be adthe ground; as far as the ground is con- ded the stings of a guilty conscience, cerned. That ground which had drank the perpetual disquietude and horror the blood of a murdered brother was to that would not fail to haunt the breast become an instrument of inflicting the of the first murderer. Yet even in this merited punishment upon the guilty severe sentence there was a mixture of fratricide. Nature herself is here rep- mercy, inasmuch as he was not immeresented as setting her face against one diately cut off but had space given him who had violated the most sacred of to repent; for God is long-suffbring and human ties. The earth is made to not willing that any should perish. harden her bosom against the cruel 13. 1lly punishment is greater than I wretch, who could so far conquer every can bear. Heb.:Z14 my iniquity, my sin. fraternal feeling as to shed the blood of But we have elsewhere remarked (ch. an unoffending brother. The precise 19. 15,) that the original for sin is often manner in which this part of the sen- used but as another term for the puntence was to be carried into effect is ishment qf sin, and such is perhaps the described in the ensuing verse. true rendering here. Yet it may be re12. It shall not henceforth yield unto marked that the Heb. will admit the thee her strength. Heb.'It shall not rendering,'My sin is greater than can add to yield.' A further explanation of be forgiven,' as if it were the exclamathe curse denounced above. The earth, tion of one who was just sinking in deas a general rule, was designed to afford spair. This mode of speech, it appears, its occupants sustenance and settlement. is still common in the East.'Has a But both these are in great measure person committed a great crime; hewill here denied to Cain. The ordinary go to the offended individual and piteamount of labour would not suffice to ously plead for mercy, and at intervals procure the ordinary returns from the keep crying,'Ah, my guilt is too great B. C. 3875.3 CHAPTER 1V. 103 14 k Behold, thou hast driven 15 And the LORD said unto me out this day fiorr the face of hini, Therefore whosoever slaythe earth; and I from thy face shall eth Cain, vengeance shall be taI be hid; and I shall be a fugiitive ken on him, n seven-fold. And and a vagabond in the earth; and the LORD oset a mark upon Cain, it shall come to pass, m that every lest any finding him should kill one that findeth me shall slay me. him. k Job 15. 19 2. 127 Ps. 51. L. mn ch. 9. 6. n Ps. 79. 12. 0 Ezek. 9. 4, 6. Num. 35. 19, 21, 27. to be forgiven. My hopes are gone." which I have hitherto inhabited and Roberts. On the whole, however, the cultivated. The original is not the former is, we think, the correct in- word usually rendered earth (Y:-), terpretatlon, and yet we know not that but a term of narrower import frequentit is necessarily to be understood as ly implying tilled or improved ground a crimination of the sentence of the (nm";R), as in v. 11. It is evident that Judge. We take it rather as the volun- it cannot mean earth in its largest sense, tary acknowledgment and recitalof the for in that he was to be a fugitive and overwhelming yet deserved misery vagabond. — F rom thy face shall I which he had brought upon himself by be hid. That is, from the place where his murderous act. As human nature thy presence is most peculiarly maniis constituted, we see not how the in- fested, from the visible symbols of thy ward insuppressible voice of conscience glory, and so from converse and comcould have failed to respond to the sen- munion with thee. See on v. 16. ~I tence uttered against him, and if it did Every one that Jindeth me shall slay me. so respond, it is scarcely conceivable Will attempt to slay me, will be promptthat these words were those of remon- ed to do it. Mr. Roberts remarks that strance.'They were rather a natural modern usages of speech among the exclamation in view of the fearful Orientals illustrate this language of:onsequences of his guilt of which he Cain.'Has a man escaped from prisbad now become sensible, and which on; the people say,'Ah, all men will he goes on to specify at length in the catch and bring that fellow back.' Has ensuing verse. Whether there was any a man committed murder;'Ah, all thing of the working of penitence in men will kill that murderer.' This his confession, does not appear from means, the feeling will be universal; the text. The probabilityistthat it was all will desire to have that individual the prompting of remorse rather than punished.' The question may here be of godly sorrow, and so wavs merely asked whom, besides his father and equivalent to the extorted confession of mother, Cain had to fear? To this it Judas, Mat. 27. 4,' I have sinned in may be answered, that as the death of thatI havebetrayed the innocent blood.' Abel probably occurred somewhat up14. h'lhou hast dri7ven me out this'wards of a hundred years from the creday. lie now proceeds to specify the ation, ch. 5. 5, and Adam had many circumstances which conspired to make sons and daughters besides those here his doom so intolerable; and so well mentioned, ch. 5. 4, the population of assured is he of the execution of the the earth might at this time have insentence, that he speaksof it as already creased to many hundreds or even accomplished.- r From the face of thousands of souls. It was by no the earth. Heb.'from the face of the means the object of the sacred writer ground.' That is, from that region to give a full account of all Adam's 104 [i:NES lS. [B. C. 3875 16'T And Cain P went out from dwelt in the land of Nod, on the the presence of the LORD, and east of Eden. p 2 K;ings 13. 23. & 24. 20. Jer 23. 39. & 52. 3. children and their descendants, but to was suflered to live in order to be a narrate more especially the his!ory of warning to others of the direful effects iihat line of his posterity from which of giving wray to malignant passions, the promised seed was to spring. and as a living monument of the pow15. Therefore. That is, in order to er of a guilty conscience.' God is not prevent this, I announce to thee that obliged to send a sinner to the place of whosoever slayeth thee,'vengeance the damned in order to punish him. shall be taken on him seven-fold,' i. e. He can any where call his name Mahe shall be far more severely punished gor- missabib and render him a terthan Cain himself. Seven-fold is equiv- ror to himself and all about him.' alent to many-fold, a definite for an Fuller. To something of this kind the indefinite mode of speech, as often' Psalmist probably alludes Ps. 59. 11, elsewhere, Lev. 26. 28. Ps. 12. 7. God'Slay them not, lest my people forget; havingvirtuallysaid toCain,'vengeance scatter them by thy power.' Heb. is mine, I will repay,' it would have'make them to wander as fugitives,' been a daring usurpation for any one to as did Cain. The divine forbearance Lave taken the sword out of his hand, moreover, by thus prolonging his life and such an act as he would cause to graciously afforded him space for rebe avenged seven-fold. —-- The Lord pentance. also set a mark upon Crain. Or, Heb. 16. Cain went outfrom the presence'the Lord appointed a sign to Cain.' qf the Lord. Heb.'from-before the The original word here employed (,'IR face of Jehovah.' That is, from the oth) often signifies a sign, token, or place of God's special presence, from mnemoriale by which something is con- the seat of his worship, from the hab firl-red or brought to remembrance. itation of his Shekinah, from the sociThus Is. 7. 10,'The Lord spake unto ety of his father and family, and conAhaz saying, Ask thee a sign (:,X) of sequently from the- only church which the Lord thy God.' So also v. 14, God then had upon earth. It wasthere-'Therefore the Lord thy God shall give fore a virtual excommunication from you a sigrn (,l t).' Jud. 6.17,'If now the highest religious privileges which I have found grace in thy sight, then could then be enjoyed; for the contrashow hie a sign (rma-,) that thou talk- ry of this, viz. to come into God's pres est with me.' The sign here said to ence, or before his face, to dwell in his be appointed to Cain is undoubtedly to courts, is spoken of as the chief of all be understood in the same manner. It blessings and the object of the most ar was some kind of notification to him, dent aspirations of his saints, Ps. 96. 8. perhaps by a sensible miracle, of the Ps. 17. 15. If this le the import of the truth of the promise respecting his per- words (and we know of'none so probsonal safety. Accordingly it is well able), it bears a very favourable appearrendered in the Greek,' God set a sign' ance with respect to the state of things before Cain to persuade him that who- in Adam's family. It implies that the soever should find him should not kill worship of God was there kept up, and hint.' As to its being a visible mark, that God was with them. Indeed if it brand, or stigma affixed to his person, were not established there, it appears to there is no ground whatever for such have had no existence in the worlt, an opinion.-It would seem that Cain which there is no reason to believe was B. C. 3875.] CHAPTER IV. 105 17 And Cain knew his wife, and Mehujael begat Methusael: and she conceived, and bare and Methusael begat Lamech. Enoch: and he builded a city, 19'1 And Lamech took unto q and called the name of the city him two wives: the name of the after the name of his son Enoch. one was Adah, and the name of 18 And unto Enoch was born the other Zillah. Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: 20 And Adah hare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in q Ps. 49. U. tents, and of such as have cattle. ever the case when once it had begun the name qf his son Enoch., Perhaps to be observed.-~- Dwelt in the land fromr the consciousness that his own of Nod. So named from the event, nanme was odious and infamous. But from the circumstance of Cain's dwell- he would still perpetuate the name of ung there. Nod is the original word his family in connection with the city for a vagabond, and the land of Nod which he had founded. The circumis properly the land of the vagrancy of stance reminds us of the words of the the wretched outcast who was con- Psalmist, Ps. 49. 11,'Their inward demned to wander up and down in it. thought is, that their houses shall conThe same term is employed by David tinue for ever, and their dwelling-places in Ps. 56. 8, in speaking of his unset- to all generations; they call their lands tled and wandering life;'Thou tellest after their own names.' Enoch (Heb. my wanderings ('wI1l nodi).' Chanoch) means initiated or dedicated. 17. And Cain -knew his wife. Al- Why he was so called it is impossible though the intermarriage of near kin- to determine. dred was afterwards forbidden and ac- 18. Unto Enoch was born lrad, &c. counted incest, yet in the infancy of the The names here recited were doubtless world, this law, from the necessity of those of the first-born, through whom the case, must have been dispensed the sacred genealogies are generally with, and brothers must have taken reckoned. There is nothing peculiarly -their sisters to wife. Cain's wife was worthy of note in respect to the persons undoubtedly his sister and married be- composing this line, except the remarkfore the death of Abel, for after that able resemblance of the names to event it can scarcely be supposed that those of the descendants of Seth menany woman would be willing to con- tioned in the subsequent chapter-a cirnect herself with such a miserable fra- cumstance for which it is difficult to tricide. —~ And he built a city. Heb. account. Their ages are not mentioned,' was building,' i. e. he engaged in and and the list is very quickly despatched, busied himself about this enterprise. HeI as if unworthy of being dwelt upon. was perhaps prompted to embark in 19. Lamech took unto him two wives. this undertaking partly to divert his The first recorded instance of polymind and prevent it from preying upon gamy; a practice which directly conitself, and partly to provide for his secu- travenes the original ordinance of heavrity against the apprehended violence en, that two only should constitute of other branches of Adam's family. It one flesh, and for introducing which is no unusual thing for men to attempt Lamech is here condemned to infamous to stifle the inward convictions and dis- notoriety as long as the sacred narra quietude of their minds by plunging tive shall be read. deep into the busy cares of the world. 20. The father of such as dwell in - T Called the name of the city after tents, &c. Heb.' the father of the in 106 GENESIS. [B. C. 3875 21 And his brother's name ta-. the sister of Tubal-cain was Jubal: he was the r father of all Naamah. such as handle the harp and organ. 23 And Lamech said unto his 22 And Zillab, she also bare wives, Adah and Zillab, Hear Tubal-cain, an instructorof every my voice, ye wives of Lamech, artificer in brass and iron: and hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, r Rom. 4. 11,12. and a young man to my hurt. habiter of the tent and cattle.' Chal David is expressly described as playing'the master.' The original author, de- upon it with his hand; but it appears viser, or founder of ally particular craft from Josephus that it was also struck or calling is termed the.fiater of such or played upon with a plectrum or bow. as follow it. Jaba-l set the first exam- It seems to have been light and portapie of that unsettled, nomadic mode of ble, as we find David playing upon it, life which was adopted in after ages by as he danced before the ark. It was hbose whose property consisted princi- called by the Hebrews,'the pleasant pally in flocks and herds, and who from instrument,' and was not only used in residing in tents instead of more per- their religious solemnities, but also in manent habitations could easily trans- their private entertainments and occafur thernselves from one region to sions of enjoyment. The organ (.i.S another as the prospect of water or oo0ab) certainly could not resemble pasturage should chance to invite. In the modern instrument of that name. later times the descendants of Ishmael, It is supposed to have been a kind of ihe wandering Bedouin Arabs, have flute, composed of one or two, and afbeen peculiarly noted for these roving terwards of about seven pipes of reeds, habits. —r And of.such as have cat- of unequal length and thickness, joined tle. Gr.'feeders of cattle.' The literal together; being nearly identical with import of the original is possession, from thepipe of Pan among the Greeks, or the fact that in the early ages of the that simple instrument called a'mouthworld men's principal possessions con- organ,' which is still in common use in sisted in flocks and herds. The'father some countries of Europe. of such as have cattle' is the title of 22. 7ubal-cain. From this name him who first set the example of keep- comes, by very obvious derivation, the ing and managing cattle, or who fol- Greek Vulcan the name of the fabled lowed the shepherd's occupation. god of smiths.- Instructor. Heb. 21. 7The father of all such as handle'whetter or sharpener;' he whose prethe harp and the organ. Chal.'The cepts and example first set the mngenurrmaster of all that play on the psaltery ity of men at work in fabricating the and of such as know music.' The Heb. various implements of brass and iron term for organ has the import of love- which are so indispensable in the arts liness or delight, but upon the precise of agriculture, architecture, and the difform and construction, of these instru- ferent mechanical occupations. ments we cannot pronounce with much 23. 1 have slain a man to my woundcertainty. They are perhaps general ing, &c. The Heb. particle rendered terms for all stringed and wind instru-'for' sometimes has a conditional meanmnents. The harp (1in: kinnoor) of ing, equivalent to f;, although, suppothe Hebrews seems to have resembled sing that. It is not unlikely, therefore, the modern instrument in its form. It that Lamech's words are to be under-'lad ten strings, and in 1 Sam. 16. 23, stood, not as relating a matter of fact B. C. 3004.] CHAPTER IV. 10O 24 - If Cain shall be avenged otherseed instead of Abel. whom seven-fold, truly Lamech seventy Cain slew. and seven-fold. 26 And to Seth, u to him also 25 ~j And Adam knew his wife there was born a son; and he again, and she bare a son, and called his name Enos: then bet called his name Seth: For God, gan men - to call upon the name said she, hath appointed me an- of the LORD. u ch. 5. 6. w i Kings 18. 24. Ps. 116. 17. Jot ch. 5. 3. el 2.32. Zeph. 3. 9. t Cor. 1. 2. which had actually happened, but as by Eve, but doubtless with Adam's intimating the consequences of such a concurrence, implying especially that fact, provided it should happen.' Sup- he was substituted for his slain brother. pose that when designedly and danger- -11 Another seed. Another child; ously wounded by a murderous weap- the term seed being applied to a single on, in the hand of arufiran, I should slay individual, as it is also Gen. 21. 13, and my assailant, whether a grown man 38. 8. This usage confirms the aposor a daring youth, yet as it would tle's argument, Gal. 3. 16,'He saith be done in self defence, I should not- not, and to seeds, as of many; but as incur the guilt of murder. For if the of one, and to thy seed,which is Christ.' man that should have killed Cain, who -The manner in which the mother of slew his brother without provocation, mankind speaks on this occasion is were to be punished seven-fold, then he much in favour of her personal religion. who should undertake to inflict ven- Thelanguage implies, thatthough at first geance upon me for slaying a man in she haddoated upon Cain,yet as the bromy ow2n defence, shall be punished sev- thers grew up, and developed their resenty and seven-fold.' Thus one sinner pective characters, Abel was preferred. takes liberty to sin from the suspension He was the child in whom all the hopes of judgment towards another. The of the family seem to have concentraspeech was prompted, perhaps, by La- ted; and therefore when he fell a sacrimech's having witnessed the mischiev- fice to his brother's cruelty, it was conous effects of some of his sons' newly- sidered as a very heavy loss. She was invented instruments of iron and brass, not without a son when Seth was which probably began to be wielded to born, for Cain was yet alive; but he the injury or destruction of human life. was considered as none, or as worse The Chal. renders the passage,'For I than none, and therefore when Seth have not killed a man that I should was born, she hoped to find in him a bear sin for him; nor destroyed a successor to Abel. And so it proved; young man that my seed should be for his was doubtless the family in consumed for him.' Thle speech is in which the true religion was preserved hemistichs, according to the genius of in after ages. Hebrew poetry, and, as it seems, not 26. Called his name Enos. Heb. written by Moses, but handed down by 7Z)IR Enosh; i. e. sick, weak, sorrowtradition. —Thus ends the account of ful, miserable; so called perhaps from the murderer Cain. We hear no more the prevailing degenerate state of the of his posterity, unless it be as tempt- world at that time.-~T Then began ers of' the sons of God,' till they were m-zen to call upon the name qf the Lord. all swept away by the deluge! The true import of these words, as 25. Called his name Seth. Heb. r, read in the original, is somewhat diffiset, put, appointed; a name bestowed cult to be determined. As the Heb. 108- GENESIS. [B. C. 3769. term for'began' will admit of being by taking upon them the profession of rendered profaned or profanely began, God's holy name, and by being recogthe Jewish interpreters for the most nised as his true worshippers. A simipart understand it of the commence- lar phraseology obtains Is. 44. 5,'One ment of idolatry, whichconsists in pro- shall say, I am the Lord's and another fanely calling upon and worshipping shall call himself by the name (~lD>q idols under the name and titles of the =t1/) of Jacob.' Ch. 48. 1,' Hear ye true God, and thus as marking the be- this, O house of Jacob, which are callginnings of that great degeneracy ed by the name of Israel;' i. e. who prowhich finally led to the destruction of fess to belong to the people of Israel the earth and its guilty inhabitants by and to be of the same religion. Perthe flood. Accordingly, the Chaidee haps the distinction of'sons of God' Targum reads it,' Then the sons of men and'sons of men,' alluded to in the folleft off' from praying in the name of lowing chapter, then began more genethe.Lord,' or,'became profane so that rally to prevail. On the whole, howthey. prayed not.' The more common ever, we incline to the opinion that the interpretation, however, is, that about sense of profane invocation is really this time there began to be a more conveyed by the original word; but marked separation on the part of the that the other idea also of a pious propious from the ungodly, that the name fession of the name and worship of Jeof the Lord began to be invoked in a hovah is directly and necessarily inmore open and public manner, and the ferred from it, for the f ct of the invarious ceremonies of his worship to be creasing profaneness and irreligion of more solemnly observed. Adam and, one portion of the race would naturally his-pious offspring had undoubtedly be- tend to produce a more public and defore this maintained the worship of cided adherence to the worship of God God both in their. families and their by the other, and the Heb. idiom, we closets; but till the human race were, believe, allows us to consider both facts considerably multiplied there was no to be alluded to by one and the same occasion for what may be called public term.-In res.tct to this period of the worship. But when the families be- sacred histoi we may properly cite came so numerous that they were obli- the words of ie celebrated Jewish wriged to separate, then it was necessary ter Maimonic s as translated by Ainsto call them: together at stated times worth: —'In le days of Enos the sons and seasons, that, by forming different of Adam err 1 with great error, and congregations, they might all receive the counsel oJ the wise men of that age instruction at once, and keep up in their became brutish; and their error was minds an. habitual reyerence for God. this: They said, forasmuch as God hath' Calling upon, the name of the Lord' is created tltese stars and spheres to govan expression elsewhere used to denote ern the world, and set them on high, all the appropriate acts and exercises of and imparted honour unto them, and the stated worship of God. Gen. 12. they are ministers that minister before 8.-13. 4.-21. 33. 1 Chron, 16. 8. Ps. him; it is meet that men should laud, -105. 1. et al. Comp. Acts, 9. 14. The and glorify, and give them honour. For marginal rendering, for which there is this is the will of God, that we might alsosomeground, is,'Then began men magnify and honour whomsoever he to be called by the nahme of the Lord,' rngnifieth and honoureth, even as a i. e. then beaan a portion of men (viz. king would have them magnified that the children of Seth) to be distingutished stand before him. When this thing from others, the descendants of Cain,'. was come tip into their heart, they be B. C. 4004.] CHAPTER V. 109 CHAPTER V. 3 1[ And Adam lived an hunTHIS is the a book of the gen- dred and thirty years, and begat erations of Adam: In the day a son in his own likeness, after that God created man, in b the his image; and d called his name likeness of God made he him: Seth: 2 c Male and female created 4 e And the days of Adam afhe them; and blessed them, and ter he had begotten Seth were called their name Adam, in the eight hundred years: f and he beday when they were created. gat sons and daughters: a 1 Chron. 1. 1. Luke3. 36. b ch. 1. 26. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. c ch. 1. 27. dch. 4. 25. e 1 Chron. 1. 1, &c. f ch. 1. 28. gan to build temples unto the stars, and tailed, and which we have already sufto offer sacrifices unto them, and to laud ficiently explained. Perhaps he designand glorify them with words, and to ed also to hint at the different mode of worship before them, that they might, production in regard to Adam and his in their evil opinion, obtain favour of posterity. He came into being from the Creator. And this was the root the immediate hand of his Creator; of idolatry.'-Lightfoot supposes that they by generation from him. Noah is called in 2 Pet. 2. 5,' the eighth 2. Called their name Adam. As be person' in reference to these times, viz. fore remarked, ch. 1. 26, Adam is in the eighth in succession from Enos, in truth the name of the species,'of the whose days the world began to be pro- whole human race in general, though fane. Otherwise it may be rendered frequently employed as the appellation the'eighth preacher.' of the first man exclusively. It is, however, a striking fact that the Holy CHAPTER V. Spirit should have adopted a phraseol-. 7This is the book qf the generations ogy which teaches us that it was not of Adam. In other words, this is the merely an individual, but the human narrative or rehearsal of the remarka- race, whose history is given in the pre ble events pertaining to the creation ceding chapters; that it was the hu and the life of Adam (see Gen. 2. 4, on man race which was put upon probathe word'generations'); and not only tion, was tempted, overcome, and ruinro, but also the list or catalogue of the ed by the fall. It is not easy to connames of his more immediate posterity. ceive of any theological view which Both senses are undoubtedly included shall weaken the force of this solemn in the expression, as the two first ver- consideration. ses imply the first, and the remaining 3. Adam lived an hundred and thirty part of the chapter the second. The years. During which time he begat phrase is at once retrospective and an- many other sons and daughters not ticipative in its import. It is not the enumerated in this catalogue. v. 4. writer's object, however, to give a com- -..i Begat a son in his own likeness. plete genealogy embracing all Adam's The word' son' does not occur in the descendants to Noah, but only those original, but from what follows it is through whom the line of the promises plain that the sense requires its inserran. IT In the day that God created tion. Similar omissions are not infreman. Heb.'created Adam.' The quent in Hebrew. Thus 1 Chron. 18. historian prefaces the ensuing genealo- 6,' Then David put in Syria;' i. e. gy with a brief recapitulation of the as we learn from 2 Sam. 8. 6, put gar-:leading events which he had before de- risons in Syria.- Ir In his own like10 110 GENESIS. LB. C. 3679 5 And all the days that Adam were nine hundred and twelve lived were nine hundred and thir- years; and he died. ty years; g and he died. 9 1 And Enos lived ninety 6 And Seth lived an hundred years, and begat Cainan: and five years, and h becat Enos: 10 And Enos lived after he be7 And Seth lived after he be- gat Cainan eight hundred and gat Enos eight hundred and seven fifteen years, and begat sons and years, and begat sons and daugh- daughter>: ters: 11 And all the days of Enos 8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and five years; and he died. g ch. 3. 19. Heb. 9. 27. h ch. 4. 26. ness. Not only like him in the struc- in his family ending in the unnatural ture of his body and the faculties of murder of his second son by a brother's his mind, but like him also in the cor- hand. He was witness also to the ruption of his nature as a sinner. If beginnings of that universal corruption the former only had been intended, it which at last brought on the deluge; might have been said of Cain or Abel, and when he beheld himself the source as well as of Seth. But here the im- of these growing evils, he could not fail, plication is, that Seth, though a good with every succeeding year of his life, man and worthy of being substituted to entertain deeper and more appalling in the place of Abel as the progenitor views of the enormity of his transgresof the promised seed, yet even he was sion and the justice of his sentence. begotten and born in sin, and indebted This would naturally tend in his case, to the sovereign grace of God alone for as in every other, to heighten his estiall the moral excellence which he pos- mate at once of the goodness and the sessed. The evident drift of the sacred severity of God, and endear to him that writer is to hint at the contrast between promise which was the hope of a lost the image in which Adam himself was world. made, and that in which his children 3-28. Of the genealogy contained in were begotten. Adam was created in these verses we may remark, (1.) That the image of God, pure, upright, and it is a very honourable one. Not only holy; but after his fall he begat a son did the patriarchs and prophets, and like himself sinful, defiled, frail, mortal, the church of God for many ages, deand miserable.' Grace does not run in scend from it, but the Son of God himthe blood, but corruption does. A sin- self according to the flesh; and to show ner begets a sinner, but a saint does thefulfilment of the promises and prophnot beget a saint.' Henry. ecies concerning him is the principal 5. All the days that Adam lived were reason of the genealogy having been nine hundred and thirty years: and recorded. (2.) Neither Cain nor Abel he died. Thus our great progenitor, has any place in it. Abel was slain having reached the fifty-sixth year of before he had any children, and thereLamech's life, and seen his issue in fore could not; and Cain by his sin the ninth generation, left the world on had covered his name with infamy, which his apostacy had drawn down and therefore should not. Adarn's possuch dire effects. Besides the griefs terity, consequently, after the lapse of an which he experienced on account of hundred and thirty years must begin his personal transgression, he had the anew. (3.) The extraordinary length mortification to see an early rupture of human life at that period was wisely B. C. 3609.] CHAPTER V. I l 12 ~ And Cainan lived seven- 15 " And Mahalaleel lived sixty years, and begat Mahalaleel: ty and five years, and begat Jared: 13 And Cainan lived after he 16 And Mahalaleel lived after begat Mahalaleel eight hundred he begat Jared eight hundred and and forty years, and bega: sons thirty years, and begat sons and and daughters: daughters: 14 And all the days of Cainan 17 And all the days of Mahawere nine hundred and ten years; laleel were eight hundred ninety and he died. and five years; and he died. ordered, not only for peopling the world, society, and thus the phenomenon is but for supplying the defect of a writ- traced back to the goodness and wisten revelation. From the death of Ad- dom of the Creator. For it is obviam to the call of Abraham, a period of ous to the least reflecting, not only that about eleven hundred years, there was the process of peopling the earth reliving either Enoch, Lamech, Noah, or quired at first a greater longevity in the Shem, besides other cotemporary god- human race, than would be necessary ly persons, who would feelingly relate after it became adequately colonised, to those about them the great events of but that the advancement of the race the creation, the fall, and the recovery itself into high civilization and refine of man. (4.) Notwithstanding the ment could not have taken place, had longevity of the antediluvians, it is re- not each person been permitted to live corded of themr all in their turn, that during a much longer space of time they died. Though the stroke of death than is found to be the case at present was slow in its approach, yet it was in every portion of the globe. The sure. If man could live a thousand first generations havingno past experiyears, yet he must die; and if he die in ence to look back upon, must have sin, he will be accursed. (5.) Though owed all their knowledge to their own many of the names in this genealogy individual exertions; and how far these are passed over without any thing be- would have carried them in the short ing said of their piety, yet we are not space of seventy or eighty years, we hence to infer that they were not so need only examine the condition of the distinguished. Many might be in- wandering tribes in America to discovcluded among them who'called upon er. It was not, however, in accordance the name of the Lord,' and who are with God's gracious design in creating, denominated'the sons of God,' though that man, whom he had appointed the nothing is personally related of them.- head of this lower world, should live As to the extreme longevity that char- and die in a state of intellectual childacterized this period, it was probably hood. And hence he appointed to the owing in part to physical and in part to antediluvians many centuries of existmoral causes. While the influences of ence, that they might discover, follow climate and diet are to be recognized as up, and lay the foundations of knowlcontributing to it, yet we may admit edge for all future ages, in every useful that there were various other causes in and ornamental art. But the necessity operation which tended to the same re- for so very protracted an existence being sult. There is in fact something in the of a temporary nature, God wisely witlhintellectual nature of man which seems drew it, as soon as it had attained its to require that the period of life granted purposes; and he did so, not more in to individuals, should be more extended wisdom, than in mercy, to the creature in the infancy, than in the maturity of whose mortal life he curtailed. As we 112 GE1NESIS. [B. C. 3382. 18 ~ AndJaredlivedan hundred 21 ~ And Enoch lived sixty sixty and two years, and he begat and five years, and begat MethuEnoch: selah: 19 And Jared lived after he be- 22 And Enoch k walked with gat Enoch eight hundred years, God after he begat Methuselah and begat sons and daulghtes: three hundred years, and begat 20 And all the days of Jared sons and daughters: were nine hundred and sixty and two years; and he died. k chu6. 5. & 17. 1. & 24. 49. 2 Kings 20. 3. Ps. 16,. & 116.9. & 1i2. 1. Mic. 8. Mal. 2.6 IJude 14, 1.. have already seen, though their prodi- was the longest liver of the children of gious age doubtless contributed greatly Adam. Among the multitudesofwhom totheadvancement oftheantediluvians *no information is given some might in knowledge and refinement, it is be- have exceeded him in this respect. yond a question that the same circumr- 22. Enoch walked ith God. A brief stances tended, more perhaps than any but expressive character of a good man. thing besides, to introduce moral cor- To walk with God is in the first place ruption into the world, which corrup- to be agreed with him, to become retion became, in all probability, more conciled to him in the way of his apand more flagrant as the increased pointment-'for how can two walk toingenlity of mankind enabled them gether except they be agreed'-and to devise new methods of gratify- then to set God always before us, to ing the senses. Thus God permitted act as being urder thecontinualinspecthe first races to live long upon the tion of his all-seeing eye. It is to live a earth, that they might themselves at- life of communion with him and of obetain to perfection in the cultivation of dience to him, making his word our rule the sciences, and leave them to their and his glory our end, in all actions. posterity, even though the boon of It is to make it our constant endeavour longevity proved mischievous to their in every thing to please him and in own moral purity, whilst the ground- nothing to offend him. This it is to work of knowledge being laid, he took walk with God like Enoch, who in the away the stumbling-block in the way of midst of the men of a wicked generaman's obedience, by decreeing that'the tion walked not as they walked, but time of man's life should be four score set his face as a flint against the abounyears.' ding ungodliness. In consequence of 21. And begat Methuselah. The im- this he obtained the honourable and preport of this name in the original is,'He cious testimony'that he pleased God,' dietl, and the sending forth;' as if it and as a reward for his preeminent piewere an intimation of the senldingforth ty was spared the pains of death.of the waters of the deluge about the From the import of the phrase' to time of his death. Whether this con- walk with God' as used I Sam. 2. 30, jecture be well founded or not, it is cer- 35, and from his being said by Jude, v. tain that inl the very year in which he 14, to be a prophet, it is probably to be died the earth wasoverwhelmed by that inferred that Enoch acted also in a dread catastrophe.-The age of Methu- I public and official capacity as a preachselah transcended that of any of the er of righteousness, reproving and derest of the patriarchs here mentioned nouncing the growing impiety of the hult it is not absolutely certain that he I times, and exhorting to repentance. A B. C. 3130.] CHAPTER V. 113 23 And all the days of Enoch 26 And Methuselah lived after were three hundred sixty and five he begat Lamech seven hundred years: eighty and two years, and begat 24 And I Enoch walked with sons and daughters: God, and he was not: for God 27 And all the days of Methutook him. selah were nine hundred sixty 25 T And Methuselah lived an and nine years; and he died. hundred eighty and seven years, 28'1 And Lamech lived an hunand begat Lamech: dred eighty and two years, and begat a son' 1 2 Kings 2. 11. Heb. 11. 5. b brief but impressive specimen of his 300 years-with Seth, Enos, Cainan, preaching is preserved by the apostle Mahalaleel, and Jared during his whole Jude, from which it appears that the life-and that he was translated 57 doctrine of the second advent of Christ, years after the death of Adam, 69 years the resurrection of the dead, and a before the birth of Noah, and in the judgment to come, were taught, though year of the world 987. It has been somewhat obscurely, in the very earli- suggested as highly probable that some est ages of the world.-Wonderful as visible demonstration of his translation was the event of the translation of a was given to his cotemporaries in orliving man to the world of glory, we der to confirm their faith in the prosknow of nothing in the revealed pur- pect of another and an immortal life, poses of God to. forbid the occurrence as well perhaps as to intimate to them of other instances of the like kind even the manner in which sinless man would in this or any other age of the world, in process of time have been disposed provided there were instances of equal of under the first covenant, had it not eminence in piety. The same distinc- been for the effects of the fall. But tion was subsequently conferred upon from the peculiar phraseology in which Elijah, and probably from the same his removal is described, v. 24, we inreasons, and the words of the apostle cline to the opinion that it was not visI Cor. 15. 51, make it certain that the ible.-IT Begat sons and daughters. whole human race shall not fall asleep From which it plainly appears that a in death, but that a portion of mankind state of celibacy is not essential to a shall be transferred to the abodes of life of the most devoted and preemibliss without undergoing dissolution. nent piety. This is to take place under the seventh 24. And he was not, for God took apocalyptic trumpet, and if there be him. Was not found; was missing; any certainty in prophetic chronology had disappeared from human view. we are now living under that trumpet, The expression implies something very or close upon its borders. If then such peculiar in the manner of his removal. an event is to be anticipated hereafter, In some mysterious way he had beand that without contravening the gen- come no longer an inhabitant of this eral law, that'it is appointed for all world, and as he is not said like the men once to die,' we know no reason rest of the patriarchs to have died, the why it may not take place even now, inference is plain, though the text itself though we have no positive evidence does not clearly assert it, that he must that it will.-It may be remarked that have been exempted from the common Enoch was cotemporary with Adam lot of humanity in making hiq exit from 308 years-with his son Methuselah the earth.'rhis is made absolutely cer10* 1I4 GENESIS. [B. C. 2948 29 And he called his name 30 Arid Lamech lived after he Noah, saying, This same shall begat Noah five hundred ninety comfort us concerning our work and five years, and begat sons and and toil of our hands, because of daughters: the ground m which the LORD hath 31 And all the days of Lamech cu rsed m ch. 3. 17. & 4. 11. tain by the inspired declaration, Heb. cordance with the fact. The prediction 11. 5, that'by faith Enoch was trans- thus understood he maintains has been lated that he should not see death.' verified by the event; that the earth The Chaldee version renders the pas- from the time of the flood was in a sage,'He appeared not, and yet the good degree restored from the curse laid Lord killed him not.' upon it at the fall, and is still enjoying 29. Called his name Noah, saying, the effect of the blessing bestowed up&c. The original terms for Noah (rn on Noah. Very specious objections noach, rest) and comfort (mr; nahham, may doubtless be urged against this to comfort or refresh) have so much re- view of the subject, yet if the predicsemblance to each other that we are tion be construed as announcing a probably to regard the language as an gradual amelioration of the state of instance of that paranomasia, or play- the earth to be effected through this upon words, which is of such frequent lapse of many ages, the proposed interoccurrence in the sacred writers, and of pretation may be considered as less liawhich a striking parallel is to be noted ble to exception. For it is certain that Gen.9. 27. The name was doubtless the invention of the arts and implebestowed by the prompting of the spirit ments of husbandry, and the improveof prophecy. Butin what precise sense ments made by one age upon another the prediction was to be fulfilled in No- in every department of agriculture, have ah, is a point not very easily determin- rendered the toil andwork ofmen'shands ed. The opinion of Bp. Sherlock is that less and less burdensome. By the art of the curse upon the earth inflicted in taming and managing the beasts of the consequence of Adam's sin had, in field, and pressing them into our service connection with the progressive in- -a prerogative especially secured in the crease of corruption and crime, been grant made through Noah, chap. 9. 2 growing more and more severe ever -the most laborious part of the work is since the fall, so that the work and transferred upon them, and by that toil necessary to raise from the ground means man's dominion over them so a sufficient sustenance for life had be- far recovered. By the improvements come an almost intolerable burden. also which in later times have resulted And he supposes that the words of La- from an investigation of the laws of mech refer to a general expectation motion and a dexterous application of that by the intervention or instrumen- the mechanical powers, one man can tality of some distinguished personage now perform with ease what formerly the rigour of the curse was to be great- surpassed the united efforts of many, ly abated, and the earth restored in a and a great part of the labour of life measure to its primitive fertility and ease has been thrown back upon inanimate of cultivation. This personage he con- matter itself. In attributing such an ceives that Lamech,underdivine sugges- import, however, to the name Noah, we tion, recognised in his new-born child, are not to conceive of him as the effiand bestowed upon him a name in ac- cient agent by whom such a signal B. C. 2448. r'uTAPTER VI. 115 were seven hundred seventy and CHAPTER VI. seven years: and he died. AND it came to pass, when 32 And Noah was five hun- men began to multiply on the dred years old: and Noah begat face of the earth, and daughters " Shem, Ham, o and Japheth. were born unto them, n ch. 6. 10. oh. 0.21. a ch. 1. a 28. change was to be brought about, but CHAPTER VI. merely as a destined medium, appoint- 1. And it came to pass, &c. A more ed to act a conspicuous part in the train exact rendering of the two first verses of events which should issue in such a is the following;-'And it came to pass result.-After all, the above suggestions when men began to multiply on the are thrown out in the lack of any face of the earth, that daughters were thing more satisfactory in explanation born unto them, And the sons of God of the reason assigned by Lamech for saw the daughters of men that they the bestowment of the name Noah up- were fair,' &c. The same construction on his son. in the original occurs 1 Sam. 13. 22. 32. And Noah begat Shlem, Ham, Josh. 17. 13. 2Kings 3. 5, in all which and Japheth. That is, began to be- cases'and' is rendered'that.' —~f get; for his three sons were not all When men began to multiply. Men begotten or born in one year. Of had multiplied long before this, for it was these, Japheth was undoubtedly the now above 1500 years since the creaeldest, and therefore born in the five tion; the meaning therefore is, when hundredth year of Noah's life. And the human race had greatly multiplied. as Shem begat Arphaxad two years af- Heb.' when the Adam began to multiter the flood when he was one hundred ply.' That is, corrupt men, men paryears old, ch. 11. 10, he must have taking in an eminent degree of the nabeen born about two years after Ja- ture of fallen Adam, in allusion particuplheth, that is to say, when his father larly to the descendants of wicked was five hundred and two. Yet as Cain. This appears from their being Ham is invariably named between the distinguished from the' sons of God' other two, we incline to tne belief that in the ensuing verse, who although by he was born between them, though of nature equally the heirs of corruption, ~he precise time of his birth we are not yet being descended from the line of nformed. Shem is named first from Seth were in the main a class of perhis superior dignity as the progenitor of sons possessing the fear and observing the church and of Christ, and perhaps the worship of Jehovah. They were from his obtaining the birthright,though those upon whom'the name of the this is not mentioned in the history. In Lord was called,' as mentioned in the like manner, Abel is named before previous chapter. The object of the Cain, Jacob before Esau, and Isaac be- sacred writer is to trace back to its fore Ishmael. He is called Shem, fountain-head that universal degenerawhich signifies a name, because the cy and corruption of manners which name of God and the distinction that resulted in bringing the deluge upon the accrued from it, was always to remain world of the ungodly. From his statein his posterity till He should come out ment it is plain that it commenced in of his loins whose name was to be promiscuous intermarriages, or less above every name; so in putting Shem lawful connections, between the seed of first, Christ was in effect put first, who in the righteous and of the wicked.' If all things must have the preeminence. there had not been so deep a deluge of 116 GENESIS. [B. C. 2443 2 That the sons of God saw the fir; and they b took them wives daughters of men that they were of all which they chose. b Deut. 7. 3, 4. sin there had been none of the waters. garded with a lustful eye, as Eve saw From whence then was this supcrtluity the forbidden fruit. Heb.'daughters of iniquity? Whence, but fron the un- of tile Adlam.' That is, daughters of equal yoke with infidels. These mar- the profane and impious race of Cain, riages did not beget men so much as children of the old Adam, such as had wickedness; from hence religious hus- nothing in them but the nature of men, bands both lost their piety, and gained fallen men, who had lost the image of a rebellious and godless generation.' God and minded only earthly things. Bp. Hall. Thus, 1 Cor. 13. 3,'Walk ye not as 2. The sons of God. Heb. R AiZ men?' i. e. as carnal unregenerate men. sons of the Elohim. Chal.'sons of 11~ They took them wives qf all the eminent ones.' That is, the de- which they chose. Or, Heb.' which they scendants of Seth, Enos, and the oth- liked or loved.' The original for'choose' er pious patriarchs who were separated often has the sense of liking, delightfrom the posterity of Cain and formed ing in, being pleased with. Thus Isa. the visible church. The appellation 14. 1,'For the Lord will have mercy on no doubt has reference to Gen. 4. 26, Jacob, and will yet choose Israel;' i. e. where the same class of persons are will yet delight in. So the phrase'my said to be'called by the name of the chosen,' Isa. 42. 1, is interpreted'my Lord;' i. e. to be the sons and servants beloved,' Mat. 12. 18. Comp. Zech. 1. of God in contradistinction from oth- 17.-3. 2. Prov. 1. 29.-3. 31. Eners, the seed of Cain, who are merely snared by the beauty of these fair called' men.' The term Elohim is oc- daughters of men, and overlooking evcasionally applied to persons of distin- ery higher consideration, they' rushed guished eminence in place or power,, thoughtlessly into the most dangerous such as judges, magistrates, &c. but is connections. Instead of giving reason here probably used to denote a distinc- time to deliberate and weigh the consetion of a moral kind, such as resulted quences, they surrendered themselves from their likeness to God, their main- to the impulses of a headstrong pastaining his worship, and obeying his sion, and deaf to advice or remonlaws. The persons designated included, strance took all that they chose, choosit may be presumed, all, or nearly all, ing only by the eye and in obedience to those enumerated in the preceding chap- their corrupt affections; and perhaps ter as forming the line of the faithful disdaining to govern themselves by the from Seth to Noah, who though pious limitation of one woman to one man. and devout themselves, were yet unfor- Such unequal yokings have always tunate in their children. They unhap- been among the most fruitful sources of pily swerved from the precepts in which evil, and upon no conduct of his people they had been trained, forsook the is the stamp of the divine displeasure counsels of their fathers, relaxed the more unequivocally set than upon this. strictness of their walk, and, yielding See Dent. 7. 3, 4, 2 Cor. 6. 14. 1 Cor. gradually to temptation, formed unhal- 7. 39. Professors of religion in marrylowed connections with the worldly and ing both themselves and their children profane, and thus opened the floodgates should, as a general rule, make conof a universal corruption of morals. science of keeping within the bounds -- Saw the daughters of -men. Re- of profession.'The bad will sooner B. C. 2448.] CHAPTER VI. 117 3 And the LORD said, My man, d for that he also is flesh: Spirit shall not always strive with yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 6 Gal. 5. 16, 17. 1 Pet. 3. 19, 20. d Ps. 78. 39. corrupt the good than the good reform This acceptation of the original word, the bad. Those that profess them- however is not sustained by adequate selves the children of God should not authority, though adopted by Pagninus marry without his consent, which they and favoured by Grotius. The renderhave not if they join in affinity with his ing which we have given above is by enemies.' Henry. far the most probable, implying that 3. The Lord said; i. e. to himself, pur- the spirit of God speaking by the minposed, resolved. —-l My Spirit shall istry of such prophets as Enoch and not always strive with man. Heb. Noah, as well as by his inward opera-'1'8 Ad shall not judge, i. e. contend in tions on the conscience, should not al judgment, as the word signifies Eccl. 6. ways strive to bring men to repentance. 10,'Neither may he contend (ri) A parallel mode of speech we find Neh. with him that is mightier than he.' As 9. 30,'Yet many years didst thou forif he should say,'My Spirit shall not bear them, and testifiedst against them perpetually keep up the process ofjudg- by thy Spirit in thy prophets: yet ment, rebuke, conviction, and condem- would they not give ear.' The lannation.' The ancient versions vary guage plainly implies that ample time considerably in their mode of render- and opportunity had been already afing. The Gr. translates it,' My Spirit forded for this purpose,'the long-sufshall not continue in these men.' Chal. fering of God had waited,' but all to'This evil generation shall not continue no effect, and now an end is determined before me for ever, because they are to the divine forbearance. Still, as the flesh, and their works most wicked; justice of heaven is reluctant to take its and an end shall be given unto them, course, it shall not be immediately exean hundred and twenty years, if per- cuted; a limited respite is granted, haps they may be converted.' The which, once expired, no farther indulSeptuagint translators appear to have gence shall be shewn. taken the original'1'L~ yadon as a verbal derivation from the noun ym neden,' There is a time, and Justice marks the date; a sheath; so that the true sense will be, For long-forbearing Clemency to wait;' My Spirit shall not for ever be en- That hour elapsed, th' ilcura)le revolt sheathed in man;' that is, The vital Is punished, and down comes the thunder. breath with which I inspired him shall not for ever animate its sheath of clay. This passage should be viewed in conThis phraseology is somewhat striking- nection with 1 Pet. 3. 18-20, from ly illustrated by the following lines which we learn that it was no other from a Persian historian said to have than the Spirit qf Christ that through been spoken by a philosopher to Alex- the instrumentality of the pious patriander the Great. archs preached to the disobedient spirits of the old world. We may be remindDost thou not know that man's exterior form ed by the narrative (1.) That nothing Is but the scabbard to the enlivening mind s th Why shou.dt th.ujg more effectually grieves the Spirit of Why shouIdst thoujudge then of the weapon's edge God than fleshly lusts. (2.) Every When yet you've nothing seen except the fresh indulgence of sin is a new resistcase 3-Anc. Univ. Ilist. vol v. p. 438. ance against God's strivings. (3.) When 118 GENESIS. [B. C. 2469 4 There were giants in the men, and they bare children to earth in those days; and also af- them: the same became mighty ter that, when the sons of God men, which were of old, men ot came in unto the daughters of renown. the Spirit of God is resisted, his calls come. God will so temper his judg become less and less sensible, till he ments with mercy, and afford the sinis finally quite withdrawn. (4.) When ner such warnings and such opportuniGod strives no more, then men rush ties of securing his favour, that the headlong into sin and ruin. How much judgment when it comes shall find reason have we all to pray,'Lord, take him without excuse. Let us hear then, not thine Holy Spirit from us.'- and fear, and break off our sins by ~ For that he also is flesh. Chal.' for righteousness. that they are flesh, and their works 4. There were giants in the earth in evil.' hIad the sons of God kept them- those days. A term descriptive probaselves separate, and preserved their pu- bly not so much of great strength and rity, God would have spared the world stature as of great cruelty, rapine, and for their sakes, but they mingled to- violence; though the first, as a secondgether, and became in effect one people. ary sense, may still be included. Heb. God, therefore, seeing they had become t't~ nephilim, fallers, i. e. apostates virtually one, called them all by one fallen from God and the true religion, name, and that is man ('-iR Adam), and by violence and cruelty flling without distinction, and in giving the upon their fellow-men, injuring their reason why his Spirit should not al- persons, and invading their rights; usurways strive with man, special reference pers, oppressors, tyrants, monsters of is had to their having become degener- wickedness and lust, as well as of enorate. It was.' for that he also, or these mous stature. They are otherwise also, were flesh'; i. e. even his own and elsewhere termed Anakim, Rephprofessing people, those who had been aim, Gibborim: thus Nimrod, Gen. denominated and deemed the' sons of 10. 8, is:called Gibbor; i. e. a mighty God,' even they too had become fleshly, one, a giant. By the Greeks, this class corrupt, profligate. The original is of men are termed.Gigantes, from two peculiarly emphatic, as if such a result words, signifying to be born of the earth; would not have been to be wondered at a term from which we learn both the in regard to the Cainites, but that it origin and the import of the English was matter of astonishment and re- word' giant.' The giants of the angret that the pious stock of Seth should cient mythology are fabled to have have thus greivously apostatised; hut sprung from the earth, from some broseeing that they had in fact joined ken traditions respecting these antedithemselves to the opposite party and luvian apostates, who in the sense of become the promoters of the general being earthly, sensual, vile, despising iniquity, they must expect nothing else heavenly things, might be justly dethan to share in the bitter consequences. nominated'earth-born.' There are Men are worse than others just in pro- more frequent allusions to them in the protion as they ought tobe better, and are original Scriptures than are obvious in dealt with accordingly. — Yet his our translation, or any other. Thus, days shall be an hundred and twenty Prov. 9. 18, speaking of the young man years. The allotted term for repent- enticed into the abodes of the adulterance before the day of vengeance should ous woman,'He knoweth not that B. C. 2469.1 CHAPTER VI. 11S 5'f And GOD saw that the nation'of the thoughts of his heart wickedness of man was great in was only evil continually. the earth, and that every e imagie ch. 8.21. Deut 29. 19. Prov. 6. 18. Matt. 15. 19. the dead (Heb. the giants, the Reph- these apostate'sons of God' are intendaim) are there;' i. e. he does not con- ed by the sacred writer in the term sider that it was by this sin that the'angels,' 2 Pet. 5. 4, who are often renowned rebels before the flood per- styled'Elohim.' —~ And also after ished, and that he is in danger of meet- that when, &c. Heb.'And even after ing the same fate. Prov. 21. 16,'He it was so that the sons of God went in,' that wandereth out of the way of un- &c. This implies that the result of derstanding, shall remain in the con- such marriages disappointed previous gregation of the dead,' (Heb. of the expectation; that although the;sons giants;) i. e. shall be in imminent peril of God' might have flattered themselves of being joined to that wretched society. with the idea of exerting a predominant Prov. 2. 18,' The house of the strange- influence of a religious kind upon their woman inclineth unto death,' (Heb. un- wives, and of begetting and rearing up a to the giants.) Again, Job 26. 5,' Dead godly seed, yet the experiment was unthings, (Heb. the giants, Rephaim,) are successfiul. The children when grown formed under the waters and the inhab- emulated not the virtues of their fathers itants thereof.' This conveys no in- but the vices of their mothers, and thus telligible meaning. It is probably more the race of giants was perpetuated.correctly rendered by the Lat. Vulgate, r The same became mighty men, which'The giants groan (Heb. shake, or were of old, men of renown. flHeb. tremble) under the waters with the ~t-i Gibboerin and vs mo. anshe inhabitants thereof.' The clew to this shem, men qf name. The contrary is to be found in the fact, that it was phrase occurs Job 30. 8,'base men.' this class of men, who were buried in Heb.'men of no name.' The words the watersof the deluge, and whose spir- denote a class of men who had made its, i. e. shades, manes, were supposed, themselves famous with after ages by in popular estimation, to be imprisoned their exploits, by their deeds of violence, in the caverns of the earth. It was to robbery, and wrong. With this repute these spirits that Christ, by his Holy had their characters been handed down Spirit, preached during their lifetime, to posterity. If we are not mistaken, 1 Pet. 3. 19. Farmer supposes that the passage conveys an intimation that the Apostle James, in saying,' The theseantediluviangiantsandheroeswere devils (Gr. demons, i. e. spirits of dead the principal personages of the ancient men) believe and tremble,' alludes to heathen mythology, celebrated by this very passage of Job. The conceit the poets. However this may be, they of the Grecian poets, that earthquakes were men that became renowned in were occasioned by the attempts of the popular estimation for their deeds of giants to shake off the mountains that prowess, oppression, and blood, and were heaped upon them, owes its origin it is but little to the credit of humanity to the same source, viz. the traditions that such characters have been the prinrespeccing the fate of the antediluvian i cipal themes of historic record and rebels, who after death were held to be worldly admiration in all ages. incarcerated for their crimes in the sub- 5. God saw that the wickedness of terranean regions of the earth. It is man was great on the earth. Every supposedt by some that no other than thing in the narrative is so framed as 120 GENESIS B. C. 2448. 6 And f it repented the LORD earth, and it g grieved him at his that he had made man on the heart. f See Num. 23. 19. 1 Sam. 15. 11, 29. 2 Sam. g Isa. 63.10. Eph. 4. 30. 24. 16. Mal. 3. 6. Jam. 1. 17. to vindicate the judgment of God in the Had it been drawn by the pen of a prefearful proceeding soon to be detailed. judiced erring mortal it might have been The drift of these words is evidently to supposed to exceed the truth. But this show, that it was not from a slight is not the-testimonyof man, but of God cause or a hasty impulse that the des- who sees things precisely as they are, truction of a world was determined and his infallible declarationr is, that the upon. As the result of a deliberatesur- thoughts of man were evil without exvey, and not of a superficial glance, ception, without mixture, and without God saw that the earth had become intermission replete with wickedness, and therefore 6. It repented the Lord. As it is said ripe for a curse. Had the sins of men I1 Sam. 15. 29,' The strength of Israel been of the mere ordinary stamp, or will not lie nor repent; for he is not a had they been local and limited in their man that be should repent;' it is obviprevalence, they might have been par- ous that we are not to ascribe to an doned; but as it was, they were at immutable mind the fickleness that once enormous in degree and universal belongs to man, nor to suppose that the in extent. What more could be neces- omniscient Jehovah was really disapsary to justify the extremest rigour in pointed. This and similar expressions the sentence of the Judge?-~'r And are taken from what passes among that every imagination, &c. Heb. men when they are disappointed in their Age 5= the whole fabrication or.for- expectations and endeavours. As a mation. The term is that which is potter finding that a vessel which he usually applied to the work of the pot- has formed with the utmost care does ter. The language of Paul, Heb. 4. 13, not answer the desired purpose, reis probably equivalent;' Neither is grets his labour, and casts out of his there any creature that is not manifest sight the worthless object, so God, main his sight.' Gr.,rcrt-S creation, for- king use of language accommodated to mation, i. e. of the heart. The church our feeble apprehensions, represents being thus corrupted and in a manner himself as repenting and being grieved lost to the world, there was nothing left at heart that he had bestowed upon to resist the torrent of depravity. This, man so much labour in vain. As a it would appear from the picture here general rule, wherever'repenting' is drawn, had now attained its highest attributed to God, it implies-not a real pitch. The words, we apprehend, are not inward change in his feelings and purto be understood as originally descriptive poses, but simply a change in his disof the general state of the human heart, pensations towards his creatures, in though in this view but little abatement view of some previous change in their is to be made from the assertion, but conduct towards him. Thus it is said of the race of men then living; and the 1 Sam. 15. 10, 11,'Then came the sense is, that the wickedness of men word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, had become so great in the earth that It repenteth me that I have set up Saull the very intents, and thoughts, and to be king; for he hath turned back purposes of the heart were only evil from following me, and hath not percontinually. But the portrait, though formedmy commandments.' Here the appalling, is doubtless no more than just. effict follows the cause.' Repentance B. C. 2448.] CHAPTER VI. 121 7 And the LORD said, I will for it repenteth me that I have destroy man whom I have created made them. from the face of the earth; both 8 But h Noah found grace in man and beast, and the creeping the eyes of the LORD. thing, and the fowls of the air; hi cb. 19. 19. Exod. 33. 12, 13,16, 17. Luke, 1. 30. Acts, 7. 46. with man,' says an old divine,'is the impressive to Israel,' his sons, and his changing qf' the will; repentance with daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, God the willing of a change.' In this and his sheep, and his tent, and all that case the very same principles which he had,' were brought forth and stoned would lead hiti to reward and bless the and burnt with him. obedient, would lead him also to pun- 8. Noah.fbund grace in the eyes of ish the perverse and rebellious. The the Lord. That is, obtained favour. words before us express, with an ener- Chal.'found mercy before the Lord.' gy and impressiveness which probably In the worst of times there are still nothing purely literal could have con- some who find favour in the sight of veyed, the exceeding sinfulness and God, who stand up as witnesses for provoking nature of sin. him in the midst of their generations, 7. And the Lord said. Purposed and upon whom his eye is set for good. within himself.- r I will destroy. As grace in the Scriptures is uniformly Heb. amp I will blot or wipe out. opposed towoorks and to debt, Romn. 11. The same term occurs 2 Kings, 21. 13, 6. —4. 4, the imparted and distinguish-'And I will wipe ('n" ) Jerusalem ing favour of God must be recognized as aman ipeth(nrql9) adish, wiping it as the primary ground of Noah's ac(nrlt) and turning it upside down.' ceptance. Yet this truth is not to be How strikingly does this set forth the held to the disparagement of his own aggravation of sin, that it should be free, active, and exemplary obedience represented as extinguishing the pater- in the discharge of every duty. Upon nal kindness of God towards his crea- the character of Noah here given we ture; and causing him to say as on anoth.. may observe, that while it is painful to er occasion, Is. 27. 11,' It is a people of find but one family, nay, it would seem no understanding; therefore he that but one person, out of all the professed made them will not have mercy on sons of God, who stood firm in this them, and he that'formed them will evil day, yet it is pleasant to find one show them no favour.' Those who do upright man ih a generation of the unnot answer the end for which they godly, whose conduct would shine the were created, justly forfeit the existence brighter when contrasted with that of which they abuse.-IT Both man and the world about him. It is a great beast. Hleb.'from man unto beast;' matter to be faithful among the faithi. e. beginning with man I will extend less. With all our helps from the socithe destruction unto beasts. Asthe ani- ety of good men, we find it sufficiently mnal tribes were made for man's use and difficult to keep on our way; but for an as a ktind of appendage to him, they are individual to set his face against the to be involved in his calamities. Man's whole current of public opinion and sin brings ruin upon his comforts as custom, requires and implies great well as upon himself.'Ihus when grace. Yet that is the only true religion Achan had transgressed, Josh. 7. 24, which walks as in the sight of God, irin order to render his punisillment more respective of what is thought or done 11 122 GENESIS. [B. C. 2448. 9 J[ These are the generations and perfect in his generations, of Noah: i Noah was a just man, and Noah k walked with God. i ch 7. 1. Ezek. 14 14, 20. kch. 5. 22 by others. It is, moreover, encouraging 9. The generations qf Noah. That to find that one upright man was sin- is, the matters of record relating te gled out fiom the rest when the world him, the character he sustained and the was to be destroyed. If he had perish- events which happened to him. See ed with the world, God could indeed on Gen. 37. 2.-I A just man and have taken him to himself, and all perfect in his generations. That is, upwould have been well with hinm; but right and sincere among the men of the then there would have been no public age in which he lived, the original word expression of what he loved, as well as for' generations' being different from of what he hated. that (n.'l~)r ) in the preceding clause. *** At this place, ver. 8, ends, in the Whether this character of Noah is inHebr. Scriptures, the first Parasha, or troduced here as the reason or the effect great section of the Law, i. e. the por- of the divine favour towards him it is tion appointed to be read on the Sab- not easy to determine; but however it bath in the Jewish synagogues, Acts, may be, it is a most honorary testimo15. 21. The five books of Moses were nial to his worth. He is the first man divided by the Jews into fifty-four sec- whom the Scriptures call just, though tions, because, in their intercalated doubtless not the first who was so. In years, by a month being added, there a legal sense, a just man is one that were fifty-four Sabbaths; but in other doeth good and sinneth not; but since years they reduced them to fifty-two the fall no such man has existed upon by joining two together. Thus the earth, save the man Christ Jesus. If reading of the whole Law was comple- any man is now so denominated it is in ted in the course of a year. In the the sense in which the Scriptures use time of the Maccabees, who restored the term when they represent the just the reading of the Law after it had as living by faith. Such was the life of been suspended by the persecutions of Noah, as it is expressly said of him, Antiochus Epiphanes, a corresponding Heb. 11. 7, that he' became an heir of number of sections from the Prophets the righteousness which is by faith;' and were read in connection, the Law form- the faith by which he was justified being the first lesson, and the Prophets fore God operated, as it always will, to the second. This was practised in the render him just before men. But he times of the Apostles, as m'ay be seen was not only just or righteous, he was Acts, 13. 15. Of this usage the Hebrew also perfect in his generations (Heb. doctors write,'It is a common custom ti3htamim) i.e. not perfect in thesense throughout all Israel that they finish of sinless, bit sincere, simple, upright, wholly the Law in one year; beginning having respect to all God's commandon the Sabbath which is after the Feast ments, and like Caleb following the of Tabernacles at the first section of Lord fully. Christian perfection is not Genesis, (thence called'Bereshith;') absolute freedom from sin, but evanon the second Sabbath at'These are gelical integrity; a perfection implying the generations of Noah,' ch. 6. 9; on completeness of parts rather than of the third, at' The Lord said unto Abra- degrees, in the renewed character; and ham, ch. 12. 1; so they readl and go on it may be better understood by viewin this order till they have ended the ing it as opposed to partiality and hyLaw at the Feast of Tabernacles.' i pocrisy, to a partial obedience and an in B. C. 2448.J CHAPTER VI. 123 10 And Noah begat three sons, 1 12 And God o looklt.d upon the I Shein, Ham, and Japheth. j earth, and behold, it was corrupt: 11 The earth also was corrupt for all flesh had corrupted his way before God; and the earth was upon the earth.' filled with violence. 1 ch. 5. 32. m och. 7. 1. & 10. 9. & 13. 13. 2 o ch. 18. 21. Ps. 14. 2. & 33.13, 14. &53. 2, 3. Chron. 34. 27. Luke, 1. 6. Rom. 2. 13. & 3. 19. A Ezek. 8. 17. & 28. 16. Hal). 2. 8, 17. sincere profession. As the term is so and burning inceTnse in the high plafrquently applied to different individu- ces.' This flagrant wickedness was als in the Old Testament and the pos- perpetrated'before God,' i. e. openly, sebsion of the character so frequently publicly, without disguise, to his very enj,)ined in the New, there can be no face, as it were. Gen. 10. 9.-17. 1. doubt that perfection, in the scriptural - IT Was filled with violence. Heb. sense of the tern, is actually attaina-'violent wrong.' Chal.'rapines, or able, and ought to be an object of more robberies;' i. e. injurious and cruel dealanxious solicitude among Christians ing towards men; whereas the'corrupthan it usually is.-~1 Walked with tion' mentioned above denotes the corGod. The same that is said of Enoch; ruption of religion or wickedness toimplying his being reconciled to God, wards God. Or, by a common idiom his acknowledging him in all his ways, in the Heb.' violence' may here be put and enjoying habitual communion with for' violent men.' Thus, Prov. 13. 6, him.'Wickedness overthroweth the sinner 11. The earth also was corrupt before (Heb. rNRton the sin).' 2 Kings, 24. 14, God. Heb.'and the earth was cor-'None remained save the poorest sort rupt.' The word'also' is not felicitous- (Heb.,5'I the poverty) of the land.' ly introduced in this place into our Jer. 50. 31,'Behold, I am against thee, translation. It usually implies some- 0 thou most proud (Heb.'i,'i O pride).' thing supplemental to what has been The degeneracy, therefore, which had before said and closely connected with commenced in the domestic, gradually it, but the preceding context does not extended itself to the civil, and finally well allow such a sense here, aiid the to the religious, state of the world. probability is, it was employed to pre- The springs of domestic and social life vent the twofold occurrence of'and' in being poisoned, the tender ties of blood the same sentence. The literal render- and affinity violated, quarrels, intrigues, ing, though lacking in euphony, would oppressions, robberies, and murders have been better.-By the first'earth' is pervaded the abodes of men. The fear undoubtedly meant the inhabitantsof the of God and a due regard to our fellowearth, and -by the'corruption' char- men are closely connected; and where ged upon them is intended a moral the one is given up, the other will degeneracy, though the word is fre- soon follow. Indeed it appears to be quently employed in the senseof phys- the fixed decree of the God of proviical destruction or wasting. It is espe- dence, that when men have cast off his cially applied to that kind of corruptilg fear they shall not long continue ill or depraving the worship of God amity one with another. He has only which consists in introducing idolatry, to let the laws of nature take their as in Ex. 32. 7. Deut. 32. 5. Judg. 2. course, and the effect will surely follow. 19; and' the people's doing corruptly,' 12. God looked upon the earth. The 2 Chron. 27. 2, is elsewhere explained, universal violence and corruption which 2 Kings, 15, 35, by their'sacrificing overspread the earth, attracted the no 124 GENESIS. [B. C. 2448. 13 And God said unto Noah, behold, Iwill destroy them with P The end of' all fle:h is come be- the earth. fore me; for the earth is filled 14 E Make thee an ark of gowith violence through themx: qand pher-wood: rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch Pet. 4.7.. 17.,36. Amos,8.2. it withlin and without with pitch. tice of heaven. God knows at all sires. Eccl. 12. 13,'Let us hear the times what is doing in our world, but conclusion IV: of the whole matter;' his looking upon the earth denotes a i. e. the summing up, the substance. special observance of it, as though he Rom. 10. 4,'Christ is the end of the had institu ed an inquiry into its real law for righteousness;' i. e. the perfeccondition. Ps. 33. 13. —~ All flesh tion, the consummation, of the law. had corrupted its way. All mankind; So often elsewhere. In such cases, called'flesh' from their frailty, Is. 40. however, the suboidinate idea of time or 5, 6, but more especially from the cor- termination qf time is often, perhaps ruption and carnality of their unregen- usually, involved; and from this arises erate state. Gen. 6. 3. By their' way' the second and more generally received is meant not only their religion or sense of this passage, viz. that the defaith, Aets, 18. 25, 26-22. 4. 2 Pet. 2. creed end of all men (excepting Noah) 2, but also their manners,conduct, course had come before God; the allotted qf lfe. Thus the' way of Cain' Jude, term of 120 years was now upon the 11, is used for maliciousness, the'way point of expiring, and the universal de of Balaarm' for covetousness, 2 Pet. 2. pravity was to be visited with condign 15, and so in other cases. In allusion punishment. Comp. Ezek. 7. 2-6. probably to this language it is said in Amos, 8. 2.-~ I will destroy them. Job, ch. 22. 15, 16,'Hast thou marked Hleb. r)'ltI am corrupting i. e. the old'ray which wicked men have about to corrupt or destroy. The prestrodden? Which were cut down out ent participle both in Heb. and Gr. has of tinie, whose foundation was over- often a future import. In the former flown with a flood?' i. e. with the wa- verse,'corrupt' had the sense of corters of the general deluge. Compare raupting by sin; here, that of corruptLuke, 17. 27. ing by punishment, or in other words, 13. Tlhe end of all flesh is come be- of destroying. A parallel distinction fore me. A twofold import seems to occurs, Rev. 11. 8,'That thou shouldst be couched in these words; first, that destroy them that destroy the earth;' the end, that is, the completion, the fil- Gr.'That thou shouldst corrupt them ness, the consummation of all fleshli- that corrupt the earth.'-~ With the ness, had comae before God. In other earth. Or Heb.'even the.eartll;' thus words, human corruption had reached identifying'the earth' with its inhabi.its utmost height. Viewed in this light tants, according to a common idiom of the ensuing words are exegetical of the the Scriptures, and giving us a clew to first clause, and this is favoured by the the real meaning of the word'earth' fact that the original word for'end'(Heb. in numberless instances, particularly in ~i') is frequently so used in the Scrip- the prophets. Gr.'I destroy them tures, as well as the Gr. resXo by which and the earth,' i. e. probably,' even the it is translated. Thus Jer. 51. 13, earth.''Thine end is come, (even) the measure 14. Make thee an ark. Heb. t::: of thy covetousness,' i. e. thou hast tebath. The original word which ocreached the utmost summit of thy de- curs only here and Ex. 2. 3, where it is B. C. 2448.] CHAPTER VI. 125 applied to the ark of bulrushes in which we find nn Ay wood offiankinMoses was laid, is different from the cense, i. e. odoriferous wood, qt;'Xfy term used for the'ark of the covenant' (1pnm aron) Ex. 25. 10. But in the wtioed of oil, i. e. wood producing oil; Greek the same term (tofcwror, kibotos) and in like manner, we take:-n II= signifying a hollow chest is applied to to signify wood qf pitch, or in other both. Comp. Heb. 11. 7, with 9. 4. words as a general term for any kind As to the form of the ark, there is much of resinous wood suitable for the purdifference of opinion among commen- pose. If any particular species of tree talors. As it was not constructed so of this description be intended more much with a view to progressive mo- than another, it is probably the cypress tion, as to float for a given time upon Gr. (v7Trpaumos kuprissos), as the radical the water, it is not necessary to sup- consonants (,rvrup and'rk) in the pose it to have been modelled like the Greek and Hebrew words are the same, hull of a modern ship, or placed in a and as the cypress is eminently distinsort of boat, as in the common figures. guished for its durability and the powWe may be content with the simple er of resisting the injuries incident to idea given in the text, which is that of other kinds of wood, while its resinous an enormous oblong box or flat bot- properties would tend to render it tomed wooden house, divided into three impenetrable to water. Being a very stories, and apparently with a sloping compact and heavy kind of wood, and roof. Had it been built from a keel, not liable to rot orbecome worm-eaten, with a curving bottom like a ship, it it was much used in the construction of could not well have rested on the dry coffins among the Athenians, and of land after the flood withoutfalling over mummy-cases among the Egyptians. upon one side or other to the imminent It is said too that the gates of St. Peperil of all its inmates. Moreover, it is ter's church at Rome, which lasted clear that it was not furnished with from the time of Constantine to that of either mast, rudder, or sails; so that in Eugene the fourth, that is to say, eleven all these particulars the work was a hundred years, had in that period sufstill greater trial of Noah's faith. The fered no decay. This tree, therefore, if most moderate statement of its dimen- any, would seem to have the best title sions makes the ark by far the largest to the credit of having furnished the vessel ever made to float upon the wa- material for the ark, though it is highly ter, as will appear from the statements probable that different kinds of pitchy below. -1-1 Of gopher-wood. Heb. or resinous wood would be employed ~n3 flag atze gopher, probably trees or in different parts of the structure.rather woods of pitch, i. e. such as the I Rooms shalt thou make in the ark. pine, fir, cypress, turpentine, cedar, and Heb. tt]iD nests; metaphorically apother trees of a pitchy kind adapted to plied to the numerous cells, cabins, or the purpose of ship-building. It is small apartments into which the intedoubtfidl whether "ntj gopher is the nior of the ark was laid out. Chal. name of any particular species of tree;' mansions.' Comp. Job 29. 18. Obacl. if it were, usual analogy would seem 4, where the word occurs in the sense to require that it should be in the plu- of dwelling-places. -- r Pitch it withral, like tZ'-~IN eYn wood of cedar- in and without with pitch. Hcb. trees, t tD"IM11 t nv wood qf fr-tress, tjt_ [ kapharta bakkopher, thou btei)R,2.y weeood of almrug-trecs. shalt coat it?,,ith a coating. The Heb. This is the common and almost uni- Bt~ kopher, closely related in sound form phraseology. On the other hand and sense to D~ gopher above, as well Ht* 126 GENESIS. [B. C. 2448. 15 And this is. tie fashion 16 A window shalt thou make which thou shalt mi;ke it of: The to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou length of the ark shall be three finish it above; and the door of hundred cubits, the breadth of it the ark shalt thou set in the side fifty cubits, and the height of it thereof: with lower, second, and thirty cubits. third stories shalt thou make it. as to m-' gophrith, sulphur, is sup- ships of the line of the largest class, posed to denote somekind of bituminous which upon a very moderate computasubstance which from its soft al(I tion are capable of carrying 20:000 men, pliable qualities was well adapted to with stores and provisions for six smearing over the ark and closing every month's consumption, besides 1800 chink and crevice. Acoat of it spread pieces of cannon. As all the various over the inside and outside of the ark distinct species of four-footed animals besides producing a wholesome smell may be reduced to two hundred or two would make it perfectly water-proof, hundred and fifty, it cannot for a moand the more so as the substance itself merit be doubted, that' the ark would would probably be continually acquir- contain the specified proportion of ing greater tenacity and hardness. The these, of birds, insects, and eight huoriginal word e: _ kopher is worthy of nman beings, with the requisite supplies notice as the parent of our English word of food for a year. Indeed the truth is, cover, and from its root "IDn kaphar as Bp. Wilkins has observed,' that of being often used in the sense of expia- the two, it is much more difficult to ting, atoning, i. e. covering, sin; assign a number and bulk of creatures whence the noun itself in almost every necessary to answer the capacity of other instance in the Scriptures is ren- the ark, than to find sufficient room dered' atonement.' From the peculiar for the several species of animals aluse of the term in this connection, some ready known to have been there.' The have supposed that we are to recognise objection therefore sometimes urged, in the ark thus covered a designed em — that the ark was incapable of affording blem of the church, the ark of salva- accommodation to its alleged inmates, tion, the inmates of which are secured falls to the ground.-According to the by the effects of Christ's atonement measu rements given, the ark, being six from the overflowing waters of God's times as long as it was broad, and ten wrath. times as long as it was high, had near15. Tlhe length of the ark shall be ly the proportions of a perfect human three heundred cubits, &c. The ark, body. therefore, was by far the largest float- 16. A wvindowc shalt thou make to the ng edifice ever borne uponi the waters. ark. Heb.', tzohar. The trueimThere is some doubt as to the kind of port of this word it is difficult to; fix, as cubit here alluded to; whether it were it occursnowhereelsebuthere. If taken the common cubit of eighteen inches or to signify but a single window for so the sacred cubi of about three inches immense a building, it exhibits a sense longer. But taking the shortest of the which we may well hesitate to admit. two, it is capable of demonstration, that It is a wholly different word from that it must have been been of the burden used for the window ( td)" halon) which of 43,413 tons. Now a first-rate man- Noah is said c'6. 8. 6, to have opened at of-war is between 2200 and 2300 tons; the end of forty days, and unquestionathe ark consequently possessed a capa- bly denotes an entirely different object. city of storage equal to that of eighteen But what that object was prccisely we B. C. 2448.] CHAPTER VI. 127 17 rAnd behold, I, even I, do 18 But with thee will I estabbring a flood of waters upon the lish my covenant: and 8 thou earth, to destroy all flesh, where- shalt come into the ark, thou, and in is the breath of life, from un- thy sons, and thy wife, and thyi ler heaven: and every thing that sons' wives with thee. is in the earth shall die. r ver. 13. oh. 7. 4, 21, 22, 23. 2 Pet. 2. 5. s oh. 7. 1, 7, 13. 1 Pet. 3. 20. 2 Pet. 2. 5. have not the means of ascertaining. height.-~- Door. Heb. t1it aper That it was someway connected with lure, the open space in which a door the transmission of light, appears plain is hung; for the door itself the lanboth from testimony of the ancient ver- guage has another term. See note on sions and from the etymological rela- Gen. 19. 10. The word is here doubttions of the word. Its cognate roots less to be taken in a collective sense, Hi,8 zahar, nrO tahar, At tzahal all implying a number of openings in the convey the idea of light, shining, splen- different stories of the ark, designed for dour, and we find -;gt yitzhor, oil, entrances for the animals, and afterso called from its shining. Moreover wards probably for theadmission of air we meet with ton;:: tzahorayim sig- and the discharge of ordure. As the nifying noon, noon-day light, and oc- ark, by its peculiar house-like construcnion, was adapted to float on a smooth curring in the dual form, probably as ion, was adapted to float on a smooth intensive, denoting the strongest, bright- sea, rather than to ride on a tepestyest, i.. the meridian, light. On the ous one, we perceive no difficulty atest, i. e. the meridian, light. On the whole, we take it as a collective term for tending this mode of ventilation. The sky-tights constructed in some way in aperltures might ordinarily be closed by the roof of the ark, and perhaps of some 17. Behold 1 even do brng alood transparent substance now unknown. 17. Behold 1, even I, do bring a food To some contrivance of this nature may of waters. Heb. WW3 am bringing, probably be traced the conceits of the i. e. about to bring. See on v. 13. The ancient Rabbins relative to the tzohar. announcement of the fearful resolve is Thus in the'Pirke Eliezer,' ch. 23, it is repeated to give it more emphasis. said,'A certain precious stone was sus- Thus when Joseph was called to interpended in the ark, which gave light to pret the dream of Pharaoh, he observed all the creatures therein, like a brightly concerning its being doubled, that was shinincg candle.' And the Targum of' because the thing was established by Jonathan represents God as saying to God, and God would shortly bring it to Noah,' Go thou to the Pison, and take pass.' Such strong language would thence a precious stone, and place it in convey moreover theimpression, which the ark for the dispensation of light.' was probably designed, that the threat- T In a cubit shalt thou finish it ened flood should not be owing to natabove. That is, the ark, not the win- ural causes, but to theimmediate agendow. The roof was to be raised in the cy of omnipotence; and it is somewhat middle like that of a house so as admit remarkable that the original word here of a gentle slope on each side. The used for food (5lh' mabbul, Gr. Karaelevation was to be one cubit above the Xevapos cataclysm) is limited, in its aphorizontal plane; or in other words, plication, to the general deluge, not bewhat are technically termed the king- ing employed in reference to any other posts supporting the ridge of the roof kind of inundation; as if the spirit at either end, were to be one cubit in would intimate by this appropriate 128 GEN E SIS. [B. C. 2448. 19 And of every living thing andl of cattle after their kind, of of all flesh, t two of every sort every creeping thing of the earth shalt thou bring i:to thie ark, to after his kind; two of every sort keep them alive wMth thee: they " shall come unto thee, to keep e,shall be male and i eIale. them alive. 20 Of ftowls after their kind u cC. 7. 9, 15. See rh. 2..9. t ch. 7. 8, 9, 15,16. term that the present judgment was to be unique in its character; that however many partial inundations might tocause to live. Gr. tLa rpe:I' that thou happen in particular countries, there mayest nourish. The precise shale of was never to be but one general deluge. meaning conveyed by the original of 18. t11" thee will I establish?m.y coy- this word is often lost sight of in oui translation. The verb,-l' to live in enant. That is, do enter with thee into. The verb to live i na n.len engaterndentr, wldging myself what are termed thePiel and Hiphil cona solenmn engagement, pledging myself Jugations, which have a causative imato thy preservation by bringing thee gations, and thine into the ark. As the work port, for the most part denotes not so in which Noah was-now to engage much the continuedpreservation as the t revival or restoration of life from a prewas in itself arduous and likely to be vious state of actual or virtual death. attended with many trials arisilg from t he unbelief any trialceof arising frodly The Enrglish word quicken is perhaps its a a y best representativein such cases. Thus world, stch a gracious assurance was ISam. 2. 6, The Lord killeth and peculiarly seasonable, and calculated greatly to animate him in the under- makethalive (mql7?).' Ps. 30. 3,'Thou taking. The original term rendered hast brought up my soul from the covenant' (hn~2 berith), for the most grave: thou bast kept me alive (-:g~) part though not always, implies a that I should not go down to the pit.;' mutual compact between two parties, i. e. thou hast quickened me when virand in this instance not only involves tually by my imminent exposure I had the idea of a pledge, promise, or assur- descended to the pit. 2 Kings, 8. 1, ance on the part of God, but a re-stipu-'Then spake Elisha unto the woman, lation also on that of Noah, that he whose son he had restored to life would in faith and obedience construct (,;-i ).' See my notes on Josh. 6. 25 and enter the ark, and commit himself and 14. 10, where this sense of the term in simple trust to thekeeping of a faith- is still more fully illustrated. Here the ful providence. The matter and condi- word is in the Hiph-il or causative form, tions of the covenant appear to be con- and doubtless carries with it the implitained in the ensuing verses to the 21st. cation, that the creatures to be kept These comprise the tlhings covenanted, alive in the ark were virtually extinct and as the performance of them usp-~ by means of the general judgment ol poses the agency both of God and thedeluge, and that their preservation Noah, hence the reciprocal character of was no other than a kind of revival oI the compact is manifest. resuscitation of life to them.' A life 19. Qf every li.ving thing. Except- remarkably protracted is, as it were, a ing of course the tenants of the deep. new life.' Henry. For a strikingly - X'T Two qf every sort. Or, Heb. similar phraseology, see Ex. 7. 14-15.'by twos,' i. e. by pairs. There were and what is there said of Pharaoh's beto be at least two, but of the clean ing raised up, i. e. quickened, fruon virbeasts more. Gen. 7. 2. -HI T o keelp tual destruction.-.~ Shall come unto B. C. 2448.1 CHAPTER VI. 129 21 And take thou unto thee of 22 v Thus did Noah; x accordall food that is eaten, and thou ing to all that God commanded shalt gather it to thee; and it shall him, so did he. be for food for thee, and tor them. w Ileb. Il. 7. See Ex. 40.16. x ch. 7. 5, 9, 16.'hee. Probably in consequence of a di- undoubtedly an object of general derisvine impulse, as the animal tribes were ion, yet he persevered in his prepara. )efore brought to Adam, Gen. 2. 19. tions. The divine testimony was to fie was thus assured that God would him in the place of all other evidence. eollect the proper freight when he had He did not reason on the subject that prepared the vessel. Though we may was revealed to him. He did not say, often be in the dark how things shall How can such a deluge be produced? be brought about, yet if we are acting How can it be supposed that a merciful under the divine command, and trust- God should exercise such severity? or, ing upon the divine promise, he will How can it be hoped, that if all the bring it to pass. — r To keep them rest be destroyed any vessel that I can alive. A Hebrew idiom for'that they build will preserve me? It is probable may be kept alive.' Thus Eccl. 3. 2, that others argued thus; but he believ-'A time to be born (Heb. ra5l to bear ed and acted upon the divine declaraor give birth to).' Est. 6. 6,'And the tion. Had such a conduct been exhibking said unto him, WVhat shall be done ited during the space of a few days on(Heb. 1 -.: n what to do) unto the ly, we should have been the less astonman whom the king delighteth to hon- ished at it; but when we see it contin.. our?' Ex. 9. 16,'That my name may uing without intermission or abatement be declared (Heb. 8jD to declare my for the lapse of more than a century, name) throughout all the earth.' we are ready to regard it as one of the 22. Thlus did Noah, &c. Viewed most illustrious triumphs of faith ever n all its circumstances this was un- witnessed or recorded. But we are loubtedly one of the sublimest acts of equally instructed by the fatal perverse)bedience ever rendered by fallen man'ness and obstinacy of the great mass to his Creator. The words of the of the antediluvian world. They saw apostle Heb. 11. 7, afford the only ad- no appearance of any deluge; nor equate solution of his conduct;'By could they persuade themselves that faith Noah, being warned of God of God would ever inflict such a trementhings not seen as yet, moved with dous judgment on the earth. The first fear, prepared an ark to the saving of beams of the ark were probably laid his house; by the which he condemn- across each other amidst the insulting ed the world, and became heir of the scoffs of hardened spectators. But the righteousness which is by faith.' The building advanced. Some admired the labour and expense necessary in build- structure; some derided the plan; some ing a vessel of such vast magnitude charged him with superstition, enthusimust have been immense; and the un- asm, or insanity; more were sunk in belief and ridicule which the measure sensuality; and all united in the desperwould naturally encounter, almost be- ate resolution to treat his warnings yond endurance. Yet under the promp- with contempt. Still he entreated, and ting of faith he engaged in the work still they spurned his admonitions. and persisted in it to the end. Though The edifice continued to rise day after for the space of 120 years there was no day, and yet the voice of profane rail-,ymptom of the coming judgment, and lery was heard on every side. Thus it iough during that long period he was continued till the crisis arrived. With 130 GENESIS. LB. C. 2448. strange infatuation they stopped their tractive influence of the females of ears against the sound of the voice Cain's posterity soon corrupted the which with unwearied perseverance so- pure principles of their husbands. licited them to be saved. The calamity Those who once enjoyed the high diswhich they despised came upon them tin:;ion of being called the'sons of with all its terrors, and as they sank in God,' became ere long as vile as their the mighty waters, their last breath licentious partners, so that there was nlust have sighed out a mournfull con- scarcely a vestige of true religion left detonation of their folly. Alas! how upon the earth. The woman who is faithful a picture this of the madness possessed of all other accomplishments, of mankind under the threatenings of and yet devoid of religious sentiments, the Gospel! Yet as with the antedilu- is a perilous companion for a pious vians, so with the men of every genera- man who is desirous of serving God tion shall it be found true, that'he that with all his house. Her power and being often reproved hardeneth his persuasions will only weaken his virtuneck shall suddenly be destroyed, and ous resolutions or counteract his devothat without remedy.' The unbelief ted efforts. Children and domestics of Noah's cotemporaries did not make will entertain but little respect for relivoid the truth of God; nay, it rather gion while the mistress of the family hardened them to their destruction. slights it by her neglect, or sets herself What security then will our unbelief af- in opposition to its claims. Whatever ford us? Grant that we see not at difference or contrariety there may present any presage of the wrath which be in other points of the character, is threatened against anungodly world; there should be union and harmony will it therefore never come? Will the and sympathy here. The great ends word of God fail of its accomplishment? of this sacred relation may not be esIs it safe for us to set up our opinions sentially prejudiced by many little diagainst the positive declarations of versities of taste and habit, springing Heaven? and to found our hopes of from difference in constitutional ternsalvation upon the presumption that perament, from education, orother cau-'God will lie?' Seen or unseen, our ss, but afearful risk is run wherever the danger is the same: and if all perished love of God on the one side meets with in the deluge who took not refuge in its reverse on the other.'How can the ark, so will all perish in the day two walk together except they be of judgment, who have not'fled for agreed?' Let the young then of either refiuge to the hope set before them.' sex be peculiarly heedful in ascertainREMARKS.-A few additional reflec- ing the principles and characters of tions suggest themselves so strongly those with whom they may have a from the foregoing narrative that we thought of connecting themselves for know not how to refuse them a place. life. It is a momentous consideration, (1.) We are here reminded of the and neither the attractions of face or dangerous consequences of forming form, or the most captivating address improper connections. Familiar asso- should be allowed to blind our better ciationls with the wicked will soon con- judgment or give law to the most imtaminate the most virtuous mind, and portant choice we can make in this destroy the influence of religious prin- world, next to choosing whether we ciple. The extreme hazard that arises will serve God or no. The examfrom overlooking the grand requisite in pie of a pious companion may indeed the character of a companion for life not be without its influence upon a is here most vividly set forth. The at- thoughtless, worldly, or vitiated mina, B. C. 2448.] CHAPTER VI. 131 and in some cases may even avail to utmost prostration of spirit, and abhor effect a reformation. But the hazard ourselves in dust and ashes! as a general rule, is too great to be ven- (3.) What a constraining power tured, and common prudence will decide should attach to the example of Noah! against it. Nothing can be more honourable than (2.) What a call have we to being to stand firm and unmoved in a time humbled in the fact that we are parta- of general infidelity and corruption. kers of a nature of which such a What a noble spectacle is a man of unshocking picture is drawn by the histo- bending integrity in the midst of a derian in his account of the manners of generate age-one who dares to set his the old world! The blandishments of face as a flint and be, if we may so say, vice having prevailed, gay amusements obstinately virtuous! Such was Noah. paved the way to inmmorality, and the How unshaken did he remain while the neglect of devotion led to infidelity and whole force of public example, charged idolatry. With but one solitary known with odium against dissenters, was exception, the race became at length so bearing down upon him as with a completely sunk in sensuality and mightycurrent! Yet he boldly faced reatheism, so lost to all sense of shame proach and meekly encountered scorn. and desire of amendment, that they Instead of swerving at all from the are characterized as governed only by path of duty under an apprehension of a continual thirst for evil, without one the unpopularity of such a course, he intervening moment of consideration persisted in it to the end. Instead of or remorse! Yet the nature of that concealing his commission through fear generation is our nature, and we too or perverting it from aregard to personare capable of all the abominations al convenience or advantage, he prowhich brought the deluge upon the tested with earnestness against the sins world of the ungodly. Though res- of his cotemporaries, their idolatry, vitrained by a merciful Providence from olence, debauchery, and injustice. Let acting out- all the evils of our hearts, us emulate this noble model. It may yet when we turn our eyes inward and indeed make us singular; but whose look upon our thoughts, and the imag- fault is that? Was it Noah's fault that inations of our thoughts, what report he was singular in the old world? Was must we give of them? Have they it not the fault of those who refused to been such as would bear the test of listen to the voice of mercy and to scrutiny'-such that we could bear obey the commands of God? And that man should see them as God has would not Noah have paid a very un-:seen them? The proud, the envious, becoming deference to the world had the uncharitable, the angry, the re- he yielded to their influence and convengeful, the impure thoughts of which sented to perish with them rather than we have been conscious, have they not secure his own salvation? Let us,,ot sprung up in our hearts as their proper then carry our complaisance to such a soil, and occupied the ground to the ex- fearful extent where we have so much c!usion of the fruits of holiness? And at stake. We may confess that we reif occasionally a transient thought of gret being compelled to be singular, good has arisen, how coldly has it been that we are not singular for singularientertained, how feebly has it operated, ty's sake, but that we deem it better to how soon has it been lost! What then be saved with Noah and his little fambecomrles us but the deepest humilia- ily, than to perish with the multitude; tion? How should we sink into the that it is better to walk in the narrow 132 GENESIS. [B. C. 2319 CHAPTER VII. house into the ark: for b thee have ND the LORD said unto Noah, I seen righteous before me in this A Come thou and all thine generation. a ver. 7. 13. Matt. 24. 38. Luke, 17. 26. Heb. b ch. 6. 9. Ps. 33. 18, 19. Pr. 10. 9. 2 Pe. 2. 9. 11. 7. 1 Pet. 3. 20. 2 Pet. 2. 5. and unfrequented way which leads to partakers with them in those which are life, than to go in the broad road which spiritual and eternal. In view of the terminates in destruction. events here recorded it is also an affecting thought that there should be no CHAPTER VII. more than Noah and his family to en1. Come thou and all thine house in- ter the ark. Peter speaks of them as to the ark. Heb. tNk enter, i. e. pre-'few;' and few they were compared pare, snake thyself ready, to enter; with the vast multitudes left behind. for the actual entrance was not to be'What a wonder of mercy is this that till seven days afterwards. The per. I here see! One poor family culled out formance of what was foretold in the of a world, and, as it were, eight grains preceding chapter, both concerning tile of corn fanned from a whole barn-ful destruction of the old world and the of chaff.' Bp. Hall. Though Noah salvation o Noah, begins here to be had been for so many years a'preachrelated. Though Noah had finished er of righteousness,' yet it does not apthe ark and stored it with all its provis- pear that even one sinner was brought:ons, and though he knew it was de- to repentance and made desirous of signed for a place of refuge for him, yet casting in his lot with him. The Lord's ne awaits firther intimations of the di- servants at this day are prone to mourn vine will before entering it. If we over the little success of their ministry, would see God going before us in every but his, so far as appears, was without step we take, let us wait for and then any; yet, like Enoch, he pleased God. follow the evident calls of his Provi- This shews that it is the labour, and dence. This is not the only instance not the fruits of it, which secures the in which, when impending ills were divine favour.- f1 For thee have 1 about to burst upon the world, God has, seen righteous before me. The testimoin effect, said,'Come, my people, enter ny of God as to Noah's righteousness thou into thy chambers, and shut thy is here repeated in order to manifest the doors about thee; hide thyself as it were reason of the difference put between for a little moment, till the indignation him and the world. This does not irmbe overpast.' In the midst of coming ply that the favour shewn to him was judgments the Lord remembers his ser- to be ascribed to his own merit; for vents and provides for their well-being; what he was, he was by grace; and all and often not for theirs only, but for his righteousness was rewardable only that of others for their sakes. It was out of respect to Him in whom he beNoah and his house who were now to lieved; but his person being accepted enter into the ark of safety, though it for his sake, his works also were acis certain from the subsequent narra- cepted and honoured, and a visible denimtive that his children did not all par- onstration of the divine favour made take of his pious spirit. But it should towards him. not be forgotten, that though temporal 2. Qf every clean beast. The disblessings may be given to the ungodly tinction of clean and unclean, it apchildren of godly parents, yet without pears, existed before the flood; not that walking in their steps they will not be any of the animal creation were ini B. C. 2349.] CHAPTER VII. 133 2 Of every " clean beast thou to keep seed alive upon the face shalt take to thee by sevens, the of all the earth. male and his female; d and of 4 For yet seven days, and I beasts that are not clean by two, will cause it to rain upon the the male and his female. earth e forty days and forty nights: 3 Of fowls also of the air by and every living substance that I sevens, the male and the female; have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. c ver. 8. Lev. ch. 11. d Lev. 10. 10. Ez,. 44. 23. ever. 12. 17. themselves more unclean than others, earthly things, that in spiritual we but the difference was made wholly by should be all for him.' Bp. Hall. Divine appointment. The ground of 4. aor yet seven days. Heb. 52'~ the distinction, however, before and af- r T:2t ~iPy to yet seven days; i. e. the ter the flood, was not precisely the seventh day after this, as v. 10. So same. Before that event the unclean'yet three days,' 2 Chron. 10. 5, is in were so considered merely because they v. 12 shewn to be in the third day. were not to be used for sacrifice; after Comp. Gen. 40. 13, 20. The Heb. 5 it, because there were some that were to is sometimes used for after, as Ex. not to be used for.food; Lev. 11. Dent. 16. 1. Ps. 19. 3. Num. 33. 38. Ju. 41. 4. 14. Yet it is still possible Moses may Ezra, 3. 8. Just one week therefore here speak prophetically, in reference to was allowed for Noah to embark and the animals which were afterwards dis- for the world to repent; and what a tinguished as clean and unclean in the week was this! What feelings of inLevitical law. If so, the number of tense anxiety must it have excited! clean creatures that went into the ark His neighbours had seen him busily em was small, and, with their provision, ployed for the last hundred and twenty would not take up much room; for on- years in rearing the massy fabric, and ly beeves, sheep, goats, turtle-doves doubtless had indulged many a laugh and pigeons were allowed for sacrifice. at his folly and credulity; and now, Lev. 1. 3.-22. 19.-1f Take to thee behold! the time is come that he is to by sevens, &c. Heb.'seven, seven.' remove all his family into' it, with the Three couple for breed, and the odd rest of the living creatures commandseventh for sacrifice, ch. 8. 20. It ed. They on the other hand were no would seem at first view that this direc- doubt saying to each other,'A week tion differed from that in ch. 6. 19, 20, longer, and we shall see what will bewhich mentions only two of every sort. come of his dreams!' continuing in But the meaning there may be, that the meanwhile eating and drinking, whatever number entered, they should buying and selling, marrying and givgo in in pairs, i. e. male and female: ing in marriage. But their festivities whereas here the direction is more par- were as short as they were senseless ticular, appointing the number of and profane.'(Thus) it is common for pairs that should be admitted according those who have been careless of their as they were clean or unclean.' But souls during the years of their health, why seven? Surely that God that cre- when they have looked upon death at ated seven days in the week, and made a distance, to be as careless during the one for himself, did here preserve, of days, the seven days, of their sickness, seven clean beasts, one for himself for when they see it approaching, their sacrifice. He gives us six for one in hearts being hardened through the de12 134 GENESIS. [B. C. 2349. 5 f And Noah did according that are not clean, and of fowls, Unto all that the LORD command- and of every thing that creepeth ed him. upon the earth, 6 And Noah was six hundred 9 There went in two and two years old when the flood of wa- unto Noah into the ark, the male ters was upon the earth. and the female, as God had corn7'[ g And Noah went in, and manded Noah. his sons, and his wife, and his 10 And it came to pass, after sons' wives with him, into the seven days, that the waters of the ark, because of the waters of the flood were upon the earth. flood. 11 IT In the six hundredth year 8 Of cleanbeasts, andof beasts of Noah's life, in the second f ch.. 22. g ver. 1. ceitfulness of sin.' Ilenry. — ~ Iwill seventh of the days;' but our version cause it to rain. Heb.'I am causing,' follows the Greek pera rag ert rlnpoaxg i. e. will cause, as rightly rendered in after the seven days, though the meanour version. Thus,'thou heaping ing is, on the seventh day. As soon coals,' Prov. 25. 22, is translated,' thou as he was safely lodged, the flood beshalt heap,' Rom. 12. 20.- - FPorty gan to come. So God waits now only days and forty nights. The number for his last saint to be gathered in and forty seems to have become remarkable for the number of his chosen to be acfrom this event, and especially to have complished, and then a more terrible been regarded as a suitable period for deluge of fire shall descend upon the humiliation. Thus Moses, Elijah, and ungodly. Christ fasted forty days; forty days' re- 11. rThe second month. Before the spite was given to the Ninevites to re- departure from Egypt the Israelites bepent; and the children of Israel wan — gan their year about the 22d of Sepdered forty years in the wilderness.- tember, and therefore the 17th day of I Every living substance. Heb. 1~e' the second month answers to about standing thing; i. e. whatever by a the 6th of November. This according principle of life is capable of maintain- to the Hebrew computation was 1656 ing an erect posture; whereas a dead years from the creation.- r T'he body lies prostrate. Comp. ch. 6. 7,.fountains qf the great deep broken with 7. 23. The original term occurs usp. Ileb. n:: n7rh hn 3 h founDeut. 11. 6. Job 22. 20, in both which tains of the great abyss. That is, cases it is rendered'substance.'- T fountains which were supposed to be will 1 destroy. Heb.'wipe out.' See outlets to streams connected with a above on ch. 6. 7. great subterranean body of waters 6. Six hundred years old. HIeb.'a called the abyss, a sense which the son of 600 years;' i. e. going on in his term undoubtedly has Dent. 8. 7. Ezek. six hundredth year; v. 1l.- IT Was 31. 4, although it is not necessary to upon the earth. That is, began to be. conceive such a central collection of Thus ch. 5. 3,'Begat;' i. e. began to waters as really existing. The lanbeget. Rev. 11. 17,' East reigned;' guage is merely adapted to popular imi. e. began to reign. pressions on the subject. In the ordi7. Because of the waters. FHeb.'from nary state of things, these fountains or before, or froin the face of, the waters.' vents would not admit a very copious 10. After seven days. Heb.'at the discharge of wltelrs, but now being vi6discharge of waters, but now l~~~~.en [) B. C. 2349.] CHAPTER VII. 135 month, the seventeenth day of the and Noah's wife, and the three month, the same day were all wives of his sons with them, into h the fountains of the great deep the ark: broken up, and the i windows of 14 m They, and every beast afheaven were opened. ter his kind, and all the cattle af12 kAnd the rain was upon the ter their kind, and every creeping earth forty days and forty nights. thing that creepeth upon the earth 13 In the self-same day I en- after his kind, and every fowl aftered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, ter his kind, every bird of every and Japheth, the sons of Noah, sort. h ch. 8. 2. Prov. 8. 28. Ezek. 26. 19. i ch. 1. 7. & 8. 2. Ps. 78. 23. k ver. 4. 17. 1 ver. 1, 7. m ver. 2, 3, 8, 9. ch. 6. 18. Heb. 11. 7. I Pet. 3. 20. 2 Pet. 2. 5. lently'broken up,' or vastly enlarged, cataract fall of waters from above, the they would discharge such immense ocean meanwhile swelling and overfloods as would quickly deluge the leaping all its former bounds. plains and valleysT in every direction. 12. The rain was upon the earth.for-~ The windows of heaven. Gr. ty days and forty nights. That is, the CaralppaKcat cataracts. Aq. and Sym. rain now began to fall which continued Ovsp'3E doors, apertures. Here again falling for forty days and nights. The the language is figurative. The origin- narrative teaches us that when God al term n::iR arubothl is applied to pleases to avenge his quarrel with resuch windows as are made of lattice- bellious man, all creatures and all elework, and in this connection their be- ments above, below, around, become ing opened (see Gen. 8. 6) implies that the ready instruments of his judgments. the water, instead of gently descend- The judgment now was by water, but let us remember that there are within lng in drops, as if made to percolate through a net-work medium, fell the earth, as in the heavens above, tine thorrents aiket-work as medium, felstorehouses of fire, as well as water; int like water-spouts, though and that this world is doomed one day the windows had been opened for this and that t their fatal influence. Be pro-pose on hinges, and every obstruc- to experience their fatal influence. Be tio werpose removn higes, and every obstruc- it our care then to secure a covert from tion were removed. The marginal rendering therefore of'sluices, or flood- the impedingstorm in Him who is the gates,' though wholly paraphrastic is only refuge; and then,'when thou well suited to the idea. It is said Job, passest through the waters they shall 26. 8, that God'bindeth up the waters not overflow thee; and when thou in his thick clouds; and the cloud is walkest through the fire thou shalt not not rent under them.' But now the be burnt.' bond was loosed, the cloud was rent, 13. In the self-sme day. Heb.'in and such rains descended as were never the bone, strength, or existence of this known before nor since, in such abun- day;' i. e. of the day stated v. 11. A dance and such continuance. Mr. Rob- phrase intended to convey the idea of erts remarlks that it is still customary the utmost precision of time. Arab. for people to say in the East, when the'In the essence of that day.' Chal.'In ratn falls in torrents,' the heavens are the point or article of that day.' Getn. broken.' It isprobably notin thepow- 17. 23. Lev. 23. 14. Josh. 10. 27. er of language to convey an adequate 14. Every beast after his kind. Indescription of the terrors of the scene; timaticng that just as many kinds as of the disruption from beneath and the were created at first were now saved, 136 GENESIS. [B. C. 2349. 15 And they n "went in unto oas God had commanded him Noah into the ark, two and two and the LORD shut him in. of all flesh, wherein is the breath 17 P And the flood was forty of life. days upon the earth: and the wa16 And they that went in, went ters increased, and bare up the in male and female of all flesh, ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. n ch. 6.20. o ver. 2, 3. p ver. 4.12. and no more.-~ If very bird qf every difficulty in Noah's making provision fof sort. Heb. t: S_ oqf every wing; a this, than in any other part of the general phrase for any thing that flies, mechanism of the ark. We therefore embracing not only feathered fowls, but take the sense to be, that the ark and its such winged creatures as bats and the inmates now became the special objects larger kinds of insects, whose wings of the divine care and protection, and are often membranous or cartilaginous. that a superintendingprovidence so comSee note on Gen 1. 20. pletely encompassed the structure, that 15. Th7ey event in unto Noah into the not only were its inmates perfectly seark. Unquestionably by a divine in- cured within, but also all other persons, stinct, especially as it would seem that as well as the waters, were effectually Noah and his family entered first, and precluded from without. And these the animals and birds of their own ac- two ideas of closing and excluding are cord by pairs afterwards. Their mu- both conveyed by the original as may tual enmities were so restrained for the be seen, Ps. 35. 3. 2 Kings, 4. 4, 5. time that the most fierce and ravenous There is probably at the same time a became mild and manageable; thus re- latent implication that without such alizing for once the beautiful language protection the ark would have been liaof the prophet,'The wolf shall dwell ble to a violent assault from the desper with the lamb, and the leopard shall ate multitudes, who, from the character lie down with the kid; the cow and given of that generation, were undoubtthe bear shall feed, and the lion shall eat edly capable of the most flagrant outstraw like the ox.' Yet they after- rages. The Most High therefore, prowards, when freed from this temporary vided that Noah, in finally closing the restraint, assumed their respective na- entrance of the ark, should utterly detures.' Hypocrites in the church, that bar admission to all who had hitherto externally conform to the laws of that refused to enter. No doubt when they ark, may yet be unchanged; and then began to see the lowering cloud and it will appear, one time or other, what the rising waters, numbers crowded kind they are after.' Henry. round importunate for that admission 16. And the Lord shut him in. Heb. which they had before slighted. But:8f: Anon shut or closed round about I the Lord protected round about him.' him. Gr.' shiut the ark on the outside It was now too late. An immoveable of him.' Chal.'protected over him.' barricado forbade all farther ingress, The English version is too definite to and they had only to await their fate. answer fairly to the original. It is by And let it be considered that something no means clear that the words were in- very nearly resembling this will ere tended to intimate a direct interposition long be acted over again.'As it was 3f Jehovah in closing and fastening the in the days of Noah, so shall it be at door after Noah. We can see no more the coming of the Son of man.' Not B. C. 2349.] CHAPTER VII. 137 18 And the waters prevailed, 19' And the waters prevailed and were increased greatly upon exceedingly upon the earth; rand the earth: q and the ark went up- all the high hills that wvere under on the face of the waters. the whole heaven were covered. q Ps. 104. 26. r Ps. 104. 6. Jer. 3. 23. only shall the world, as then, be full all the desolating effects described of dissipation, but the concluding scene above, it is not easy to determine. is described in nearly the same words, The probability we think is, that the'And they that were ready went in, latter was the case, and that the apand the door was shut!' i pearances on the surface of the earth 17. Forty days. That is, larger days, indicating violent disruptions are to be including the nights; wherefore the referred rather to some anterior deluge Gr. has'forty days and forty nights.' or deluges, of unknown date in the hisThis of course implies not the whole tory of our globe, of which the sacred term of the prevalence of the waters, record makes no mention. That the which was 150 days, but merely that rains, however, at first would produce after the rain had fallen forty days and all the common effects of a desolating the sea had continued to rise, the ark was freshet, is obvious. But these effects floating on thesurface. It was probably would naturally cease as the waters 150 days before they reached their utmost rose. They would become calm in height.-~ It was lifted up above the proportion as they became deep; unless earth. Heb.'it was on high from up- the action of wind be supposed; of on the earth.' The original denotes which there is no intimation till after inot the act, but the state of being lifted the flood had continued an hundred and up or elevated. fifty days. 18. The waters prevailed. Heb. 19. All the high hills-were covered. q1~2:~ yigberu. The words denote Rather'the high mountains' (Heb. being strong, mighty, and prevalent in tomn harim), as the original word is despite of opposition; and therefore the same with that so rendered in the here implies the conquering or carrying next verse. It seems scarcely possible, every thing before it, throwing down from the language of this and the enand sweeping away buildings, trees, and suing verse, to resist the conclusion living creatures, and causing universal that the deluge was universal. Doubts devastation.'Where now were those have indeed been entertained on this profane scoffers, that asked what Noah score by writers of eminence, many of meant to build such a vessel? And whom contend that as the deluge had whether, when he had made his ship, for its main object the destruction of he would also make a sea forit to swim man, it was therefore useless that'a in?''7rapp.-~ The ark went upon general catastrophe of this kind should the face qof the waters. Heb. 1bn submerge the parts of the earth not walked; i. e. was borne by a gentle, then inhabited. It is also unquestionequable motion, and not violently tos- able that learned men have in later sed or driven, to which its form was times so modified their opinions in renot adapted. Whether this was owing gard to the present visible traces of the to a miracle, or to the fact that the Noachian deluge, that many of them rising of the waters was comparatively are becoming less and less satisfied that calm and unattended with tempestuous any physical evidence exists at all of agitation, though still marked with such an event. But even if this be ad12* 133 GENESIS. [B. C. 2349. 20 Fifteen cubit4 upward did of every creeping thing that creepthe waters prevail: and the moun- eth upon the earth, and every taiuls were covered. man: 21 8 And all flesh died that mov- 22 All in t whose nostrils was ed upon the earth, both of fowl, the breath of life, of all that was and of cattle, and of beast, and in the dry land, died. s ch. 6. 13, 17. ver. 4. Job 22. 16. Matt. 24. t ch. 2. 7. 39. Luke 17. 27. 2 Pet..3 6. mitted, as a tenable hypothesis, still different theories among geologists for it does not avail to set aside the record- a long time to come, even should itever ed evidence of the fact of the occurrence be finally and satisfactorily settled. of such a deluge as Mloses here de- Whatever may be the truth respecting scribes-a deluge that was strictly uni- it, it does not properly fall within the versal in its extent. For though it be range of these annotations. granted that Moses was not acquaint- 22.'1The breath of life. Heb.'the ed with the true form or size of the breath of the spirit of life.' But our earth, and though to himself the lan- version follows the Gr. irvolnv eoer/ breath guage which he employed may have qf life. —~1 That was in the dryland; conveyed only the idea of the then in- thus excepting the fish of the sea, but habited earth, yet writing under inspi- extending the destruction to every tenration lie liay have been led to adopt ant of the surface of the earth save expressions more accurately coinciding those included in the ark. If this scene with the fact, and there is certainly an of terrific and awful desolation be emphasis in the expression,'utinder the rightly conceived, it will be seen how whole heaven,' which in our view can inadequate and infinitely below the real import nothing less than the absolute facts are all those representations of universality of the deluge. Besides, it the deluge to which we have been acwould riot be difficult to show the very customed. It appears from the narrahigh probability that the earth then tive that the waters were 150 days contained a vastly greater population advancing to their greatest height, and than it ever has since, so that the whole 275 days in descending; the period of race could only have been destroyed their returning off the earth being nearby making the flood universal. As to ly twice as long as their rising. Tathe source from whence the vast mass king the height of the loftiest elevations of diluvial waters were derived, if a of the earth, the snowy mountains of miracle be admitted at all in the case, Inaia, at a measurement of 28,000 feet no farther inquiry is necessary; but above the surface of the ocean, the rate apart from this consideration it is now of increase would be upwards of 186 agreed by the most cormpetent judges, feet per day for the rising of the waters, that there is water enough pertaining to and 100 feet for their daily decrease. the body of the globe to produce all the We may see from this how little founresults described, though the highest dation exists for those comments which mountains were covered even to the exhibit animals and men as escaping depth of fifteen cubits, or 221 feet. As to the highest grounds and hills, as the to the precise manner in which they flood advanced. The impossibility of were made to pour themselves out of any such escape may be immeditheir ordinary receptacles and over- ately seen. Neither man nor beasts whelm the earth so completely, this under such circumstances could either will probably continue to give rise to advance or flee to any distance. Any B. C. 2349.] CHAPTER VIII. 139 23 And every living substance upon the earth an hundred and was destroyed which was upon fifty days. the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, CHAPTER VIII. and the fowl of the heaven; and A ND God a remembered Noah, they were destroyed from the and every living thing, and all earth; and U Noah only remained the cattle that was with him in alive, and they that were with the ark: b and God made a wind him in the ark. to pass over the earth, and the 24 w And the waters prevailed waters assuaged; u 2 Pet. 2. 5. & 3. 6. w ch. 8. 3. & ch. 8. 4. a ch. 19. 29. Ex.2. 24. 1 Sam. 1. 19. b EX. compared with ver. 11. of this chap. 14. 21. animal found in the plain when the soul, in the midst of all the inundafood began would soon be merged in tions of evil.' Bp. Hall. water several feet deep, independent of 24. The waters prevailed upon the the overwhelming torrents dashing up- earth an hundred and fifty days. That an his head. And were he to attempt is, five months, before they began to advancing up the rising grounds, a cat- abate. This might seem to us unnearact or sheet of water, would be gush- cessary, seeing every living creature ing all the way in his face, besides iin- would be drowned within the first six pending water from the' flood-gates' of weeks; but it would serve to exercise heaven momentarily rushing over him. the faith and patience of Noah, and to lIe would almost instantly become a impress his posterity with the greatness prey to the resistless element.'In vain of the divine displeasure against man's is salvation hoped for from the hills.' sin. As the land of Israel was to lave Jer. 3. 23. its Sabbath during the captivity; so 23. Every living substance. Heb. now the whole earth, for a time, shall t7la yekumrn, as above, v. 4, rendered be relieved of its load, and fully purified, by the Gr. 7rav avarrtlla every thing that as it were, from its uncleanness. stood up. - T Was destroyed. Rather according to the Heb.' he, or it (the CHAPTER VIII. flood) destroyed (wiped out) every liv- 1. God remembered Noah. That is, ing thing.' The verb is active and not put forth a token of his remembrance; passive, though no nominative is ex- acted as a person does who would manpressed. This has to be supplied by ifest remembrance towards one wha the reader from the tenor of the narra- was ready to deem himself forgotten. tive.' How securely doth Noah ride The phrase is figurative; for, strictly out this uproar of heaven, earth, and speaking, God cannot be supposed ever waters! He hears the pouring down to have forgotten Noah from the moof rain above his head; the shrieking ment of his entering the ark. But the of men, and the roaring and bellowing import here is not that of a constant of beasts on both sides of him; thera- mindfulness. God remembered Noah by ging and threats of the waves under making a wind to pass over the earth, him; and the miserable shifts of the to assuage the waters of the deluge. unbelievers; and, in the meantime, sits Comp. Gen. 30. 22. —~T Made a wind quietly in his dry cabin, neither feeling to pass over the earth, and the waters nor fearing evil. How happy a thing is assuaged. Heb. 4, s ettled down, faith! What a quiet safety, what a sunk, wer7e depressed, i. e. began to subheavenly peace, doth it work in the I side; the original being spoken Jaer. 6. 140 GENESIS. [B. C. 2349. 2 c The fountains also of the and after the end eof the hundred deep, and the windows of heaven and fifty days the waters were were stopped, and d tile rain from abated. heaven was restrained; 4 And the ark rested in the 3 And the waters returned seventh month, on the sevenfrom off the earth continually: teceth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. o ch. 7. 11. d Job 38. 37. e ch. 7. 24. 26, of the stooping posture of a bird- ly dangerous; but as the ark gently catcher in laying or watching his settled upon its resting-place, it is evisnares. It is elsewhere applied to the dent that the waters were calm. In a subsiding of anger, Est. 21, and of stormy sea it would have foundered murmurings, Num. 17. 5. The usual and not rested; at least without a mireffect of wind upon a body of water is acle. As Noah seems to have had no to agitate and work it to a tempest; in agency in steering the ark, it was this case the effect was directly the re- doubtless conducted hither by the speverse; but for w at reason is not cial providence of God, who watches wholly obvious. The blowing of a equally over the floatings and thewanstrong wind from the north, would nat- derings of his church. —~ Upon the orally clear away the clouds from the mountains of Ararat. Heb. -ri fi atmosphere, and thus enable the sun t't al hare Ararat, literally renderto act upon the watery mass which ed in our version. The opinion is very would cause a rapid evaporation; but general among commentators that this by comparing this with what is said expression, though of a plural form, Ex. 14. 21, of the agency of the east indin 14. d g of the agency of the east points at one well known mountain of wind in drying up the Red Sea, it would the same name situated in the modern seem that the wind acted also mLechan- Armenia. TheHeb. tn Ararat ocically in propelling the waters off from curs but in three other places, 2 Kings the surface of the habitable regions 19. 37. Is 37. 38. Jer. 51. 27, in the which they had submerged and driving last of which it is rendered as here by them to their appropriate reservoirs. Ararat, and in the other two by ArmeYet it is obvious that the ark must nia. This mountain, which consists of have been so situated as to be exempt two separate peaks of unequal elevafrom this action of the aerial element. tion, is situated in a vast plain twelve 3. ~Te waters returLeda-co ntinuLal- leagues east from Erivan, and rises to ly. Heb. 2nl1q 1if1 going or walk- an height of upwards of 15,000 above ing and returning; a Heb. idiom for the ocean. It is called by the Eastern expressing the gradual and yet con- people by the various names of Masis, staent progress of any thing. See note Ardag or Agridagh, i. e. the fingeron Gen. 3. 8.-~11 Were abated; i. e. mountain, from its standing alone went on abating. The true force of the and rising like a finger held up, Kluhz original term is to become scant. Nuach, or mountains of Noah, and 4. The arkrestedin the seventhmonth. 1Ieresoussar, or the stopping of the ark. That is, of the year, not of the flood. In like manner the name of the neighThe flood had now continued precisely bouring city of Nak-schivan is said to five months, or 150 days. For a ship be composed of two words NVak, ship, in the sea to have struck upon a rock and Schivan,stopped or settled; all indior upon land, would have been extreme-! catina a prevalent tradition that this was B. C. 2349.] CHAPTER VIII. 141 no other than the real resting-place of the nlists of the holrizon; when an inexark after the flood. Of a place so memor- pressible impulse, imnnmediately carrying able it will beproper to givea somewhat my eye upwards again, refixed my more detailed account, notwithstanding gaze on the awful glare of Ararat; and the reasons which we shall shortly of- this bewildered sensibility of sight befer for entertaining very strong doubts ing answered by a similar feeling in the whether this were in fact the true local- mind, for some moments I was lost in ity to which the inspired narrative a strange suspension of the powers of points. Mr. Morier describes Ararat thought.' Of the two separate peaks, as being most beautiful in shape, and called Little and Great Ararat, which most awful in height; and Sir Robert are separated by a chasm about sevKer Porter has furnished the following en miles in width, Sir Robert thlus graphic picture of this stupendous work speaks;-' These inaccessible summits of nature:-' As the vale opened be- have never been trodden by the foot of neath us, in our descent, my whole at- man, since the days of Noah, if even tention became absorbed in the view then, for my idea is that the ark rested before me. A vast plain peopled with in the space between these heads, and countless villages; the towers and not on the top of either. Various atqpires of the churches of Eitch-mia- tempts have been made in different ages tdzen arising from amidst them; the to ascend these tremendous mountain flittering waters of the Araxes flowing pyramids, but in vain; their form, hrough the fresh green of the vale; snows, and glaciers are insurmountaand the subordinate range of moun- ble obstacles, the distance being so'ains skirting the base of the awful great from the commencement of the. mnonument of the antediluvlal world, it icy regions to the highest points, cold seemed to stand a stupendous link in alone would be the destruction of any the history of man, uniting the two person who should have the hardihood races of men before and after the flood. to persevere. On viewing mount AraBut it was not until we had arrived rat from the northern side of the plain, upon the flat plain that I beheld Ararat its two heads are separated by a wide in all its amplitude of grandeur. From cleft, or rather glen, in the body of the the spot on which I stood, it appeared mountain. The rocky side of the as if the hugest mountains of the greater head runs almost perpendicuworld had been piled upon each other, larly down to the north-east, while the to form this one sublime immensity of lesser head rises from the sloping botearth, and rock, and snow. The icy tom of the cleft, in a perfectly conical peaks of its double heads rose majesti- shape. Both heads are covered with cally into the clear and cloudless heav- snow. The form of the greater is simens; the sun blazed bright upon them, ilar to the less, only broader and roundand the reflection sent forth a dazzling er at the top, and shows to the northradiance equal to other suns. This west a broken and abrupt front, openpoint of the view united the utmost ing about half way down into a stupengrandeur of plain and height, but the dous chasm, deep, rocky, and peculiarfeelings I experienced while looking on ly black. At that part of the mounthe mountain are hardly to be descri- tain, the hollow of the chasm receives bed. My eye, not able to rest for any an interruption from the projection of length of time on the blinding glory of the minor mountains which start from its summits, wandered down the ap- the side of Ararat, like branches from parently interminable sides, till I could the roots of a tree, and run along in no longer trace their vast lines in the undulating progression, till lost in the 142 GENESITS. LB. C. 2344 distant vapours of the plain.' The Rev. its to the present day on the sunmmit E. Smith, American Missionary to Pal- of the mountain, and that, in order to estine, as will be seen from the follow- I preserve it, no person is permitted to ing extract, coincides with the popular approach it. This tradition, founded belief oil this subject.' And certainly upon some monkish legend, has receiv not among the mountains of Ararat or ed the sanction of the church, and beof Armenia generally, nor those of any come in effect an article of faith which part of the world where I have been, an Armenian would scarcely renounce, have I ever seen one whose majesty even if he were placed in his own prop could plead half so powerfully its er person on the very top of the mounclaims to the honour of having once tain.-But to the opinion that the Agbeen the stepping stone between the ridagh was the'resting-place of the ark old world and the new. I gave myself there are very strong objections both up to the feeling, that on its summit philological and physical; for (I.) The were once congregated all the inhabit- words of the text,' upon the mountains ants of the earth, and that, while in the of Ararat,' are not, in their obvious valley of the Araxes, I was paying a sense, applicable to a single isolated visit to the second cradle of the human eminence, like that so denominated. It race. Nor can I allow tiy opinion to may indeed be contended that the doube at all shaken by the Chaldee para- ble peak of Agridagh makes the words phrasts, the Syrian translators and pertinent, and that the ark, as Sir R. commentators, and the traditions of K. Porter thinks, may have rested in the whole family of Syrian churches, the valley between the two peaks, and which translate the passage in question thus, as it were, on the two mountains; mountains of the Kurds.' Robinson's but to this it may be replied, that since Calmet, art. Ararat. At the time when we are told v. 5, that it was not until Sir Robert Porter published his travels, the tenth month, in the first day of and indeed till very recently, the sum- the month, after the waters had deYnit of this lofty mountain was consid- creased continually, that the top of the ered absovlutely inaccessible. Several mountains were seen, it is not possible attempts had at different times been that the ark should have rested in the made to r ach its top, but few persons valley between the two peaks, and far ever succeeded in getting beyond the below their tops, more than two months limit of perpetual snow. The French previously to that period, on the seventraveller Tournefoot, in the year 1700, teenth day of the seventh month, v. 4. persevered long in the face of many The only fair way of understanding the difficulties, but was foiled in the end. words'upon the mountains of Ararat,' Nearly thirty years since the Pacha of is in their plain grammatical sense as Bayazeed undertook the ascent, but meaning a mountainous district within with no better success. The honour a country or province called Ararat, was reserved to Dr. Parrot, a German just as we construe the expressions, traveller, who in 1829 was the first to' the mountains of Israel,'' the mountread this towering eminence. For a tains of Samaria,''the mountains of detailed and interesting account of his Abarim,' &c. i. e. the mountainous ascent see my'Illustrations of the districtsof those countries. ComparScriptures,' p. 14. The fact of such an ed with general scriptural usage, the ascent is however still doubted by the phrase,' mountains of Ararat,' as Armenians, but their incredulity is bas- popularly understood. is as great a vieed upon their superstition. They are lation of correct language as it would firmly persuaded that Noah's ark ex- be to say in English,'mountains (f B. C. 2349.]1 CHAPTER, VIII. 143 5 And the waters decreased day of the month, were the tops continually, until the tenth month: of the mountains seen. in the tenth month, on the first Alps-of Appenines-qf Andes-of Al- would have done it?-On the whole, leganies,' &c. But the phraseology therefore, we cannot but be conscious'nmountains of Switzerland-of Spain that the opinion or tradition which as-of South America, &c. every one signs the particular mountain in quesrecognises as perfectly proper. (2.) tion as the locality designed by the From the account given by all travel- sacred writer, is liable to very serious ers of this double-peaked mountain in objections. In fact, we deem it exArmenia, It is in our view clear that tremely problematical whether Moses without a positive miracle a large por- had the least intention of pointing out tion of the inmates of the ark could the particular lodgement of the ark, never have descended from the highest after the waters began to abate. If we of the two summits, and the highest it mistake not his object was simply to must have been, if either, for the rea- say in general terms, that this took sons just stated drawn from a compar- place in some part of the mountain Ison of the two texts, ch. 8. 4 and 5. range which distinguishes the country If to ascend the mountain now is an of Ararat; and that this was either in achievement all but actually transcend- or very near to the modern Armenia ing human power, and never known to there is good reason to believe. It is have been accomplished but in a single easy to imagine, however, that the trainstance, how can it be believed that dition of the country became attached camels, horses, elephants, oxen, and to this mountain, in preference to the other quadrupeds should have been true locality, on accountof itsconspicable to make their way down the steep uous situation and remarkable appeardeclivities of a precipitous pile of rocks ance. As to the actual spot, the probthousands of feet in height? True, in- ability is, that although some of the deed, omnipotence could have efilcted ancient versions seem to point to the It, and so too it could have saved Noah Gordiaean mountains, or some part of and his family and the animals with- the chain of Mount Taurus, as the genout an ark by hemming them all in on uine locality, yet that it can only be dry land by a wall of waters, like that approximately determined by ascertainwhich stood upon the bed of the Red ing, as nearly as possible, the situation sea when the Israelites were crossing;' best suited to accomplish the ends but as God did not see fit to have re- which infinite wisdom had in view in course to miracles in the first instance, reference to the future peopling of the we see not why he should in the seec- earth, in the selection of the spot for ond. We know of no reason for re- the resting of the ark. As it is quite sorting to the hypothesis of a miracle, impossible to lay down in a map any when such an alternative is not neces- point which can be claimed as the true sary; and necessary it certainly is not one, the only means of investigation in the present case, as the Most High, which can be pursued will be to whose counsels guided the motions of consider the characters required to the ark, could easily have selected such be possessed by such a spot, and a spot for its resting as would have af- as this will come in more appropriately forded a safe and convenient descent to in connection with the journeyings of the plain below. And if he could have the Noachidm from the east to the done this, shall we not suppose that he. plains of Shinar, ch. 11. 1, 2, the reader 144 GENESIS. LB. C. 2349 6 E[ And it came to pass at the were abated from off the face ol end of forty days, that Noah the ground; opened f the window of the ark 9 But the dove found no rest which he had made: for the sole of her foot, and she 7 And he sent forth a raven, returned unto him into the ark; which went forth to and fro, until for the waters were on the face the waters were dried up from off of the whole earth. Then he the earth. put forth his hand, and took her, 8 Also he sent forth a dove and pulled her in unto him into from him, to see if the waters the ark. f ch. 6. 16. is referred to that place for a further patience.' Henry.- f Which went discussion of the question. forth to and.fro. Heb. =1U78 M=t=,ij 5. The waters decreased continually. which went forth going and returning; Heb.'iITli.'V' Sii were going (or i. e. often flying away from the ark walking) and abating. —- Were the and again returning to it, and resting tops of the mountains seen. That is, doubtless on its top. This is rendered to be seen, visible; for it does not ap- both by the Gr. and the Vulg.'returnpear that they were actually seen by ed not again;' but the meaning of the the inmates of the ark, and there was sacred writer probably is simply that nobody else of whom the act of seeing he did not again re-enter the ark, as could be affirmed. did the dove, v. 9. From the raven's 6. At the end of forty days. Forty emission and return Noah could of days from the date above mentioned, course learn nothing favourable, and or the time that the mountain tops be- from this circumstance, the raven has came visible.-. ~ Noah opened the ever been considered as a bird of ill window qf the ark. Heb.'1,ri hal- omen; while the dove, on the other low, generally interpreted'window,' hand, which brought back an olivebut a different word from that occurring leaf in its beak, is regarded as the sigch. 6. 16, and denoting any aperture in nificant emblem of peace. the upper part of a building. But what 8. Also he sent forth a dove. A bird was its precise fol'n or position in the tenderly attached to its mate, and therepresent instance it is impossible to say. fore more likely to return. From its — ~ Which he had made. The being said, v. 10, that he waited'other'which' in this caske, according to the seven days,' the inference is natural Heb. acctdits, refers not to'ark' but to that the dove was sent out seven days'window.' after the raven. In this fact there is a 7. Sent forth a raven. In order to plain intimation, that the weekly sablearn whether the waters ivere abated, bath was observed by Noah in the ark. as in the case of the sending forth of - 11 To see if the waterswere abated. the dove; for if they were, the raven Heb.'1 were lightened; a different would have stayed away to feed on word from that before rendered'abated.' dead bodies, aicc6rdihg to its natural 9. Found no rest for the sole of her instincts, Prov. 30. 17.'Desires of re- foot. For though some of the mounlease out of trouble, earnest expecta- tain tops were bare, yet they were eitions of it, and inquiries concerning its ther at so great a distance, or so far out advances towards us, will very well of the course she took, that she did not:onsist with the sincerity of faith andI now alight upon them. Besides, it is B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER VIII., 145 10 And he stayed yet other dove; which returned not again seven days, and again he sent unto him any more. forth the dove out of the ark. 13 NT And it came to pass in the 11 And the dove came in to six hundredth and first year, in him in the evening, and lo, in her the first month, the first day of mouth was an olive-leaf pluckt the month, the waters were dried off. So Noah knew that the up from off the earth: and Noah waters were abated from off the removed the covering of the ark, earth. and looked, and behold, the face 12 And he stayed yet other of the ground was dry. seven days, and sent forth the well known that in general doves fly caused to come. Genev. Vers. c received low and are perhaps on that account her.' called Ezek. 7. 16,'doves of the val- 10. Stayed. Hcb.'patiently abode;' lays,' as ravens also are called' ravens the same word that occurs Ps. 40. 1,'I of the valleys,' Prov. 30. 17, from their waited patiently for God.' So in v. 12 utsually finding their prey on the low below.'He that believeth shall not grounds. The vain and weary wan- make haste.' —--- Again he sent. derings of the soul in quest of rest are Heb.' added to send.' Thus v. 12,' Restrikingly shadowed forth in the disap- turned not again,' Heb.' added not to pointment of the dove. No solid peace return. So also, v. 21,'Will not again or satisfaction can it find in this delug- curse,' Heb.'will not add to curse.' ed, defiling world, till it returns to 11. Came in to him. Rather came Christ as to its ark, its Noah. The to him, as the original has nothing ancarnal heart, like the raven, takes up swering to in, and his receiving her inwith the world, and feeds on the carrion to the ark is afterwards mentioned. it finds there, but the gracious soul -~ An olive-leaf pluckt off. Heb. still sighs out its' Oh, that I had wings n. hl'T-7Y anewly-pluckt olive-leaf; like a dove,' that I might fly to him and or rather olive twig or branch; not a be at rest; and, as Trapp remarks,' if loose leaf floating on the water, but a that'Oh' will not set her at liberty, small tender twig, such as the dove then she takes up that' Wo' to express might have broken off with her bill, her misery;'Wo is me, that I sojourn which she probably did by supernatural in Meshech, and dwell in the tents of impulse. Compare the use of the origiKedar.'' Let our language then ever be, nal phrase Neh. 8. 15,'Go forth unto'Return thou to thy rest (Heb.'t3l'3t the mount and fetch olive-branches limnuah, to thy Noah, as it were), O (nr-.~).' According to Pliny and my soul!' Ps. 116. 7.-~'[ Returned Theophrastus, the olive-tree retains its unto him into the ark. Rather,'return- verdure even under water. —~ Abaed unto him to (IR) the ark;' for it was ted. Heb.'153, were lightened. not till after Noah had put forth his 13. Six hundred andfirst year. That is, hand, and taken hold of her, that she of Noah's life, as the Gr. expressly has actually entered the ark. —-- The wa- it.-IT Removed the covering qf the ark. tars were on the face of the whole earth. Heb. t~76) mikseh which occurs Ex. That is, upon the flat or lower regions 26. 14.-36. 19, and elsewhere in referin contradistinction from the moun- ence to the covering of skins spread tains, the tops of which had previously over the tabernacle. It was probably become visible. —~- Pulled. Heb. 1:' I a similar envelope which is spoken of 13 1-16 GENESIS. [B. C. 2348. 14 And in the second month, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of on the seven and twentieth day cattle, and of every creeping thing of the month, was the earth dried. that creepeth upon the earth; that 15 1T And God spake unto No- they may breed abundantly in the ah, saying, earth, and i be fruitful, and mul16 Go forth of the ark, g thou, tiply upon the earth. and thy wife, and thy sons, and 18 And Noah went forth, and thy sons' wives with thee. his sons, and his wife, and hiP 17 Bring foIth with thee h eve- sons' wives with him: ry living thing that is with thee, g ch. 7. 13. h ch. 7. 15. i ch. 1. 22. nere. The Gr. indeed renders it arcyr, 600. 10. 1. Mountam-tops become roqf, as if the meaning were, that Noah visible. now broke up in whole or in part the " 11. 11. Raven sent out. planking of the roof; but we cannot " " 18. Dove sent out-returnlearn that the original is ever used in ed. thatsense. Thepatient waitingevinced " " 25. Dove again sent outoy Noah under these circumstances is returned. worthy of all admiration. Most men " 12. 2. Dove again sent outin his situation would have been apt returned not. to have removed the covering, when " " 28. Unaccounted for in the the dove returned with the signal of the narrative. retiring waters in its mouth; but 601. 1. 1. Waters dried from off though the sight of land is always so the surface —the body desirable to the voyager after a long of the earth still satuconfinement to the walls of a ship, yet rated with moisture. Noah discovers no precipitancy, but is " 2. 27. Ground fully dried; Nocalm, moderate, and patient to the end. ah leaves the ark. We must look to the paramount influ- The aggregate is one year and ten ence of the gracious principle by which days. If, however, as Ainsworth suphe was governed, and to that alone, for poses, the Jewish year consisted of onan adequate key to his conduct; and ly 354 days, six of the 12 months havy let us remember that like causes ever ing each 30 days, and the remaining produce like effects. six but 29= 354, then by adding 11 days 14. In the second month, &c. was the for the 27th of the second month comearth dried. The following table will pleted, the amount will be 365 days, or exhibit a tolerably correct calendar of a full solar year. the time of the continuance- of the 16. Go forth of the ark, &c. As flood and of Noah's abiding in the ark. Noah entered the ark by God's comA. 2. N. M. D. mand, so he must wait his time ere he 600 2. 17. Noah enters the ark- attempts to leave it. Though he saw fountains broken up. the ground dry the first day of the first " 3. 27. Forty days' rain elaps- month, yet he is required to tarry for ed —ark borne up and nearly Iwo months longer, before he floating. makes his egress from his floating " 7. 17. One hundred and fifty house.'God consults our benefit, days (including the rather than our desires; for he knows 40) elapsed-ark be- what is good fir us better than we do gins to rest. ourselves; and how long it is fit our B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER VIII. 147 19 Every beast, every creeping 20 And Noah builded an altar thing, and every fowl, and what- unto the LORD, and took of k evsoever creepeth upon the earth, ery clean beast, and of every after their kinds, went forth out of clean fowl, and offered burnt-ofthe ark. ferings on the altar. k Lev. ch. I1. restraints should continue, and desired while he and his little household were naercies be delayed.' Henry. now the sole survivors of an extinguish19. After their kinds. teb.' accord- ed race; to see the whole face of creang to their families.' That is, they tion so entirely changed, and no trace ushed not out confusedly together, but of former scenes remaining; and then n exact order, the several pairs with to think of what he owed to the prehe increase which may have accrued serving goodness of God, that had kept o them in the ark. Families are here him safe in the nmidst of such an awful attributed to brute creatures, as before catastrophe;-all this could not but man and wife, ch. 7. 2. inspire him with the most melting and 20. Builded an altar. The Heb. overwhelming emotions of thankfulterm for'altar,' properly signifies a ness, which he would naturally make sacrificatory, or place for slaying sac- it his first business suitably to express. sifices. The Eng. word altar, comes — ST Offered burnt-oqferings. Heb. from the Lat. altus, high, elevated, be- j55 ascensions or rise-qfferings, so cause they were originally made of called because they went up to the high-raised mounds of earth, Ex. 20. Lord in fire; every part except the skin 24, or built on the tops of hills and was consumed; whence they were mountains. The'high places' so fre- called in Gr. o)oKav?.ara whole burntquently mentioned in the subsequent qfferings, which the Apostle teaches, Scriptures, signify either such altars Heb. 10. 6, 10, were a prefiguration of themselves, a kind of tumuli, or the the sacrifice of the body of Christ. As eminences on which they were built. to the exact nature of the sacrifice now As altars and sacrifices were undoubt- offered, it probably partook of the twoedly common before the flood as a part fold character of eucharistic and expiaof the system of religious worship, tory; the occasion giving it the one, Noah had no occasion to wait for a and the material the other; for under particular command relative to this the law thank-offerings were not usunmode of expressing his gratitude for the ally of the bloody kind. But in this signal mercies he had experienced; instance, the offering was probably deand it was no doubt of so much more signed as an atonement in behalf of the value in the sight of God, as he went remnant that was left, and also as a about it,' not of constraint, but wil- significant testimonial of Noah's belingly.' God is peculiarly pleased with lieving respect to the Great Sacrifice free-will offerings, and with praises afterwards to be made, and on the spontaneously prompted. And surely ground of which he would now acif ever an occasion existed for the exer- knowledge Jehovah's intention to deal cise of grateful and adoring sen timents with his creatures in all future periods of the present was one. To look back the renovated earth. The act also is to upon the world, and reflect that in so be viewed in close connection with the short a space of time all his cotempo- covenant engagement mentioned below. raries were blotted from existence, 21. Smelled a sweet savour. Heb. .148 GENESIS. [B. C. 2348. 21 And the LORD snmelled la man's sake; for the - imaginatiop sweet savour; and the LORD said of man's heart is evil from his in his heart. I will not again youth: o neither will I again smite m curse the ground any more for any more every thing living, as 1 have done. I Lev. 1. 9. Ezek. 0. 41. 2 Cor. 2.15. EIph. n ch. 6. 5. Job 14. 4. & 15. 14. Ps. 51. 5. 5. 2. m ch. 3. 17. & 6. 17. Jer. 17. 9. Matt. 15. 19. Rom. 1. 21. & 3 A. o ch. 9. 11, 15. V'~,! r~"1 savour of rest; having i. e. to himself; he inwardly determinthus a verbal reference to Noah's name, ed. Another meaning, but one less ch. 5. 29. Chal.' the Lord accepted probable, may be that' the Lord spake with favour his oblation.' Gr.' the to his (Noah's) heart;' i. e. the Lord Lord God smelt a savour of sweetness, comforted him, as the phrase some('rTe e,.,,!o,, )./' The meaning is, that times implies, Jud. 19. 3. Ruth 2. 13. Noah's sacrifice was as grateful and Is. 40. 2. Itos. 2. 14. Thus too the acceptable to the Iford as sweet odours Arab.' God said to his prophet.' But are to a man. Thus I Sam. 26. 19, on the contrary the Syr.' the Lord'If the Lord have stirred thee up against said in his heart.' Chal.' the Lord said me let him accept (TIeb. l-i smell) an in (or by) his word.' Gr.'and the offering.' Lev. 26. 31,'I will notsmell Lord God considering said,' which last the savour of your sweet odours;' i. e. undoubtedly gives the true sense. The I will reject your sacrifices. In order expression is perhaps equivalent to an however that sacrifices should be thus oath; the very one, it may be, to which acceptable to Jehovah it was requisite God alludes by the prophet, Is. 54. 9, both that they should conform to his'For as I have sworn that the waters appointment, and that the offerer of Noah should no more govern the should be himself a believer, and earth,' &,c. We know of no other should present them in faith of the time but this when this swearing can great atonement of the Messiah; as be supposed to have occurred.-~J'Will otherwise instead of coming tip as fra- not again curse the ground. Heb. grant odours before the Lord, they'will not add to curse;' i. e. as I have should be to him as a nauseous smell done now, by a general deluge. The which he abhorred;'I hate, I despise words are tobe considered not as cancelyour feast-days, and I will not smell ing the general curse inflicted upon the m your solemn assemblies. Though earth for man's sin, Gen. 3. 17, nor as ye offer me burnt-offerings and your precluding a future destruction by fire, meat-offerings, I will not accept them; but simply as declaring that the judgneither will I regard the peaca-off' ringy ment of a universal deluge shall not be of your fat beasts.' Am. 5. 21, 22. That repeated, though there might still be the sacrifice of Noah on this occasion partial inundations in particular regions prefigured that of Christ is evident from that would be marked by very desolathe words of Paid Eph. 5. 2,' Who ting effects. — ~ For the imagination hath loved us and civen himself for us, of man's heart, &c. Rather, Heb. ~ an offering and a sacrifice to God for a ki, though the imagination (or fabrisweet smelling savour ()crpq Evewoal);' cation,'f"),' &c. Thus Josh. 17. 13, where the phrase used by the apostle' Thou shalt drive out the Canaanites is the very phrase used by the Septua- though ( ) they have iron chariots.' gint in this place.-~ The Lord said As if he should say,'Notwithstanding inlhisheart. Heb. J5 Hi to hisheart; I see man's heart is still the same as B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER IX. 149 22 P While the earth remain- CHAPTER IX. eth, seed-time and harvest, and A ND God blessed Noah and cold and heat, and summer and his sons, and said unto them, winter, q and day and night, shall a Be fruitful, and multiply, and not cease. replenish the earth. p Is. 54. 8. q Jer. 33. 20, 25. a ch. 1. 28. ver. 7, 19. oh. 10, 32. before the flood, yet will I no more de- the new charter of privileges was constroy the earth on that account; but, ferred upon him. The true clew to the looking to the atoning sacrifice of the scope of the first paragraph is containpromised Messiah, I will spare them ed in the first and seventh verses by and bless them for his sake.' which it is limited, and which it will be 22. While the earth remaineth, seed- perceived are of equivalent import, both time and harvest, &c. Six divisions of containing the command, or the promthe natural year are here mentioned; iserather, of an abundantincrease. But and it seems that the Jews adopted the to the accomplishmentof such apromise same divisions of the seasons, in refer- the history of the past and the view of ence to the labours of agriculture, which the present would suggest very formidaformed the principal employment of the ble obstacles to the mind of Noah. The mass of the population. The same di- sole survivors of the former world were visions are still in use among the Arabs. now but a feeble handful, and a natural The promise is clearly general in its ground of apprehension was, that in import, and therefore partial failures their weakness they would not be able are not inconsistent with it. to cope with the beasts of the field, who might soon be more than able to CHAPTER IX. dispute the mastery with the adult inThe deliverance of the earth from fants issuing from the second cradle of the dominion of the overflowing waters the human race. To obviate the apprewas a sort of second creation. Noah hensions arising from this source, God and his sons accordingly were intro- is pleased, in the first instance, to asduced into the possession and lordship sure them that he would henceforth so of this new empire with very nearly the impress the spirits of the brute creation same form of benediction as that which with a fear and dread of man that, as a was bestowed upon Adam at the begin- general fact, they might' promise themning. The prerogatives of Noah were selves abundant security on this score, mdeed enlarged beyond those of Adam and not only so, but by giving them by the grant of animal food, but like permission to kill the animals for food, the first father of the race he receives an they should have a still farther guarassurance of blessing and a command anty of safety, as they would in this to be fruitful, to multiply, and to re- way be imposing a continual check upplenish the earth. In connection with on their too rapid increase. But the this he is formally invested with a re- depredations and ferocity of wild beasts newed dominion over the creatures, and were not all that Noah and his family comforted with the assurance that the would feel that they had reason to earth should not again be destroyed by fear. The wrathful passions of men a like catastrophe. Butin order togain as well as the destructive instincts of a still fuller view of the scope of the animals were to be dreaded. Societies opening part of this chapter, we must in a state of lawless misrule marked revert to the circnmstances, in which by deeds of violence and blood had no 13* 150 GENESIS. LB. C. 2348. 2 b And the fear of you, and into your hand are they delivthe dread of you, shall be upon ered. every beast of the earth, and upon 3 c Every moving thing that every fowl of the air, upon all liveth shall he meat for you; even that moveth upon the earth, and as the d green herb have I given upon all the fishes of the sea; you eall things. c Deut. 12. 15. & 14. 3, 9,11. Acts 10. 12, 13. b ch. 1. 28. Hos. 2. 18. d ch. 1. 29. e Reom. 14. 14, 20. 1 Cor. 10. 23, 26. Col. 2. 16. 1 Tim. 4. 3, 4. doubt been common before the flood, race would probably long ere this have and how natural was it for Noah to been destroyed by the beasts of the give way to the fear that like scenes of field. It is ordinarily but little considcruelty, rapine, and murder would in- ered what mercy God has shown to terfere with the promise now given of man in hiding from even the domestic the plentiful increase of his seed? But animals the consciousness of their suhere too the Lord meets his misgivings perior strength.-It is not to be inferred with a quieting assurance. He utters from the language of this passage that an edict against the shedder of man's the same degree of the fear of man was blood which would at once erect a bar- impressed upon all the different species rier against the inroad of evils other- of animals;but that even the fiercest and wise to be anticipated from this source, most powerfill possess more or less of and so having fully obviated these it is certain. It is the instinct even of the two grand tacit objections to the ful- lion, the tiger, and the wild elephant in filment of the gracious promise, he ordinary circumstances and when not again repeats in v. 7, the benediction provoked, rather to flice from man than which he had first announced in v. 1, to attack him; thus acknowledging the' Be ye fruitfuil, and multiply; bring majesty of his presenceand thefactofhis forth abundantly in the earth and mul- original lordship. This passage seems tiply therein;' all the intermediate mat- to be alluded to in James 3. 7,' Forevery ter between these two verses being ap- kind (Gr. Ovawt nature) of beasts, and parently introduced for the sole purpose of birds, and of serpents, and of things of removing the objections above stated. in the sea, is tamed, and hath been 2. 7The fear of you, &c. In these tamed qf mankind (Gr. Oveort avOpoTvrtv words is pointed out a striking difftr- by the human nature);' i. e. the nature ence in the nature of the dominion of the one is constitutionally subject to which was exercised over the brute the nature of the other. creation by Adam in innocence and by 3. Every moving thing that liveth. Noah after the flood. Previous to the:Ieb. VU7n creeping thing., From the fall, man ruled the inferior animals by peculiar emphasis of the original the love and kindness, as then gentleness words would seem to imply, that the and docility were their principal char- animals allowed for food were to be acteristics. After that event, untracta- killed for this purpose, and that such bleness, savage ferocity, and enmity as died of themselves, or were slain by to man, prevailed among almost all other beasts, were excluded from the orders of the animal tribes; and had grant. This was afterwards expressly not God in his mercy impressed them prescribed in the law; Lev. 22. 8,'That with the fear and terror of man, so which dieth of itself, or is torn with that some submit to his will, while beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself others.flee from his abodes. the human therewith.' Such general expressions B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER IX. 151 4 f But flesh with the life there- hand of every beast will I require of, which is the blood thereof, it, and h at the hand of man at shall ye not eat. the hand of every i man's brother 5 And surely your blood of will I require the life of man. your lives will I require: g at the fLev. 17. 10, 11, 14. & 19. 26. Deut. 12..23. h ch.4. 9,10. Ps. 9.12. i Acts 17.26. 1 Sam. 14. 34. Acts 15. 20, 29. g Ex. 21. 28. as that here used are often to be under- of vitality in the animal structure. He stood with some exceptions, and the may have designed simply to convey fact that certain species of reptiles were the idea that the blood was ostensibly afterwards forbidden to be eaten, Lev. the grand medium of life, that upon 11, is not to be constructed as militat- which its continuance more especially ing with the drift of this passage.- depended; yet it is not a little remark~' Even as the green herb have I given able that the discoveries of the celebrayou al things. Alluding to the primi- ted John Hunter in the middle of the tive grant made Gen. 1. 29. The whole last century have gone far to establish scope makes it evident that the use of the point, that the blood is strictly a vianimal food is here spoken of not as an taltfluid, and is, in this respect, disinjunction, but as a permission. tinguished from every other part of the 4. But flesh with the life thereof, &c. animal economy. But upon this view Heb. 1i=t t5 1T-"1'wlo33 1: 1 of the subject we cannot here enlarge. only.flesh with the life (or soul) thereof -As to the true scope of the passage, the blood thereof, ye shall not eat. It is the Hebrew doctors generally underto be noticed, however, that according stand it as a prohibition against cutting to the distinction of the Heb. accents off' any limb of a living animal and which, though not infallible guides to eating it while the life, i. e. the lifethe sense, are always entitled to res- blood, is in it. Maimonides speaks of,ect as giving the readings of the an- a fierce and barbarous people, who after:ient Jews, this verse in connection cutting pieces of flesh from a living anvith the preceding requires to be ren- imal, devoured it raw with the blood Jered and pointed as follows:'As the streaming from it, as a part of their green herb have I given you all, (all idolatrous worship; and that this horkinds of animals for food, yet not all rid practice is kept up to this day parts of the animal alike, buit) only the among the Abyssinians is placed beflesh: the life thereof, (which is) the yond the reach of controversy by the blood thereof, ye shall not eat.' Ac- reports of Mr. Bruce and Mr. Salt, cording to this construction, which we confirmed by the statements of a still have little doubt is the true one, the later traveller, Mr. Madden, whose repreposition 2 before -j Stlife serves lations on this subject may be seen in both to designate the accusative of the my'Illustrations of the Scriptures,' object, as it does repeatedly after this p. 17. But this, though perhaps indivery verb FZX to eat (Ex. 12. 43-45. rectly involved in the spirit of the proLev. 22. 11), and also to point out the hibition, does not seem to be its primainternal nature and quality of the sub- ry drift. This was undoubtedly to forject to which It applies, and its virtual bid the use of blood in its simple unidentity with the blood. It cannot mixed state as an article of diet, and perhaps be positively affirmed that Mo- for this the grand reason Ls to be sought, ses here intended to assert the physio- not so much from its tendency to beget logical fact, that the blood is the seat a cruel, ferocious, and blood-thirsty dis 152 GENESIS. [B. C. 2348 position, though such is the fact, as danger of being counteracted from this from the design of the Lawgiver to at- source, and the Most High accordingly tach to blood a peculiar sacredness here utters a decree well calculated to from its uses in religious worship. This allay his apprehensions. The phraseolwe find expressly declared Lev. 17. 10, ogy of the original is very peculiar, and 11,'Whatsoever man there be of the our translation we think fails in giving house of Israel, or of the strangers its precise import. The Heb. for'your that sojourn among you, that eateth blood ofyourlives(b ) th-T) any manner of blood; I will even set perhaps more properly signifies' your my face against that soul that eateth blood for your lives;' i. e. your blood blood, and will cut him off from among in return for the life-blood which you his people. For the life of the flesh is have shed. He says'for your lives,' in the blood: and I have given it to to intimate the close relation and idenyou upon the altar to make an atone- tity, as it were, between men, as if in ment for your souls; for it is the blood taking away the life of a brother they that maketh an atonement for the soul.' took that which was their own; so repThe full force of this language cannot resenting homicide as but another form be appreciated without bearing in mind of suicide, for he'hath made of one that the original word (Ut) nephesh) blood all nations of men,' &c. Acts, or life and soul is the same; so that in 17. 26. The term require (M6) saying that the lirfe of the flesh is in the implies a vindictive seeking or searching blood, and that it is the blood that out, and consequently involves the idea makes atonement for the soul (i. e. the of punishment. Thus Gen. 42. 22, life), it is virtually said that life goes'Therefore behold also his blood is refor life in the great scheme of expiation. quired.' For this reason God is called Accordingly we find it prophetically af Ps. 9. 12 (13), 1731 WAdI seeker out of firmed of Christ in undoubted allusion bloods, i, e. avenger; and when Moto this very language, Is. 53. 12, that ses says Deut. 18. 19,'I will require it he should pour out his soul (Heb. 1;. of him,' Peter in quoting and applying Gr./vn,7) unto death;' i.e. should shed the sentence, Acts, 3. 23, says,'He his vital blood, give his life. The same shall be destroyed from among the peooriginal Greek term occurs John, 10. ple.' —~ At the hand of every beast 11, 17,'I am the good shepherd: the will Irequire it. This is generally ingood shepherd giveth his life (or soul- terpreted of the punishment which was ipvXnv) for the sheep.' As to the ques- to be inflicted upon a beast that had in tion whether this precept of abstaining any way killed a man; anti it is cerfrom blood be at present binding upon tain that a law was afterwards ordained Christians, see Barnes on Acts 15. 29. requiring such a beast to be put to 5. And surely?/your blood of your lives death, Ex. 21. 28, probably to inspire will I require. God having in the pre- greater horror of every species of bloodceding verses given security to Noah shedding. And this may be the primaand his posterity against any appre- ry and most genuine sense of the hended obstacle to their increase and words. At least, we would not exmultiplication from the ravages of wild elude it from the scope of the sacred beasts, comes now to make provision writer; at the same time we cannot against another possible evil, viz. the avoid the impression that this does not violence of men towards each oth- exhaust the whole meaning of the er. Noah, from his experience of the words. The phrase'at the hand of' past, would no doubt fear that the ef- sometimes signifies'by means of;' and fects of the divine blessing would be in a secondary idea, we are persuaded, is, B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER IX. 153 that the shedding of human blood will I require the soul (or life) of man.' should be avenged by the agency or in- That the idea here expressed is really st rumentality, not only of every mur- conveyed by the words of the sacred dered man's brother, but even by that writer we are not disposed to question; )f the very beasts of the field. The nor that they carry with them the clear whole creation, as it were, should be implication that every man is to considarmed against him who had violated er every other lman as his brother, and the sanctity of human life. It is prob- to be as tender of his life as he would be able indeed that this ordinance contem- of that of one who acknowledges the plated primarily a state of society in same immediate parents as himself. which the institution of laws and ma- But the passage contains, we conceive, glstracy had obtained but a very im- much more than this. We here see, if perfect establishment, and therefore we mistake not, the origin of the in~tiamounts to a pledge on the part of the tution of Goi'lism, or that feature of Most High that he would in some way, the patriarchal polity which provided and by the employment of such minis- for the punishment of crimes of blood. ters as he saw fit, take the work of ven- By the Goil (~:1 goal) is to be undergeance into his own hands. How stood the nearest relation of a person agreeable such extraordinaryjudgments murdered, whose right and duty it was, were to the general sense of mankind to avenge his kinsman's death with his we may learn from the striking incident own hand. The etymology of the Acts, 28. 4, where the barbarians, when word in this sense is not very well asthey observed the viper (the venomous certained, but as the root i&: has the beast) hanging to the hand of Paul, at import not only of ransoming or reonce concluded that the man was a deeming, but also of polluting or stainmurderer, whom, though he had escap- ing, Michaelis suggests that the Goal ed the perils of the sea, justice would was so called from his being considernot suffer to live. In like manner in ed as stained with the blood of his murthe book of Job, which contains a pic- dered relative till he had washed it ture of society in its earliest and rudest away by avenging his death; and in stages, we find clear intimations of the this very light do the Arabs still regard same thing. Speaking of the favoured the kinsman of a person murdered. lot of the good man it is said, ch. 5.22, The term, however, was afterwards 23,'At destruction and famine thou extended to signify the nearest relation shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid in general, although there was no murof the beasts qf the earth. For thou der in the case, as may be seen in the shalt be in league with the stones of notes on Ruth, 4. 1. In Arabic, this the field; and the beasts qof te field personage is called Tair or T'sair, i. e. shall be at peace with thee.' While, survivor, implying tile surviving relatherefore, we admit that the phrase'to tive, w ho was bound to avenge the require the blood at the hand of beast death of a murdered person; and in the or brother,' implies primarily inflicting writings of this people the mention of vengeance on the perpetrator, it involves the blood-avenger occurs far oftener also the secondary sense of enlisting than it does in Hebrew; no doubt for such executioners in the work as to di- the reason, that the usages of a rude vine wisdom might seem good. This is and primitive state of society have lecft confirmed by what follows.-~ At more permanent traces among them the hand qf every man's brother will I than among the Hebrews, though even require it. Chal.'At the hand of the among them the relics of this system man who shall spill his brother's blood of retribution are still discoverable in 154 GENESIS. LB. C. 2348. 6 k Whoso sheddeth man's 7 And you, m be ye fruitful, and blood, by man shall his blood be multiply; bring forth abundantly shed: 1 for in the image of God in the earth, and multiply theremade he man. in. k Ex. 21. 12, 14. Lev. 24. 17. Matt. 26. 52. m ver. 1, 19. & ch. 1. 28. Rev. 13. 10. 1 ch. 1. 27. the laws respecting the cities of refuge, that such a means of severity is liable Deut. 19. The following remarks of to great abuses, and could never be so Michaelis on the subject of Goilismi effectual nor so free from objections, as will make the reader still better ac- the laws by which a magistrate punquainted with its nature and design. ishes a murderer after instituting a ju-'Let us figure to ourselves a people dicial investigation of his guilt. Still without magistrates, and where every we can easily see that it might have father of a family is still his own mas- been adopted in those early ages as a ter. In such a state men's lives would temporary expedient of Providence, of necessity be in the highest degree in- though not perhaps appointed as a possecure, were there no such blood-aven- itive divine institution carrying with it ger as we have above described. Magis- the express authority of Heaven. God trate, or public judicial tribunal, to pun- in his providence often avails himself ish murder, there is none; of course of many things which at the same time acts of murder might be daily perpetra- exist rather by his sufferance than by ted, were there no reason to dread pun- his approbation. ishment of another description. For 6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, &c. their own security, the people would be That is, wilfully and unwarrantably, forced to constitute the avengement of for there are two exceptions to this blood an indispensable duty, and not law, (1.) Casual or unintentional mulronly to consider the murderer as an der, Deut. 19. 4. (2.) Death by the outlaw, but actually to endeavour to hand of the magistrate for capital put him to death, and whithersoever he crimes, to which the present rule has might flee, never to cease pursuing him direct reference. The enactment conuntil lie became the victim of vengeance. tained in the preceding verse has, as As, however, every one would not we have endeavoured to show, a leadchoose to undertake the dangerous of- ing reference to the rude and less orfice of thus avenging a murder, the ganized states of society, where the nearest relations of the unfortunate suf- punishment of flagrant crimes, particuferer would find it necessary to under- larly that of murder, would devolve take it themselves. It would natural- more immediately upon the avenging ly be deemed a noble deed, and the interpositionsof God's providence. The neglect of it, of course, highly disgrace- drift of that verse accordingly is to ful and justly productive of such infa- convey the assurance that he would acmy and reproach as blood alone could tually take it upon him to see to the wash away.' Comment. on Laws of maintaining of the interests of justice Moses, vol. 2. p. 195. It is, we suppose, among his creatures in the lack of those to such a provisional expedient as this institutions which would otherwise en-,. that the words before us refer, one able them to do it. But in the present which God was pleased to sanction for passage, we consider the divine Lawthe time being till more perfect systems giver as having his eye upon a someof laws and government should be in- what different and higher state of polittroduced among men; as it is evident ical society. Instead of being a mere B.C. 2348.] CHAPTER IX. 155 8 I' And God spake unto Noah, o my covenant w ith you, and with and to his sons with him, saying, your seed after you; 9 And 1, n behold, I establish n ch. 6. 18. o Is. 54. 9. repetition of the leading idea of the but merely as a prediction, intimating former verse, the words seem to carry that the murderer will usually die with them the implication of the exist- a violent death. But such a conseence of law and settled government, quence would follow the commission and that their prominent drift is to in- of this crime only as the result of the vest the magistrate with a divine war- ordering of Divine Providence, and rant for inflicting capital punishment the course of Providence is but anothupon the wiiful murderer. This will er name for the expression of the will probably be still more evident fri of God; so that it virtually amounts what follows. — ~ By man shall h7kis to the sarme thing, whether we considblood be shed. Chal.'With witnesses er it as a prediction or a precept.-~r by the sentence of the judges shall his For in tihe image of God made he man. blood be shed.' The welfare of society In addition to what is said. above, it evidently requires that capital punish- may be well in this connection to Iements should be inflicted, not by the mark that the celebrated Belgic comstroke of private revenge, but by the mentator, Venema, has proposed the arm of the authorized magistrate, and following rendering of these words, through the medium of a judicial sen- which helabours to support with great tence, Rom. 13. 1. This ordinance, acuteness and ingenuity, viz.'whoso therefore, may be considered as a vir- sheddeth man's blood, by man shall tual institution of magistracy, which his blood be shed, although in the imperhaps affords us the most legitimate age of God created he him;' i. e. the interpretation of the clause;' for in the fact of his bearing the image of his Maker image of God made he man,' i. e. in the is to constitute no impediment in the constitution of civil society, as emana- way of the sentence of death being proting from the will of the Most High, nounced and executed upon the murmen are to be appointed as the execu- derer. He supposes the words to be tive organs of the social body for the virtually a reply to the tacit objection, administration of justice; and a mag- that inasmuch as the image of God is istrate thus armed with authority bears common to all men, and in all is to be a visible impress of the Divine image held sacred and inviolable, therefore the in the legal sovereignty with which he putting to death a murderer was as real is invested. Still this sense need not an invasion and extinction of this exclude the usual construction, that a image as was the act of the culprit himmurderer obliterates the image of his self, and so was unlawful. But this Maker in the extinction of human life, scruple is directly met and removed in and therefore deserves to die. This is these words by the divine declaration, in itself true, and may perhaps be in- that this circumstance is not to be altended to be taught in the genuine iln- lowed to prevent the execution of the port of the verse, though the former is appointed sentence. That the literal its more legitimate scope. It is indeed rendering of the original will admit this sometimes maintained that this sen- construction there is no doubt, for we tence is to be understood, not as a have already shown that such is the precept authorizing capitalpunishments, true import of the Heb. e' for in ch. 156 GENESIS. [B. C. 2348. 10 P And with every living shall there any more be a flood to creature that is with you, of the destroy the earth. fowl, of the cattle, and of every 12 And God said, r This is the beast of the earth with you, from token of the covenant which I all that go out of the ark, to every make between me and you, and beast of the earth. every living creature that is with 11 And q I will establish my you, for perpetual generations. covenant with you; neither shall 13 I do set s my bow in the all flesh be cut pff any more by cloud, and it shall be for a token the waters of a flood; neither of a covenant between me and the earth. p Ps. 145. 9. q Is. 54. 9. r ch. 17. 11. s Rev. 4. 3. 8. 21, to which numerous other instan- to set their minds at rest on this score, ces might be added. But still from a gives Noah an assurance that he would view of the whole context we prefer never again destroy all his creatures the interpretation given above, which with a flood, and this promise he has makes the image of God here to con- himself taught us to consider in the sist in man's representing his Maker light of an oath. Is. 54. 9,' For this in the exercise of authority and the is as the waters of Noah unto me; for administration qf justice. as I have sworn that the waters of 9. 1 establish my covenant with you. Noah should no more go over the earth; Heb.`n')'ht berithi. A covenant, as so have I sworn that I would not be remarked in the note on Gen. 6 18, us- wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.' ually signifies a mutual compact, blt Thus also he deals with us in his Son. here, as occasionally elsewhere, it iml- Being willing that the heirs of promise ports mainly a solemn promise. It is should have strong consolation, he merely an amplification of what was confirms his word by an oath, Heb. said at the altar, where the Lord smel- 6. 17, 18. led a sweet savour, and indeed the first 11. Neither shall there be any more a seventeen verses of this chapter are flood to destroy the earth. Heb. t1". a continuation of that subject. The to corrupt. This has the air of being goodness of God in this transaction is a mere repetition of what is said just very remarkable. As man has no before, but by referring to ch. 6. 13, it claims upon his Maker, he might have appears that there was a twofold threat determined to exempt the world from ening, viz. against'all flesh' and the calamity of a second deluge, and against' the earth;' so here is a corresyet not have acquainted them with his ponding twofold promise. purpose. But he was pleased in this 12. 7his is the token of the covenant instance, as in many others, to lay which 1 make, &c. Heb. u'sR a sign. himself under voluntary engagements On the import of this word see note on with his creatures, that they might Gen. 4. 15. — [ Every living creature know how gracious he is, and be en- that is with you. Because the benefits couraged to serve him with more lively of this covenant were to extend to all guatitude. Knowing that the severe the animal creation, as well as to man, judgment which he had inflicted upon for whose sake they were created. Evthe human race would, for a time at ery living thing, not excepting even the least, strike terror into succeeding gen- meanest reptiles, was interested in it; erations, and perhaps deter them from so comprehensive is the beneficence of cultivating the earth, he here, in order Heaven. The phrase'with you, B. C. 2348.] CHAPTER IX. 157 which is repeated so often in this con- not always a rainbow when there is nection, is very emphatic and points to rain, and God might have prevented its the exceedingly intimate relation con- occurrence from a foresight of the morstituted by the Creator between man al uses to which he designed to have it and the lower orders of creatures. applied after the flood. The grand irn13. 1 do set my bow in the cloud. port which God intended to convey by That is, in the clouds; collect. sing. for this sign was that of assurance qf seplur. The original word for set (oF;r] curity against the occurrence of anothnathatti), usually rendered to give, has er deluge, and had not the phenomenon in innumerable instances the import of been new, had men been familiar with appointing or constitUtitilg, as Num. it in past ages, it is not altogether easy 14. 4,' Let ts make (ir]) a captain, to see how it could have been efficaand let us return into Egypt;' i. e. let cious enough to overcome the doubts us appoint a captain. 1 Kings 2. 35, and fears which it was intended to re-' The king put (zp") Benaiah over the move.'What guaranty does this afford host; and Zadok did the king put (~kn) us,' they might say,' that we shall not in the room of Abiathar;' i. e. appoint- be deluged again, since we have often ed. So in the preceding verse'the to- beheld this sight, and were deluged ken of the covenapt which I make notwithstanding?' If it be said that is properly'the token of the God's verbal promise made their scaucovenant which I appoint.' As the rity certain, we may ask what need rainbow is the natural effect of the re- then was there of any outward sign at fraction and reflection of the sun's rays all'? Was not his word as certain falling on drops of water, it is not ab- without a sign as with it? In fine, as solutely necessary to suppose that this it is impossible to prove that the rainphenomenon had never been witnessed bow had actually ever appeared before previous to the time now mentioned. the flood, we believe the most interAs the causes of it existed from the he- esting light in which this glorious specginning, it may have occasionally ap- tacle can be viewed, viz. as a great mepeared in the interval between the crca- mento of the divine veracity, has been tion and the deluge; and all that Is here conceded away to the cavils of infidels; implied may be that it was now first and that by looking upon it merely as appointed as a pledge or outward visi- an effect of natural causes that have ble sign of the covenant promise made always.. operated, we shall be apt to to Noah. Yet we incline upon the lose the force of Its moral bearing in whole to regard this as the first appeal- connection with the event in which it ance of the celestial arch. Such we originated As a seal of this gracious think is the natural impression produ- assurance it is very peculiar. Its beauced upon the mind of any one who ty, conspicuousness and grandeur make reads the narrative without reference to it a very suitable memorial for such a any existing theory upon the subject; purpose, and yet whenever a rainbow and no one can doubt that the effect appears, it is a sign that there is rain upon Noah's nlind would have been far descending at that moment on the earth, more vivid and striking had this been and consequently when viewed in itself the first timne the splendid sight had is rathera ground of apprehending that met his eve. Although the causes of another deluge may come. But God the phenomenon existed from the crea- in his wisdom has chosen that to be a tion, yet it does riot necessarily follow pledge of our security which is in itself that the phenomenon itse.lf had actually an intimation of our danger. And how appeared before. Even now there is strikingly does the Most Higlh endeat 14 158 GENESIS. [B. C. 2348. 14 And it shall come to pass, cloud; and I will look upon it, when I bring a cloud over the that I may remember w the everearth, that the bow shall be seen lasting covenant between God in the cloud: and every living creature of all 15 And U I will remember my flesh that is upon the earth. covenant, which is between me 17 And God said unto Noah, and you, and every living crea- This is the token of the covenant ture of all flesh; and the waters which I have established between shall no more become a flood to me and all flesh that is upon the destroy all flesh. earth. 16 And the bow shall be in the u Ex. 28. 12. Lev. 26. 42, 45. Ezek. 16. 60. w ch. 17.13,19. his goodness to oiur hearts by appoint- ted beings. And this tne philosophers ing a sign which he declares shall not are obliged to confess, that the subonly be a means of reminding us, but sidence of the waters below the surface himself also, of his promise!'I will of the earth so as to allow any portion look upon it that I may remember the of it to rise above them, is an event everlasting covenant.' contrary to nature (printer naturam). 14. When I bring a cloud over the Indeed, the Scriptures speak of it as earth. Heb. DS S.Y: when I make among the divine miracles, Job 38. 8cloudy (the) cloud. That is, clouds, 11, that the waters of the sea should be thick watery clouds, a collective term; kept back by forced restraints, as of whence the Gr.' when I bring clouds bars and doors, from rushing forth and (vPEcAas).' overwhelming the regions allotted to 15. The waters shall no more become the habitation of men.' Comment. on a flood to destroy all flesh. It is now Gen. 7. 11. Considering therefore the above four thousand years since the real exposedness of the earth to destrucpromise was given to Noah, and no tion from the element of water on the part of it has ever yet failed. There one hand and fire on the other, vast have been partial inundations and par- stores of which are treasured up in its tial suspensions of fruitful seasons; but bowels and continually lending to at no period, from the deluge to this burst forth, we may well regard our hour, has any thing occurred like the safety as the effect of a perpetual miradesolation that was visited upon the cle of mercy; and every appearance of earth in the days of Noah. The con- a rainbow ought to be a signal for a scious security in which the world re- new acknowledgment of the divine poses, as far as the occurrence of anoth- forbearance and faithfulness. Such acer deluge is concerned, is matter of de- cording to Maimonides was the cusvout admiration and perpetual praise. tom of the ancient Jews;-' When any And so will it doubtless appear if due one seeth the bow in the cloud, he blessweight be given to the reflections of eth Godthatremembereth his covenant, Calvin on this fearful catastrophe.'The and is faithful therein, and stable in his earth,' says he,'in its primitive and promise.' Ainsworth.'Look upon the most natural state was covered by the rainbow, and praise him that made it,' waters; and it was owin g solely to the says the son of Syrac, Ecclus. 43. 11, singular beneficence of the Creator that and to this injunction every pious heart they wea: forced to give way and leave will promptly respond. a space fit for the occupation of anima- 17. And God said unto Noah, this B. C. 2347.] CHAPTER IX. 159 18 ~T And the sons of Noah 19 y These are the three sons that went forth of the ark, were of Noah: z and of them was the Shem, and I-am, and Japheth: whole earth overspread.'and Harr is the father of Ca- 20 And Noah began to be a a naan. y ch. 5. 32. z ch. 10. 32. 1 Chron. 1. 4, &o. x ch. 10. 6. a ch. 3.19, 23. & 4. 2. Prov. 12. 11. is the token, &c. The remark of Jar- name that is above every name.'Ham' chi the Jewish commentator on this signifies heat, probably in allusion to passage we think peculiarly plausible the hot and sultry regions which his and happy. He says that in what goes descendants were to inhabit. Of'Jabefore God had merely affirmed, in a pheth' the import is enlargement, the general way, that he would appoint the grounds of which appellation are exbow in the heavens as a sign of the plained below. We may remark, mnorecovenant, and that whenever it should over, that the order of rtention here infuture chance to appear it should be does not correspond with the olrder of so regarded, while there is no intima- age; for Japheth was undoubtedly the tion that one was actually visible at eldest and Shems the youngest of the the time. But now, he thinks, for the three brethren. But Shem is usually greater confirmation of Noah's faith, mentioned first because the birthright God suddenly overspread the western was conferred upon him.- ~ 11am is sky with clouds, and causing the rain- the father of Canaan. Heb.'n:: bow to appear, said to his servant,'Be- Kennan, from the root Y= kidna, to hold, this is the sign of which I spake!' humble, to depress, to cause to stoop or Such at any rate is the usual force of bow down; implying the depressive huthe demonstrative nmT this. miliation, to which his descendants 18. Th.e sons qf Noah-were Shemz, should be subjected. This remark of and Ham, and Japheth. To whatever Moses respecting Ham was doubtless it may be owing, the fact is undoubted, made with a special design; for living, that very many of the names of the as he did, when the Israelites, who deearly distinguished personages of Scrip- scended from Shem, were about to take ture are not only significant, but signi- possession of the land of Canaan, it ficant some way of the character or was of peculiar importance that they fortunes for which the individuals should be informed, that the people, themselves were remarkable. Wheth- whose country the Lord their God had er these names were bestowed by their given them to possess, were under a parents under some degree of prophet- curse from the days of their first faic influence, as suggested on Gen. 4. 2. ther. As Ham had several sons be-5. 29, or whether the original names sides Canaan, there seems to be no were gradually superseded and other other assignable reason for his being appropriate ones substituted by their particularly specified here than thatnow posterity in after times, is uncertain. suggested. That the fact is so, however, the names 19. Of them was the whole earth of Noah's sons afford one of many overspread. Heb., 1i-D dispersed,scatpalpable proofs.'Shem' signifies name, tered; spoken of the earth figuratively, and doubtless points to the circum- unless as some critics understand It, stance of his superior distinction over'earth' is here used in the sense of in.. his brethren, especially from his being habitants of the earth, the container for the progenitor of Him who inherits a the contained. The ancient versions 160 GENESIS. LB. C. 234-7 husbandman, and he planted a b and was drunken; and he was vineyard: uncovered within his tent. 21 And he drank of the wine, b Prov. 20. 1. 1 Cor. i0. 12. all give an equivalent rendering, though fiery force, it warms the blood. it the Syr. includes both senses;-' From mounts to the brain, it leads reason these were men divided in the earth.' captive, it overpowers every faculty, it The fact mentioned would seem to ex- triumphs over its lord. How often elude the idea that Noah had any more have arts been invented which have children born after the flood, as some proved fatal to the inventors!' Hunter. have maintained. 21. And he drank qf the wine and 20. Noah began to be a husbandman. was drunken. This language is, alas! Heb.,,1%) /13I a man of the ground. too plain to stand in need of expository Thus in the Heb. idiom a soldier is comment. He that runs may read, termed' a man of war;' a shepherd,'a and he that reads must grieve. It was man of cattle;' an orator,' a man of very lawful for Noah to partake of the words,' &c. The language does not fruits of his labour; but he sinned in necessarily imply that he had not fol- drinking to excess. He might not inlowed the occupation of a husband- deed have been aware of the strength man before. The original for'begin' of the wine, or his age might have renboth in Heb. and Gr. is often redun- dered him sooner afficted by it. At dant, being applied to one who contin- any rate, we have reason to conclude ues or repeats an action begun before. from his general character, that it was Thus, Christ is said, Mark, 11. 15, to a fault of inadvertence, one in which'begin to cast out,' and Luke, 12. 1, to he was overtaken, and of which he af.-'begin to speak,' for which in the par- terwards bitterly repented.'Who would allel places he is said only, Mat. 21. 12, look to have found righteous Noah, the to' cast out,' and Mat. 16. 6, to'speak.' father of the new world, lying drunk in So likewise it is said Gen. 6. 1,'when his tent? WIo could think that wine men began to multiply,' though we should overthrow him that was preserknow they had multiplied before this, ved from the waters? That he who and were already very numerous. Here could not be tainted with the sinful exthen the meaning is simply, that Noah amples of the former world should bebegan to cultivate the ground after the gin the example of a new sin of his deluge and, among other agricultural own? What are we men if we be left to operations, he planted a vineyard, and ourselves! While God upholds us, no was perhaps the first who invented temptation can move us; when he presses for extracting the juice of the leaves us, no temptation is too weak to grape and making wine in this man- overthrow us. God's best children ner. If so, the increased quantities have no fence for sins of infirmity. procured, or the augmented strength of Which of the saints have not once the beverlage, may account for the effect done that whereof they are ashamed? produced by drinking it upon Noah. Yet we see Noah drunken but once.' Behold the juice of the grape in a new One act can no more make a good man state; possessing a quality unheard of unrighteous, than a trade of sin can before. Eaten from the tree, or dried stand (consist) with regeneration.' Bp. in the sun, it is simple and nutritious, Hall. — f Was uncovered within his like the grain from the stalk of corn; tent. Heb. lir mIr=: in the midst of pressed out and fermented, it acquires a (the) tent; the original having nothing B. C. 2347.1 CHAPTER IX. 161 22 And Ham, the father of ces were backward, and they saw Canaan, saw the nakedness of his not their father's nakedness. father, and told his two brethren 24 And Noah awoke from his without. wine, and knew what his young23 c And Shem and Japheth er son had done unto him. took a garment, and laid it upon 25 And he said, d Cursed be both their shoulders, and went Canaan; ea servant of servants backward, and covered the naked- shall he be unto his brethren. ness of their father: and their fac Ex. 20. 12. Gal. 6. 1. d Deut. 27.16. Josh. 9. 23. 1 Kings, 2.20, 21. to answer to' his' in our translation. 22. And Ham-saw the nakedness of Indeed the use of the collect. sing. is of his father and told his two brethren. such incessant occurrence in Hebrew, However sinful it was for Noah thus to that it is by no means certain that a expose himself, it was still more so for tingle tent is here intended. It may be Ham, on perceiving his situation, to go 2hat he lay on the ground in the open out and report it with malignant pleasair in the midst oqf a number of tents, ure to his brethren. For that he did where he happened first to be discov- so, we cannot but infer from the sequel. ered by Ham. Thus while in 2 Sam. He was now in all probability about an 7. 6, God says,'Whereas I have not hundred years old, and the act therefore dwelt in (any) house since the time that could not have been one of mere childI brought up the children of Israel out ish levity. It was undoubtedly a known of Egypt, even to this day, but have and voluntary instance of gross disrewalked in a tent and in a tabernacle,' spect, or contemptuous deportment toi. e. have dwelt tentwise; we read in wards his aged parent, and as such the parallel passage I Chron. 17. 5,' For justly gave occasion to the malediction I have not dwelt in an house since the that followed.-' Hamr is here called day that I brought up Israel unto this'the father of Canaan,' which intimates day; but have gone from tent to tent that he who was himself a father, and from (one) tabernacle (to another).' should have been more respectful to As to Hain's telling his brethren with- hinm who was his father.' Henry. out, this may mean simply that he told 24. And Noah awoke, &c. Finding them in the fields or in the vineyards, himself covered, when he awoke, with or any where without the spot where a garment which he had no recollection the several tents happened to be of having spread over him when he pitched. But whatever were the laid down, he would naturally makeinplace, it was the position that constitu- quiries concerning it of his sons, and ted the degradation.'Noah had no thus wouldlearn from Shem and Jasooner sinned but he discovers his na- pheth all that had happened. It is unkedness, and hath not so much rule of necessary to suppose any supernatural himself as to be ashamed. One hour's revelation in the case.-~i Knew what drunlkenness bewrays that which more his younger son had done unto him. than six hundred years' sobriety had Heb. -l ) his little son. As Ham modestly concealed. He that gives in the enumeration of Noah's sons is himself to wine is not his own: what invariably placed between the other shall we think of this vice, which robs two, the presumption is, that he was a man of himself and lays a beast in between them in age; and consequent his room?' Bp. Hall. ly that he is here called'younger' or 14* 162 GENESIS. LB. C. 2347 little' not in literal truth but in com- sion is fair, that as nothing is said of Parativc dignity. His conduct on this Ham personally in the sentence utteroccasion had so degraded him that ed, his conduct, though highly criminal, Shem and Japheth were both preferred merely afforded an occasion for the before hirm, and in this sense we-think prompting of one of the most signal it is that he is here denominated'little' prophecies contained in the Scriptures. or young,' an epithet that would oth- In like manner we suppose the indiscre-. erwise sound strangely as applied to a tion of Hezekiah in displaying his person already an hundred years old. treasures to the ernbassadors of the king Still it is a point on which we cannot of Babylon, Is. 39. 6, was not so truly speak with confidence. the cause as the occasion of the severe 25. And he said, Cursed be Canaan, denunciation and the actual heavy &c.'The important prophecy here re- judgment that followed. (2.) As to corded, which is remarkable for the the connection between the incident fulness and extensive reach of its mean- here mentioned and the predicted doom ing, involves several particulars requir- of Canaan, it is especially to be borne ing a minute and critical investigation, in mind, that here, as in hundreds of which may perhaps swell our remarks other instances in the Scriptures, indisomewhat beyond their usual dimen- viduals are not so much contemplated sions. The first inquiry that naturally as the nations and peoples descending arises respects the procuring cause of from them. As the blessings promised such an apparently severe denuncia- were not to be confined to the persons tion, and that too a denunciationi direct- of Shem and Japheth, so the curse deed not against Ham, the real offender, nounced was not to be restricted to the biut against Canaan his son, who does person of Canaan, but was to alight not appear from the text to have hall upon his posterity centuries after he any agency in the transaction. On was no more. But the judgments of this head we may rermark, (1.) That God are not inflicted upon men irrespecthe act of Ham was rather the occasion tive of their moral character, nor have than the cause of the prediction against we any reason to think that this preCanaan. At the most, his sin was that diction was ever fulfilled upon the Caof irreverence and unbecoming levity naanites themselves, any farther than towards his aged parent, and this, as their own sins were the procuring though by no means a slight offence, causes of it. Noah therefore uttered can yet be scarcely conceived to pos- the words firom an inspired.foresight sess such peculiar enormity as to draw of the sins and abominations of the after it so dire a malediction not only abandoned stockt of the Canaanites. upon the offender himself, but upon his Now it is clear from the subsequent posterity down to distant generations. history that the peculiar and characterIt is moreover worthy of note, that istic sins of that people, the sins which Noah does not expressly say that be- in an especial manner inctrred the dicause Ham had done so and so, there- vine indignation, were closely allied to tore should his offspring be accursed; the sin which immediately prompted not to mention, that if Ham's maledic- Noah's denunciatory prophecy. It was tion is to be referred entirely to his theuncoverin.goqfnakedness(mnq:r n7J) want of filial reverence, Shem's bless- or in other words, the prevalence of ing, on the other hand, ought to he as the most flagrant corruption, licentiousdistinctly ascribed to his piety towards ness, and debauchery of manners. In his parent. But this evidently is not proof of this we have only to turn to the case. We think then the conclu- the eighteenth chapter of Leviticus, B. C. 2347.] CHIAPTER ILX. 163 where the black specification of the Canaanites came to tne full, Melchizleading crimes of the Canaanites is giv- edek whose name was expressive of en, and we cannot fail to be struck with his character,'king of righteousness,' the coincidence even in the very point was a worthy priest of the most high of the language of the description; the God; and Abimelech whose name imwhole concluding with the solemn in- ports'parental king' pleaded the integjunction, v. 24, 25,'Defile not ye your- rity of his heart and the righteousness selves in any of these things: for in all of his nation, Gen 20, 4-9, before God, these the nations are defiled which I and his plea was admitted. Yet both cast out before you. And the land is these personages appear to have been defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity Canaanites. The import of this prethereof upon it, and the land itself vom- diction will be still further developed as iteth out her inhabitants.' We may we proceed. -r A servant ofser'vants therefore justly regard the conduct of shall he be unto his brethren. Chal. Ham towards his father as so far'working servant.' That is, a servant an image or sample of the future reduced to the lowest degree of bondage iniquitous conduct of the Canaan- anddegradation. Itisan Hebraicidiom ites, that it should very naturally conveying a superlative idea like holy of be made, under the prompting of holies, king of kings, vanity qf vanities, inspiration, a suggesting occasion of songof songs, &c. The terms'brother,' the curse now pronounced. (3.) This'brethren,' were used by the Hebrews view of the subject, while it nlakes the for more distant relatives; and this burden of the prediction to centre more prophecy more especially entered on a especially upon Canaan, does not utter- course of fulfilment about eight hun. ly exclude Ham from all participation dred years after its delivery, when the In it, inasmuch as no father can fail to Israelites, the descendants of Shem, be deeply affected with the prospect of subdued the Canaanites and took posa child's calamities. Omniscience per- session of their country. The predichaps saw that Ham's sin was not suf- tion was still farther accomplished, ficiently aggravated to subject him just- when the scattered remnants of those ly to any severer punishment than the tribes were expelled by David and setknowledge of the future lot of this por- tied in those parts of Africa which first tion of his posterity. But at the same fell under the dominion of the Romans, time, it is worthy of remark, that al- the undoubted descendants of Japheth. though the sentence here recorded was Canaan therefore was in early ages the to spend itself mainly upon the de- slave of Shem, and in later times of scendants of IIam in the line of Ca- Japheth; and in this way is the diffinaan, yet it is an historical fact, that culty arising from the possible suppotlle curse of servitude has signally fal- sition that Canaan was to be in bondlen upon other branches of his poster- age to both his brethren at once, effectitt', of wvhich the fate of the African ually removed. He first bowed to the race is a standing evidence; but how rod of one, and then, some centuries far we are to refer that feect to the afterwards, to that of the other. eflicts of Noah's curse, on this occasion, 26 Blessed be the Lod God of Shem. is not clear. (4.) The prediction is not These words are to be regarded as far to he considered as necessarily affect- more than asimpleexpression of Noah's ing individuals, or even commnunities thanks to God for the pious act of Shem; proceeding from Canaan, so long as for in this sense Japheth's conduct they continued righteous. In Abra- was entitled to equal commendation, ham's days, before the iniquity of the and God could not, on this ground alone 164 GENESIS. LB. C. 2347. 26 And he said, f Blessed be 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, the LORD God of Shem: and Ca- P and he shall dwell in the tents naan shaill be his seirvant. of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. f Ps. 144.15. Heb. 11. 16. g Eph. 2. 13, 14. & 3. 6. strictly be called any more the God of should receive from Him tokens of fathe one than of the other. The declar- yvour and blessing which were not ation thereforecarries a highel import. vouchsafed to other people. This preFrom a view of the whole prophecy diction as the time drew near for its it cannot be doubted, we think, that further fulfilment was renewed in a whateverpatrialchalprelogatives would still more clear and definite form to otherwise i.ave accrued toHam asanel- Abraham, Gen. 17. 7, 8,' I will estabder brother they are here in fact transfer- lish my covenant between me and thee red to Shem, the younger, and conse- and thy seed after thee in their generaquently that both the spiritual and tem- tions for an everlasting covenant, to be poral blessings which constituted the a God unto thee, and to thy seed after birthright henceforth devolved upon thee. And I will give unto thee and to Shem as the appointed heir. In these thy seed after thee, the land wherein were included mainly the promise of thou art a stranger, all the land of the Messiah as a natural descendant, Canaan for an everlasting possession; and of the land of Canaan as adestined and 1 will be their God.' We find, inheritance. This land, thus taken moreover, that as the time of the ultiaway from the Canaanites, and they mate accomplishment of the promise reduced to bondage, was to be confer- drew still nearer, the peculiar approred upon the posterity of Shem, and priated title of God, as the God of that too in order that they might come Shem, viz. Jehovah, begins to be more into a close covenant relation to God; frequently employed, a fact which afhe becoming in a preeminent sense fords the genuine clew to the remarkathleir God, and they his people, to ble passages, Ex. 3. 14. and 6. 3. And which this earthly possession was to be it is especially worthy of note, that this entirely subordinate;'for the Lord's peculiar privilege of Shem, of having portion is his people; Jacob is the lot God for his God, is more than once alof his inheritance.' In these words, luded to as distinguishing the Israelites therefore, is mainly set forth the spirit- from the Canaanites, when the former ual distiniction of Shem, viz. that God went to talke possession of their inhershould be his God, to which the prom- itance, and is mentioned as a special ise of the earthly Canaan is subjoined. reason for their obeying all the precepts Viewed in this light, the words,'Bless- enjoined upon them, and for abstained be the Lord God of Shem,' import ing fiom those abominations of the that Jehovah, the true God, should, us devoted race, which had subjected the God qf Shemn, be the object of praise, them to the curse. It will be nohomiage, and blessing; that his wor- ticed that throughout the eighteenth, ship should be established and perpet- nineteenth, and twentieth chapters uated among them; that his name in of Leviticus, a large proportion of the opposition to that of idols should be ac- statutes and judgments there deliverknowledged as known and reverenced ed are accompanied with the solemn in the line of this father of the chosen affirmation' I ar the Lord your God;' race, and that they on the other hand and finally it is said, ch. 20. 26,' Y-e B. C. 1998.] CHAPTER IX. 165 28 [ And Noah lived after 29 And all the days of Noah the flood three hundred and fifty were nine hundred and fifty years: years. and he died. shall be holy unto me; for I the Lord take the word in the sense of increasam holy, and have severed you from ing both the progeny and the territories other people, that ye should be mine.' of Japheth; andthis, as a temporal promThe reason of this mode of address is ise, has been most remarkably fulfilled, tobesought forin theremarkableproph- forJapheth who had several more sons ecy respecting Shem which we are now than either of his brethren, appears to considering. — ~ Canaan shall be his have been the progenitor of more than servant. Heb. lz5 ".= servant to half the human race. The whole of them. So also the Chal., Syr., and Europe and a considerable part of Asia Arab. The Sept. and some others ren- were originally peopled, and have ever der in the sing.' his servant,' but it is since been occupied, by Japheth's offcertain that according to prevailing spring. But it is supposed byj some usage the Heb. pronoun?7:25 is plural, commentators that the mere promise and we incline to believe with Gesenius of a vast posterity and extensive territhat it is always so used except when tory did not exhaust the full measure referring to a singular of the collective of Japheth's blessing. This'opinion kind. By the phrase'servant to them,' they found not only on the ensuing therefore, is to be understood either clause, which indeed supports it, but on that Canaan was to be servant to Shem the original term (ntB yapht) here emand Japheth successively, or, as we ployed. This they render persuade think still more probable, to Shem instead of enlarge, from the fact of and Jehovahll conjointly; for the inti- the root jiln being generally used in mate covenant relation between Shem the sense of persuade, entice, allure, by and the God of Israel would naturally fair and kind words. Accordingly the lead to their being spoken of together. phrase jt~5 nan yapht leyepheth, in The words of Joshua to the Gibeonites which there is a paranomasia or play Josh. 9. 23, seem to favour this inter- upon the words, they would translate pretation,'Now therefore ye are curs- God'shall persuade Japheth,' or still ed, and there shall noneof you be freed more literally,' God shall persuade from being bondmen, and hewers of the persuasible,' i. e. God shall so wood and drawers.of water for the work upon and allure Japheth that house of my God.' Comp. v. 27, with he shall be brought to the faith and my notes on the passage. By being obedience of the Gospel, and thus made given, or made Nethinims, to the house to dwell in the tents of Shem. But to of God they were at the same time this interpretation it is a serious objecgiven to the service of Israel, and vice tion, (1.) I'hat the original,D~, wherversac. ever it signifies to persuade or allure, is 27. God shall enlarge Japheth. Rath- always, with perhaps the single exer, according to the Heb. (.bi'X k1P ception of Jer. 20.7, used in a bad sense yapht leyeph.elh)'shall enlarge or make implying that kind of persuasion which room for Japheth,' very similar to the is connected with deception. (2.) That expression Gen. 26. 22,'Now the Lord when thus used it is always followed hath,. made room for us (Milt ~in' ~i by the simple accusative of the object, ~'i.).' Thus the Gr., Chal., Syr., instead of the dative with apreposition Arab. Erp., and Lat. Vulg., all which as here. (3.) That none of the more 166 GENESIS. [B. C..1998. ancient versions give it the sense of ployed or the history which confirms persztading, though the Targum of the event. As to the imagery, its leadJonathan, supposingtherootoftheverb ing point is in the words':z:'1 and to be,;D" to be beazutiful, instead of innr,'i, translated dwell and tents. Now translates it,'Jehovah will beautify the we know that the Jewish tabernacle, in bounds of Japheth.' But grammatical which dwelt the Shekinah, was the propriety absolutely forbids such a der- most prominent object of their econoivation of the word and of course the my, and the principal means of presersense grafted upon it. To all which ving the true religion in the family of may be added, that the promise inter- Shem. But under what description is. preted in this sense could not be said to it likely that the tabernacle, which was be peculiar to Japheth, for Ham was not erected till the days of Moses, also finally as much to be persuaded or should be mentioned in prophecy so allured into the Christian church as early as the days of Moses? Most obJapheth. We are therefore thrown viously under that of a tent, as a tent back upon the former as the true ren- and a tabernacle are in effect one and dering;'God shall enlarge or make the same thing, and the word in the room for Japheth,' in bestowing uponI Hebrewis the same. This holy tent or him a vast increase of offspring and a tabernacle was Shem's tabernacle, beproportionately large extent of territo- cause it was erected among the sons of ry. This was perhaps by way of off- Shem, and because none might bear a set and concession for the spiritual part in the whole service of it who did blessings of the birthright which were not incorporate with the chosen family. transferred to Shem. —-- And hee This tabernacle and the service performnshall dwell in the tents of Shem. Heb. ed in it were emblems of the Christian']mDn shall tabernacle. Here again church and the Christian service. In the language is ambiguous, and proba- the mention of the tents of Shern bly designedly so, that a twofold sense therefore the Holy Spirit had allusion might be included. The letter of the to the Jewish tabernacle as an emblem clause leaves it doubtful whether'God' of the Christian church. Accordingly or'Japheth' is the intended subject of the dwelling of Japheth in these tents the affirmation. The Chaldee supports of Shem took place when the idolathe former;' He shall make his glory trous nations of Japheth's line were (iiis Shekinah) to dwell in the tents of converted to the faith of Christ, and Shean.' Interpreted thus the prophecy became worshippers of the God of was fulfilled by the visible presence of Shem in Shern's tabernacles. It apGod in the tabernacle and temple of the pears therefore that the ultimate uniting Jews, to which thePsalmist so striking- of all nations in the faith of Christ was ly alludes, Ps. 33. 12,'In Judah God is a purpose of heaven announced at as known: his name is great in Israel. early a period as that of selecting a peIn Salem also is his tabernacle, and his culiar people to be for a season the dwelling-place in Zion.' It was still sole depositaries of the true religion. more signally accomplished when the It is remarkable too that the imaWord was made flesh and dwelt ges of this prediction bear a near af(,gKe7V(.oeV tabernacled) among the Jews finity to those under which later prophthe children of Abraham and of Shem.'its have described the same event. IsaiOn the other hand, if the'he' be refer- ah especially announces the calling of red to Japheth the declaration is equal- the Gentiles in the following words adly true. And so it will appear, wheth- dressed to the Jewish church as the er we consider the imagery here em- emblem of the Christian; Isaiah, 54. B. C. 1998.] CHAPTER X. l67 CHAPTER X. Ham, and Japheth: aand unto T OW these are the generations then were sons born after the flood. of the sons of Noah Shem, a ch. 9. 1, 7, 19. 2,'Enlarge the place of thy tent od of the world, that degree of definite and let them stretch forth the cur- information which it doubtless conveytains of thine habitations.' Here the ed in the time of Moses. A proper image presented to the prophet is that name is apt to assume a new form eveof aii enlargement of the sacred tent, ry time it is translated into a different to contain new crowds of worshippers; language, and often in the same dialect and the stakes are to be driven deep at different periods. It is not therefore and firm, and the cords to be lengthen- to be wondered at that many nations ed and drawn tight, that the sides of and peoples should have lost the names the tent may be able to sustain the by which they were originally cailed; pressure of the mlltitudes within it. or that these names should have beNoah's allusion is also to the taherna- come so altered by time, or so distorted cle and the image presented is the ad- in being transferred into other tongues mission of foreign worshippers. It is as to make it difficult to trace their retherefore one and the same scene which lation to those here given. But notthe patriarch and the prophet have be- withstanding the uncertainty arising fore them; and except in the distinct from this source, far more successful mention of the particular circumstance results have attended the researches of that the new worshippers should be learned men in this department than chiefly of Japheth's stock, Noah's could have been anticipated, so that prophecy differs not from Isaiah's, oth- nearly all the leading nations of anerwise than as an outline differs from cient and modern times can be disa more finished drawing of the same tinctly traced up to their patriarchal objects. And then if we turn to histo- progenitors recited in the present catary, the fact is notorious that the gospel logue. Indeed the subject of this chapfrom the beginning to the present time terhas been so nearly exhausted by the has made the greatest progress in Eu- labours of Bochart, Le Clerc, Wells, rope, and in those parts of Asia which Michaelis, Sir Wm. Jones, Hales, Fawere first peopled by the posterity of ber and others, that little is left for filJaplheth. So that in every sense the ture gleaners until a more minute acoracular promise has been most signal- quaintance shall be formed with the Asily fulfilled. atic regions by some one who shall be master of the various dialects spoken CHAPTER X. from the Indus to the Nile and from The object of the present chapter is the Arabic gulf to the Caspian Sea.to furnish a brief but authentic record i In considering this record, it is imporof the origin of the principal nations of tant to remark, (1.) That the names of the earth. In the form of a genealogical individuals are for the most part names table or roll of the descendants of No- of the nations descended from them, alh it contains a view of the pedigree of just as Judah and Israel, though names nations in the then known world. As of single persons are also names of sulch it is a record of inestimable value, whole nations. This is evident not being the most ancient ethnographic only from the fact that many of them document which we possess. It does are in the plural number, as all those not indeed affbrd to us, at this late peri- ending in im in v. 13, 14; but also 168 GENESIS. Il. C. 1998 from the termination of many of them, 1. JAPHETITES. especially those ending in ite, v. 16-18, I. GOMER: the Citnmerians on the being descriptive of tribes and not of north coast of the Black individuals. (2.) Although this chap- Sea. Their descendants ter is placed beJbre the eleventh, yet in were, the order of time it properly belongs af- 1. Ashkenaz: an unknown ter it; for the confusion of tongues at people, perhaps between Babel, which was the principal occa-Armenia and the Bladc sion of the dispersion of mankind, Sea must of course have preceded that dis- 2. Riphath: theinhabitantsof 2. Rtphath: theinhabitantsof persion. This is still farther evident the Riphtean Mountains. from. the expression'after theirtongues,' Toarmah: Armenia. implying a diversity of languages, the inhabitants of the II. MAGoG: the inhabitants of the which we know did not exist prior to Caucasus and adjacent the confusion of tongues mentioned in countries-Scythians the eleventh chapter. But such trans- III. MADAI: the Medes. positions are common in the sacred IV JAVAN: the lonians or Greeks. writers. (4.) Speaking in general terms Their descendants were, it may be said, that the three sons of 1. Elishah: the Hellenes Noah-Shem, Ham, and Japheth-are strictly so called. exhibited in this genealogical chart as 2. Tershish: Tartessus in the the representatives of the three grand in the south of Spain. divisions of the earth, Asia, Afriaa and 3. Kittim: the inhabitants Europe, although not precisely accord- of Cyprus, and other ing to the boundaries of modern times. Greek Islands, with the The descendants of Japheth peopled Macedonians. Europe and the north-west of Asia, 4. Dodanini: the Dodonwi, in those of Ham, the southern quarter of Epirus. the globe particularly Afiica; and the V. TUBAL: the Tibareni, in Pontus. Shemites, the countries of Central VI. MESHECH: the Moschi (MttscoAsia, particularly those around the Eu- vites), in the Moshian phrates. In accordance with this, a mountains, between Ibetradition has long and extensively pre- ria, Armenia, and Colchis. vailed throughout the East, particular- VII. TIRAS: the Thracians, or perly among the Arabs and Persians, that haps the dwellers on Noah divided the earth among his three the rivers Tiras, tite sons. But as this tradition rests upon Dniester. no express authority of Scripture, the presumption, we -think, is that it arose 2. HAMITES, from some confused recollection or interpretation of Noah's prophecy men- I. CUSH: the Ethiopians and Southtioned and explained at the close of the ern Arabians. Their depreceding chapter. scendants were, 1. T7hese are the generations, &c. 1. Nimrod: the first king of For the sake of conciseness and perspi- Sinear (Shinar), i. e. Bab cuity, the genealogical table here given ylon and Mesopotamia, may be thrown into the following tab- where he founded Babel, ular form along with the most proba- Erech, Calneh, and Acble explanations which the labours of cad. thelearned have enabled us to offer. 2. Seba: Meroe. B. C. 1998.] CHAPTER X. 169 3. Hlavilah: the Chaulotel in of Hebron south of JeruSouthern Arabia. salem. 4. Sabtha: Sabota in South- 3. The Jebusites: in and ern Arabia. around Jerusalem. 5. Ragmna: Rhegma in the 4. The Arnorites: on the east south-east of Arabia, or and west side of the Dead the Persian Gulf. De- Sea. scendants or colonies 5. The Girgasites. were, 6. The Hivites: on the Rivet A. Sheba: probably a Hermon and in the valleys tribe in South Ara- of Lebanan. bia. 7. The Axrkites: at the foot of B. Dedan: Dedan an Lebanon. island in the Persian 8. The Sinites: in the counGulf. try of Lebanon. 6. Sabtecha: the inhabitants 9. The Arvadites: on the of the cast coasts of 2Ethi- Phcenician Island of Araopia. dus and the opposite coast. l 3N IZRAIM: the Egyptians. Their 10. The Zemarites: the indescendants were, habitants of the Phoen1. Ludin t probably African cian town of Sinyra.'2. AnamimJ tribes. 11. The Hamathites: the in3. Lehabim or Lubimt: the habitants of the Syrian Libyans. town of Epiphania on the 4. Naphtuchim: the inhabit- Orontes. ants of the province of Nephtys, on the Lake of Sirbo, on the borders of 3. SHEMITES. Egypt and Asia 5. Pathrusim: the inhabit- I. ELAM: the Persians, particularlyof ants of the Egyptian can- the province of Elymais. ton of Pathures (Pathros). II. ASSHUaR: the Assyrians, founders 6. Casluhi?n: the Colchians. of Nineveh, Rehoboth, Their descendants or col- Calneh, and Resen. onies were, III. ARPHAXAD: the inhabitants of A. Philistim: the Phil- the northern point of istines. Assyria (Arrapachitis). A B. Caphtorim: the Cre- descendant was, tans. Shelah: from whom came [II. PHIJT: the Manritanians. Eber: progenitor of the VI. CANAAN: the inhabitants of the Hebrews. and from him, country so called, from A. Peleg: and Sidon to the south end B. Joktlan: called by the of the Dead Sea. From, Arabians Kachtan, them are derived, ancestor of the varii. Sidonians: or the northern ous Arab tribes menborders of Canaan or tioned v. 26-29. Phwnicia. IV. LUD: probably a people of JEthi2. The Hittites (Chetites or opia. Hethites): in the country V. ARAM: the inhabitants of Syria 15 170 GENESIS. [B. C. 1998. 2 b The sons of Japheth; Go- shah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and mer, and Magoo and Madai, and Dodanim. Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, 5 By these were cthe isles of and Tiras. the Gentiles divided in their lands; 3 And the sons of Gomer; every one after his tongue, after Ashlkenaz, and Riphath, and To- their families, in their nations. garmah. 6'[ d And the sons of Ham; 4 And the sons of Javan; Eli- Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan. b 1 Chron. 1. 5, &c. c Ps. 72. 10. Jer. 2. 10. & 25. 22. Zeph. 2. 1. d 1 Chron. 1. 8, &c. and Mespotamla. Their operations, the Messiah himself is indescendants; troduced by Isaiah as addressing him1. Uz: the inhabitants of a self to its inhabitants; —'Listen, Oh district in the north of isles, unto me; and hearken ye people Arabia Deserta. from afar! Jehovah hath called me 2. Hul: perhaps the inhabit- from the womb; and hath said unto ants of Ccelo-Syria. me, It is a light thing that thou shouldst 3. Gether: unknown. be my servant to raise up the tribes of 4. lI/lash: the inhabitants of a Jacob; I will also give thee for a light part of the Gordinan to the Gentiles, that thou shouldst be Mountains (MonsMasius) my salvation to the ends of the earth.' north of Nisibis. In this call to the Gentiles we of this Western Continent may thankfully ac5. Tfhe isles of the Gentiles. In or- knowledge ourselves included, as ours der to understand this expression it is is a European ancestry.-~- Divided necessary to be borne in nmind, that the in their lands. Heb. 8']W dispersed, Heb. word t'-x isles was used to de- spread abroad; from which it is plain note not only such countries as are sur- that the word'isles' must be underrounded on all sides by the sea, but stood metonymically for'islanders,' those also which were so situated in re- or inhabitants of the isles, as otherwise lation to the Jews that people could the phrase is scarcely intelligible.- 1 not or did not go to them or come from Every one after his tongue. Thus them except by water. Thus it meant clearly evincing that this dispersion all countries, generally, beyond sea; took place after the confision of tongues, and the inhabitants of such countries though related before it. See above. were to the Jews'islanders' though oc- 6. Mlizraim. No proper name of an cupylng continental regions. The term individual in Hebrew, we believe, ever applies, therefore, for the most part to terminates in im, which is the plural or the countries west of Palestine, the us- dual form. Mizraim is evidently the ual communication with which was name of a family or tribe taking name by the Mediterranean. In a general from the second son of Ham, who was sense the term may be understood to probably called Mizr, and who is genapply to Europe, as far as known, and erally allowed to have settled with his to Asia Minor. Accordingly the Scrip- family in Egypt. The Egyptians are ture foreseeing that Europe would from always called Mizraim (v'n2 lMfitzthe first embrace the Gospel, and for rairn) in the Bible, and their country many ages be the principal seat of its to this day throughout the East is gen B. C. 2218.1 CHAPTER X. L71 7 And the sons of Cush; Seba, began to be a mighty one in the and Havilah, and Sabtah, and earth. Raamah, and Sabtecha; and the q He was a mighty e unter sons of Raamah; Sheba, and De- f before the LORD: wherefore it dan. is said, Even as Nimrod the 8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he mighty hunter before the LORD. e Jer. 16. 16. Mic. 7. 2. f ch. 6.11. erally known as the'land of Mitzr;' 9. A mighty hunter. Heb.'7'l;'~n an appellation which has been preser- a giant, or mighty one, in hunting. ved especially by the Arabs, in regard Gr.' a hunting giant.' Arab.' a territo whom, as preservers of primitive ble tyrant.' Syr.'a warlike giant.: names, Prideaux makes the following'The original term for' hunting' occurs important remark;' These people being elsewhere, not so much in reference to the oldest in the world, and who had the pursuit of game in the forest, as to never been by any conquest disposses- a violent invasion of the persons and sed or driven out of their country, but rights of men. Thus 1 Sam. 24. 12, have always remained therein a contin-' Thou huntest my soul (i. e. my life) ued descent from the first planters un- t take it.' Lam. 3. 15,'Mine enetil this day; and being also as little mies chased (Heb. hunted) me sore.' given to alterations in their manners Jer. 16. 16,'I will send for many hunand usages as in their country; have ters, and they shall hunt them (i. e. the still retained the names of places which people) from every mountain.' This were first attached to them; and on usage undoubtedly affords us a clew to these aboriginal people acquiring the Nimrod's true character. Though probempire of the East, they restored the ably, like most of the heroes of remote original names to many cities, after classical antiquity, addicted to the they had been lost for ages under the hunting of wild beasts, yet his bold, asarbitrary changes of successive con- piring, arrogant spirit rested not content qUerors.' This accounts for the just with this mode of displaying his prowimportance which is given to existing ess. With the band of adventurous Arabic names in attempting to fix the and lawless spirits which his predatosites of ancient places. ry skill had gathered around him, he 8. And Cush begat Nimrod. Heb. proceeded gradually from hunting? IjNimrodfrom l' t m.arad,tore- beasts to assaulting, oppressing, and bet, accordant with which is the Arabic subjugating his fellow-men. That the marada, to be insolent, contumacious, re- inhuman practice of war, at least in the fractory. The name, which is suppo- ages after the flood, originated with this sed to be equivalent to' son of rebel- daring usurper, is in the highest degree lion,' in all probability was not given probable.. him by his parents, but by after ages on account of his character, of which Proud Nimnrod firstthe bloody chase began, A mighty hunter-and his prey was maln. more is said in a siubsequent note.~ Began to be a mighty one in the earth. With this view of the character of NimHeb.'ml gibbor, a giant. The term rod the ancient testimonies strikingly is evidently descriptive of character and accord. They uniformity represent actions, rather than of bodily stature; him, not only as the first of tyrannical a remark we have already made res- oppressors of their kind, but also ae petting the term as applied to the an- the prominent instigator of a widetediluvian giants. See on ch. 6. 4. spread apostacy from the faith and wor 172 GENESIS. lB. C. 2218 10 gAnd the beginning of his and Accad, and Calneh, in the kingdoal was Babel, and Erech, land of Shinar. g Mic. 5. 6. ship of his patriarchal ancestors. Jo- the inhabitants of Sodom are said to sephus says of him that' he was a bold be wicked and'sinners before the Lord,' man, and of great strength of hand; or in an aggravated degree.- IT and that he gradually changed the gov- Wherefore it is said, &c. Nimrod's ernment into tyranny, seeing no other fame was so great that his name beway of turning men from the fear of came proverbial. In after times any God, but to bring them to a constant one who was a daring plunderer in dedependance on his own power.' The fiance of heaven was likened to him, Targum of Onkelos on 1 Chron. 1. 10, just as the wicked kings of Israel were informs us, that'he began to be a likened to Jeroboam, the son ofNebat, mighty man in sin, a murderer of in- who made Israel to sin. He became nocent men, and a rebel before the the type, pattern, or father of usurpers Lord.' In the Jerusalem Targum it is and martial marauders, and just one of written;'He was a hunter of the chil- those kind of men whom history and dren of men in their languages, and he poetry are prone to celebrate as'a said unto them, Depart from the reli- hero;' their admirers little thinking that gion of Shem and cleave unto the in. things which are highly esteemed stitutes of Nimrod.' It was doubtless among men are held in abomination the original design of the Most High with God. that the earth should be settled in small 10. The beginning of his kingdom colonies, tribes or communities, under was Babel, &c. The original word for the patriarchal form of government, kingdom (T57 mamlekah) signifies Deut. 32. 8, and Nimrod's sin consist- more properly the act of ruling than ed in boldly contravening the divine the territorial limits over which a govcounsel in this respect, and in laying erned country extends; and here the the foundation, by means of rapile, vi- idea is, that the beginning, i. e. first olence, and usurpation, of that species theatre, of his active ruling or sove:rof dominion ever sincedistinguished by eignty was the cities or towns here the name of kingdoms, empires, mon- mentioned, which in that age could archies, &c., by which the great mass have been but inconsiderable places, to.. of mankind have been in fact doomed whatever pitch of power or population to ignorance, and held in degrading ser- they may afterwards have attained. vitude. It is proper then that every Babel (i. e. confusion) is but another mention of Babylon in the sacred wri- name for Babylon which, from its betings, should recall to righteous re- ing the primitive seat of despotical emproach the memory of Nimrod. pire, and probably of idolatrous wor~ Before the Lord. That is, high- ship, has come to be employed in the handedly, presumptuously; an expres- Scriptures, particularly in the Apocasion which would scarcely have been lypse, as a typical or symbolical deused, had nothing more been intended signation of oppressive governments than that he was a courageous hunter both civil and ecclesiastical. When we of wild beasts. The phrase denotes learn, therefore, from the prophetic orhis daring spirit, that he did what he acles, that'Babylon the great' is to did in the face of heaven, in defiance of be destroyed before the complete esthe divine authority. Thus ch. 13. 13, tablishment of the kingdom of Christ B. C. 2218.] CHAPTER X. 173 11 Out of that land went veh, and the city Rehoboth, and forth Asshur, and builded Nine- Calah, on earth, we are virtually taught that. or nominative to the verb. As to the the entire fabric of civil and spiritual objection urged by Bochart, that there oppression is to be demolished, that all would be an impropriety in introduvestiges of the organized despotic rule cing Asshur, the son of Shem, in the which commenced under Nimrod on midst of the genealogy of Ham; it the plains of Shinar are to be for ever may be answered, that as Moses is here done away. -- f In the land of Shinar. relating the history of the rebel NimThere are nodata to enable us to fix rod with his Cushite followers, who the limits of this land with precision. had invaded the territories already ocBy some it is confined to lower Meso- cupied by the descendants of Shem, it potamia, or Babylonia, including both was very natural that he should allude banks of the Euphrates and Tigris; to one of the principal results of that while others make it extend through invasion, viz. the expulsion of Asshur the whole region included between these from his former possessions and his two rivers, into Mesopotamia Proper, seeking a country for himself elsewhere. beyond Nisibis, and the similarity of Indeed the fortunes of Asshur are so sound between Shinar and the city and intimately connected with the history mountain of Sinjara, is enlisted in the of Nimrod, that the impropriety would argument. That the former territory, have been in disjoining them, particuwhich nearly corresponds to the larly in this place, where the writer is modern Irak Arabi, is part of what describing the first great cities after the was the land of Shinar, is admitted flood. We infer therefore that it was on all hands; the only question is, Asshur, and not Nimrod, who went now far it extended northward in Mes- forth out of the land of Shinar, espeopotarlia Proper; and this question we cially as otherwise we should be remust be content for the present to leave quired to read the original li2R R or unresolved. inilz:% to Assyria. Asshur, being ei11. Out qf that la nd went forth ther unable to resist the progress of Asshu1, &c. This is a much disputed Nimrod's arms, or unwilling to tolerate passage. As the Heb. will admit of his idolatrous practices, probably rebeing rendered,'Out of that land he tired before him, and following the up(Nimrod) went forth to Assyria,' many ward course of the Tigris fixed himself distinguished commentators are dis- on the site of Nineveh, which he built, posed to adopt this as the true sense, and which subsequently became the principally for the reason, that Moses seat of the Assyrian empire. Accordis here speaking, not of the posterity of ing to this, which we regard as the Shem, to which Asshur belonged, but true intrepretation, we recognise in of that of Ham; and it perfectly ac- Nirnrod and Asshur the respective cords, they say, with Nimrod's charac- iounders of the Babylonian and Assyrter to represent him as hunting from ian monarchies. ~F Builded Nineland to land for the purpose of extend- veh. Heb. nrem: Niu.ceveh; supposed ing his dominion. But the more obvi- to be compounded of Nin and Navel, ous grammatical construction is that i. e. habitation of Nin or Ninlls; but given in the text, the word'Asshur,' who he was, or for what reason the whether meaning the son of Shem or city was called after him, the scanty his descendants, being the true subject records of those remote ages leave us 15* 174 GENESIS. [B. C. 2218 12 And Resen between Nine- 17 And the Hivite, and the veh and Calah: the same is a Arkite, and the Sinite, great city. 18 And the Arvadite, and the 13 And Mizraim begat Ludim, Zemarite, and the Hamathite. and Anamim, and Lehabim, and and afterwards were the families Naphtuhim, of the Canaanites spread abroad. 14 And Pathrusim, and Caslu- 19 i And the border of the Cahim, (h out of whom came Phil- naanites was from Sidon, as thou istim,) and Caphtorim. comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as 15 If And Canaan begat Sidon thou goest unto Sodom and Gohis first-born, and Heth, morrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, 16 And the Jebusite, and the even unto Lasha. Amorite, and the Girgrasite, Amoriteandthe irgai i ch. 13. 12, 14, 15, 17. & 15. 18-21. Numb. 34. h 1 Chron. 1. 12. 2-12. Josh. 12. 7, 8. altogether in doubt. Though some un- both by the river mentioned Gen. 36. 37. certainty rests upon its site, yet it The point is of too little importance to is believed to have lain opposite the warrant particular investigation, and modern town of Mosul, on the east we leave it, with many other similar bank of the Tigris where the villages of questions, inveloped in the darkness Nunia (also called Nebbi Yunes, i. e. of remote antiquity. the prophet Jonah), Nimrood, and Kalla - 12. The same is a great city. Heb. Nunia (the castle of Nineveh) preserve in M this is the great city; to the present day the remembrance of which would seem to determine the the most ancient capital of the world. reference to Nineveh instead of Resen. For an account of its primitive great- Precisely the same language is used of ness and its present state, and the re- Nineveh, Joni. 3.2,' Arise, go unto Ninmarkable manner in which the divine eveh, that great city (n ), predictions concerning it have been ful- that it was a filled, see Newton and Keith on the. propheci, es.-~ NThe cIityReh oboth. city of three days' journey, that is, of sixty miles in circuit; and it is not unHeb. ~s,l'l.i'~ Rehoboth ir, which likely that the whole four cities here some following the Lat. Vulg. are dis- mentioned were situated near together posed to render,'The streets of the and united under one social polity so as city,' i. e. the city of Nineveh. But to in some sense to be denominated one this it is, we think, validly objected, (1.) city. That the proper Heb. expression for 14. Out of whom came Philistim.'streets of the city' is not "l.: h'l1i'. From Mizraim, the father of the Egypbut r't i trv:th. (2.) That it would tians, descended also the Philistines. be wholly superfluous to speak of build- Their situation was near to that of the ing the streets of a city, apart from Canaanites; but not being of them, the buildingof the city itself. (3.) That their country was not given to Israel. the termn'building,' though very prop- This accounts for their not attempting erly spoken of a city, is not appli- to take it, though in after times there cable to the construction of streets. were frequent wars between them. Michaelis very plausibly suggests that 15, 16. Canaan begat-Heth, and the "1' ir is a part of the name of the city, Jebusite, and the Amrorite, &c. The and that it is called Relhoboth Ir to dis- relation in which the chosen people tin:uish it from ^-, j:*::.re Reho- were destined to stand in after ages to B.. 2218.] CHAPTER X. 175 20 These are the sons of Ham, 22 The kchildren of Shem; after their families, after their Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxtongues, in their countries, and in ad, and Lud, and Aram. their nations. 23 And the children of Aram; 21 Unto Shem also, the father Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and of all the children of Eber, the Mash. brother of Japheth the elder, even 24 And Arphaxad begat I Sa to him were children born. lah; and Salah begat Eber. k 1 Chron. 1. 17. 1 ch. 11. 12. these nations made it proper for the ~1i-b, are brother qf Jupheth the historian to be more particular in de- great. The sense is in itself ambiguscribing them and their boundaries. ous. The epithet elder (Heb. great) 21. Shem-the.father of all the children may be grammatically constructed eiof Eber. The account of the posterity ther with Shem or Japheth. The Sep(f this patriarch is introduced in some- tuagint version adopts the latter, which what of a singular manner. It is men- is followed in the English; the Latin tioned as an appendage to his name, a Vulgate the former. It will we think, kind of title of honour that was to go be found as a general rule, that where along with it, that he was'father of an adjective follows two substantives all the children of Eber.' But this is in a state of construction, it agrees doubtless inserted with an eye to the with the former, as in Deut. 11. 7, prediction of Noah which we have al-' Your eyes have seen all the great acts ready considered in the notes on the of the Lord (Heb. 5~; A 1Wh preceding chapter. When the sacred thework or doing of Jehovah the great).' writer would describe the line qf the But a still more certain guide is affird curse, he calls Hamn the father of Ca- ed in other passages exhibiting the naan; and when the line qf promise, same form of expression, and pointing he calls Shem the father qf all the chil- out degrees of relationship. Thus Judg. dren qf Eber, or in other words, of the 1. 13,' The son of Kenaz, the brother of Hebrews. In both cases the fathers Caleb, the younger (Heb. nj- T1,-4p had other sons besides those mention- jnjg b5r ),' which comp. with Josh. ed, but the historian foll6wing the en- 15. 13, and Num. 13. 2-6, seems plaintail of the blessing and the curse, gives ly intended to imply, that it was not a special prominence to the two oppo- Caleb, but Kenaz, who is designated by sing lines to which they respectively the term'the younger.' Still more pertained. Some indeed prefer to un- conclusive is the following; Judg. 9. 5, derstand'Eber' here, not as a proper'Jotham, the youngest son of Jerub.name, but as an appellative applied to baal (Heb. )b~M.S7=1>-q1 t:nt the Hebrew nation, from the root 17y Jotham, the son of J.Je-ubb'al, the abar, to pass over, to cross, as if the young);' where, although the English Hebrews were so denominated from translation varies, the construction in their passing over the Euphrates in the original is precisely the same as in coming from the East to the land of the present passage. Had a uniform Canaan. But in our note on Gen. 14. mode of rendering been pursued, the 13, we shall endeavour to show that words before us would no doubt have the other is by far the most probable been translated,'Shem, the elder broderivation of the term.-~- 1The bro- ther of Japhet.' At the same time, ther of Japhe7r th the elder. Heb. rlR though we consider the epither' elder 176 GENESIS. [B. C. 2247 25 m And unto Eber were born and Jobab: all these were the two sons: the name of one was sons of Joktan. Peleg, for in his days was the 30 And their dwelling was eaith divided; and his brother's from Mesha, as thou goest unto namne twas Joktan. Sephar, a mount of the east. 26 And Joktan begat Almodad, 31 These are the sons of and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, Shem, after their families, after and Jerah, their tongues, in their lands, after 27 And Hadoram, and Uzal, their nations. and Diklah, 32 n These are the families of 28 And Obal, and Abimael, the sons of Noah, after their genand Sheba, erations, in their nations: o and 29 And Ophir, and Havilah, by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. im 1 Chron. 1. 19. n ver. 1. or'great' as referring properly to Shem, fields. The implication here is that of yet we regard it as pointing not to sen- a division or dispersion of nations, like iority of age, but topriorityin honour; that of streams of water from one for the evidence of Japheth's being the source, and that as this occurred about eldest of the three sons of Noah is too the period of Peleg's birth, he was nastrong to be set aside. Yet if it be ad- med from the event. Thus Josephus; mitted, as intimated above, that Shem,' He was called Phaleg, because he was the younger, obtained the birthright, born at the dispersion of the nations to this will account for his being almost their several countries; for Phaleg invariably placed first when the broth- among the Hebrews signifies division.' ers are mentioned together. In the It is at the same time worthy of notice present catalogue, it is true, this order that the original term, or the root from is reversed, the reason of which is not which it comes, is applied Ps. 55. 9(10), entirely obvious, unless it be that in re- not to a physical but to a moral divisciting the posterity of each, the last ion, and one singularly analogous to place is assigned to Shem as the most that which gave occasion to Phaleg's honourable, whereas in the mention of name;'Destroy, O Lord, and divide the individuals, as in v. 1, the contrary f(an pallag) their tongues;' i. e. conorder is assumed. After all, if any one found their counsels, destroy their unaprefers the view given in our transla- nimity, and break them into contendtion, he is perhaps occupying ground ing factions; the very effect which was quite as strong as that which we have produced at Babel, and to which the taken. The point is one of little mo- dispersion was owing.'It is good to ment. write the remembrance of God's wor25. Peleg, for in his days was the thy works, whether of mercy or jusearth divided. The Heb. 1}DB Peleg tice, upon the names of our children.' comes from the root }Dt palag, to di- Trapp. As it cannot well be doubtvide, and properly signifies division. ed that Peleg was named from this inIt is applied for the most part to the ar- cident, though the incident itself is not tificial trenches, channels orcanals which expressly related till we come to the were common in the East for the eleventh chapter, we are thus enabled purpose of dividing or distributing to fix the date of the remarkable epoch the water employed in irrigating the of the confusion of tongues; for as B. C. 2247.j CHAPTER X.I. 177 CHAPTER XI. 2 And it came to pass, &A they A ND the whole earth was of journeyed from the east, that they one language, and of one found a plain in the land of Shispeech. nar, and they dwelt there. Peleg was born one hundred and one preserved to us. It appears quite evyears after the flood, this event must ident that throughout Mesopotamia, have occurred A. M. 1757-8. Babylonia, Assyria, Syria, Palestine, Arabia, and Ethiopia, there was at CHAPTER XI. some distant period but one language The inspired historian, having fre- spoken. But this region is admitted quently intimated in tihe preceding to have been the original seat of thle chapter that the earth was divided and post-diluvian inhabitants of the earth. its first settlements made by the sons The language there spoken therefore of Noah' after their tongues,' proceeds, was in all probability the language of in the present, to inform us of the event Noah, and the language of Noah can to which that diversity of languages scarcely have been any other than that and the consequent dispersion of man- of the antediluvians; and that this was kind was owing. rThis was the pro- the Hebrew cannot well be doubted if ject of building the city and tower of we consider that the names of persons Babel-a project formed in direct con- and places mentioned in the early histravention of the designs of heaven in tory of the world are as pure Hebrew regard to the occupation of the earth as the names of Abraham, Isaac, and at large by the various descendants of Jacob, or those of Solomon, and MalaNoah. But according to a usage very chi. Thus Adam, Eve, Cain, Seth, common with the sacred writers, this Abel; Eden, Nod, Enoch, &c., are all event is related out of its proper order, words of purely Hebraic form, structhe cause of the dispersion being stated ture, and signification, and there is not cfter the dispersion itself. See on Gen. the least evidence of their being inter10. 25, 32. pretations, as some have suggested, of 1. The whole earth was of one lan- primitive terms. Had theybeen transgaeege, and qf one speech. Heb. tW:lations, we have reason to think the same method would have been follow-,1, ~h~ of one lip and ed as in several instances in the New one (kind q/) words. By the'whole one (kind qf) words. By the'whole Testament, where the original term is earth' is obviously meant the inhabit- used and the interpretation avowedly used and the interpretation avowedly ants of the whole earth, an idiom of very subjoined. But Mses gives not the,f subjoined. But Moses gives not the frequient occurrence in Hebrew. Thus frequent occurrence in Hebrew. Thus least hint of his translating these 1 Kings, 10. 24,'All the earth sought terms, nor does he in the whole course to Solomon, to hear his wisdom.' ten. of his history, when speaking of the 41, 57,'And all countries (Heb. }_: names of persons, utter a single word Origin all the earth) came into Egypt from which we can infer the existence to Josephto buy corn.' Comp. 1 Kings of an earlier language. Conceiving 8. 27 with 2 Chron. 6. 18; and Is. 37. this then to be a point not reasonably 1S with 2 Kings 19 17. That this Ian- to be questioned, it remains to investiguage was the Hebrew is, we think, in gate with still more precision the exact the highest degree probable, though meaning of the clause before us, on the historical proofs necessary to dem- which the true character of the, confusonstrate the position have not been ion' here described very much depends. 178 GENESIS. [B. C. 2247 The original word for'language,' it will I distinguished.' Confusion is properly be observed, is,tnz saphah, lip. But the mixture of things which before such it is certain that this is not the usual confusion were by nature distinct. And Scripture term for language. That a lip may be said to be confounded term is Is,; leshon, tongue, and the when a mode of utterance previously sense here given to izi lip is not distinct, clear, and intelligible, becomes sustained by more than two or three by any means impeded, thick, stampassages in the whole compass of the mering, or, in a word, confused. There Bible, and those of somewhat doubtful can be no doubt that the Latin words inport. In the utterance of words in Balbus, stammerer, and Balbutio, any language the lip is a principal or- stammering, derive their origin from gan. The various niceties of pronun- the Heb. ~"~ balal, or, by doubling elation depend in great measure upon the first radical balbal, bilbel, its motions, and if it were intended to from which latter form of the word say that all men not only had a com- comes Babel, closely related to the mon language, but a common mode of English and German babble. The pronouncing it, we know not that this Greek 3apt/Bapos barbaros (by commucould be more appositely expressed in tation of liquids for f/aAflaAo balbalos) Hebrew than by the phrase here em- a barbarian, primarily signifying one ployed, that' all the earth was of one of a rude or outlandish pronunciation, lip.' Such in fact we believe to be the is doubtless to be referred to the same genuine sense of the words; according root. So far therefore as the leading to which sense, however, the existence and legitimate sense of the original of a common language, though neces- terms is concerned, we seem to be sarily implied in the circumstance of a abundantly warranted in assigning to common mode of articulation, is not the the phrase the sense proposed. It is primary idea intended to be conveyed. easy to seehowever that the consequenIf this interpretation be admitted, the ces of this kind of confusion would be confusion of the lip (3 5) is the much the same as if it were a multipliconfusion of the pronunciation, and cation of new languages. If one should, this we may suppose to be the primary like the Ephraimites, utter' Sibboleth' import of the words. That this mode when he meant'Shibboleth,' it would of rendering does no violence to the of course lead to misunderstanding, original, will be acknowledged by every dispute, and division; and yet, the oriHebrew scholar. For although the ginal language would remain substanmnass of interpreters have explained the tially unaltered, and if it were a written phrase as implying the origination of language could probably be as easily djf'erent languages, yet it is to be noti- read by all parties after the confusion ced that Mloses nowhere else expressly as before. And that this was actually mlentions such a fact, nor does the Heb. the case, the continued incorrupt integterm )b)2 balal necessarily denote it. rity and purity of the Hebrew afford Indeed it may be doubted whether it we think decisive evidence.-It may be does not rather imply the reverse. The well however in this connection to adJewish writer Philo in speaking of this vert to the opinion of the learned event says,'He calls it'confusion,' Vitringa on this subject (Observ. Sac. whereas if he had designed to indicate L. I. c. 9.), especially as his preferred the rise of different languages, he would interpretation can easily be reconciled have more aptly called it'division;' or incorporated with that which we for those things which are divided into have given above. He supposes that parts, are not so much confounded as the dominant idea conveyed by the B. C. 2247.] CHAPTER XI. 179 words is that of unity of counsel and mon Jarchi explains the words by saypurpose; that the builders of Babel in ing' They entered into the same counthe outset of their undertaking not only sel.' A still farther confirmation of this had a common language, but presented sense is drawn from the term (Ot the very spectacle of union to which, palag) applied in ch. 10. 25, to this event Paul exhorts the Corinthians, Cor. 1. and of which we have before remarked 10,' Now I beseech you, brethren, by that it is distinctly paralleled in Ps. 55. the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 10,'Destroy, 0 Lord, and divide their that ye all speak the same thing, and tongues;' i. e. distract their counsels. that there be no divisions among you; The view now given of the writer's but that ve be perfectly joined together meaning appears amply accordant with in the same mind and in the same the declared design of heaven in effectjudgment;' and that the confusion con- ing the event. This was to cause a sisted in breaking up this concord and dispersion of the multitudes congregasplitting the multitude into various ted at Babylon; an end which did not contending factions which could no require for its accomplishment the inlonger cooperate together, but were stantaneous formation of new lanobliged to separate and disperse them- guages, but simply such a confusion in selves in different directions over the the utterance of the old, as should natearth; thus bringipg about the very urallylead to misapprehension, discord, purpose of heaven which they had con- and division. The dialectic dlscrepanspired to defeat. In support of this cies, however, thus originating, though interpretation he appeals to the usage perhaps not very great at first, would of the sacred writers in a number of become gradually more and more passages in which this sense of the marked, as men became more widely terms appears to be involved, particu- separated from each other, and by the larly as it respects the latter ~'?I influence of climate, laws, customs, rewords. The office of words is to ex- ligion, and various othercauses, till they press the inward thoughts, feelings, finally issued in substantially different and purposes of the speaker; and to languages. As this is the simplest, so say that a company of men were all it is perhaps the most rational account of one kind qf words seems equivalent of the confusion of tongues at Babel, to saying that they were all unanimous an event in regard to which historically in their counsels. A somewhat similar considered, it is probable there will almode of diction occurs in other passa- ways adhere some points of obscurity ges. Thus Josh. 9. 2,'They gathered to task and to baffle the researches of themselves together to fight with Josh- the learned. ua and with Israel, with one accord 2. As they journeyed from the East. (Heb.'rlm;t with one mouth).' Ex. Heb. ty~3' in their breakings-up, or 24. 3,'And all the people answered remo-ings. The term is peculiar, bewith one voice ('rh ~in: kol ahad, i. e. ing almost exclusively applied to that nnanimously), and said,' &c. So also kind of progress which is made by 1 Kings, 22. 13. This view of the wri- Nomadic hordes as they alternately ter's meaning we cannot but regard as pitch and strike their tents, and slowly highly plausible, and it is one decidedly advance with their flocks and?herds favoured by several of the ancient par- from one region to another. The idea aphrasts. Thus the Jerusalem Targum, usually attached to the English term'And all the inhabitants of the earth' to journey,' implying a more or less were of one language, one discourse, rapid passage from one place to anothand the same co,nsel. Thus too Solo- er, and that for a set purpose, is alto. 180 GENESIS. [B. C. 2247. gether foreign to thegenuine sense of the the sea, unless for special reasons they original.-Commentators have found had been induced to take up their residifficulty in satisfactorily accounting dencein some suitable intervening counfor the use of the phrase'from the try. And that this was the case in the East' in this connection. As the moun- present instance is the express assertains of Armenia on which the ark is tion of the text. They stayed their supposed to have rested, are situated to course in the plains of Shinar. Now the north of Babylonia, it might have the country of Armenia, in some part been supposed that the direction said to of which the mountains of Ararat were have been travelled would have been situated, consists of two principal valsouthward instead of westward. To leys or plains of inclination, viz. that this it has been considered by some suf- of the Araxes towards the north and ficient to reply, that Moses may here the east, and that of the Euphrates tohave spoken of these localities in a gen- wards the south and the west; into one eral manner, in reference to the coun- or the other of which flow all the try in which he wrote; from which as streams of the country. In their deShinar lay to the east, and the moun- scent into the plain country, therefore, tains of Ararat were probably conceived the emigrants must have arrived, soonsomewhat vaguely by him to lie still er or later, on the banks of one of these more remote in the same direction, he two rivers, and they would naturally might have said, without designing to have followed its course downwards, observe strict topographical accuracy, until they reached the point of their that they journeyed from the East. adopted residence. That it was not But we think a still more probable solu- the Araxes on whose banks the compation may be given free from such an ny arrived is clear, the course of that apparent conflict with the letter of the river being not from the east but from text. It is a fact which will scarcely the west; so that by following its be questioned, that, at all times, popu- stream. they would have been led, not lation has extended into every coutntry, into a plain, but into the mountainous in the first instance, along the courses country of Azerbijan, and ere long to of its rivers. The cause of this is the the banks of the Caspian. It would facility of passage, and the ready means seem therefore that the Noachidae could of subsistence which are afforded by not have done otherwise than reach the banks of the rivers and the country the banks of the Euphrates, and foladjacent. Wherever, in the present low the course of that river downwards; day, newly-discovered countries are and one has only to look at a map of colonized, we observe the population Asia to see that the direction of the and the cultivation of the land extend- Euphrates, that is, of its eastern branch ing into the interior along the lines of the Morad, or eastern Phrat, is for a the rivers. Regarding Noah and his great distance almost directly'from the sons then in the same light as we east,' from its source to the point where should regard any of their posterity, if it turns abruptly to the southward; placed in like circumstances, we may whence passing through a break in the assume, that they descended from the chain of Mount Maurus, it pours its place where the ark rested into the val- waters into the plains of Mesopotamia. ley-regions below, and following the Viewed in this light the historian's course of some stream which they words are perfectly reconciled with gewould naturally meet with (as a val- ographical verity, even though it be ley generally supposes a stream), they admitted that the sojourners afterwards would in process of time have reached turned, with the course of the river, to B. C. 2247.] CHAPTER XI. 181 3 And they said one to anoth- had brick for stone, and slime had er, Go to, let us matke brick, and they for mortar. burn them thoroughly. And they the south-east. Now the Agridagh particular locality in that chain will before mentioned, ch. 8. 4, as is well absolutely answer to the above descripknown, stands in the valley of the tion. Araxes; and is further cut off from all 3. Go to. A mere hortatory inter communication with the Euphrates, by jection equivalent to our idiom'Come, an intermediate chain of mountains, let us' do so and so. —T Let us make and also by a tributary of the former brick, and burn them thoroughly. Heb. river. Its claims, therefore, to the hon- j-t,) ~ burn them to a burnour of being regarded as the place where ing. The practical remark of Calvin the ark rested after the flood are far on these words is peculiarly appropriinferior to those of some elevation with- ate.'Moses would irtimate that they in the plain of inclination drained by were not prompted to the work by the the Eup'hrates. This precise spot it is facilities that offered themselves; but now indeed difficult, if not impossible, that they were disposed to contend with to identify. But that such a situation great and arduous obstacles-a circumwas chosen for its resting-place as was stance that went to enhance the greatbest suited to accomplish the ends ness of the crime. For how could it of the Most High in regard to the fia- be that they should thus wear and exture settlement of the earth, is an infer- haust themselves in this laborious enenice which we cannot well help draw- terprise, unless because they had set ing from the tenor of the whole narra- themselves in a frenzied opposition to tive. It is not difficult to suggest a God' Difficulty often deters us from number of reasons to show that the necessary works; but they, without land of Shinar was the centre stones or mortar, do not scruple to atwhence a thorough and entire distribu- tempt an edifice that should transcend tion of the human race over the face of the clouds! Their example teaches us the whole earth could be most readily to what lengths ambition will urge men and conveniently made; and as the val- who give way to their unhallowed lustley of the Euphrates was the route ings.'-As to the material itself it is which, of all others, was the best suited notorious that stone quarries are and to conduct the founders of post-diluvi- ever have been utterly unknown an society to the place so peculiarly fit- throughout the whole region of Babyted for their subsequent dispersion, we Ion while the soil, even to this day, is are warranted in supposing that the remarkably well fitted for maling brick stranding of the ark occurred at some and abounds with bitumen, both solid spot in the vicinity of that valley and liquid, to a degree unparalleled in whence the descent was easy and free any other quarter of the globe.' The from the immense difficulties that must soil of ancient Assyria and Babylon,' have impeded the passage down the says Mr. Keppel, ( Travels in the East, declivities of the lofty Agridagh. Some p. 73.)'consists of a fineclay mixed with part of the range of the Taurus along sand, with which, as the waters of the wliich the Euphrates runs would seem riverretire, the shores,arecovered. This to include the spot likely to fulfil this compost when dried by the heat of the condition; but only bypersonal inves- sun, becomes a hard and solid mass tigation can it be determined what and formns the finest materials for the 16 182 GENESIS. [B. C. 2247. 4 And they said, Go to, let us en; and let us make us a name, build -is a city, and a tower, lest we be scattered abroad upon a whose top may reach unto heav- the face of the whole earth. a Deut. 1. 28. beautiful blicks for which Babylon was the most inflammable of known minso celebrated. We all put to the test erals. In its most fluid state it forms the adaptationr of this mud for pottery, naphtha.; and in its most solid, asphalby taking some of it while wet, from tum, the word by which the Septuagint the bank of the river and then mould- renders the Heb. rnor hlhemnar, the ing it into any form we pleased. Hav- term answering to'slime' in our transin- been exposed to the sun for half an lation. It is usually of a blackish or hour it became as hard as stone'. So brown hue and hardens more or less firm and durable were these bricks, that on exposure to the air. Herodotus the remains of ancient walls which states that the Babylonians derived have been thrown down for centuries, their supplies of this substance from a have withstood the effict of the atmos- place called Is, the modern Hit, a small phere to the present day, and still re- mud-walled town inhabited by Arabs tain the inscriptions with which they and Jews on the western bank of the were impressed-a species of arrow- river. In its present state, the princiheaded character, which has of late pal bitumen pit has two compartments greatly excited the attention of the divided by a wall, on one side of which learned. The text will be best under- bitumen bubbles up and oil of naphtha stood by observing what materials are on the other. As it requires to be employedin those masses of ruin which, boiled with a certain proportion of oil whether belonging to the original city before it can be used as a cement it is and tower or not, are undoubtedly not much employed in building at the among the most ancient remains, in present day. The inhabitants of that the world. These bricks are of two region make use either of pure clay or sorts, one dried in the sun, the other mud for mortar, or certain kinds of calburnt by the fire. When any consid- careous earthlfound in great abundance erable degree of thickness was required, in the desert west of the Euphrates. the practice in the Babylonian struc- 4. And they said, Go to. We have tures seems to have been, to form the here, if we mistake not, an instance of mass with sun-dried bricks, and then'that trajection, or inverted order which invest it with a case of burnt bricks. is of such perpetual occurrence in HeThe ruins exhibit evident traces of this brew. As they would naturally counmode of construction, although, in the sel first respecting building the city becourse of ages, the external covering of fore they thought of making bricks for burnt bricks has been taken away for the purpose, it cannot well be doubted use in building. ---- Slime had they that the verb here should be rendered for mortar. Or more properly,'bitu- in the pluperfect tense;'For they had men had they for cement;' as the said,' &c. —IT Let us build us a city word in this place undoubtedly denotes and a tower, whose top may reach unto that remarkable mineral pitch to which heaven, &c. Heb. vite n u 1 l R) and the name of bzturaen is given, and his head in the ieavens. A common which is supposed to have been formed hyperbolical expression denoting an in the earth from the decomposition of exceedingly high tower-a sense that animal and vegetable substances. It is exonerates the builders from the impu B.C. 2~47.] CHAPTER XI. 133 ted stupidity of attempting to scale the the tops of the mountains. Nor is heavens. Such phrases are found there any sufficient evidence that it in every language and their meaning was designed as an idol's temple or a can scarcely be mistaken. In the sa- mere monument of architectural skill cred writers they occur repeatedly. like the pyramids of Egypt. The words Thus when the messengers whom Mo- clearly show that their primary object ses employed to espy out the land of was to transmit a name illustrious for Canaan returned and made their report, grand design and bold undertaking to they described the cities which they succeeding generations. In this sense had visited as' great and walled up to the phrase'to make one's self a name,' heaven;' and Moses himself in his is used elsewhere in the Scriptures. farewell address to the nation Deut. 9. Thus' David gat him a name when he 1, repeats it;'Lear, O Israel, thou returned from smiting the Syrians in art to pass over Jordan this day to go the valley of Salt,' 2 Sam. 8. 13; and in to possess nations greater and might- the prophet informs us Is. 63. 12, that ier than thyself, cities great and fenced the God of Israel'led them by the up to heaven;' implying simply that right hand of Moses with his glorious the walls of those cities were uncom- arm dividing the waters before them to,nonly strong and lofty. It can scarce- make to Ihimself an everlasting name.' ty be doubted that the ancient heathen But in connection with this they seem "able of the attempt of the giants to also to have cherished the design of -limb the heavens owes its origin to founding a universal monarchy of some distorted traditions relative to which Babel was to be the metropolis, ~his fact. The memory of the design and to which all the families of the earth )f the builders of Babel being handed were to be in subjection. As a tower lown, in its native boldness of expres- is but another name for a citadel, or lion, to nations unacquainted with the place of defence, the project appears losaic history and with eastern lan- evidently to have had reference to some guage, who were also fond of the mar- warlike movements, such as they vellous and skilful in fable, would very should deem necessary for defending naturally give rise to the story of the themselves against insurrections and l'itans' war with heaven and the dis- enforcing the despotism which they Pomfiture which followed.- f Let us proposed to establish. For the mere eakee us a name, lest, &c. A variety purpose of preventing dispersion it is of fanciful conjectures as to the real not easy to see how such a building design of this erection is cut off by this should have been required. Again, as plain declaration of the inspired page. this event in all probability took place It could not have been, as Josephus in the life-time of Nimrod, the first inand others suppose, to guard against a dividual who is recorded to have aspired future flood; for this would have need- to dominion over his fellow-men, and ed no divine interposition to prevent its as it is expressly said of him that' the having effect. God knew his own in- beginning of his kingdom was Babel,' tention never to drown the world any nothing is more natural than to supmore; and if it had been otherwise, or pose that he was the leader in this darif they, fiom a disbelief of his promise, ing enterprise, and that it was in great had been disposed to provide against it, measure a scheme of his for obtaining they would not have been so foolish as the mastery of the world. A grasping to build for this purpose upon a plain, for universal dominion has been charehen the highest tower they could acteristic of almost all the great naraise would have have been far below tions and conquerors of the earth in 84 GENESIS. rB. C. 2247 5 b And the LORD came down all d one language; and this they to see the city and the tower, begin to do: and now nothing which the children ofmen builded. will be restrained from them, 6 And the LoaRD said, Behold, which they have eirnimagined to c the people is one, and they have do. b ch. 18. 21. c ch. 9. 19. Acts 17. 26. d ver. I. e Ps. 2. 1. later periods, and Babylon itself, though effect the dividing of nations; and so a checked for the present by this diwvine bar to the whole world being ruled by interference, yet afterward resumled the one government. Thus a perpetual pursuit of ter favourite object; and in miracle was wrought to be an antidote the time of Nebuchadnezzar seemed al- to a perpetual evil.-~ Lest we be most to have gained it. The styleused scattered, &c. The punctuation in our by that monarch in his proclamation English Bibles in this part of the verse comported with this idea;'To you it is not happy. It leads the reader to is commanded, O people, nations, and suppose that the fear of being scattered tongues!' Now if such has been the over the earth was to be obviated solely ambition of all Nimrod's successors in by making themselves a name; whereevery age, it is nothing surprising that as this latter clause stands related it should have struck the mind of Nim —- equally to building the city and making rod himself and his adherents. But it a name. In conformity to theHebrew was evidently worthy of the divine wis- there should have been a colon after doml to counteract such a high-handed'I name.' scheme as this. As human nature is 5. And the Lord came down, &c. constituted, a universal monarchy would Evidently spoken of God after the manhave been a universal despotism, ner of men, and in accommodation to than which a greater curse could not our modes of conception. God's comhave befallen the earth. In every state ing down is but another term for his of society where power or wealth is interposition; and by his coming down nmonopolized by one or a few, there is to see is doubtless meant his making it the greatest possible scope for injustice manifest by the result that he was well and oppression; and where these evils aware of the doings of these impious have the greatest sway, mankind being and aspiring builders. From what is what they are, there they will Inevita- said below it will perhaps appear that bly most abound. While therefore they the sense of this verse is not complete were intent upon this impious project without taking v. 8, in connection.and aiming to frustrate the appointed ir Which the children of men have dispersion and distribution, the Most builded. As the phrase'children of High determined to take them in their men' is used in other cases in the Scripown craftiness, and by confounding tures in opposition to the'children of their speech to accomplish the very God,' some have inferred that the sons event which they were so anxious to of Ham were exclusively concerned in plevent. The means adopted were ex- this enterprise, men who had degeneractly suited to the end in view; for ated from the piety of their ancestors, there is no more effectual boundary of and that neitherNoah, Shem, Arphlaxad, nations than language. Thereis sc:lrce- Salah, or Heber, or their immediate proly a great nation in ihe world, but what geny had any agency in it. But since has its own language. The gradual the natural order of the narrative leads u:ividing of languages was therefore in us to suppose that'the whole earth' B.. C. 2247.] CHAPTER XI. 185 7 Go to, flet us go down, and 8 So h the LORD scattered them there confound thoir language, abroad from thence i upon the that they may g not understand face of all the earth: and they left one another's speech. off to build the city. f ch. 1. 26. Ps. 2. 4. Acts 2. 4,5, 6. g ch. 42. 23. Deut. 28. 49. Jer. 5. 15. 1 Cor. 14. 2, 11. h Luke 1. 51. i ch. 10. 25, 32. speaking one language denotes in gen- ed throughout the whole narrative, giveral the same body of men who are af- ing more and more confirmation to the terwards said to have embarked in the sense which we have above affixed to undertaking, and as these undoubtedly it. That the Heb. word for'hear' is constituted the bulk of the then exist- often used iln the-sense of'understand' ing race, it is hardly probable that such might be shown from hundreds of pasa distinction is here hinted at, although sages. Thus Is. 36. 11, ~ Speak, I pray it may still be true that the individuals thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian above mentioned may have stood aloof language; for we understand (Heb. from it, and the Hamites under Ninmrod hear) it.' Gen. 42. 23,' For they knew may have been among its most active not that Josephunderstood (Heb. heard) and conspicuous promoters. them.' So in the Gr. 1 Cor. 14. 2,' He 6. Anrd the Lord said. That is, as speaketh not unto men, for no man unusual, said within himself. But we be- derstandeth (Gr. heareth) him.' Thus lieve the true construction is to render too 1 Kings, 3. 9, an'understanding this in the pluperfect'for the Lord had heart' is in the original a'hearing heart.' said,' and to consider vs. 6, 7, as par- 8.''hey left qff to build the city. enthetical, indicating the process of And doubtless the tower also, though thought and purpose in the divine mind this be not expressly mentioned. It is previous to his going down, as descri- worthy of note, that from the ancient bed in v. 5. This relieves us from the Gentile traditions hereafter to be cited, necessity of supposing a double descent respecting this event, it appears to have and by connecting v. 5 with v. 8 makes been a very prevailing opinion that the the whole context perspicuous. -T divine interposition on this occasion TLte people is one, and they have all one was attended by a tremendous tempest language. Heb.'one lip' No sense, of thunder, lightning, and wind. The we think, is better suited to the words same belief appears to have been adoptthan that given above of the oneness ed by the Hebrews; at least the Jew of their counsels, language, and mode Benjamin (Bochart, Phaleg, lib. i. c. 9.) of utterance. Comp. Gen. 34, 22.- asserts, that fire from heaven fell upon ~I And this they begin to do. Hefb. the centre of the tower, and split it'this is their beginning to do.'-~ through down to the very foundation. Nothing will be restrained from them, But though the building may have &c. Heb.'there will not be cut off been thus supernatiurally assailed, yet from them any thing which,' &c. Noth- there is no sufficient ground for suppoing will deter them from accomplish- sing that it was actually overturned or ing their designs, unless they be at once destroyed. Of an edifice so vast the miraculously arrested. materials could not be dissipated with7. That they may notunderstandone out a miracle, alike superfluous and another's speech. Heb.' that they may unrecorded in Scripture; for the sacred not hear one another's lip.' The same writer merely tells us that'they left off original word'lip' is studiously employ- to build the city,' and its probable pyr16* 186 GENESIS. [B. C. 2247. amidal form would naturally tend to bricks would not fall to decay, like a insure perpetuity. The tower itself Grecian or Roman temple of modern then, though its external brick-work masonry, nor would time render it inmlighlt partially have suffered, no doubt capable of being very effectually recontinued in existence till the time of paired. That it was so repaired there Nf buchadnezzar; just as the Egyptian is the strongest reason to believe, anct pyramids still remain, though ages consequently that the tower described have rolled over the heads of those de- by Herodotus was not the original serted buildings. Such being the case,'tower of Babel' here mentioned, but the second founder of Babylon, even that tower re-edified from its ruins and independent of religious motives, would freshly adorned by Nebuchadnezzar. find it a more easy task to repair and Whether any traces now remain of this finish the tower of Nimrod, than either prodigious structure, and if so, where wholly to remove its materials or to they are to be sought for, is a question work them afresh in erecting a new of somewhat difficult solution. Three structure. Accordingly in the midst of distinct masses of ruin in the region of that far-famled city, as we learn from Babylon have been claimed by different the Greek historians, there rose an en- writers as entitled to this distinction; orlnous tower, dedicated to the god Be- viz. Nimrod's'Power at Akkelkoof; uis, bearing on its summit his temple or the ]Mujelibee about 950 yards east of sacelluin. It was composed of eight the Euphrates, and five miles above square towers or stories, of successive- the modern town of Hillah; and the ly diminishing size, piled one upon the Birs Nem.roud to the west of that river other, with an ascent of steps on the and about six miles to the south-east outside winding up to each tower, and of Hillah. Niebuhr, Porter, and Roof very ample breadth. By comparing senmuller concur with the traditions of together the two accounts of Herodo- the country in fixing upon the latter as tus and Strabo, we learn that each side the probable site of this earliest great of its base measured a stadium or fur- work of man.'The Birs Nimrod,' long (500 feet) in length, and that it says Mr. Rich,'is a mound of an obwas also a stadium in height, which long form, the total circumference of makes it considerably higher than the which is 762 yards. At the eastern largest of the Egyptian pyramids, side it is cloven by a deep furrow, and though standing upon a much narrow- is not more than 50 or 60 feet high: but er base. From the same authorities on the western side it rises in a conical we learn that it stood in the midst of a figure to the elevation of 198 feet, and court or enclosure which was two stad- on its summit is a solid pile of brick, ia square. The question then arises 37 feet by 28 in breadth, diminishing in whether a building of such vast bulk thickness to the top, which is broken was the entire work of Nebuchadnez- and irregular, and rent by a large fiszar, after having previously removed sure extending through a third of its the remains of the work of Nimrod; height. The fire-burnt bricks have inor whether it was not, in reality, the scriptions on them, and so excellent is original structure, repaired and finished the cement, that it is nearly impossible and beautified. With Prideaux and to extract one whole. The other parts other sensible writers, we think there of the summits of this hill are occupied can be little doubt how we ought to de- by immense fragments of brick-work cide thepoint. As theoriginal edifice was of no determinate figure, tumbled toprobably for the most part solid, such a gether, and converted into solid vitrified vast mass of sun-dried and kiln-burnt masses, as if they had undergone the B. C. 2247.j CHAPTER Xi. 187 9 Therefore is the name of it hundred years old, and begat Arcalled Babel, kbecause the LORD phaxad two years after the flood: did there confound the language 11 And Shetn lived after he of all the earth: and from thence begat Arphaxad five hundred did the LORD scatter them abroad years, and begat sons and daughupon the face of all the earth. ters. 10 [l 1These are the genera- 12 And Arphaxad lived five.ions of Shein: Shein was an and thirty years, mand begat Salah. k I Cor. 14. 23. 1 ch. 10. 22. 1 Chron. 1. 17. ni Luke 3. 36. action of the fiercest fire.' In regard to assistance of the winds; and the name this latter appearance, Sir R. K. Porter Babylon was imposed upon the ruins. has no doubt that the effect was produ- Till that period men were of one lanced by fire acting from above, and that guage; but then the gods sent among it was probably lightning. The cir- them a diversity of tongues. And cumstanceis remarkable in connection then commenced the war between with the tradition that the original tow- Saturn and Titan.' Finally Eupoler of Babel was rent and overthrown emus as cited by Alexander Polyby fire from heaven. At any rate't hister, affirms,'That the city of Babcannot now be seen without bringtng ylon was first built by giants who to mind the emphatic prophecy of Jer- escaped from the flood; that these giemiah, ch. 51. 25,'I will stretch out ants built the most famous tower in all mine hand upon thee, and roll thee history; and that the tower was dashdown from the rocks, and will make ed in pieces by the almighty power of thee a burnt mountain.'-It may be re- God, and the giants dispersed and scatmarked that very striking testimonies tered over the face of the whole earth.' to the event here recorded are to be 10. These are the generations, &c. found in several ancient profane an- As appears from the preceding chapter, thors. Josephus quotes from one of the this is but a partial catalogue of Sybilline oracles the following words; Shem's descendants; and such was all'When all mankind spoke the same that the writer's object required, which language, some of them elevated a was merely to introduce the history of tower immensely high, as if they would Abraham by tracing up his pedigree to ascend up into heaven; but the gods Shem. The effect of the flood in shortsent a wind and overthrew the tower, ening the term of human life is very and assigned to each a particular lan- perceptible on a comparison of this taguage; and hence the city of Babylon ble with that given chap. 5. 9 —27.derived its name.' Abydenus, as quot- ~ An hundred years old. Heb. ed by Eusebius, uses similar language; n ~Rfj 2 son qf an hundred years;'There are who relate, that the first and thus uniformly where the same men, born of the earth (giants), when English word occurs. they grew proud of their strength and 11. Shem lived after he begat Arstature, supposing that they were more phaxad five hundred years. From excellent than the gods, wickedly at- which it appears that this venerable patemrpted to build a tower where Baby- triarch had not only seen Methusaleb Ion now stands. But the work advan- and Lamech before tile flood, and Abracing towards heaven, was overthrown ham after it, but that ho was cotempoupon the builders by the gods, with the rary with Isaac for fifty years. 188 GENESIS. [B. C. 2056. 13 And Arphaxad lived after gat Serug two hundred and seven he begat Salah four hundred and years, and begat sons and daughthree years, and begat sons and ters. daughters. 22 And Serug lived thirty 14 And Salah lived thirty years, years, and begat Nahor: and begat Eber: 23 And Serug live(! after he 15 And Salah lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, begat Eber four hundred and and begat sons and daughters. three years, and begat sons and 24 And Nahor lived nine and daughters. twenty years, and begat q Terah. 16 n And Eber lived four and 25 And Nahor lived after he thirty years, and begat o Peleg: begat Terah an hundred and 17 And Eher lived after bhe be- nineteen years, and begat sons gat Peleg four hundred and thirty and daughters. years, and begat sons and daugh- 26 And Terah lived seventy ters. years, and rbegat Abram, Nahor, 18 And Peleog lived thirty years, and Haran. and begat Reu: 27 [ Now these are the gene19 And Peleg lived after hebe- rations of Terah: Terah begat gat Reu two hundred and nine Abram, Nahor, and Haran: and years, and begat sons and daugh- Haran begat Lot. ters. 28 And Haran died before his 20 And Reu lived two and thir- father Terah in the land of his ty years, and begat P Serug. nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. 21 And Reu lived after he ben 1 Chron. 1. 19. o Luke, 3. 35. p Luke, 3. 35. q Luke, 3. 34. r Josh. 24. 2. 1 Chron. 1. 26. 12. And Arphaxad lived. The Sep- them. In both cases the youngest tuagint here inserts a second Cainan, stands first on the ground of superio? with an addition of one hundred and dignity. By comparing ver. 32 of this thirty years. This is followed by Luke chapter with ch. 12. 4, it is obvious that 3. 36, who brines in the same person Abraham was born, not when Terah in the same way. But the Heb. text was 70, but when he was 130 ycars old, both here and in 1 Caron. 1, is perfect- which was 350 years after the flood, or ly silent on this subject, and the best A. M. 2008. Haran was undoubtedly chronologists have agreed in rejecting the eldest son. it as a spurious generation. 28. fHa.ran died beforehisfather. Heb. 26 And Terah lived seventy years, Mnh -'-5ybefore theface ofhisfathler, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran. or in his presence, while his fathel was That is, began to beget; he was seven- yet, living-the same phrase in the origity years old before he had any children, nal which occurs Ex. 20.3,' Thou shalt and then had three sons one after an- have no other gods before me (,B-5.).' other. But these sons are not set — ff In Ur qf The Chaldees. Heb. down in the order of their birth; for trets nixqR be-Oor Kasdim. This though Abram is first named it does not is the first mention which the Scripfollow that he was the first born, any tures make of the Kasdim or Chalde.. more than Shem's being first named ans. Who these people really were, among the sons of Noah, Gen. 9. 18, and whether they ever properly existed proves him to have been the eldest of ls n nation, is,as Heeren remarks one B. C. 1996.] CHIAPTER XI. 189 of the most difficult problems which Mesopotamia, two days' journey east history presents. From eastern anal- of the Euphrates, sixty-seven miles ogy, it seems most probable that the north-east of Beer. The Jews, accorKasdin of the Scriptures translated d.ng to Mr. Wolff; still call the place Chaldeans, was a general name among by the name in the text pnZ1-1Im'InR the Shemitic nations for the northernM Oar Kasdim, or Ur of the Chaldees, barbarians, though descended doubt- and it is a place of pilgrimage as the less from Alp Kwesed (Chesed) the son birth-place of Abraham, in whose honof Nahor, ard grandson of Terahl, our the Moslems have a fine mosque, Gen. 22. 22. If so, the Chaldees here in the court of which is a lake teeming mentioned had not this name in the -with fish which are held sacred to the time of which Moses speaks, but they patriarch' and not permitted to be were so called at the time in which lie caught. Its ancient name ltR Oor, wrote. The term is used therefore by which signifies light or fire, probably anticipation. At all events it is certain derived its name from the idolatry of that the conquering Chaldeans forced the lgnicolists or Jire-worshippers, their way from the north, where their which was there established. The various hordes wandered over the primitive name of the city was changsteppes of Mesopotamia, and finally ed by the Macedonians when they beoverwhelmed southern Asia, making came possessed of it to Edessa, and themselves masters of the Syrian and under that name was the capital of a Babylonian plains, to which fact it is territory called Osrhoene, occupying Dwing that the same country is indis- the northern and most fiuitful part of criminately called Babylonia and Chal- Mesopotamia, and which, for several dea. The reader who wishes for a full centuries before Christ formed an indeler view of this subject is referred to pendent kingdom. Its last king was Gesenius on Is. 3V. i3, where the frag- Abgarus, of whom there is a well ments of the earlier history of this known tradition that he wrote a letter people will befound collected. Of this to Christ to which he received an anan abstract is given in Robinson's edi- swer. The place afterwards passed tion of Calmet.'The learned German successively through the hands of the commentator seeks the original seat of Romans, the Saracens, the Crusaders, the Chaldeans in the mountains of the Tartars, and was ultimately conKurdistan, now inhabited by the Kurds quered by the Turks. It is now the (pron. Koords), who are probably their seat of a pashalic, and is a large and successors; and conjectures that they tolerably well-built town, situated on were brought from their native regions the eastern side of a hill, defended by by the Assyrians as mercenaries, after a castle, and composed otfstone-houses which they settled in the plain.i till of as good masonry, and as highly orthey became strong enough to bring namented, as those of Aleppo. Mr. Bucktheir employers themselves into subjec- ingham (7Travels in Mesopotamia, vol. tion. From their being much adlicted i. p. 89) describes the city in general as to astronomy, and probably to judicial being a delightful place, and the most astrology, hence all astrologers were. in tolerable and happy in the Turkish doprocess of time, called Chaldeans, Dan. minions. It is a place of considerable 2. 2-5.-As to the city here nmentianed, trade, having numerous and well-filled some difficulty has been experienced by bazaars, and enjoying the advantage of commentators in fixing its site, but in being one of the principal stations on the East it is generally identified witil the great caravan reute between Alepthef present town of Or.ah in Upper I po and Bagdad. The population is 190 -GENESIS. [B. C. 1996 29 And Al ram and Nahor took ran his son's son, and Sarai his them wives: t ie name of Abram's daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife'was' Sorai; and the name wife; and they went forth with of Nahor's wvife t Milcah, the them from x Ur of the Chaldees daughter of Haran, the father of to go into Y the land of Canaan Milcal, and the father of Iscah. and they came unto Haran, and 30 But U Sarai was barren; she dwelt there. had no child. 32 And the days of Terah 31 And Terah W took Abram were two hundred antd five years: his son, and Lot the son of Ha- and Terah died in Haran. s ch. 17. 15. & 20. 12. t eh. 22. 20. u och. 16., xNeh.9.7. Acts,7.4. yoh.10.19. 2. & 18. 11, 12. w ch. 12. 1. probably from 2000 to 2500, of whom served from Chaldean idolatry, and fix 2000 are Armenian and Jacobite Chris- ing themselves in Haran maintainec tians, and the rest Moslems. for a considerable time the worship of 29. I),aughter qO Haran. From this the true God.-The narrative suggests it is clear, as before remarked, that Ha- to us, that while the most exemp.ary ran was the eldest of the three sons of marks of respect are due from children Terah. His daughter Milcah was the to parents, yet parents themselves may grand-mother of Rebekah, the wife of sometimes be called to follow their chilIsaac. Gen. 22. 20, 23. —~ Father dren as leaders, when they have obtainof Milcah and father of Iscah. The ed clearer light as to the path of duty, Jewish writers generally maintain, and and go forth at the evident call of God. we think with great probability, that But even in such cases a proper spirit Iscah and Sarah are but different of filial reverence will give as much prenames of the same person; the one cedency as possible to parental action. having been born before she left Chal- - f To go into the land of Canaan. dea, the other after. How this is to be As this expedition of Terah was underreconciled with ch. 20. 12, see in loc. taken in consequence of God's call to 31. And Terah. took Abram his Abraham, and as the apostle tells us son, &c. It is evident from ch. 12. 1, that Abraham went forth' not knowthat this expedition was undertaken in ing whither he went,' we are to underconsequence of the divine call to Abra- stand these words as expressive rather ham to come out from a land of idola- of the divine destination than of their tors; but from the deference paid to the own definite purpose. They simply head of a family Terah is here repre- confided themselves to the guidance of sented as chief in the movement, heaven, resolving to go wherever a dlthough really acting in obedience to the recting providence should lead, and the monitions of his son. Nahor and his historian, speaking as a historian, wife Milcah, it would appear, were un- names the country, unknown to them, willing to go, at least at present; yet to which their journeyings tended. as we find them in the course of the This information was afterwards given history settled at Haran, and Abraham to Abraham, but at what precise time and Isaac sending to them for wives, we know not. —~ Came unto Haran we may conclude that they afterwards and dwelt there. Probably on account'repented and went.' Thus the whole of the increasing age and infirmities of of Terah's family, though they did not Terah. This name affords an instance go to Canaan, yet were probably re- of the confusion which has arisen in the B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XI., 191 proper names of our translation, from ducted from 20.5, it is clear that he was its having been chosen to give the let- born when his father was 130, that is, ter ln ch a power equivalent to,- h. It 60 years after his brother Haran. -11 ought to be Charan, as it is in Acts 7. And Terah died in Halran. Many of 2, where the Greek text (Xappav) has God's people have died upon journeys. properly represented the Hebrew Con Itis well to beprepared for the summons Charaen. The same course is adopted whenever and wherever it may meet us. by the translation in numerous other REMARKS.-(1.) We see in the coninstances. The place in question, duct of the builders of Babel a striking which was called Charrwe by the Ro- exemplification of the spirit which actumans, would seem to the English read- ates so large a portion of the human er to have derived its name from Haran race. They were urged on by a desire the father of Lot, but this can hardly of distinction —' Go to, let us make ourbe, as the Hebrew words are entirely selves a name.' They thought that by different, the name of the place begin- raising this city and tower they should ning with t ch, and that of the person immortalize themselves, and be famed with n h. This shows the evil of the for their wisdom and exploits to the reinethod adopted by the English trans- motest generations. And what other lators of representing both letters by principle than this is the moving spring our h. Its situation is fixed by Ren- of the actions of countless multitudes nell about 30 miles S. S. E. from Orfah of men in all ages? What is it but the on the direct route from Mesopotamia desire of fame that impels the warrior to Palestine, on a brook known to the to the field of battle t What has greatGreek writers by the same name, which er influence on the scholar and the flows into the river Chaboras, one of philosopher, or more forcibly animates the tributaries of the Euphrates.- It them in their researches after knowlanciently carried on an extensive trade edge? What is it that actuates the with the Tyrians, Ezek. 27. 23; and in rich in,constructing and decorating more recent times became famous- their splendid edifices, but a desire to among the Romans for the total defeat display their opulence and win eclat of their army by the Parthians, and from their fellow-men? It would not the death of Crassus their general, who perhaps be right to condemn the princiwas killed in the battle. It is now a ple in the abstract, or to hold it up to poor place, mostly in ruins, in the oc- unqualified reprobation. Provided we cupation of a few families of Bedouin seek distinction as a secondary object, Arabs, who have been drawn thither in subservience to higher ends, as a by its rather abundant supply of water. means of augmenting our usefulness Their presence renders a visit so un-and bringing a larger revenue of glory pleasant that no travellers have recent-to God, it may be a commendable moly been there. It must early have fal- tive of action. But alas! how seldom len into ruins, as it seems to have been does it exist in this form 7 How much quite desolate when the Jew, Benjamin more frequently does it assulne the of Tudela, travelled through Mesopo- character of a vain-glorious ambition tamia in the twelfth century. and engage its possessor in schemes as 32. The days qf Tel-ae were tuo contrary to the will, or at least to the hundredand five years. This affords a approbation, of heaven, as that of the satisfactory clew to the time of Abra- infatuated projectors here mentioned? hum's birth; for if 75 years, which How vain the hope by which such men was his age when his father died, and are deluded, and how certain are they when he left Haran, ch. 12. 4, be de- to build a Babel to their own confilsion. 192 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921. (2.) How liable are the schemes ofun- Governor of the universe is never at a godly men to be interrupted and defeat- loss for means to confound the devices ed in the midst of their execution.'The of the wise or frustrate the counsels of builders of Babel had made considera- the ungodly. ble progress and were doubtless antici- (3.) What fearful consequences does pating the satisfaction they should ex- bold impiety frequently draw after perience in its completion. But they it! Discomfited rebellion does not were arrested in mid career. And thus always plague merely its original it is that high-raised worldly expecta- authors. We are at the present day tions are generally disappointed. The suffering grievously under the curse eager aspirants for happiness form their inflicted on the builders of Babel. Difplans; they prosecute their designs; ference of language has not only placed they advance in their prospects; par- obstacles in the way of commercial tial success animates them to more dil- intercourse, but has given occasion to igent exertions; but sooner or later contiguous or distant nations to considGod stops them in their progress, and er each other as enemies. It has moreeither dashes all their labours to the over, been the means of excluding the dust, or says to them,' Thou fool, this greater part of the world from all the night shall thy soul be required of thee.' advantages of revelation. And if a beWhen they are saying'peace and safe- nevolent person, desirous of diffusing ty, then sudden destruction comleth the knowledge of Christ among the upon them as a thief in the night, or as heathen, engage in the arduous untravail upon a woman with child.' dertaking, he must first partially lose Consider too the means which God several years before he can attain took to effect his purpose in this in- competent knowledgeof the languages stance. They were the most unlooked in which he is to address them. Even for that could be imagined. The peo- then he labours under the greatest disple engaged in the work might conceive advantages in speaking to them; and it possible that they should be stopped after all he must limit his exertions to by quarrels among themselves, or by two or three nations at the utmost. another deluge, or by fire from heaven; Multitudes who would gladly encounter but could they have entertained the labour and fatigue in the service of their remotest idea of such an interruption fellow-creatures are discouraged by as they experienced? And thus does these difficulties, and are compelled to God generally interpose to disappoint restrain their benevolent wishes through the expectations of worldly men! He a conscious incapacity to carry them has ten thousand ways in which to ren- into effect. Suffering then as we do der their plans abortive or to embitter to for the transgression of these builders, them the very things in which they we ought at least to shun a repetition have sought their happiness. We have of their sins and to beware of the soarlaboured for honour and distinction. ings of an unsanctified ambition. He suffers us perhaps to attain our (4.) HowvainisittofightagainstGod. wishes; and then makes our elevation God had one purpose and they another. a source of nothing but disquietude and It was his intention that the earth pain. Many have looked for enjoy- should be peopled by their distributing ment in the acquisition of a partner or themselves over its surface, while they a family, who after a time would give presumptuously cherished the resolve the world perhaps to loose the indisso- to remain concentrated on a single spot. luble knot, or to have been'written This was the issue joined, and how childless- in the earth.' In short the equitable, easy, and complete was the B.C. 1921.] CUIAPTER XII. 193 triumph of omnipotence!'In the thing observe, that although from the time of wherein they dealt proudly he was the fall down to the termination of the above them.' How signally did he world, man lives under one and the overrule the event to compass the very same system of divine grace, yet tha ends which they were bent upon de- system divides itself into three succesfeating! And with equal facility will sive dispensations, each differently he always ease and avenge him of his characterized according to the condition adversaries. The prophet Obadiah 3, 4, of the world during the period in which has furnished us with a thread of reflec- it prevailed and the object which it had tion which cannot fail to conduct us to mnore immediately in view. These, are the right use which we ought to make (1.) the Patriarchal; (2.) tile Levitical; of this remarkable narrative. He has (3.) the Christian; all which are really pronounced the application of the sub. but component parts of one great sysject.' The pride of thine heart hath de- tem, of which Christ is from first to last ceived thee, thou that dwellest in the the sun and the centre. As the Patriclefts of the rock, whose habitation is archal dispensation was marked by a high; that saith in his heart, Who shall sufficient degree of the light of divine bring me down to the ground? Though truth to have conducted all men to thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and heaven, had they not wilfully perverted though thou set thy nest among the their ways and turned aside from the stars, thence will I bring thee down, revealed will of God, its characteristic saith theLord.' Had the prophet stood or genius therefore was universality. by and witnessed the project in its Adarr after the creation and Noah after proud advance and its disastrous termi- the flood, would severally communicate nation, he could scarcely have painted to all their children and their children's their presumption, their folly, and their children the knowledge which themdisgrace in more striking language. Let selves possessed respecting God's graus then beware of engagingyin any en- cious purposes; and as no intimation terprise or indulging in any spirit which is given that this knowledge was to be will expose us to a like discomfiture confined to a particular family, it was and humiliation. clearly intended to be universal, and it it failed of becoming so effectively, the CHAPTER XlI. fault was in man himself. But in reThe important objects which divine spect to the Levitical dispensation the wisdom proposed to accomplish by case was essentially different. A sincalling Abraham out from among a na- gle people was to be chosen out of the tion of idolaters and making him the corrupt mass in order that they might head of a peculiar chosen race,-rendered be the depositaries of the truth, and as it proper that his vocation and subse- this nation was to be descended from quent history should be detailed with a selected head, God was pleased at the great minuteness. Accordingly we find proper time to call his servant Abrathat while the history of the world from ham from among the idolatrous Kasdim the creation to the flood, comprising a and to commit to him a fresh religious geriod of 1656 years, is despatched in dispensation. Of thisdispensation there-,he compass of six chapters, no less foreparticularitywas theleadingfeature; than nineteen chapters are devoted to and this is strikingly alluded to in one of the account of Abraham, although his Balaam's predictions delivered to Balak, life covered only the space of 175 years. Num. 33. 9,'From the top of the rocks -By way of introduction to the history I see him, and from the hills I behold of this remarkable personage we may him; lo, the people shall dwell alone, 17 194 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921. CHAPTER XII. country, and from thy kindred, V]OW the -LORD had said unto and from thy father's house, unN Abram, Get thee out of thy to a land that I will shew thee: a ch. 15. 7. Neh. 9. 7. Isa. 41. 2. Acts 7. 3. Hub, 11. 8. and shall not be reckoned among the ceive, on any other ground, the reason nations.' The house of Israel was ac- of its selection.-As to the time of Abracordingly long kept in a secluded state, ham's receiving the call here mentionthe depositary of God's word and prom- ed, although some commentators refer ises; but as the time drew near when it to the period of his sojourn in Hathe day-spring from on high was to ran, after his father's death, yet upon visit the earth, this characteristic began comparing the words of Stephen, Acts to be withdrawn from the Levitical 7. 2-4, with the narrative of Moses, it church, as far as it could be without de- would appear that the supposition is stroying altogether its distinctive con- untenable. Stephen expressly says, stitution. The Sun of righteousness'The God of glory appeared unto our was about to rise upon the Gentiles, father Abraham when he was in Mesand like the natural sun he was prece- opotamia, before he dwelt in Ch/aran ded by a twilight. Through the medi- (Haran), and said unto him, Get thee um of the Babylonish captivity, the out of thy country,' &c. The rendertruth was carried far into the East. By ing in our version, therefore,' had said,' the emigrations of numerous Jews into is undoubtedly correct, though it is Egypt it was borne into that country, still possible that the call may have where, as elsewhere, the translation of been repeated during his sojourn at the the Scriptures into Greek, offered facil- latter place.-As to the manner in ities for the acquisition of divine knowl- which the call was made, we have no edge not hitherto enjoyed by the Pa- other clew to it than is contained in the gans; and many foreign proselytes to words of Stephen, who says that the the worship of Jehovah were received I God of glory' appeared to him, and as m increasing numbers into the pale of this phrase usually has reference to the Jewish communion. Thus the some visible manifestation of the diway was prepared for the last and vine glory, such as was witnessed in crowning dispensation of God's mercy the Shekinah that dwelt between the viz. that of Christianity, whose genius cherubim and above the mercy-seat, it still more eminently than that of Pa is not unlikely that some display of triarchism is universal, and which is this kind was now granted to Abraham. destined to work powerfully but silent- Whatever it were,. it was some efficient ly till eventually the earth shall be full disclosure of the divine majesty and of tne knowledge of the Lord as the glory which at once sufficed to wean waters cover the sea. his heart from his former idolatries, and 1. The Lord had said unto Abram. in connection with the command, to Heb. i-.N Abram, a word compound- prompt him to abandon his country ed of &.father and tn. high, import- and kindred, and travel to a distant ing a high, i. e. an eminent or distin- unknown region. A heart-affecting guished, progenitor of a race. If the view of the divine glory has always a name were bestowed by his parents, powerful loosening influence upon the which is perhaps doubtfill, it was prob- ties which bind the heart to the world ably under the prompting of the spirit and to sin.-That the family of Terah of prophecy, as it is difficult to con- was infected with the prevailing idola B. C. 1921.J CHAPTER XI[. 195 2 b And I will make of thee a thee, and make thy name great great nation, and I will bless dand thou shalt be a blessing: b cl. 17. 6. & 18. Deut. 26.5. 1 Kings 3.8. 8 ch. 28.4. Ga. 3. t1. c oh. 24. 35. try is evident from the express declara- He obtained a spot indeed in which tion of Joshua, ch. 24. 2, that'they to lay his bones; but this was all. The served other gods;' and though it can Apostle however, Heb. 11. 8, lays open scarcely be supposed that the land of the secret of his obedience.'By faith Canaan was entirely free from the same Abraham, when he was called to go corruption, yet it would seem from the out into a place which he should after case of Melchizedek that it did not there receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and so universally abound; and at any rate, he wenlt out not knowing whither he the patriarch might more easily avoid went.' it among strangers, than among his 2. And I will make qf thee a great former associates. —~ Get thee out. nation, &c.'The promise had referHeb. 75-15 go for thyself; i. e. go ence to things which could be but of for thine own advantage; go thou, even small account to an eye of sense, bult if no one will go with thee. Yet it is faith would find enough in it to satisfy evident from the context, that if he the most enlarged desires. The obcould persuade his family and friends to jects though distant, were worth waitaccompany him he was at liberty to do ing for. He should be the father of' a it, and not only so, but that he actual. great nation;' not only by the vast ly succeeded in inducing a large part of multiplication of his natural seed, but his father's house to be his companions. God's making them a select peculiar God is not wont to put restrictions up- people, to be distinguished by signal faon the efforts of his chosen to prevail yours above all other nations. They upon all in their power to cast in their should be the Lord's people.-.~ I lot with them in travelling to that bet- will bless thee. The leading import of ter.country to which he calls them; the divine'blessing' is an abundant nor can the benevolent heart be con- increase or mulliplication of favours, tent to leave any behind. Abraham both temporal and spiritual. The therefore was to go from his country' curse' of God on the other hand is a and kindred and his father's house only privation of all good, and the imposiin case they would not go with him. tion of numerous positive evils upon -~ Unto a land that Iwill shew thee. those who are its subjects.'The blesHe was to leave all and to go he knew sing of the Lord maketh rich, and adnot whither. Had he been told it was deth no sorrow with it,' Prov. 10. 22. to a land flowing with milk and honey While of the wicked it is said,' Give and that he should be put in possession them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto of it, the trial to his faith would have them,' Lam. 3. 65.- ~ I will make been far less. But it was not so. That thy name great. Not so much in the which was promised was not only records of worldly fame, as in the hispromised in general terms, bust was tory of the church. Yet it is a revery distant. God did not even tell markable fact, that perhaps no mere him he would give him the land, but man has ever been so widely and so merely shew it to him. Nor did he in permanently honoured.'The Jews, his lifetime obtain the possession of it. and many tribes of the Saracens and He was only a sojourner in it; without Arabians, justly own and revere him as so much as a place to set his foot upon. their progenitor: many nations in the 196 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921 3 e And I will bless them that curseth thee: f and in thee shall bless thee and curse him that all families of the earth be blessed. e ch 27. 29. Exod. 23. 22. Nun. 24. 9. fch. 18. 18. & 22. 18. & 26. 4. Ps. 72. 17. Acts, 3. 25. Gal. 3. 8. East exceedingly respect his memory 3. I will bless them that bless thee, and to this day, and glory in their real or curse hi-m that curseth thee. Heb. pretended relation to him. Throughout R -IKm those that make light of the visible church he has always been i thee will I curse. This is language nevhighly venerated; and even now Jews, er used but of an object of special faMohammedans, and many Gentiles vour. It is declaring that he should not vie with each other and with Christians, only be blessed himself, but that all othwho shall most honour this ancient pa- ers should be blessed or cursed as they triarch! Nothing could be more im- respected or injured him and his seed. Of probable at the time, than this event; this the histories of Abimelech, Laban, yet the prediction has been fulfilling, I Potiphar, Pharaoh, Balak, and Balaam most exactly and minutely, during the furnish strikingexamples. The original, course of almost four thousand years!' from the root 5, signifies to account Scott.-. Th'lou shalt be a blessing. and treat as light, vile, at'orthless, conThat is, thou shalt be so signally and temptible, an idea not perhaps exactly pre-eminently blessed, as to be, as it expressed by the English word curse, were, converted into a blessing; thou the leading import of which is impreshalt be all blessing; a blessing in thy- cation qf evil. But as such a conself, and a source of blessing to others. temptuous or disparaging treatment The phrase is in the highest degree emr- would be a direct affront to God himphatic, and in this sense the promise self, he here affirms that those who has been abundantly fulfilled; for all were guilty of it should incur his curse the true blessedness which the world is as a proper penalty; and the curse of now, or shall be hereafter possessed of, heaven is but another name for the posis owing instrumentally to Abraham itive infliction of fearful judgments. and his posterity. Through them we See note on Gen. 3. 14. Such an ashave a Bible, a Saviour, and a Gospel. surance is the highest pledge of friendThey are the stock on which the Chris- ship and favour that can be given, and tian church is grafted. Their very dis- sets forth the privileges of the Lord's persions and punishments have proved chosen in the most impressive light. the riches of the world. How signally The strictest leagues and covenants of then has this promise to the father of kings and princes contain no stronger the faithful been fulfilled. What a far bond of alliance than the engagement more illustrious greatness his, than to regard each other's friends and enethat which has pertained to the kings mies as common friends and enemies. and conquerors of the earth! While -~ In. thee shall all the.families qf their great names have been acquired the earth be blessed. Common usage principally by deeds that have made as it respects the bearing of the Heb. them plagues and curses to mankind, preposition - will allow us to render -:1 to Abraham belongs the honour and by thee instead of in thee; i. e. by or happiness of having been great in through thee as a medium all nations goodness, great in communicating light shall be ultimately blessed. The aposand life to his species. Such was the tle's exposition Gal. 3. 8, 16, does not hope of his calling; and yet, as if all essentially militate with this, though it this were not enough, it is added- brings the promise into, a narrower B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XI1. 197 4 So Abram departed, as the was seventy and five years old IORD had spoken unto him, and when he departed out of Haran. Lot went with him: and Abram compass, and makes it to be emphati- ests, yet the patriarch implicitly put cally in Christ the appointed and pre- himself under the conduct of that eminent seed of Abraham. In him providence whose summons had called was the gospel of salvation to be him forth, and following its leadings preached to all nations, to Gentiles as bade defiance to difficulty and danger. well as to Jews, and the very commu- We cannot fail to observe in this renication of such tidings could not but markable event (1.) The display of the be a blessing to all the families and divine sovereignty. Why was Abratribes of the earth, even though it ham thus distinguished above all other should be supposed to he made effectu- of the sons of men, to be called out al only to a part of them; which is all from a nation of idolators, and made that is necessarily to be inferred from such a signal blessing to the world? the words. The passage contains a The Scripture affords us no reason to clear intimation of what God himself, conclude that he was better than his whose judgment is according to truth, associates. He and all his family were regalds as the source of the truest and idolaters, and so were all around him. richest blessings to the children of men. Yet he was selected from among them, It is not wealth, fame, power, sensual and made the friend and favourite of pleasure, or mental endowments, but heaven. What account can be given the gift of his own Son as a Saviour, of this? Can it be traced to any thing the bestowment of the Holy Spirit, the but the sovereign will and pleasure of pardon of sin, peace of conscience, and Jehovah? Even granting-what can the high and purifying hopes connect- by no means be proved to have been ed with eternal life. This is the inher- the fact-that he was more faithful to itance that makes us truly rich, and ut- the monitions of natural conscience terly vain, foolish, and fatal is it to than the mass of the heathens of Chalseek for real blessedness from any oth- dea, and that he did not go to the same er source. extent in upholding a false worship, 4. So Abram departed as the Lord yet'he cannot well be conceived to had said unto him. No sooner did have been so far superior to his counAbraham receive the divine command trymen in moral qualities as to have than he obeyed it. When acting in the entitled him to such a distinction as he ordinary affairs of life, and from mere received. So that in any view we are worldly considerations, prudence may still compelled to recognise the discrimdictate delay, and the propriety of con- inating grace of God in his call, and to sulting friendly advice; but when the say in regard to it,'Even so, Father, call is evidently from above, when the for so it seemed good in thy sight.' direction is clearly from God, to be dil- (2.) The self-denying zeal qf Abraatory is to be disobedient. Faith is ham. He undoubtedly felt the attachprompt in complianceand makes haste ment which all men usually feel to to execute the will of our heavenly their native land. It was the same triMaster. Though the journey to be un- al to him as to others to leave the dertaken was above three hundred miles scenes of his childhood and the abode in length, and rendered formidable by of his kindred. At the age of seventydeserts, high mountains, and thick for- five the spirit of adventure was doubt 198 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921. 5 And Abram took Sarai his land of Canaan; and into the wife, and Lot his brother's son, land of Canaan they came. and all their substance that they 6 ~ And Abram i passed through had gathered, and - the souls that the land unto the place of Sichthey had gotten h in Haran; and em. k unto the plain of Moreh. they went forth to go into the I And the Canaanite was then in the land. g ch. 14. 14. h ch. 11 31. g h. 14. 14. Heb. 1i. 9. k Deut. 11. 30. Judg. 7. 1. I ch 10. 18, 19. & 13. 7. less in a great measure quelled, his hab.. 17,'My power hath gotten me this its fixed, and his partialities riveted to wealth;' Heb.'hath made.' Ecel. 12. the land of his birth. Tro tear himseif 12,'Of makin.g many books there is away from his accustomed haunts and no end;' i. e. of the business of col. occupations, to turn his back upon his lecting or amassing books there is no friends and kindred, and to go to a dis- end. Abram's making souls therefore tant and unknown land, and there is doubtless to be understood of his enseek a habitation among strangers, larging his household establishment, of perhaps enemies, must have put his his gradually gathering around him a fortitude to a test of which we can train of domestics and followels who form but a very imperfect idea. Yet were disposed to castin their lot with him we, like Abraham, are to consider our- some from one motive and some from selves sojourners, called to go from a another, and to whom he probably im dark and idolatrous world into a land parted those great religious truths reof promise. And if we are of his seed specting God and his worship which we shall do his works. We shall, if had obtained a lodgment in his own bidden to forsake all and follow Christ, mind. Though the sense of making part with father and mother, brethren proselytes is not conveyed by the words and sisters, country and kindred, and in their primary nleaning, yet they are renounce every enjoyment that may expressly thus rendered in the Jerusastand between us and duty. lem Targum, and the Chaldee Paraphrase has,'All the souls which he 5had subdued unto the law;' arid the 11=1 En their acquisition ich fact the fact that Abraham is afterwards said had acquired; a term applied in a gen- to have had three hundred and eighteen eral way to mloney, cattle, or effects of trained (Heb. catechized) servants in ally kind. — T And the souls that they his house, as well as his acknowledged had gotten. Feb.'I"'~-i N i'~:2i character as a pious man, makes the the soutl (collect. sing. for souls, i. e. supposition altogether probable. The persons) which they had nmade. The true sense of the phrase at any rate so original word for made(,f'2y) very fre- nearly approximates to this, that we quently bears the sense of acquisitions, cannot hesitate to adduce the example accumulation, equivalent to the Eng. of Abraham as an admonition to'is usage, when we say'a man makes that wherever the providence of God money,' i. e. acquires or amasses shall place us, there we are to labour wealth. Thus Gen. 1. 12,'The fruit to be'makers of souls,' to gain prose tree yielding fruit;' Heb.'the fruit tree lytes to our heavenly master, to in making fruit.' Luke, 19. 18,'Lord, crease to the utnmost the number of thy pound hath gained five pounds;' those who shall devote themselves to Gr.' hath mode five pounds.' Deut. 8. his fear and service. B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XII. 199 6. And Abram passed through the pearsluxuriantly embosomedinthemost land Heb. Thor in the land. The delightful and fragrant bowers; half import is not so much that of passing concealed by rich gardens and by statein a direct line from one point to anoth- ly trees collected into groves all around er, as of passing to and fro from place the bold and beautiful valley in which to place, or sojourning after the manner it stands.'- Unto the plain Qf of the nomades till a district has been Moreh. If the place here designated thoroughly traversed. It was thus were any where in the vicinity of Sichthat Abraham passed through the land em, the geographical features of the of promise, surveying his destined inher- country would seem to preclude the itance in its length and breadth, till in idea of its having been a'plain;' for the course of his wanderings he came there is scarcely a more broken and to Sichem, where he probably made mountainous locality in the whole resomewhat of a prolonged stay. —~ gion of Palestine. Accordingly the Unto the place of Sichem. That is, Heb. 1nth )51 ailon morelh is diversthe spot on which Sichem was after- ly rendered by eminent critics' the oak wards built,for it is named hereby an- of Moreh,' or' the terebinth (turpentine) ticipation, the town not having been tree of Moreh:' implying in either case, yet founded. The name occurs else- not a single tree of the kind, but a where in the form of Sechem, Sychem, plantation or grove of them, probably and Shechem; and in the New Testa- called' Moreh' after the name of the inment the place is called Sychar. There dividual by whom the place was first is not the least doubt of its identity owned or occupied; just as in ch. 13. with the present town, the name of 18, the'plain of Matnre' is supposed to which is variously spelt NabIous, Nap- be so called from the name of a man. Ious, Napolose, and Naplosa; all from Whether the genuine import of the orithe ancient Greek NearrAoXs Neapolis, ginal be'oak' or' terebinth,' is a point i. e. new town or new city. It occu- which lexicographers do not enable us pies a most pleasant situation in a nar- to decide.-~ TIhe Canaanite was row valley in the ancient province of then in the land. It was very pertinSamaria, between the mounts Gerizim ent to the writer's scope, in speaking and Ebal, which press it so closely on of Abraham's traversing the country, each side as to leave no room to add to to mention who were then its possesits breadth, though it might be indefi- sors. It is true indeed that the Canaannitely extended lengthwise. It con- ite was in the land also when Moses sists of two long streets, and has a wrote the history, but the inference population which Mr. Buckingham es- which some, in a spirit of cavil, would timates at rather less than 10.000, draw from-this expression, viz. that the mostly Mohamunedans. It is upon the Canaanite of course was not in the land whole a flourishing place, considering when Moses wrote, is by no means the general misery of the country, and well-founded. Nothing was more natis indebted for some part of its pros- ural than that Moses should advert to a perity to the concourse of pilgrims to circumstance so well calculated to try visit the well of Jacob in the vicinity, the faith of the patriarch as that of findwMhere Christ discoursed with the wo- ing himself surrounded by a profane nman of Samaria.'There is nothing in and abandoned race, hostile to his relithe Holy Land finer,' says Dr Clarke, gion, and disposed to shew him no fa-'than the view of Napolose from the vour. Yet this was to be the land of heights around it. As the traveller de- his inheritance; or rather that of his ecends towards it from the hills, it ap- posterity; and it is easy to see, that 200 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921. 7 " And the LORD appeared un- there builded he an o altar unto to Abrarn, and said, "Unto thy the LORD, who appeared unto seed will I give this land: and him. m ch. 17.1. n ch. 13. 15. & 17. 8. Ps. 105. 9,11. o ch. 13.4. while the inquietude and annoyance ari- the secret chambers of the soul, and sing from the presence of these wicked by unknown channels toinfuse strength, tribes would increase his longing for peace, confidence, and refreshing joy that heavenly country to which he into the hearts of his servants, who looked forward, it was a great triumph are disposed to make sacrifices and enof faith to hold fast the assurance that counter perils for his sake. The Scripin despite of all opposing probabilities tures teem with assurance to such that his seed should one day be the peaceful they, like Abraham, shall not fail to occupants of the territory before him. find their reward even in the present 7. And the Lord appealed unto Abiram. life. The case before us is but another Although Moses and the other sacred demonstration of the truth, that in the writers make frequent mention of these sorest trials God often makes the sweettheophanies or divine appearances, yet est discoveries of hirnself. —f Unto as they have no where expressly de- thy seed will 1 give this land. The scribed the manner of them, we are Most High unfolds his counsels and left on this subject very much to our promises gradually; rewarding one deown conjectures. A reference to vari- gree of faith with such intimations of ous other passages where a similar mercy as will beget another. He at event is described, leads to the belief first signified his purpose of merely that such manifestations were vouch- shewing to Abraham a distant land in safedfor the most part in dreams and which he was to sojourn. lie now visions of the night, when supernatural speaks of giving it, but not immediately revelations were made in such a way to himself, but to his seed; doubtless as to carry the evidence of their divin- for a farther trial of his faith. This ity along with them. But until we promise is still farther amplified in a know more of the nature of spirits and subsequent chapter, ch. 15.- T And of the mode of spiritual communica- there builded he an altar, &c. As an tions, we must be content to abide in evidence and a pleoge of the grateful comparative ignorance on this whole and adoring sentiments to which the matter. Certainit is that tlat almighty divine appearance had given rise. power which has reared our bodies from There was something in the riature or the dust, which has formed the eye circumstances of the manifestation that and planted the ear, and whose inspi- exercised a constraining power upon ration hath given us understanding, can his pious feelings, aud prompted him, avail itself of any avenue that it pleases by some outward testimonial, to evince to reach the sentient spirits of his crea- his sense of the favour conferred. The tures, whether in their sleeping or wa- essence of religion undoubtedly has its king moments, and impart the knowl- seat in the affections; its primary influedge of his will. To the pious and ence, its throne, its conquests, are eamhumble mind it will be matter rather of phatically there; but its legitimate fruits devout admiration and praise, than of will invariably shew themselves in outciurious research, that the Father of our ward acts of worship. We, as well as spirits and the God of all consolation is Abraham, may cherish a grateful inthus pleased to manifest his presence in ward sense of the mercies of heaven, B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XTI. 201 8 And he removed from thence on the east: and there lhe builded unto a mountain on the east of an altar unto the LouD, and P callBeth-el, and pitched his tent htav- ed upon the name of the LOKD. ing Beth-el on the west, and Haip ch. 13. 4. but his example should teach us the mountain. See Note on Gen. 19. 30. propriety of adding suitable external - r Having Beth-el on the west and indications of the views which we en- Hai on the east. Called Bethel by antertain. On comparing this incident ticipation; the place being first so namwith the events related in the com- ed by Jacob on his journey from Beermencement of the. previous chapter, we sheba to Haran, its name having been preceive a striking contrast between previously Luz. This proleptical mode the conduct of the men of the world, of speaking is very common in the and that of the Lord's servants. The Scriptures, and is of the same nature former no sooner find a fruitful plain, with the usage we have adopted in this than they embark in building a city part of our notes of calling the patriarch and a tower to perpetuate their fame. whose history we are considering AbraThe first concern of the latter is to ham instead of Abram, which last was raise an altar to God. It was thus properly his name at this time. Beththat the new world was consecrated el literally means'house of God.' It by Noah, and now the land of promise does not appear that any town was by Abraham. But there was still more ever built on the precise spot to which in this act of the patriarch. The rear- Jacob gave this name; but the appeling an altar in the land was in fact a lation was afterwards transferred to the form of taking possession of it on the adjacent city of Luz, which thus beground of a right secured to the exer- came the historical Bethel. MVIodern cise of his faith, and on the same au- researches have not been able clearly to thority the Christian, in spite of all op- identify the site of this ancient city, but posing considerations from enemies there is a ruined village and monastery without and within, assures himself of about eighteen miles, south of Naplous a title to the heavenly Canaan —It or Shechem, and north of Jerusalem, may be remarked, that from the cir- which is generally supposed to indicate cunstance of this being the first place very nearly the spot. Hai or Ai was where Abraham erected an altar after two or three miles east of Bethel, the entering the promised land, it seems to capture and destruction of which occuhave acquired subsequently a peculiar pies a prominent place in the history of sanctity and perhaps became an estab- the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, lishLed seat of worship, after the Israel- but no vestige remains of it at the ites had conquered Qanaan; for here it present day.-Instead of' on the west,' is plain the sanctuary stood in the the Heb. has n'h sea-ward, from the time of Joshua (See Note on Josh. 24. fact that the Mediterranean sea consti1, 25, 26); and that it continued to be tuted the western boundary of Canaan. a distinguished spot for some ages af- So also Gen. 28. 14. Ex. 10. 19.-26. terwards, the incidents mentioned Judg. 22. Ezek. 48. 1, 2, et inf. In like man9. 6, put beyond a question. ner,' the desert' is used for the south 8. Removedfiom thenceuunto amoun- Ps. 75. 6,'For promotion cometh tami. Heb. nqrin, properly mountain- neither fiom the east, nor tom the wards, towards the more mountainous west, nor from the south (Heb. from district; not to any one particular the desert).' — r There he builded 202 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921. 9 And Abram journeyed, q go- down into Egypt to sojourn there; ing on still toward the south. for the famine was t orievous in 10 E And there was r a famine the land. in the land: and Abram 6 went q ch. 13. 3. r ch. 26. 1. s Ps. 105. 13. t oh. 43. 1. an altar, and called upon the nane atonement, and together worshipping of the Lord. According, it would the true and only Jehovah. Thus Abra seem, to his constant practice whereso- ham acted the part of a patriarchal misever he sojourned.'Wherever he had sionary, and thus every part of the earth a tent, God had an altar, and an altar through which he passed possessed the sanctified by prayer.' Henry. I-Ie edifying opportunity of beholding the erected his own altar that he might not worship of the true God in its purity, and participate with idolaters in the wor- of viewing those sacrifices which were ship offered upon theirs, and it is not appointed to keep up a perpetual reimprobable that his steadfast singular- membrance of the'Lamnb slain frorn ity in this respect drew upon him the the foundation of the world.'-By his ill will, if not the persecution, of his' calling upon the name of the Lord' is heathen neighbours. Men will usually meant in general his performing the brook any thing more easily than a various duties of sacred worship. That slight cast upon their religion, and yet this embraced the offering of sacrifices, the worship of Abraham was a stand- as well as the paying of thanks, is ing rebuke of theirs. It is plain from altogether probable, though not so exthe inspired narrative that the Canaan- pressly mentioned. Comp. Gen. 8. 20. ites were a proud, fierce, and vindictive But certain it is, that the whole system people, and it was perhaps owing to of the divinely prescribed worship from the cause now mentioned that the pa- the time of the fall, was built upon the triarch was obliged to make such fre- recognition of an atoning sacrifice to be quent removals. But like every other afterwards offered, and the more disgood man he chose to put his life in tinctly the religious services of the anperil rather than deny his God or for- cient believers avowed this fact, the sake his service. He was now travel- more acceptable they must have been ling as an eastern prince or emir, as a in the eyes of Jehovah. person of more than ordinary distinc- 9. And Abram journeyed, going on tion, for we hear shortly after of his still toward the south. Heb. I1' Ace having' three hundred and eighteen llD3 broke up going and breaking up, trained servants, born in his own house;' that is, advancing forwards by degrees; and he was passing through a country, now removing to one point and now the inhabitants of which were idolaters. to another, according to the nomade HI-ow instructive then must have been custom, but on the whole moving on the example thus held forth by the fa- towards the south. The allusion is ther of the faithful. Wherever he stop- plain to the habits of those who dwell ped, though it were but fora night, there in tents, and as dwelling in tents is ophe was seen, unawed by the opposition, posed to dwelling in houses, 1 Chron. unmoved by the ridicule, of the idola- 17. 1, 5, and implies that unsettled ters around him, building his tempo- migratory kind of life which the aposrary altar, assembling his faniily and tIc 1 Cor. 4. 11, callsarsarovrevo, unjixed, his household, and together offtring we see with how much propriety he their sacrifices as types of the great represents Abraham as' sojourning in B. C. 1921.1 CHAPTER XII. 203 11 And it came to pass, when 12 Therefore it shall come to he was come near to enter into pass, when the \Egyptians shall Egypt, that he said unto Sarai see thee, that they shall say, This his wife, Behold now, I know that is his wife: and they w will kill thou art U a fair woman to look me, but they will save thee alive. upon: w oh. 20. 11. & 26. 7. u ver. 14. ch. 26. 7. the land of promise, as in a strange instead of evincing the spirit of his uncountry, dwelling in tabernacles (tents) believing descendants in the times of with Israel and Jacob.' In the pres- Moses, and saying,'Would God we ent state of society the people of God had remained at Haran, if not in Ur; are in a great measure exempted from surely this is a land that eateth u;, the such a necessity and made to possess inhabitants thereof,' he merely goes to quiet and permanent abodes, but our Egypt as a place of temporary sojournmansions below are still sufficiently ing, with the firm purpose of returning moveable to remind us that our rest whenever the rigor of the famine should is not here, but in heaven, whither, if abate. In the midst of all our changes Christians, all our removes are rapidly and buffetings in this world we should conducting us. still retain our hold upon the promise of 10. And there was a fainine in the a better and an eternal inheritance. land. Another trial of his faith the 11. I know that thou art a fair wopatriarch is here called toencoutnter. A man to look upon. Heb., Rch h" d famine arises in the very land of prom- fair of aspect. The original implies ise and of plenty. In the fertile plains fairness of complexion, and one thereof Chaldea he had doubtless been a fore likely to attract the attention of stranger to want, and his large estab- the darker coloured Egyptians. Though lishment in Haran, makes it probable, Sarah was now probably upwards of that no difficulty of subsistence was sixty, yet, considering the longevity there experienced. But now he is and robust health of the patriarchs, she made to' lack and suffer hunger,' and might still retain her personal attracby being constrained to leave the land tions, especially as she had as yet exof his sojourning, undergoes the hard- perienced none of the effects of matbrship of a double exile.'He went down nity in weakening their force. into Egypt,' a country lying relatively 12. T7hey will kill me but they will somewhat lower than Canaan, and the save thee alive. Whether the apprehenfertility of which, owing to the annual sion here expressed was grounded upon overflow of the Nile, seems to have en- any thing more than a knowledge of titled it, from the very earliest periods, the general evil promptings of our corto be considered as the granary qf the rupt nature, particularly in a lax state world. But even here his faith holds of society, is uncertain. This alone him steadfast in the assurance of fitnal- would doubtless form a sufficient warly possessing the promised inheritance. rant for his fears, and the result shews HIe manifests no regret at having forsa- that they were well founded. Still he ken the land of his nativity nor any dis- miglt have had special reasons for such position to return thither, though now an anticipation arising from the known'if he had been mindful of that country character and habits of the people, of from whence he ca me out, he might have which we are ignorant. The opinion had opportunity to have returned.' But expressed by him gives the Egyptians 204 GENESIS. [B. C. 1920. 13 x Say, I pray thee, thou art 14'T And it came to pass, that my sister: that it may be well when Abram was come into with me for thy sake; and my Egypt, the Egyptians y beheld the soul shall live because of thee. woman that she was very fair. x ch. 20. 5, 13. ch. 26. 7. y ch. 39. 7. Matt. 5. 28. credit for being less scrupulous about stand that he wished to go with the murder than adultery; which shews children of Israel but three days' jourtheir distorted views of right and ney into the wilderness to sacrifice, Ex. wrong, and the fearful influence that 3. 18, and David certainly misledAchish unhallowed passions exert upon our as to the real motives with which he moral judgments. entered into his service, 1 Sam. 29. 113. Say, Ipray thee, thou art my sis- 7. In like manner Paul told but a part ter. Heb. t 1'tpR say, now; where of the truth, Acts, 23. 6, when he cried the original term for' now' has the im- out in the assembly,' Men and brethport, not of time, but of request anden- ren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a treaty, as rightly rendered in our ver- Pharisee; of the hope and resurrection sion. It is often used in English in an of the dead I am called in question.' equivalent sense Here was obviously Yet no fault is found with him for adopta failure, on the part of Abraham, in ing this stroke of policy. In the case of the very point in which he might have Abraham it should be considered also been supposed, a priori, most likely to that he looked upon himself as the dehave remained steadfast. She was in- positary of a future seed in which all deed his step-sister, the daughter of his the families of the earth should b, father, but not the daughter of his blessed. The preservation of his life mother, Gen. 20. 12. This, therefore, would of course seem to him essential though a truth in terms, has generally to the performance of the promise, and been considered as a moral untruth; we can easily see that a peculiar solicibecause it was intended to convey the tude in regard to it wollldin such circumimpression that Sarah was nothing stances be natural, and one to which more than a sister to him; and if the his faith itself would give rise. Some essence of a falsehood consists in the allowance may doubtless be made for purpose to deceive, it is contended that him on this score. Still his conhis affirming her to be his sister was duct is not to be approved, and when virtually denying her to be his wife, he adopts an expedient -which went and so was tantamount to a direct directly to rob the honour of his wife falsehood. But it must be admitted of the protection which her relation that there is an important difference be- to a husband threw around it, we tween uttering a lie and concealing a behold a faltering in the faith of a truth, or a part of the truth, and as strong believerand anaffectinginstance Abraham himself rested the defence of of human infirmity. He would have his conduct on this distinction, Gen. 20. acted far more wisely, as well as more 11-13, it is right that he should have worthily of his character, had he the benefit of whatever validity may told the whole truth without disguise, belong to the plea. That modes of committing the disposal of the affair speech giving but a partial view of the entirely to the providence of God, relytruth were often blamelessly adopted ing on his promises, and confident of by good men in the Scriptures is indu- his protection. He was authorized to bitable. Moses led Pharaoh to under- believe that he would in some way in B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XII. 205 15 The princesalsoofPharaoh fore Pharaoh: and the woman saw her and commended her be- was' taken into Pharaoh's house. z ch. 20. 2. terpose for his deliverance from the ous for ministering to the unhallowed threatened peril, but failing in this, he passions of their royal masters. Parahad recourse to a carnal policy which site and pander are'nearly equivalent taught him, as similar conduct always terms, and to what an extent corrupwill those who practise it, that there is a tion in this respect has reigned in the'fear of man which bringeth a snare.' courts of kings from the most ancient The simple, straight-forward, honest times to the present, the day of final course of truth, candour, and pious de- disclosure can alone reveal. - r And pendence on God is always safest and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's best. However strongly temptedtore- house. The intention of the Egyptian sort to the stratagems of fleshly wisdom king in this step is too obvious to be to extricate ourselves from difficulty, it mistaken; but whether it was at once is better to hold fast our integrity, and carried into execution may admit of taking'Jehovah-jireh' (the Lord will doubt. Judging solely from the purprovide) for our motto, cast ourselves port of the narrative, we should perimplicitly upon his guidance for direc- haps infer that it was. But as he seems tion. —IT My soul shall live because of to have designed, in a formal way, to thee. Heb., fi naphshi. As the make Sarah his wife, and as eastern original term for' soul' is often used usage prescribed certain ceremonies for the person, the phrase is evidently and purifications preparatory to such an equivalent to,'I shall live, or my life event, which required considerable time, shall be spared, because of thee.' In it is not unlikely that it was in this inlike manner the soul is said to die (see terval that'the Lord plagued Pharaoh note on Judg 16. 30) when a person ex- and his house with great plagues;' so pires. that she might have been restored be15. The princes also qf Pharaoh saw fore being fully received as an inmate her. The leading men about his court; of the harem. This opinion is confirmofficers and dignitaries attending upon ed by a comparison of the present with his person and occasionally despatch- the incident recorded in a subsequent ed upon business over the provinces. chapter. When a similar train of cir-'Pharaoh' is not a proper name, but cumstances, Gen. 20. 2-18, had put a title applied, like Caesar among the her in the power of Abimelech, king of Romans, or Czar among the mod- Gerar, we are expressly informed that ern Russians, to the kings of Egypt. God interposed for the protection of her Indeed if we may believe Josephus its person, and restored her intact to her true import is that of king. It is ap- husband. But why should a first inplied in the Scriptures to at least eight dignity have been permitted when a different individuals who filled the second was prevented? Were not the throne of Egypt. Gen. 12. 15.-28. 36. views of Pharaoh as honorable as those Ex. 1. 8, 19. 1 Kings, 11. 19-21.-16. of Abimelech? And was not Abra24. 2 Kings, 23. 29, 30. Jer. 44. 30. ham's dissimulation deserving of as se-~ And commended her before Pha- vere a punishment on his second offence raoh. Shewing in this the spirit of true as on the first. On the whole we cancourtiers and sycophants, a class of not but conclude, that though Sarah men who in all ages have been notori- seems to have remained some time in 1.8 206 GENESIS. LB. C. 1921. 16 And he aentreated Abram 17 And the LORD bplagued well for her sake: and he had Pharaoh and his house with great sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, plagues because of Sarai, Abram's and men-servants, and maid-ser- wife. vants, and she-asses, and camels. b ch. 20. 18. I Chron. 16. 21. Ps. 105. 14. a ch. 20. 14. Heb. 13. 4. the house of Pharaoh, yet she was riched him with gifts. These marks of kindly make the object of a watchful his kindness are more particularly exProvidence, and that Abraham was re- pressed in what follows, where the adbuked by no other cause of grief than a ditions made to his possessions are temporary separation from the partner severally specified. The words doubtof his bosom.-The following remarks less convey the idea of a somewhat proas to Eastern usage in respect to simi- tracted residence and a gradual acceslar cases of abduction are worthy of sion to his property and his household notice.'Of course Abraham could not establishment. But whatever acts of have been a consenting party in this munificence were exhibited towards transaction; and yet it does not appear Abraham, they could not compensate that the king intended to act, or was him for the privation he suffered, nor considered to act, oppressively in taking prevent the interval from seeming to away a man's sister without thinking him long, dreary, and afflictive. The his consent necessary. The passage companion of his youth and of his age, is illustrated by the privilege which of his journeyings and his perils, was royal personages still exercise in Per- torn from his arms, and how worthless sla and other countries of the East, of in his sight must have been all the claiming for their harem the unmarried favours which were heaped upon him sister or daughter of any of their sub- with a view to reconcile him to his loss, jects. This exercise of authority is or win his consent to parting with her rarely, if ever, questioned or resisted, for ever7 Shall we not suppose that however repugnant it may be to the in this trying period he was brought father or brother: he may regret, as an seriously and penitently to reflect upon inevitable misfortune, that his relative his prevarication, and that in answer ever attracted the royal notice, but to his prayers a door was opened for since it has happened, he does not hes- the deliverance unharmed of his belovitate to admit the right which royalty ed wifee? possesses. When Abimelech, king of 17. And the Lord plagued Pharaoh Gerar, acted in a similar manner to- and his house with great plagues. Heb. wards Sarah, taking her away from ~'~ tha great strokes or blows. her supposed brother, Gen. 20. 2, it is What these plagues were, or how Phaadmitted that he did so'in the integrity raoh learned that they were sent in conof his heart and innocency of his hands,' sequence of his intended conduct in relawhich allows his right to act as he did, tion to Sarah, we are not informed. The if Sarah had been no more than Abra- Egyptians, it appears, thought highly of harm's sister.' Pictorial Bible. the sanctity of the marriage connection, 16. Entreated Abraml well for her for as soon as he ascertained who Sasake. Heb. Heb..b"t " A - did good rah was, he restored her to her husband to Abram. Gr. Eu s,,ey}rraro used well. and dismissed them both with kindShowed him n-any tokens of respect, ness. Indeed according to the standconferred many favours upon him, en- I ard then acknowledged his conduct B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XII. 207 18 And Pharaoh called Abram, her to me to wife: now therefore and said, c What is this that behold thy wife, take her, and go thou hast done unto me? why thy way. didst thou not tell me that she was 20 d And Pharaoh commanded thy wife? his men concerning him: and 19 Why saidst thou, She is they sent him away, and his wife, my sister? so I might have taken and all that he had. c ch. 20. 9. & 26. 10. d Prov. 21. 1. throughout was just and honourable. words were calculated to lead me to We may therefore perhaps conclude take her. The original "rij1 is renthat the plagues inflicted were not any dered by Onkelos and the Syriac, in severe visitations intended as a punish- the absolute form,'and I have taken,' ment, but something merely designed but upon weighing more exactly the to touch him, as the Hebrew indicates, force of the particle', and the purport and thus restrain him from the wrong of the connected future tense, in, which which he was unknowingly about to the verb is here found, the potential or commit. But whatever else is to be contingent sense appears the most inferred from it, the incident teaches us probable. This sense is accordingly how solicitously the Lord watches over adopted by the Vulgate, and from the welfare of his people, and that how- thence has passed into most modern ever poor, mean, weak, or contempti- versions, which are very nearly unanible in the eyes of the world, - they mous in conveying the impression that are still precious in his eyes, and that Pharaoh did not actually consummate in their defence he will array himself his intended nuptials with Sarah. as an enemy against kings and princes. 20. And Pharaoh commanded his The words of the Psalmist, Ps. 105. 12 men concerning him. Heb. 1'7rf -14, in allusion to this very period of t7D.. commanded men; i. e. certain the sacred history, seal the truth of this men; some portion of his subjects. remark:'When there were but a few The ensuing clause,'and they sent men in number; when they went from him away,' may also be rendered as it one nation to another, from one king- is in the Greek,' that they should send dom to another people; he suffered no him away,' though the former is rathman to do them wrong, yea, he reprov- er more consonant with the senseindied kings for their sake; saying, Touch cated by the Hebrew accents. The orinot mine anointed, and do my proph- ginal term (In5r' yeshallehu) is often ets no harm.' used for that kind of sending or con18. And Pharaoh called Abram, and veying away which is marked by pecusaid, What is this that thou hast done liar tokens of honour and respect, as unto me?'God had reproved Pha- when a guest is accompanied at his raoh, and now Pharaoh reproves Abra- departure to some distance by his host ham. It is a sad thing that saints and a party of friends. The corresshould do that, for which they should ponding Greek term uvrvpo7Eprojat' has justly fall under the reproof of the distinctly this sense, and so also has wicked.' Trapp. the Chaldee word employed by Onke19. Why saidst thou, She is my sis- los in this passage. In the N. T. the ter? so 1 might have taken her to me equivalent term ((r, p7rq, rnoe ) is usually to w,.'fe. That is, so as to render her rendered to bring Jbrwvard on a jourViable to be taken by me to wife. Your Iney, which was considered a token of 208 GENESIS. [B. C. 1921 Christian hospitality and kindness, divert us from our path. We are to be Acts, 15. 3. 3 John, 6. et al. looking forward to our journey's end, REMARlKS. —The call of Abraham and to be proceeding towards it, whatand his subsequent history in the fore- ever be the weather, or whatever the going chapter is susceptible of still far- road. Thus are we to fulfil our pilther admonition to us than we have grimage to the heavenly Canaan in yet deduced from it. Doubtless we the same spirit as did Abraham to the must exercise a sober judgment in de- earthly. termining how far we are to follow the (2.) Similar inducements also are of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, for fered to us. Abraham was to be a blesthere were many things in their con- sing to himself and a blessing to othduct which were peculiar to their situa- ers. In respect to temporal things he tion and circumstances. But we can was blessed in a very signal manner to never materially err if we altend to the the latest hour of his life. He was spirit of their actions, as herein they loaded also with spiritual and eternal were patterns to us, and as far as re- benefits, being justified and accounted lates to this, we are to be' followers of righteous before God, and being exaltthem who through faith and patience ed after death to the highest seat in his now inherit the promises.' We are bid- Father's house. He was also a blesden particularly to' walk in the steps sing to many; for his children and of our father Abraham,' one of the household were governed by him in a most remarkable of which is that above way most conducive to their best inconsidered, and in respect to which we terests. The people among whom he may observe, sojourned could not but be edified by (1.) That a similar command is vir- his instructions and conduct. And to tually given to us. We are not indeed this day the whole of his life affords a called to leave our country ana connex- stimulus to the church to serve God ions; but to withdraw our affections after his example. In like manner evfrom earthly things and fix them upon ery one who, for Christ's sake, will things above, we are called. The world renounce the world, shall be blessed. around us lies in wickedness, and we He may not possess opulence and are forbidden to be of the world, any honour; but'the little he may possess more than Christ himself was of the shall be better to him than all the richworld. We are not to love it, or the es of the ungodly.' In his soul he things that are in it. We are not to be shall be truly blessed. View him in the conformed to it, or to seek its friend- state least enviable according to human ship. We are rather to come out from apprehension; see him weeping and it, and to be crucified to it. We are to mourning for his sins; yet then is he regard it as a wilderness through which truly blessed. He shall have pardon we are passing to our Father's house, and acceptance with his God. He and in our passage through it to con- shall experience the renewing and sancsider ourselves as strangers and pil- tifying influences of the Holy Spirit. grims. If we meet with good accom- He shall have joys and consolations modation and kind treatment we are' which the stranger intermeddleth not to be thankful. If we meet with briars with.' But this is not all. He shall and thorns in our way, we must con- be a blessing too to all around him. sole ourselves with the thought that it View him in his family connexions; is the appointed way, and that every step view him as a husband, a parent, a still brings us nearer horne. Nothing master, a friend. Who so kind, so begood is to detain us; nothing evil to nevolent, so anxious to promote the B. C. 1921.] CHAPTER XIII. 209 happiness of those connected with biographers must be for ever ignorant, him? View him in the church or in and which yet form a large part of the the state; what blessings does he com- communion between a deeply penitent municate by the light of his example! soul and a forgiving God. The world what evils does he avert by his prevail- may remember with unkindly triumph ing intercessions! Suppose him to be the mournful lapses of the pious, but instrumental to the salvation of but a He,'for his own name's sake, passes single soul; the whole world is not to by their transgressions and will not be weighed in the balance with the good remember their sins.' It is not neceshe has done. Nor is it that individual sary that the repentance should in all soul only that shall acknowledge him cases be recorded even by the pen of as its benefactor; for all the good that inspiration; but it is necessary, in vinshall accrue through the medium of that dication of the truth of God. that the soul to the remotest posterity, shall be sins even of the holiest should not be traced up to him as its author; and suppressed, since they tend more fully shall occasion thanksgiving to God on to establish, by the conduct, even of his behalf to all eternity. Let thesein- the best of men, the doctrine of the ducements be duly weighed, and how universal corruption of the race, that light will the vanities of this world ap-' there is none that doeth good, no, not pear in comparison of them.-But one;' not the father of the faithful him(3.) The narrative in the foregoing self; that we have but one example chapter affords another of the speci- which we cannot follow too closely or mrens, so often occurring in the Scrip- copy too minutely, even the Lord Jesus tures, of the fidelity with which the sa- Christ, for he alone was'holy, harmcred writers have spoken of the faults less, undefiled, and separate from sinof good men. They neither cxtenuate ners.' the failings nor emblazon the virtues of their heroes. While we would careful- CHAPTER XIT. ly avoid, in our construction of the What renders Scripture history In writer's meaning, any unjust or gratu- general, and that of the patriarch Abraitous imputations, at the same time we ham in particular, useful and instrucwould not slur over or soften away the tive is, the exhibition of private life it really exceptionable points of their con- affords us, and the lessons of wisdom duct. In the present case, though and worth taught by it to ordinary some commentators, have taken great men. Opportunities of performing pains to prove that Abraham adopted splendid actions or displaying heroic a mlode of expression common in those virtue are accorded but to a few, and early times, and in those Eastern coun- and that but seldom in the course of tries, and one not implying equivoca- one's life. But occasions to practise tion, yet it is far more in accordance generosity, justice, mercy, and moderwith the spirit of truth to acknowledge ation; to speak truth and show kindthat this, like the subtilty of Jacob, ness; to melt with pity and glow with and the denial of Peter, was a positive affection; to forbear and to forgive, are sin, unjustifiable by any sound reason- administered to us at every step as we ing, yet susceptible of pardon, and as move through the world, and recur per the event here proved, actually pardon- haps more frequently than the means ed, by the infinite mercy of God. He of gratifying the common appetites of it is who alone hears the secret sigh, hunger and thirst. When therefore we and watches the silent tear, and accepts behold men of like passions with ourthe heartfelt contrition of which human selves, placed in situations exactly sin18* 210 GENESIS. [B. C. 1918. CHAPTER XIII. all that he had, and Lot with him, ND Abram went up out of a into the south. A Egypt, he, and his wife, and 2 b And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. a ch. 12. 9. b och. 24. 35. Ps. 112. 3. Prov. 10. 22. ilar to our own, practising virtues with- 2. And Abram was very rich, &c. in our reach and discovering a temper Heb. Cbk: 1'= exceedingly heavy. Gr. and disposition which we too may ea- 7rXowavos; obopa very rich. Chal.'Very sily exemplify, the narrative becomes potent.' The original word is applied fraught to us with a far richer amount in Scripture not only to the weight of of edification than if it brought before a burden, 1 Kings 12. 4; to the weight ius actors and scenes entirely out of our -of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17; to the weight of level and beyond the range of our ex- a multitude of people, 2 Kings 6. 14; perience. These remarks apply in all but also to all manner of riches. See their force to that portion of Abraham's note on Gen.m 1. 1. He had gone down history contained in the present chap- to Egypt poor, and now returned rich. ter. The points of interest which we The same was the case with his dehave hitherto considered in his eventful scendants, the Israelites, afterwards. life have been chiefly those which re- This was the incipient fulfilment of the lated to his belief in, his dependence promise, ch. 12. 2,'And I will bless upon, and his obedience to, the God thee;' for the blessing of God maketh who had called him out of darkness rich. It should be remarked, however, into light. The incident we are now thac theepithets'rich' or'wealthy' are approaching is one that will present merely relative, and may have a very him to us in the details of domestic life, different import when applied to an' in the common transactions between Eastern nomade sheikh or emir, as man and man, where we shall have an Abraham was, from what it bears in opportunity of observing how far his its modern European or American apdaily conduct was in unison with that plication. The present standard of higher character with which the wri- wealth among the heads of the Arab ters of inspiration have invested him. tribes which claim to be descended from Happy would it be for the Christian Abraham, and still wander in or near world could its professors of all ranks the regions traversed by the patriarch, and in all ages bear the scrutiny and may aid us in forming an estimate of come forth from it so unimpeachably the property which is said to have as the father of the faithful. made Abraham'very rich.' Their 1. Into the south Heb. r:)=.- to- wealth is for the most part the same wards the south. That is, not towards as was his. Few indeed are rich in the south of Egypt, which would have' silver and gold;' but many are very brought him to Ethiopia, but towards rich in cattle, and in the same kinds of the southern part of Canaan, which lay cattle which are assigned to Abraham northeast of Egypt. The Gr. has e,~ in v. 16 of the preceding chapter. The Try epotOv to the desert, which is equiv- number of the patriarch's cattle is not alent, as Judea was bounded on the given; but in considering the number south by the desert region of Idumea. which makes an Arab rich, we may This part of the land is elsewhere dis- form some idea of the amount of his tinctly called the South and the South possessions. Buckhardt, afterremarkCountry, Josh. 10. 40. —11. 16. ing that the property of an Arab con B. C. 1918.] CHAPTER XIII. 211 3 And he went on his jour- 4 Unto the d place of the altar, neys c from the south even to which he had made there at the Beth-el, unto the place where his first: and there Abram e called tent had been at the beginning, on the name of the LORD. between Beth-el and Hai; h. 21. 8h. 12. 7, 8. e Ps. 116. 17. coh. 21. 8, 9. sists almost wholly in horses and cam- pounds (i. e. between $120,000 and els, though some tribes instead of these $160,000). Allowing a deduction of one have extensive flocks of sheep and third of this amount for the difference goats, proceeds to say, that'no family between Job's property and Abraham's, can exist without one camel at least; it would still leave the latter a rich man, a man who has but two is acknowl- even according to our own higher estiedged poor; thirtyor forty place a man mates of wealth. The'silver and in easy circumstances; and he who gold' which he possessed in addition to possesses sixty is rich.' In the richer his cattle, no doubt arose from the tribes a father of a family is said to be same source which supplies the conpoor with less than forty camels; and veniences of life to the existing nomathe usual stock of a family is from one dic tribes; namely, the sale of animals to two hundred. Although some fain- for slaughter, and of butter, cheese, ilies pride themselves on having only and wool to the townspeople. He camels, there is no tribe wholly desti- would naturally accumulate much proptute of sheep or goats. On the whole, erty in Egypt, the inhabitants of which it seems that the property of these depended chiefly upon the pastoral Arab sheikhs, whose wealth is rumour- people who abode in or near their ed far and wide in the East, is in most country. The Egyptians themselves cases very moderate when estimated by hated pastoral pursuits. See Note on European standards of value-a re- Gen. 46. 34. mark useful to be remembered when 3, 4. Went on his journeys. Heb. riches in cattle are mentioned indefi- ow1e2~5 15.ent according to his renitely in the Old Testament. Admit- moevings, or breakings-up; i. e. either tinge however, that Abraham's wealth proceeding slowly from place to place, approximated somewhat nearly to that pausing and availing himself of pastuof Job, ch. 1. 3, the statement thus rage in the way; or, pursuing the same given fortunately enables us to see the route and occupying the same stations amount of property which constituted that he had on his journey down to wealth in the primitive times. On this Egypt. It is in the latter sense that the editor of the Pictorial Bible, to the phrase is rendered by the Septuawhonl we are indebted for the principal gint and the Vulgate.-~ f To Beth-el, details in this note, remarks, that the unto the place where his tent had been at properly assigned to Job in cattle is the beginning, &c. That is, before he immense, and as we are accustomed to went down to Egypt. From the manestimate such possessions in money, it ner in which' the place of the altar' is would be interesting to state the value mentioned, it would seem that this was in money of the cattle there enumera- the main attraction that drew him to ted. From all the information we pos- the spot. With his heart set, not upon 9ess, we should say that the average his earthly possessions, but upon his value in the same country might now heavenly inheritance, he measured his De between thirty and forty thousand steps to the place where he might' corn 212 GENESIS. [B. C. 1918 5 And Lot also, which ent to bear them, that they might with Ahram, had flocks, and dwell together: for their subherds, and tents. stance was great, so that they 6 And fthe land was not able could not dwell together. fch. 36.7. pass God's altar,' and renew those de- had done it before, he no doubt did it ligltful experiences which still dwelt now also. The motives which prompt upon his memory. It is well known ed him then would prompt him now with what exquisite emotions we re- to make a constant open profession af visit, after a long absence, the scenes his allegiance to the one only Jehovah with which we were familiar in child- 5. And Lot also, which went wit} Ilood and youth. The sight of the Abram. That is, who went with him well-remembered places and objects not merely on this expedition to Egypt, calls up a thousand interesting asso- but who constantly attended him as a ciations, and our past existence seems travelling companion.- IT Hadflocks for a time to be renewved to us. But to and herds and tents. The companions the pious heart how much more de- and kindred of the saints are often enlightful and exhilarating is the view of riched with outward blessings for their scenes where we have experienced stri- sakes. Lot, it appears, was no loser Iking instances of providential kind- even in a temporal point of view by ness, where we have received tokens of joining Abraham in going forth at the the divine favour, where we have held divine call. By'tents' here is to be comtnunion with God, and been re- understood also the occutp antsof tents. freshed with the manifestations of his as wife, children, and domestics. Thus love. Beth-el was undoubtedly a place 1 Chron. 4. 41,' And these came in tihe thus endeared by association to Abra- days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and ham, and it is only the heart that is a smote their tents,' i. e. their tents and stranger to such feelings, that will find those who occupied them. any difficulty in accounting for his 6. And the land was not able to bear anxiety to tread again its pleasant pre- them. Heb. X::: 5 didnot bear them. cincts, and breathe the air that was Gr. owK eXWpos avrove did not contain or shed around it. To such a worldly receive them. The idea of inability heart how unmeaning must seem the conveyed by our translation, though aspirations of the Psalmist, Ps. 84. 1, not expressed in so many words in the 2.'H ow amiable are thy tabernacles, original, is yet clearly implied. A simO Lord of hosts!l My soul longeth, ilar usage obtains elsewhere. Thus yea even fainteth for the courts of the 2 Chron. 1. 10,'Who shall judge?' comLord: my heart and my flesh crieth pared with 1 Kings, 3. 9,' Who is able out for the living God.' But wisdom is to judge?' Mat. 12. 25,'It shall not justified of her children.-11 And stand,' comp. with Mark, 3. 24,'It there Abram called upon the name of cannot stand.' Mat. 17. 21,'This the Lord. That is, re-established pub- kind goeth not out,' comp. with Mark, lie worship, and again acted the part of 9. 29,' Cannot go out.' The reason of a patriarchal missionary. The words, the difficulty is stated in the next however, may be rendered as in the clause. -I For their substance was Syriac,'where Abram had called on great, so that, &c. Heb. tID'I~ rethe name of the Lord,' i. e. during his kusham, their acquisition; froin a root former sojourn in that place. But if he I (r'1 rakash) signifying to get, to ac B3. C. 1 C IiAPT. C AT:-.-' XF rI. 213 7 And there was ga strife be- 8 And Alram said unto Lot, tween the herdmen ot Abram's i Let there be no strife, I pray cattle and the herdmen of Lot's thee, between me and thee, and cattle: 1and the Canaanite Lamd between my herdmen and thy the Perizzite dwelled then in the herdmnen; for we be brethren. land. g ch. 26. 20. h ch. 12.6. 11 Cor.6.7 qeire. Their possessions in cattle had are ever on the watch to discover, pubgradually accumulated to such an ex- lish, and triumph over the feuds and tent, that the pasturage was not suffi- jealousies that may arise between its cient for both. The'could not,' how- members. This consideration alone ever, was probably in part of a moral should quench the unholy flame of dikind, arising from the perverse, conten- visions among brethren. tiols, or overreaching disposition of 8. Let there be no strife, l pray thee, their respective herdsmen. between me and thee, and betwet:n my 7. And there was a strife, &c. Ori- herdmen and thy herdmen. That is, ginating doubtless in the increasing between me and thee, even between scarcity of herbage for the subsistence my herdmen and thy herdmen. Though of their flocks, and in their eagerness there was doubtless the most entire for the possession of the wells or harmony between Abraham and Lot fountains of water, which in that rocky personally, yet the language of the paarid region have a value unknown triarch, according to Scripture usage, to the inhabitants of a country like identifies the principals themselves with ours. An eager desire for increasing their respective companies. Abraham a domestic establishment is very nat- sagaciously foresaw that these jarring ural, but the occurrence here record- discords between his people and those ed is a striking commentary on the of Lot would increase more and more evils incident to such a department of in proportion to the enlargement of one's prosperity. The indiscretion, their possessions, and that at last some. rashness, and petulance of servants unpleasant misunderstanding might often result in imbroiling heads of house- take place between him and his nephholds in the most unhappy strifes. In ew. Acting therefore on the truth of the present instance, the mischiefs ari- the wise man's saying, that' the beginsing from this source were enhanced by ning of strife is as the letting out of their being witnessed by ill-disposed water,' he would, by a timely precauneighbours, who would not fail to be of- tion, arrest the evil in the outset, and fended and scandalized by the quarrels preserve the existing peace between of these professed followers of the only themselves by suppressing the quarrel trte religion. It is probably with a between their adherents. — For we view to hint at this unfortunate conse- be brethren. Heb. Ihm te"r. men quence, that allusion is made to the brethren. The Hebrews called all kinsfact of the Canaanite and the Perizzite men' brethren,' but the term here was then dwelling in the land. The writer applicable in a still stricter sense, for would intimate that notwithstanding Abraham was uncle to Lot, and also the check which the vicinity of these hea- his brother-in-law, having married Lot's then tribes ought to have given to the sister. But there was a yet higher spirit of dissension, it still broke forth. sense in which they were' brethren,' So in all ages enemies of the church viz. in their religion. They professed 214 GENESIS. [B. L. C. 8. 9 k Is not tie whole land be- take the left hand, then I will fore thee? Separate thyself, I go to the right; or if thou depart pray thee, from me: 1 if thou wilt to the right hand, then I will go to thie left. k ch. 20. 15. & 34. 10. 1 Ronm: 12. 18. Heb. 1-. 14. Jaml. 3. 17. the same faith and the same mode of and generous spirit which raigns in the worship; and as disciples of a religion bosom where the love of God has tabreathing love and peace, good will and ken up its abode. It was on this trygood offices, it could not but be attend- ing occasion that the practical nature ed with the worst consequences were of Abraham's religion most strikingly they now to fall out with each other, developed itself; and that we may and present the sad spectacle of a divi- place this in its strongest light, let us ded brotherhood. Indeed, if one of the for a moment consider the manner in laws of our adoption into the faplily of which a man of the world would have God is, that we become in all things acted upon such an emergency, and brethren to each other, and bound to then mark the instructive contrast. study each other's interest, how little Would not he have argued thus?does that sacred relation effect, if it does' There can be no question that if the not avail to extinguish our mutual an- land will not maintain our whole comimnosities? When we look around us pany, it will at least maintain me and in the world, who would believe that all that belong to me. Let not my the same relationship, and therefore the nephew therefore seek to appropriate to same powerful motive for peace, still ex- himself what has been in so peculiar ists among its inhabitants? When we a manner promised to me. I have both see the quarrels and the coldnesses, the the right to claim the country, and the lawsuits and the strifes, between those power to enforce that right, and though who are not only bound by the com- I would not do any thing that is not mon tie of Christian fraternity, but by equitable and kind, it cannot be exthe closest bonds of affinity and blood, pected that the elder should yield to the,are we not tempted to inquire, can younger, or that I should undervalue these men be indeed'brethren?' Can the promises or the gifts of God, by they all be trusting to the same hope being so unnecessarily ready to transof salvation, and expecting, or even de- fer them to another. If strife or hostilsiring to dwell together in the same ity be awakened, the peril be to him heaven? Indeed, is it possible to con- who awakens it; I have wherewithal ceive that with such divisions of heart, to defend myself and to punish my opwith such bitterness of feeling, the same ponents.' Such would have been uneternal mansions could contain them? questionably the opinion of nine tenths Would not the tranquillity of heaven be of mankind, and so prevalent is this disturbed if they were admitted there? selfish mode of reasoning and acting, Would heaven be heaven, if it were a that we scarcely feel that there would place where so many differing brethren, have been any thing objectionable, had under the influence of- alienated affec- this been the language and conduct of tions, were to be congregated for ever the patriarch himself. But how differtogether? ent was the fact! Abraham's conduct 9. Is not the whole land before thee'? throughout was worthy of his exalted Separate thyself, &c. It would be dif- character. It was (1) eminently conficult to point out a finer exemplifica- descending. As the elder of the two, tion of the truly noble, disinterested; as standing in the superior relation of B. C. 1918.] CHAPTER XIII. 215 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, destroyed Sodom and Gornorand beheld all I the plain of Jor- rah, o even as the garden of the dan, that it was well watered LcOR, like the land of Egypt, as every where, before the LoRDn thou comest unto P Zoar. m ch. 19. 17. Deut. 34. 3. Ps. 107. 34. ncts o ch. 2. 10. Isai. 51. 3. p. oh. 14. 2, 8, & 19. 22. 19. 24, 25. an uncle, as being the person peculiar- spirit displayed itself in this proffer! ly called of God, while Lot was only Would to God that such an indifference a nephew and an attendant, he might to carnal interests were more prevalent have claimed the deference and submls- in the world, and especially among pro. sion due to him, and insisted on the fessors of religion! This would show right of a first choice. But instead of a becoming deadness to the world. It arrogating to himself any authority or would give evidence that our hearts standing upon his prerogative, he was were set on things above and not on ready to waive his rights and act the things below. It would illustrate more part of an inferior, so that peace might strongly than ten thousand words, the be preserved between them. In so do- efficacy of faith, and the excellence of ing he evinced the spirit of genuine pie- true religion. Yet alas! how little of ty, which teaches that condescension this spirit is there upon earth! To give is the truest honour, and that to be the up a single point, to yield upon a sinservant of all is to imitate most nearly gle question, although you know yourthe character of our blessed Lord. self to be in the wrong, is, in the opinFrom him accordingly the proposal ion of the world, rather a mark of pucame, that since circumstances imperi- sillanimity and weakness, than of comously required a separation, they should mon honesty and candour; while even separate in a manner that became their among sincere Christians such a conholy profession. How many angry cession is considered as no slight tridisputes, and bitter quarrels, and bloody umph of principle. But to yield when wars, might have been prevented, if the you are confessedly in the right, to give contending parties, instead of proudly up your claim when justice, reason, requiring the first advances from each equity, and the power to maintain it other, would strive who should be fore- are all on your side, this is so rare- as most in making proposals of peace! to be rather matter of tradition that (2.) It was generous. Common jus- such things have been, than among the tice required that the partition of land every-day occurrences of the Chrisshould be such as to secure to Abra- tian's life, that such things are. Yet ham equal advantages with Lot. But how completely was this the princidisregarding this hecheerfiully conceded pie upon which Abraham acted, and to his nephew whatever portion he saw which the God of Abraham commands. fit to take. Though he too had numer- 10. And Lot lifted up his eyes, &c. ous flocks and herds to be subsisted as However admirable was the conduct well as Lot, and though he could not of Abraham, we observe a striking conbut know that there was great differ- trast to it in that of Lot. His conduct ence in the quality of the lands on either was censurable (1.) as it argued an side of him, the one being far more fer- inordinate degree of selfishness and tile and better watered than the other, of concern about his temporal interyet he desired Lot to occupy whichever ests. Having now an opportunity afhe preferred, and to leave the other to forded him of gratifying his covetous him. What a noble and magnanimous desires, he seems greedily to have em 216 GENESIS. [B. C. 1918. braced it. Had not selfishness deaden- selves and their families in places where. ed the finer feelings of his nature, he sabbaths and sanctuaries are unknown, would have returned the compliment and where they are constantly exposed and given to Abraham the first choice. to the most pernicious influences. Alas, Or, if he had accepted his offer, he at how dear a price are such worldly would at least have endeavoured to advantages purchased! Well willit be make an equitable division of the lands, for them, if their goodly plains and so that each might have a fair portion of fields do not finally yield such a harthe more fertile country. But instead vest of sorrow as was gathered by of this, he casts a wishful eye over the hapless Lot.-' Beheld all the plain well-watered plains of the Jordan, and of Jordan, that it was well watered evin the spirit of a grasping worldling ery where. Heb. MVUlz'i5 e: that leaves nothing unappropriated. If he it was all a watering; i. e. abundantly escapes the charge of adding field to watered, or a region that shewed the field, it is by seizing the whole at once. fertilizing effects which the irrigation of Nothing less than all will satisfy his the Jordan would naturally produce. inordinate lust of land. How palpa-'This river, being the principal stream ble the sordid selfishness of such a con- of Palestine, has acquired a distinction duct! How clear the evidence that much greater than its geographical imworldly considerations had obtained the portance could have given. It is somneascendancy, and were the governing times called'the river' by way of emprinciples of his heart. His conduct, inence, being in fact almost the only (2.) was culpable because it argued stream of the country which continues too little regard to the interests of his to flow in summer. The river rises soul. He can hardly be supposed to about an hour and a quarter's journey have been ignorant of the character of (say three or three miles and a quarter) the people of Sodom, for they declared northeast from Banias, the ancient their sin in the most open and unblush- CaTsarea Philippi, in a plain near a hill ing manner, as if in defiance of heaven called Tel-el-kadi. Here there are two and earth; nor could he but have been springs near each other, onre smaller aware of the tendency of evil commu- than the other, whose waters very soon nications to corrupt good manners. unite, forming a rapid river, from twelve But as he seems to have left Abraham to fifteen yards across, which rushes without regret, so it would appear that over a stony bed into the lower plain, he approached Sodom without fear. where it is joined by a river which rises What benefits he was likely to lose, to the northeast of Banias. A few what dangers to incur, by the step, miles below their junction the now seem not to have entered his mind. considerable river enters the small lake His earthly prosperity was all that en- of Houle, or Semechonitis, (called'the gaged his thoughts; and whether the waters of Merom' in the Old Testawelfare of his soul was promoted or ment). This lake receives several other Impeded, he did not care. This con- mountain-streams, someof which seem duct no one hesitates to condemn, yet to have as good claim to be regarded as how many are there that practically forming the Jordan as that to which pursue the same heedless and perilous it is given in the previous statement; course in their great movements in life? and it would perhaps be safest to conWith the single view of bettering their sider the lake formed by their union worldly condition, they often turn their as the real sourceof theJordan. After backs upon the means of grace, and leaving the lake, the river proceeds reckless of consequences plant them- about twelve miles to the larger lake, B. C. 1918.] CHAPTER XTII. 217 called by various names, but best ley, in a bed the banks of which are known as the Sea of Galilee; after fourteen or fifteen feet high when the leaving which, it flows about seventy river is at the lowest. The banks are miles farther, until it is finally lost in thickly beset by tamarisks, willow, the Dead or Salt sea. It discharges oleander, and other shrubs, which coninto that sea a turbid, deep, and rapid ceal the stream from view until it is apstream, the breadth of which is from proached very nearly. These thickets, two to three hundred feet. The whole with those of the lower plain, once afcourse of the river is about one hun- forded cover to lions and other beasts dred miles in a straight line, from north of prey, which, when driven from their to south; but, with its windings, it shelter by the periodical overflow of the probably does not describe a course of river, gave much alarm to the inhab1less than one hundred and fifty miles. tants of the valley, Jeremiah 49. 19. Burckhardt says that it now bears dif- Besides this passage, there are others, ferent names in the various divisions of Josh. 3. 15; 1 Chron. 12. 15, in which its course: Dhan near its source; Or- an overflow of the Jordan is mentiondan lower down, near the Sea of Gal- ed, occasioned doubtless by the periodlilee; and Sherya between that lake ical rains or the melting of the snows and the Dead sea. As now understood, on Lebanon. The river seems then to the valley or'plain of Jordan,' through have overflowed its inner banks to a which the river flows, is applied to that considerable extent about the compart between the lake of Houle and mencement of spring. Modern travthe Dead sea; blit as understood in the ellers who have visited it at. that seatext, it must have comprehended that son, have not noticed such an inundapart of the valley which the Dead sea tion: whence we may infer that the now occupies. From the accounts of stream of the Jordan has diminished, diffirent travellers, it seems to vary in or that it has worn itself a deeper chanbreadth -from four to ten or twelve nel. It has much perplexed inquirers miles in different parts. It is now in to determine what became of the wamost parts a parched desert, but with ters of the Jordan previously to the many spots covered with a luxuriant formation of the Dead Sea. This difgrowth of wild herbage and grass. Its ficulty seems to have been resolved by level is lower, and the temperature con- Burckhardt, who, in his'Travels in sequently higher, than in most other Syria and the Holy Land,' considers parts of Syria. The heat is concen- that the valley or plain of the Jordan trated by the rocky mountains on each is continued, under the names of El side, which also prevent the air from Gho? and El Araba, to the Gulf of being cooled by the westerly winds in Akaba; demonstrating that the river summer. This valley is divided into discharged its waters into the eastern two distinct levels: the upper, or gen- gulf of the Red sea, until its course was eral level of the plain; and the lower, interrupted by the great event which which is about forty feet below it. The the nineteenth chapter of Genesis repreceding statement refers to the for- cords.' Pict. Bible.-~ Like the land mer; the latter varies in breadth from qf Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. a mile to a furlong, and is partially As Zoar was not in Egypt, but at the covered with trees and luxuriant ver- southern extremity of the plain of Jor dlre, which give it an appearance stri- dan, the latter clause is to be connectking in contrast with the sandy slopes ed with the first part of the verse, and of the higher level. The river flows the clause,'before the Lord had dethrough the middle of this lower val- stroyed Sodom and Gomorrah,' to be 19 218 GENESIS. [B. C. 1917. 1 Then Lot chose him all the the cities of the plain, and r pitchplain of Jordan; and Lot jour- ed his tent toward Sodom. neved east: and they separated 13 But the men of Sodom themselves one from the other. 3 were wicked and t sinners be12 Abram dwelled in the land fore the LORD, exceedingly. of Canaan, and Lot q dwelled in r ch. 14. 12. & 19. 1. 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8. sch. 18q ch. 19. 29. 20. Ezek. 16. 49. 2 Pet. 2. 7. 8. t ch. 6. 11. read in a parenthesis. Or we may abode in it. From this he would doubtadopt the equivalent construction of less be deterred by the well known Houbigant who translates the verse;- abandoned and profligate character of'Before the Lord had destroyed Sodom its inhabitants. We may suppose that and Gomorrah, it was all, as thou goest he fully intended to keep at a safe disto Zoar, well watered, even as the gar- tance from that scene of abominations, den of the Lord, and as the land of but having once come within the perilEgypt.' This gives the correct idea. ous vicinity of the tents of sin, he is imn. Zoar is here so called by anticipation, perceptibly drawn onward. So treachas its name at this time was Bela, erous is fallen nature in its weakness, ch. 14. 2, 8, and 19. 22. that having once been persuaded to 11. Separated themselves the one from tread the borders of forbidden ground, the other. Heb. nMRh 5s7n =R a man we are easily induced to proceed a little from his brother; a common Hebrew farther, to take one more step, till at: —-.or expressing the idea conveyed length every restraint is broken through im our tran~s'ation. As nature, affec- and we are borne forward into the vortion, religion, affliction all conspired to tex of sin. So with Lot. The next unite them, no doubt the prospect of that we hear of him he has actually separation was a severe trial to the planted himself in Sodom. Righteous feelings of Abraham. But it was a Lot, a servant of God, seated in the friendly parting; and whatever blank very sinkof corruption!'Let him that was made by it in his happiness, it was standeth take heed lest he fall.' speedily and abundantly compensated 13. Wicked and sinners before the by renewed manifestations of favour Lord exceedingly. Heb. l,',tI ft'r from that Almighty Friend' who stick-'Ith M n5 wicked and sinners to Jeeth closer than a brother.' hovah exceedingly. Chal.'Unrighte12. Abram dwelled in the land of ous with their mammon, and most vile Canaan. In its widest sense the land in their bodies before the Lord exceedof Canaan included also the plain of ingly.' A very emphatic mode of exJordan, where Lot chose his residence; pression, implying not only the deprabut it seems to have been occasionally ved character common to all mankind used, in a more limited sense, to desig- in their unrenewed state, but the most nate the mountainous country lying vile, unblushing, abominable, and awbetween the Mediterranean and the ful exhibitions of that character. They Jordan, exclusive of the valley through were not only wicked, but desperately which that river runs. -T Piched his wicked; they were not only sinners, tent toward Sodom. Thatis, continued but high-handed and heaven-daring to remove his tent from place to place, sinners. Their city was polluted to its gradually approaching towards Sodom, centre, and the iniquities which aboundthough not perhaps with the design of ed in it were even now calling aloud for actually entering and taking up his thevengeance of heaven. It had filled uyp B. C. 1917.1 CHAPTER X!II. 219 14 NT And tne LORD said unto' see t, xto thee will I give it, Abram, after that Lot " was sep-. and Y to thy seed for ever. arated from him, Lift up now, 16 And z I will make thy seed thine eyes, and look from the as the dust of the earth: so that place where thou art, wnorth- if a man can number the dust of ward, and southward, and east- the earth, then shall thy seed also ward, and westward: be numbered. 15 For all the land which thou i x ch. 12. 7. & 15. 18. & 17. 8. & 24. 7. & 26. 4. Nuim. 34. 12. Deut. 34. 4. Acts 7. 5. y 2 Chron. 20. 7. Ps. 37. 22, 29. & 112. 2. z ch. 15. 5. &2-2. u ver. 11. w ch. 28. 14. 17. & 26. 4. & 28. 14. & 32. 12. Ex. 32. 13. Num. 23. 10. Deut. 1. 10. I Kings 4. 20. 1 Chron. 27. 23. Is. 48. 19. Jer. 33. 22. RIol. 4. 16, 17, 18 Heb. 11. 12. the measure of its crimes and was al- and the west, and then confirms to him ready ripe for destruction. How Lot and his posterity the gift of the whole was affected by the manners of the asfarastheeyecouldreach. Howstriabandoned society in which he finally king an instance this of the considerate took up his abode, we learn from the kindness, of the recompensing mercy, words of the apostle, 2 Pet. 2. 8,' For of Him with whom we have to do! At that righteous man dwelling among the moment when Abraham had been them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his making the greatest sacrifices for peace, righteous soul from day to day with and demonstratinghowlooselyhe sat by their unlawful deeds'-a passage on the richest earthly abundance, cornparwhich Bp. Hall shrewdly remarks,'He ed with the desire of securing the divine vexed his own soul, for who bade him favour, the Most High visits him with stay there' a fresh manifestation of his favour, and 14. And the Lord said unto Abram, comforts him with renewed assurances &c. Leaving Lot for the present, not of his future inheritance.'Thus he to enjoy, but to endure as best he may, who sought this world lost it; and he the so:iety of the wretched Sodom- who was willing to give up any thing ites, our attention is again turned to for the honour of God and religion, the venerable patriarch, who was not found it.' Fuller. so easily ensnared by the sight of his 15. T'o thee will I give it, and to thy eyes. We have already noticed his gen- seed for ever. By comparing Acts, 7. erous proposal to Lot. We have seen 5, it would appear that this promise was him willing for the sake of preserving not fulfilled to Abraham personally; a peace, to waive his right and for,'go his more correct rendering, therefore, may temporal advantage. Htere we are be,' To thee will I give it, even to thy taught how richly his disinterestedness seed.' By the Heb. and Gr. usage in was rewarded; and in his example we the Scriptures, the particle'and' is very cannot fail to read the certainty, that a often synonymous with'even,' and similar self-sacrificing conduct will al- should be so rendered. As for example, ways redound to the ultimate gain of 1 Chron. 21. 12,'The Lord's sword, him who practises it. Upon his with- and the pestilence;' i. e. even the pesdrawment from Lot, the Lord again tilence. Num. 31. 6,' The holy instrumeets him in mercy and renews to him ments, and the trumpets;' i. e. even the his gracious covenant promise. He trumpets. Eph. 4. 11,'And some pasbids him lift up hiseyes and look around tors and teachers;' i. e. even teachers. the whole horizon, surveying the land Mat. 21. 5,' Behold, thy king cometh on the north and the south, on the east unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an 220 GENESIS. [B. C. 1917. 17 Arise, walk through the land tent, and came and a dwelt in the in the leng h of it and in the plain of'Matnre, b which is in breadth of it; for I -will give it Hebron, and built there an altai unto thee. unto the LoanD. 18 CThen Abr idol removed 1his a ch. 14.!3. b ch. 35. 27. & 37.14. ass and a colt the foal of an ars;' i. e. word in the original is not the same even a colt, &c.'l'hus probably, Rev. with that usually rendered remove 19. 19,'And I saw the beast, and the (YD) in reference to tents but the kings of the earth;' i. e. even the kings sae as that used v. 12 of Lot's fixing of the earth; intimating that the Syili- his habitation towards Sodom, and bolical'beast' is but another name for probably kindred to the term occurring the aggregate body of despotic rulers, Is. 13. 20,'Neither shall the Arabian within the limits of the apocalyptic yahel) there.' pitch tent (a yahel) there.' It is a'earth.' -~ For ever. Heb Diy. T: general expression, implying that Abraunto eternily; a period of vet y long, but ham. still following his nomadic mode indefinite duration. Subsequent facts lif, and in virtue of the permission in the history of the chosen people above mentioned, selected a station, show that this promise was to be now here and now there, where he understood conditionally, as they might spread his tent and abode for a time by transgression forfeit the possession and so continued journeying at interof this covenanted region, as was actu- vals, till at length he came and pitche ally the case, Lev. 26. 33. Is. 63. 18. his tent more permanently i the plain If,. however, the Jews are to be hereaf- of Mamre. -~ And camne and dwelt ter restored to the land of their fathers, i,, the plain of Maane. It is probable as many interpret the prophecies re- that a somewhat extended period of specting them, these words will receive time, perhaps the, lapse of one or two a still more exact accomplishment than or more years, is embraced in the first they have hitherto done. Even now, two clauses of this verse. It seems to it is common to speask of the Jews ob- be implied that after making the cirtaining possesion of their own land, culit of the country, agreeably to the as though their title had never been divine monition above mentioned he extinguished. See ANote on ch. 17. 18. finally selected a location in the neigh17. A ise, walk through the land, &c. bourhood of Hebron, which is not more Heb. 7~I,,lnn make thyself to wall, than eighteen hours' journey from the traverse the land to andfro. The form site of Beth-el, his former station. The of the original conveys the idea of what remark made in the note on ch. 12. 6. Ewald terms' zealous spontaneity,' and on the original of the word plain ('5~ has an emphasis which cannot well be alon) is applicable here also, as the transferred into English. It was a Hebrew term is the same. It uncommand or permission to Abrahan, doubtedly denotes a tree, or grove, or not as a lonely individual, but with all plantation qf trees of some kind, but his establishment to travel over and whether of oaks or terebinths cannot sojourn in any portion of the country be determined. iMamre is the name of that he pleased, and that too as a pledge the person described ch. 14. 13; as an of its finally becoming the perpetual Anorite, one of three brothers who inheritance of his seed. were friends of Abraham and confeder18. Then Abram removed his tent. ates with him in the expedition against Heb. arnon.' and pitched tent. Ti e I the four kings, and the plain was prohb B. C. 1917.] CHAL TER XIII. 221 ably so called from him as its first jarring of intercsts; but when their opowner or occupant -~T Which is in ulence increased, occasions of jealousy Hebron. That is, by or near Hebron; arose; their servants quarrelled, and in the region in which Hebron is situa- 1 the masters could no longer remain toted. This place did not obtain the gether.'They that will be rich fall name of Hebron till it came into the into temptation and a snare.' Through possession of Caleb, several years after covetousness thousands'have erred the death of Moses. Josh. 15. 14. Its from the faith, and pierced themselves former name was Kirjath-arba. It is through with many sorrows.' to be presumed, therefore, that the (2.) The children of Abraham should name in the present passage was in- cultivate peace, especially by cutting serted by Ezra or some other person i off the occasions of strife.' The beginwho revised the sacred canon in after ning of strife is as when one letteth out ages. For an account of Hebron, see water;' the breach however small at Note on Gen. 23. 2.-9- And built first, being quickly widened by the there an altar unto the Lord. See stream that rushes through it, will Note on Gen. 12. 7. speedily defy all the efforts of man to REMARKS. —(1.) We learn from the prevent an inundation. Let us thereincidents here recorded the disadvan- fore learn the important lesson to tages, if not the dangers, of wealth. leave off contention before it be medWealth is almost universally consider- died with.' When it Is once begun, no ed as a source of happiness, and in that man can tell when or how it shall terview is most eagerly sought. That it minate. may conduce to our happiness in some (3.) External advantages of place or respects, especially when improved for situation are no sure criterion of the the relief of our fellow-creatures, we ad- favour of God. The sinners of Sodomn mit; but it is much oftener a source of dwelt in a fertile and delightful region; trouble and vexation than of satisfac- Abraham and his family among the tion and comfort.'If goods increase,' mountains. But this paradise was says Solomon,' they are increased that turned into the likeness of hell by the eat thenm.' A multitude of servants sinners that dwelt there. How much augments our care. Their disagree- happier was Abraham and his pious rnents among themselves, or disputes household in the mountains! with the servants of others, fiequently (4.) Let us often turn our thoug-hts become an occasion of disquiet to our- to the promised blessings of Heaven in selves. The envy also and jealousy order to strengthen our faith and hope. that are excited in the breasts of others, Let us dwell much upon the prospect operate yet farther to the disturbance of of our glorious inheritance. Let us our own peace. In how many families survey the heavenly Canaan C in the have contentions arisen from this length of it, and the breadth of it.' source! How many who have spent Such a believing anticipation will cheer years together in love and harmony, and refresh us when those whom we have been distracted by feuds and an- have loved and cherished here, and in imosities as soon as ever a large estate whose society we have delighted, are came to be divided between them! separated from us by distance or death. Even piety itself cannot always prevent In the darkest hour of this world's vithe discord that arises from this source. cissitudes, let us listen to the soothing Abraham and Lot had lived together voice of the Spirit saying to us as he in perfect amity, while their circum- did of old to Abraham,'Lift up new stances were such as to preclude any thine eyes. and look from the place 19* 222 GENESIS. [B. C. 1917. CHAPTER XIV., Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, A ND it came to pass, in the Chedorlaomer king of b Elam, days of Amraphel king aof and Tidal king of nations; a ch. 10. 10. & 11. 2. b Is. 11. 11. where thou art;' cease to dwell upon he made of it was to restore whatever your present privations, disquietudes, had been taken to its rightful owners. and losses; sorrow not as men without 1. And it came to pass in the days hope;' look from the place' where sin of Amraphel, king of Shinar. Gr. TV has tainted every comfort and blighted ryp SacrXEi, in the 7reign or reigningevery prospect, iand let the eye of faith time. From the extreme antiquity cast its glances of hope and joy to the of the event here recorded, and the inheritance prepared for us.'For all little light which is elsewhere thrown, the land which thou seest to thee will either by sacred or profane history, upI give it.' on the persons and places designated, great obscurity necessarily attaches to CHAPTER XIV. several parts of the narrative. It is The next irnportant incident detailed clear that Chedorlaomer was the chief in the life of Abraham, differs remark- personage concerned in this expedition, ably from all that have preceded it. but whether he or Amraphel was at The patriarch was pre.eminentlya man this time the supreme potentate of the of peace, who, as we have seen, was East, or in other words, whether Perwilling to sacrifice every worldly advan- sia (Elam) or Assyria (Shinar) had the tage rather than interrupt that harrmo- ascendancy, is very difficult to be deny which he knew to be so essential termined. As it is a matter of mere to the honour of his religious profession, historical interest, but slightly affecting and so entirely in accordance with the the practical lessons which we are more will of God. On the present occasion, anxious to deduce from the record, we however, we find him assuming the shall glance but briefly at this view of character of the warrior, placing him- the subject.-As the countries about self at the head of a numerous body of the Euphrates and Tigris were that his servants, and waging a short but part of the world where the sons of successful conflict with the confederate Noah began to settle after leaving the princes who had invaded Canaan from ark, it was there that population and the East. Much as the pious heart power would first naturally accumulate, must dislike the very name of war, and and lead to the establishment of desutterly unchristian and unjustifiable as potic governments. The families and it will consider every species of offen- tribes emigrating from these regions dive warfare, yet we cannot withhold our would be considered in the light of colapprobation from this truly heroic and onies, which ought to be subject to the disinterested action of the patriarch. To parent state. Such it appears probasuccour the weak, to relieve the distres- ble were the ideas of the four Eastern sed, to liberate the captive, were his kings here mentioned, and we may suponly motives, and the comfort of an pose that it was with a view of enforapproving conscience his only reward; cing this subjection, which after having for we find that after having been fa- been twelve years acknowledged, was voured with the most signal success at length thrown off, that the present instead of turning the fruits of his vic- invasion was planned. In what relatory to his own advantage, all the use tion the four kings had previously stood B. C. 1917,] CHAPTER XIV. 223 2 That these made war with king of c Admah, and Shemeber Bera king of Sodom, and with king of Zehoiim, and the king of Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab Bela, which is d Zoar. c Deut. 29. 93. d ch. 19. 22. to each other, is uncertain; but they different tribes, and put themselves unnow combined as allies, and marched der the conduct of one who would gratwith their forces, which we have no ify their love of adventure or hope of reason to think were very large, to the spoil. land of Canaan. Indeed, it is very im- 2. That these made war, &c. This portant to bear in mind that the term is the first war expressly recorded in'king,' in this and other early applica- the annals of the human race, and it is tions, is far firom carrying with it the evident that it sprung from the same import which our modern ideas of roy- causes that have given rise to the thoualty are apt to connect with the title. sands of wars, which, from that day to The kings of those primitive times were this, have wasted the family of man mere petty chieftains, answering to the and drenched the earth in blood-vainArab sheikhs of latter days, ruling over glorious pride and grasping ambition. a single town and the surrounding dis- Nor can we hope for a cessation of the trict, or acting as the heads of tribes barbarous practice till the general prevmore or less numerous, and totally un- alence of Christianity, in the power of like the potent sovereigns of modern of its peaceful spirit, shall have extintimes. This will be evidentfrom the fact guished the flames of these unhallowed that each of the little cities of the plain, passions, and taught men to regard which lay within a few miles of each each other as brethren, who cannot, if other, is said to have had its distinct they conceived aright of their mutual king, all of whom united on this occa- interests, have any conflicting objects sion in opposing their common inva- that should drive them to deeds of vioders.-The whole narrative is to be con- lence.'This earliest account of an sidered as entirely subordinate to the act of warfare is very remarkable, and history of Abraham, and introduced its difficulties will be best elucidated by here mainly for the purpose of illustra- a reference to existing practices among ting a new and interesting feature of the Arab tribes. It is indeed by no his character, and of displaying new means unlikely, that although we have aspects of that kind Providence which supposed the invading kings such monwatches with such constant vigilance archs as the kings of the plain are asover the welfare of his servants.-If certained to have been, they were in Tidal king of nations. Heb. 5h~ fact nomade chiefs or sheikhs, inhabit~t'1j. The Heb. to::t goyim is usu- ing the country between Canaan and ally rendered Gentiles, and though the the Euphrates, and some of them permajority of commentators are of opin- haps beyond that river. The expediion that Tidal's dominions layin Upper tion has the whole appearance of an Galilee, which was in aftertimes called Arab incursion. Their apparently rap-' Galilee of the Gentiles,' (or Galilee of id sweep, like a whirlwind, over the the nations), Is. 9. 1. Mat. 4. 15, yet countries indicated-their return with we think it more probable that the title captives and spoil-and the ultimate denotes the head of a mixed multitude night-surprise and easy overthrow by of people, who had flocked together to Abraham and his friends —are all cirhis standard from different regions and cumstances strikingly analogolus to 224 GENESIS. LB. C. 1913. 3 A l these were joined toeeth- 5 And in the fourteenth year er in the vale of Siddim, e which came Chedorlaomer, and the kings Is the salt sea. that were with him, and smote 4 Twelve yeais f they served g thle Rephaims h in Ashteroth Chedorlaomer, an, in the thir- Karnaim, and i the Zuzims in teenth year the; ribelled. Ham, k and the Emims in Shaveb Kiriathaim, e Plat. 3. i.'. Nulm. 34. 12. Josh. 3. 16. Ps. 1".4. 4. f ch. 9. 26. g ch. 15. 20. Deut. 3. 11. h Josh. 12. 4. & 1&. 12. i Deut 2. 20. k Dcut. 2. 10. 11. Arab usages on both sides. That their often happens, a lesser judgment was force was not numerous is evident from made the precursor of a greater. the circumstance that the petty kings 3. All these were joined together in of the plain ventured to give them bat- the vale qf Siddim. That is, these last tie on their return flushed with success, named kings, ruling the cities of the and from the small body by which plain, having entered into a league or they were defeated. There are few confederacy, for the defenue of their sheikhs of the present time who can territory, assembled their forces in the bring more than 300 horsemen into place mentioned. The original phrase action; and if we suppose each of the for'joining battle' v. 8, is different. It four'kings' brought such a number of would seem from this text that the part men, lightly armed, and unencumbered of the valley of Jordan occupied by with baggage, we have probably the these cities and their territories, and highest estimate that can be allowed in which now forms the bed of the Dead the present instance. They wereprob- Sea, was then called' The vale of Sidably mounted on camels, and few dim.' For observations on the overthings are more common in our own throw of these cities and on the Dead day than to hear of Arabs or Turco- Sea, see Notes on ch. 19. 24, 25. mans, in even much smaller numbers, 4. Twelve years they served Chedortraversing extensive deserts, scouring laomer. It would seem, therefore, on the country beyond, sacking villages, the whole, that the ascendancy of the menacing and entering large towns in kingdom of Babylon, founded by the the night, all with astonishing rapidity, sons of Ham under Nimrod, had at and return laden with captives and this time ceased or declined, and that spoil. The affair has the appearance Persia, settled by the descendants of altogether of a Turcoman chappow on Shem, had become the dominant naa large scale.' Pict. Bible. The five tion of the Eastern world. In this fact cities here mentioned stood near to- we see the incipient accomplishment of gether on the plain of Jordan, consti- the prediction, that Canaan should be tuting what is frequently termed the the servant of Shem.-~'f In the thirPentapolis, or five-fold city, and, ex- teenth year they rebelled. That is, recept Zoar, were all afterwards destroy- fused to pay tribute, the usual sign of ed by fire from heaven. Sodom and subjection. Thus it is said of HezeGomorrah are always so mentioned as kiah, 2 Kings, 18. 7,'And he rebelled to appear the principal of the five, and against the king of Assyria, and served Bela was probably the least important. him not,' i. e. withheld the tribute Had they heard the voice of the first which had formerly been exacted of the rod, and humbled themselves in repen- kings of Judah. tance, they might have escaped the 5. Smote the Rephaims-Zuzims — stroke o0 tihe second; but as it was, as Emims. These would seemI to have B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIV. 225 6 1 And the Horites in their king of Bela, (the same is Zear); mount Seir, unto El-paran, which and they joined battle with them is ly the wilderness. in the vale of Siddim; 7 And they returned, and came 9 With Chedorlaomer the king to En-inishpat, which is Kadesh, of Elam, and with Tidal king of and smote all the country of the nations, and Amraphel king of Amalekites, and also the Amor- Shinar, and Arioch king of Elites, that dwelt rain Hazezon- lasar; four kings with five. tamar. 10 And the vale of Siddim 8 And there went out the king was full of "I slime-pits; and the of Sodom, and the king of Go- kings of Sodom and Gomorrah morrah, and the king of Admah, fled, and fell there: and they that and the king of Zeboiim, and the remained fled o to the mountain. I Deut. 2. 12, 22. m 2 Chron. 20. 2. n ch. 11. 3. 0 ch. 19. 17, 30. been people of extraordinary stature 7. And they returned, and came to inhabiting the country east of the Jor- En-mishpat. That is, turned about, dan and Dead sea. The country of after smiting the people above menthe Rephaims is identified with that of tioned, and taking a northerly direcBashan, the last king of which, Og, so tion entered the valley of the Jordan, famous for his stature, was dispos- and attacked the inhabitants of the sessed by the Israelites, when the city plain. En-mishpat, i.e. fountain of of Ashteroth was given to the half- judgment, is so called by anticipation. tribe of Manasseh, whose allotment This name was conferred in consewas east of Jordan. The Zuzims and quence of the circumstance recorded Emins had been previously dispossess- Num. 20. 10, where God gave judged of their territory by the children of ment or sentence against Moses and Moab and Ammon, the sons of Lot. Aaron for their offence thus committed. The invading chiefs appear to have --— IT All the country of the Amaleoverrun the eastern bank of the Jor- kites. Heb.,ih5," n"rI: all the dan, from near its source, to the desert field of the Amalekite. This also by south of Canaan, through which they anticipation; as Amalek was not yet proceeded westward toward the Med- born. Gen. 36. 10, 11. Understand it iterranean; and, after having made a of the country afterwards occupied by near approach to that sea, returned, the Amalekites. The sacred writer and on their re-ascent through the vale speaks of places by the names most of the Jordan, gave battle to the kings familiar in his own times. of the plain. This account of their 10. And the vale of Siddim was full track will be readily understood by ref- qf slime-pits. Heb. ritl D'-)N n' 1 erence to any map in which the sit- waspits, pits, qf slime; an idiom comutions of the early nations of this mon to the Hebrew when it would conregion are given..- I~ Shaveh Kiria- vey the idea of a great number. So thaim. Or,'the plains or fiats of'heaps, heaps,' Ex. 8. 14.'Ranks, Kiriathaim.' ranks (Gr.),' Mark, 5. 40. It denotes 6. And the Iorites in their mount either places where asphaltum or bitSeir. The name imports duwellers in umen oozed out of the ground, obcave.s, Troglodites. For an account of structing the flight of the discomfited mount Seir and the land of Edoin, see host; or places which had been excanote on nh. 36. 9. vated in digging bitumen to be employ. 226 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 11 And they took P all the 12 And they took Lot, Abram's goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, q brother's son, r who dwelt in and all their victuals, and went Sodom, and his goods, and detheir way. parted. p ver. 16, 21. q ch. 12. 5. r ch. 13. 12. ed perhaps in the construction of their Persians, who had also maltreated the houses; a material which, from being inhabitants, who had afterwards fled strongly impregnated with sulphureous to the mountains. The news of this matter, would render their city a more transaction having been carried overeasy prey to the devouring element. night to the next large village, about See note on ch. 19. 24, 25.- I Fell twenty miles distant, the Persians, on there. That is, fell in the sense of their arrival there the next day, found being completely routed, and for the it completely deserted by the inhabimost part slain, though these kings tants, who had, in the short interval, and others, it appears from v. 13, 17, removed with all their live stock and 21, survived.- r And they that re- goods to the mountains. He found it mained fled to the mountain. Heb. in this condition a fortnight later; the Rt;2etSWO f/te surmvivors.'Mountain' inhabitants being afraid to come back is here to be understood as a collective till the soldiers should have returned singular for mountains or mountain- from their expedition. Burckhardt, in ous regions in the vicinity.'It is still his'Notes on the Bedouins and Wahaa common practice in the East for the bys,' p. 337, mentions that, when the inhabitants of towns and villages to Wahabys menaced Damascus in 1810, hasten for safety to the mountains in the inhabitants sent off all their valutimes of alarm and danger, or at least able property to the mountains of Lebto send their valuable property away. anon.' Pict. Bible. The moveables of the Asiatics, in 11. Took all the goods. Or, all the camps, villages, and towns, are aston- substance. The word is singular in the ishingly few compared with those original, implying collectively all their which the refinements of European moveable property. The Greek renlife render necessary. A few carpets, ders it somewhat strangely rug tr7rov kettles, and dishes of tinned copper, 7racav all their horse-force; a kind of compose the bulk of their property, property which they were very unlikewhich can speedily be packed up, and ly to possess.-~ And all their vicsent away on the backs of camels or tuals. " Fulness of bread,' was part of mules, with the women and children their sin, Ezek. 16. 49; and now' cleanmounted on the baggage. In this way ness of teeth' is made a piece of their a large village or town is in a few punishment, in God's just judgment? hours completely gutted, and the inhab- Trapp. itants, with every stick and rag be- 12. And they took Lot, &c. A litlonging to them, can place themselves eral rendering of this verse, according in safety in the mountains. The writer to the order of the words in the origiof this note travelled in Koordistan in nal, is as follows;-' And they took Lot, 1829, following, in one part of the and his goods, Abram's brother's son, journey, the course which had recently and departed: and he was dwelling in been taken by the Persian troops in Sodom.''lie that walketh with wise their march from Tabreez to Sulima- men shall be wise, but the companion nieh. He came to one large village of fools shall be destroyed.' Prov. which had been partially burnt by the 13. 20. The passage is so constructed B.C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIV. 227 13 ~[ And there came one that brother of Eschol, and brother of had escaped, and told Abram the Aner: t and these iwere confedHebrew; for s he dwelt in the erate with Abram. plain of Mamre the Amorite, s ch. 13. 18. t ver. 24. as to give a sort of melancholy em- Septuagint, which is adopted by several phasis to the fact of Lot's dwelling in of the early Greek fathers, principally Sodom, which is entirely lost sight of no doubt on the authority of that verin our translation. The unhappy man sion. The advocates of this opinion now begins to reap the bitter conse- object to the derivation of the name quences of taking up his abode in the from Eber or Heber, the great grandmidst of the habitations of wickedness. son of Shem, and one of the ancestors'That wealth, which was the cause of of Abraham, on the ground, that the his former quarrels, is made a prey to Scr;ptures do not represent him as an merciless heathens; that place, which historical personage of any special nohis eye covetously chose, betrays his toriety, and that no reason can be aslife and goods. How many Chris- signed why his name should now be tians, whilst they have looked at gain, first used as an appellative of Abraham, have lost themselves!' Bp. Hall. seeing that five generations had inter13. And told Abram the Hebrew. vened between him and Eber, during Heb.'nnY,n'n = nq~. Gr. arn- which we have no evidence that it was ysEiV Afpap T6J XpITnl told Abram the employed as a patronymic at all. But passenger. This is the first instance to this it may be answered, that no of the occurrence of the word'He- other descendant of his sustained the brew.' It may perhaps be applied to same relation as did Abraham to the Abraham here for distinction' sake, to great promise made to Shem, ch. 9. intimate that however closely connect- 26, 27, on which we would refer to the ed for a time by league or friendship considerations adduced in our note on with his Amoritish neighbours, Mamre that passage. But apart from this, and his brethren, he was still mindful the philological reasons appear to us sufof his extraction and his destiny, and ficicnt to warrant this view of the orihad not suffered himself to become a gin of the name. For (1) had the originaturalized Canaanite. As to the ori- nal "i121. ibri been intended to convey gin of the term, opinions are much di- the import of passer-over which the vided. Modern interpreters, particular- Sept. assigns to it, grammatical proly of the German school, incline for priety would have required the partithe most part to have recourse to the cipial form?'lsY ober, which has that etymology of the word, and as )2y distinct meaning. (2.) The analogy of aber has the import of transition or proper names ending in yod (n) decipassage, contend that the term was dedly confirms this mode ofunderstandfirst applied to or taken by Abraham, ing it. Most of the patronymic and as an epithet to distinguish him as one gentile nouns in the language are formthat had come.from beyond the Euphra- ed in the same way. Thus.r?3b tes. According to this hypothesis Moabite from mSt Moab; -:, Dan-'Abram the Hebrew' is equivalent to ite from J'i Dan;:in5n Calebite from'Abraim the Transfluvian, or Trans- =5. Caleb; o Elonite from'\ cuphratean.' In this they are plainly Elon: and so in a multitude of simcountenanced by the rendering of the ilar cases. Why not suppose then 228 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 14 And when Abram heard vants, w born in his own house, that u his brother was taken cap- three hundred and eighteen, and tive, he armed his trained ser- pursued them x unto Dan. u ch. 13. 18. w ch. 15. 3. & 17.12, 27. Eccles 2. 7. x Deut. 34. 1. Judg. 18. 29. that m'j2 Eberite (Hebrew) comes in Heb. in which'Baal,' lord, has for from t2. Eber. Such names are al- the most part the signification of'pasmost invariably derived either as above sessor, proprietor,' expressing often to from a person, some ancestor of dis- the following noun the relation of adtinction, or from a place, country, or dictedness, or habitual usage; as Gen. city, which imparts its denomination 37. 19.'Dreamer;' Heb.'lord of to an individual, as enp= lMMitzri, an dreams;' i. e. addicted to dreaming; C- Gen. 49. 23.'Archers;' Heb.'lords Egyptian,.'~. Arbi, an Arabian; of arrows;' i. e. inured to the use of ~'1 ST.eiloni, a Shilonite. But as arrows, 2 Kings 1. 8.'Hairy man;' the name wicy ibri has no local refer- Heb.'lord of hair;' i. e. possessor of ence which can account for its lise in hair; Prov. 22. 24.'Angry man;' this connection, we seem to be forced Heb.'lord of anger;' i. e. one habitto resolve it into a patronymic term, to refsolve it nto a patronryincc term, ually given to the indulgence of anger. and if so, to what origin can it be So'lords of covenant' implies those traced with more probability than to who were allies of long standing and h'lY a Eber? (3.) The passage Num. peculiar intimacy; who habitually stood 24. 24, goes strikingly to corroborate tby the patriarch in this relation. Gr. the present interpretation;'And ships'Sworn friends.' shall come from the coast of Chittim, 14. Abram. heard that his brother and shall afflict Ashur, and shall afflict was taken captive. Lot was Abraham's Eber.' Here as by'Ashur' is meant nephew, but he is called here his the sons of Ashur, or Assyrians, so by' brother' in conformity to the usage so'Eber' are meant the sons of Eber, or common in the Scriptures, which exHebrews; and accordingly, while the tends that term to all near kindred. Sept. in the former text renders D' g -~ Armed. Heb. 1-i yarek, draw by 7reparTs passenger, it here renders out; from a root signifying to uvsheath ngy by EBlpatov, Hebrews. For these a sword, or to draw out any weapon of reasons we feel little hesitation in tra- war; equivalent perhaps to'put them cing the epithet to Heber. —~ For hle in readiness,' as a sword when drat.n dwelt, &c. Heb. 1'-n hl'7l and he is ready for execution. Gr. eplOpt0,7s was tabernacling. There is no sulffl- numbered, mustered.- r Trained. cient ground for rendering the particle Heb. Em catechized, initiated, inand by the illative'for.' It would structed, whether in civil or sacred appear from our mode of rendering as things, but especially the latter. It is, if the latter clause of the verse were however, very improbable that the intended to assign a reason for the fact peaceful patriarch, who was so much mentioned in the former. But for this engaged in the worship of God wherthere is no foundation in the original. ever he sojourned, should have made - T These were confederate with his household establishment a military Abram. Heb. hn'1' i't2 Baali be- school,'training' his domestics in the rith; i. e. lords or masters qf cove- murderous arts of war. On the connant; an idiom of frequent occurrence trary, their'training' was undoubtedly B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIV. 229 in the doctrines and duties of religion.' of a degraded condition. Slaves are But as these foreign kings, in their in- generally treated with such kindness discriminate abduction of the inhabit- and favour, that they commonly beants of the conquered cities, had carried come much attached to their masters, away Iot who was dwelling peaceably land devoted to their interest. They as a sojourner among them, having had do not till the fields, or work in no concern in the war or its causes, manufactories. Their employment is Abraham deenied the occasion such as almost wholly of a domestic nature, to justify himi in fit ting out an expedition and their labour light. This is particfor his recovery, at the sanie time rely- ularly the case with those who are ing more upon the aid of Providence purchased young and brought up in than upon the skill or numbers of his the famnily, and still more with those followers. -~ Bornin his own. house. who, like Abraham's, are'born in tl.e Heb. ino: 1'i, the in-born of -his house.' Few Europeans would do for house; in opposition to those acquired their hired servants what the Asiatics by purchase or otherwise from abroad. do for their slaves, or repose such en-'The word translated servant general- tire confidence in them. lllustraticns ly denotes what we should call a sl:ave. on this subject will occur as we proIn subsequent passages we shall indeed ceed. Meanwhile it is oWvious, that as have occasion to remark on humble Abraham had among the slaves'bjorn friends or disciples performing servile in his own house,' 318 men fit to bear offices and therefore called'servants;' arms, exclusive of purchased slaves, and also on the Jewish slaves whom old men, women, and children, he their own countrymen held in bondage must have been regarded as a powerfor a limited timne, and under defined fill chief by the petty princes among restrictions. But the mass of the ser- whom he dwelt. Hence, a few chapvants mentioned in the Scripture his- ters on, ch. 23. 6, the children of Heth tory were absoluteand perpetual slaves. say to him,'My lord, thou are a mighty They were strangers, either purchased prince among us.'' Pict. Bible.- T or taken prisoners in war. They and Pursued them unto Dan.' We learn their progeny were regarded as corn- from Judges, 18. 7, that this place was pletely the property of their masters, called Laish until taken by the Danwho could exchange or sell them at ites, who gave it the name by which it pleasure, could inflict what punish- is here mentioned. As this event did nments they pleased, and even, in some not occur till long after the death of cases, put them to death. Abraham's Moses, who never mentions the old' servants' were manifestly of this de- name, that of Dan must have been inscription. This form of slavery is still terpolated by another hand, that the common in the East; and the facts reference might be the more clearly unwhich the book of Genesis brings under derstood. This and other interpolaour notice show how little Asiatic usa- tions of existing for ancient names are ges have altered after the lapse of al- supposed to have been made by Ezra, most four thousand years. The con- when he revised the Old Testament dition of slavery in Mohammedan Asia Scriptures. Being at the northern end is, however, unattended, except in very of Palestine, as Beersheba was at the lrare instances, with the revolting cir- southern,' from Dan to Beersheba' berlelmstances which we usually associ- came a proverbial expression to desigate with the word. The term'slave' nate the entire length of the kingdom. if.qt is n,,t regarded as one:f oppro- It was situated near the sources of the britin. nor dlots it convey the idea Jordan; and if that river derived its 20 230 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913 15 And he divided hiniself 1.6 And lie brought hack 2 a,. against them, he and his servants the goods, and also brought again ky night, and Y smote them, and his brother Lot, and his goods, pursued them unto Hobah, which and the women also, and the is on the left hand of Damascus. people. y Is. 41. 2, 3. 2 ver. 11, 12. name from the town, the name must village there is another ruined fortress also be interpolated in the books of of similar construction. Some travelMoses, in the place of some more an-' lers attribute these castles to the Aracient name not preserved. This is bian caliphs, and others to the crusades probable enough; but to avoid this and consider that one of the two (they conclusion, some writers prefer to de- differ in saying which) probably occurive the name of the river from the verb pies the site, and includes some of the Jared,' to descend,' on account of the materials of a temple which Herod the full and rapid course of the stream. The Great erected here in honour of Augustown of Dan is commonly identified tus.' Pict. Bible. with the Paneas of heathen writers, 15. And he divided himself against the present Banias. This identity does them —by night. Heb. ti'; rj' t, not seem indisputable. We may, how- perhaps more correctly rendered,'And ever, state that the name was derived he came upon them by stealth in the from the worship of Pan, to which a night, he and his servants.' The verb cavern, described by Josephus, was n signifies not only to part, to dihere consecrated. The town was great- vide, to distribute, bult also to be smooth, ly enlarged andl embellished by the Te- or soft; and in Hiphil to polish, to trarch, Herod Philip, who changed its sooth, or flatter. And from this sense name to Coesarea, in honour of the it may naturally take another, of doing Emperor Tiberius, to which the adjunct any thing covertly or by stealth. Thus Philippi was added, to, distinguish it in Jer. 37. 12, it signifies to remove from from the Caesarea on the coast. Its a place by stealth, leniter et placide se name was afterwards changed to Nero- subducere. Here it may mean that nius, in compliment to Nero. Banias Abraham came upon them in the night is situated in a pleasant and fertile by stealth and surprise, probably while neighbourhood, at the base of a moun- they were asleep, as Josephus says he tain called Djebel Heish. It is now did, which accounts for his putting an merely a village, containing at most army that must have been numerous, 150 houses, chiefly occupied by Turks. to flight with so small a force. It is The river of Banias rises to t e north- not, however, to be supposed, that the east of tne village, on approaching 318 men of Abraham's own household which it passes under a good bridge, made the whole of his force. Eshcol near which there are some remains of and Aner were with him, v. 24, and in the ancient town. No walls rermain, their march through the country up to but great quantities of stone and archi- Dan, where they first came up with tectural fragments are strewed around. Chedorlaomer, they probably gathered About three miles east by south from additional numbers. Still the common the village are the remains of a strong interpretation of the word iJnr may be and extensive fortress, called the'Cas- admitted, and on this presumption the tie of Banias,' situated on the summit Editor of the Pictorial Bible remarks, of a nlmuntain; and to the south of the' He probably divided his forces, so B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIv. 231 that a simultaneous rush was madle up- I tioned proleptically; for we find it noon the camp of the enemy from differ- ticed in ch. 15. 2, as the birth-place of ent quarters. Here again the usages Abraham's steward Eliezer; and it of Arabian warfare assist us. Surprise, must therefore have been one of the by sudden attacks, is their favourite earliest cities in the world, and is one mode of'warfare. Some tribes consid- of the very few that have maintained a er it cowardly and disgraceful to make flourishing existence in all ages. It is a night attack on a camp. But this is situated in east long. 360 25', and north not the general feeling. When such an lat. 33~ 27', in the northwest of an exattac; is resolved upon, the assailants tensive and remarkably level plain, so ar:linge their march that they may which is open eastward beyond the fall upon the camp about an hour be- reach of vision, but is bounded in every fore the first dawn, when they are tol- other direction by mountains, the nearerably certain to find the whole camp est of which-those of Salehie, to the asleep. With some tribes it is then the northwest —are not quite two miles custom to rush upon the tents, and from the city. These hills give rise to knock down the principal tent-poles, the river Barrady, and to various rivuthus enveloping the sleepers in their lets, which afford the city a most libertent-cloths, which renders the victory al supply of water, and render its diseasy even over superior forces. What trict one of the most pleasant and fergreatly facilitates the success of such tile of Western Asia (see Note on attacks is the general neglect of post- 2 Kings, 5. 12). The district, within a ing night-watches and sentinels, even circumference of from twenty to twenwhen in the vicinity of an enemy. If ty-five miles, is thickly covered with an immediate attack is apprehended, well-watered gardens and orchards, in all the males of an encampment, or all the midst of which stands the town itthe soldiers of an expedition, remain self. It thus appears as in a vast wood, watching their fires throughout the and its almost innumerable public buildnight. In the present transaction, we ings, including an extensive citadel and do not read of any men killed on either a vast number of mosques, with their side. Probably none were. It is as- domes and minarets, give it a fine aptonishing how little blood is shed by pearance as viewed from the nei-ghbourthe Arabs in their most desperate ac- ing hills; but on approaching over the tions, which more resemble frays level plain, the plantations by which it among an unorganized rabble than a is environed shroud it entirely from battle between soldiers. We may hear view. Its finest building is a grand of a battle lasting a whole day without nlosque, of the Corinthian order, said a man being killed on either side. to have been built as a cathedral church Burckhardt says:'When fifteen or six- by the Emperor Heraclius. It was teen men are killed in a skirmish, the dedicated to St. John of Damascus, circumstance is remembered as an event and is still called the mosque of St. of great importance for many years by John the Baptist by the Turks, who both parties." Pict. Bible.-~ On believe that in the latter days Jesus the left hand qf Damascus. Chal.'On shall descend thereon, and from its the north of Damascus;' probably a summit require the adhesion of all his correct interpretation, as the Scriptures followers to the Moslem faith. The suppose the face to he directed to the city is surrounded by an old wall of east. where rig/ht and le/t are nianion- sun-dried brick, strengthened with towed, if no other point of the compass be ers; but this wall has fallen to decay, specified.'The city is not here men- and the town has so greatly extended 232 GI cN:,SiS. {B.C. 1913 beyond its limnits, that the number of great body every year, and many ol houses without the wall greatly eAceeds j whom make a considelrable tay befotl that within. The houses in the city the caravan departs, and most of whom have flat roofs, while those in suburbs unite commercial with religious objects, have domes. Damascus is said tocon- loading their beasts witth the prlcluce tain 500 mansions entitled to be called of their own countries, which they dispalaces; and the general splendour of pose of on the road, bringing back in its houses is much extolled in the East. the same mariner the products of India, But little of this is visible in the streets, received firon Jidda, the port of Mecca. which in general present walls of mud This has contributed greatly to ti;e or sun-dried brick, which fill the nar- prosperity of Damascus, wliiclh is al.-o row streets with dust in dry weather, the emporium of an extensive caravan and render them perfect quagmires trade with the ports of the Mediterrawhen it rains. The houses themselves nean on the west, and with Bagdad on are built with the same materials, al- theeast. Damascus has obtained fanme though stone might be easily obtained for some of its manufactures. The fine from the adjoining mountains. The temper of its sword-blades has long streets present scarcely any windows, been proverbial. This reputation has, and only low and mean-looking doors; however, of late years much declined; bait these often conduct to large interi- but the Damiiascenes still excel iPI the or courts paved with marble, refreshed. art of inlaying metals with gold. The by gushing fountains, and surrounded manufacture of the kind of silk called by apartments ornamented and furnish-.'Damask,' originated here. It would ed in the best and richest oriental taste. seem from 1 Kings, 11. %2, 24, that The thirsty Arabs from the Desert re-, Damascus first becarte in the time ot gard Damascus with rapture, and are David or Solomon the capital of an innever tired of expatiating on the fresh-, dependent kin dom whi h afterwards, ness and verdure of its orchards, the, as the'kingdomn of Syria,' was engavariety and richness of its fruits, and,; ged in frequent wars with the Jews. more than all, its numerous streams, It was ultimately annexed to the emand the clearness of its rills and foun- pire of Assyria, and afterwards, with tains. There is a tradition, that Moharn- the rest of Western Asia, passed to the rmed, coming to the city, viewed it with' Greeks, then to the Romans, and at last great admiration from the mountaini to the Arabians, under whom DamasSalehi, and then turned away, refu- cus became for a time the capital of the sing to -approach, with the remark, that, khalifat, when Moawiyah, its governor, there was but one Paradise designed assumed that office, in opposition to for man, and he was determined thatl Ali. It underwent many changes duhis should not be in this world; but' ring the disorders of the middle ages, there is no historical foundation for this and was finally conquered, along with story. Damascus is about six miles in all Syria, by the Sultan Selim. In the circumference, and its population is es- late war between the Porte and the,imated by Mr. Buckingham at 143,000;. Pasha of Egypt, Damascus was taken of whom 90,000 are native Syrian, by the troops of the latter, under his Arabs, 10,000 Turks, 15,000 Jews, and son Ibrahim Pasha, and it still remains 25,000 Christians. But Dr. Richardson- stbject to his authority, having been does not estimate the Christian popu- ceded to him by the treaty of peace in lation at rnor than 12,000. Damascus 1833.'The inhabitants of Damascus is the rendezvous of many thousand, have the reputation of being the most pilgrims who proceed to Mecca in one haughty ana intolerant people of Tnr B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIV. 233 17 Y[ And the king of Sodom ley of Shaveh, which is the "went out to meet him (b after 0 king's dale. his return from the slaughter of 18 And d Melchizedek king of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings Salem brought forth bread and that were with him,) at the val- wine: and he was e the priest of f the most high God. a Judg. 11. 34. 1 Sam. 18. 6. b Heb. 7. 1. c 2 Sam. 18. 18. d Heb. 7. i. e Ps. 110. 4. Heb. 5. 6. lic. 6. 9. Acts 16. 17. Ruth 3. 10. 2 Sam. 2. 5. key, but the measures of Mehemet All urn trom the slaughter of the kings, have already tended greatly to subdue respecting whom the bare recital of or control their former spirit.' Pict. the diffirent opinions that have been Bible. entertained would fill a volume. The 17. The king of Sodom went out to prevalent hypothesis among the Jews meet him. This expedition of Abra- has ever been that he was no other ham and his friends would naturally than Shem, the son of Noah, who was excite great attention among the Ca- undoubtedly still alive in the days of naanites. At the very time when all Abraham. Thus the Targum of Jonmust have been given up for lost, lo, athan,' But Melchizedek, he is Shem, they are, without any effobrts of their the son of Noah, king of Jerusalem.' own, recovered, and the spoilers spoil- Thus too the Jerusalem Targum,'But ed! The little victorious band, now Melchizedek, king of Jerusalem, he is returning in peace, are hailed by every, Shem, who was the great priest of the one that meets them. The kings of Most High.' But to this it is reasonthe different cities go forth to congrat- ably objected, (1.) That no sufficient ulate them, and to thank them as the cause can be assigned why Moses, who deliverers of their country. IfAbraham has all along hitherto spoken of Shem had been one of those marauders whom under his own proper name, should he defeated, he would have followed up here veil his identity under a different his victory, and made himself master one. (2.) It is inconsistent with what of the whole country; which he might we know of Shem that he should be probably have done with ease in their said to be by the Apostle, Heb.' withpresent enfeebled and scattered condi- out father and without mother,' since tion. But the principles by which he his genealogy is clearly given in the was governed as a servant of God pre- Scriptures, and the line of his progenvented him from doing this. —-- The itors can be at once traced up to its Valley qf Shaveh, which is the king's fountain-head in Adam. (3.) It is in dlted. A valley near Jerusalem, sup- the highest degree improbable that he pi.)s;d to be to the north of the city, the should be a reigning king in the land direction which would naturally be ta- of Canaan, which was in the possesken to mieet one returning from Damas- sion of his brother's son; nor is it easy cus, where Absalom afterward erected a to perceive how Abraham could be said monumental pillar, 2 Sam. 18. 18. Gr. to'sojourn there as in a strange coun-'Thtis is the field of the kings.' Chal.' the try,' if his distinguished ancestor Sheem valley-plain of refreshing for the king.' were at that time a co-resident with 18. I-Ielchizedek. Heb. d i him in the same country. (4.) On this i. e. king of righteousness. A much theory the priesthood of Melchizedek, more illustrious personage than the i. e. of Shem, would not be of a difkinl of Sodom is here said to have ferent order from Levi's; directly concome forth to meet Abraham on his re- trary to the assertion of the Apostle 20* :234 GENESIS. -LB. C. 1913. HIeb. 7. 6, and to the whole drift of his Melchizedek was a priest, not by inargument. For if Melchizedek were heritance, but by immediate divine apShem, Levi was in his loins as well as pointment. Though as a man he in the loins of Abraham, fiom which it doubtless had a father and mother, and:follows, that while he paid tithes in:the was born and died like other men, yet loins of one of his ancestors he re- as nothing is said on these points by ceived them in another, that is, paid the historian, the Apostle, holding him them to himself; which is absurd. forth preciselyin the light which Moses The identity of Melchizedek and Shem, does, and in no other, says that he was therefore, cannot with any show of'without father, without mother, withreason be consistently held. Others out:descent, having neither beginning accordingly rejecting the Jewish tra- of days nor end of life; but made like dition on this head, have adopted the unto the Son of God, abiding a priest opinion that Melchizedek was theSon continually.' That is, he derived his of God himself. To this conclusion office from no predecessor and deliverthey are led by an unwillingness to al- ed it down to no successor, but stands low that any mere.man was superior before us in the sacred record single and to Abraham. But in this case we can alone,:constituting himself an order of hardly suppose the Apostle would have priesthood. In this respect he was'said that Melchizedek' was made like eminently'made like the Son of God;' to the Son of God; or that Christ was who was also a priest, not after the constituted a Priest'after the order of manner of the sons of Aaron, by desMelchizedek;' or in other words, that cent from their predecessors, but after lie was a type of himself! The most the similitude of Melchizedek, that is. probable view therefore of -the true by an immediate divine constitution. character of Melchizedek is that given These are the grand points of resem by Josephus, viz. that he was a Canaan- blance between Melchizedek and Christ. itish prince, a pious and religious man; of which the Apostle makes so happy a personage eminently raised up by a use in writing to the Hebrews; and God, whose genealogy was perhaps de- we think it by no means unlikely, that signedly veiled in mystery, that he Moses, penning his narrative under might be in this, as in other things, a divine guidance, was moved to suptype of Christ. He is mentioned else- press the various particulars respecting where in the Scriptures only in the 110th the birth and parentage of AMelchizedek, Psalm and in the epistle to the He- and the commencement and close of his brews, where the Apostle, aiminig to priesthood, and to introduce him thus shew the pre-eminence of Christ's briefly and abruptly into the thread of priesthood over that of Aaron, avails his history, for the very purpose of afhimself of the somewhat remarkable fording to another inspired penman, in coincidences which happened to sub- after ages, the means of so pertinently sist between what is here related of and forcibly illustrating this sublime Mlelchizedek, and what he designed to feature of Christ's official character. affirm of Christ. As Melchizedek com- -~T King of Salem. Heb. b5y bined in his own person the dignity Aim melek shalem, i. e. king qf peace, both of king and priest, this fact en- an import of the title of which the abled him to illustrate more strikingly Apostle makes use Heb. 7. 2. Whethto the Jews to whom hewrote the union er this were the same place with that of the same offices in Christ, who sits which afterwards attained such emi-'a priest upon his throne.' Again, as nence under the name of Jerusalem, far as appears from the sacred record, I is somewhat doubtful, though proba B. C. 1913.1 CHAPTER XIV. 235 19 And he blessed him, and most high God, g possessor of said, Blessed be Abram of the heaven and earth. g ver. 22. Mat. 11. 25. bilities are in favour of the supposition tered in Christ. In the most ancient that it was, Ps. 76. 1, 2. Bochart and periods, among all nations whose recothers take it for the place called Salim ords have reached us, the office of priest on the banks of the Jordan, where and king appear to have been conjoinJohn baptized, John, 3. 23. But as ed in the same person. there was a'king's dale' near this Sa- 19. And he blessed him, and said, lem, v. 17, and also in the vicinity of &c. That is, Melchizedek blessed Jerusalem, the latter was probably the Abraham, in doing which he performseat of Melchizedek's residence.-~' ed one of the characteristic functions Brought forth bread and wine. As it of a priest, whose duty it was'to bless is evidently the post-resurrection priest- in the name of the Lord for ever.' hood of Christ which was prefigured 1 Chron. 23. 13, Num. 6. 23, 27. Viewby that of Melchizedek, we see no ob- ed in this light, the act of blessing on jection to considering the'bread and the part of Melchizedek would imply wine' which he brought forth for the more than a personal well-wishing; it refreshment of Abraham and his fol- would be prophetic. In pronouncing lowers, as an adumbration of the sa- a benediction, he would set his seal to cramental elements, which Christ in what God had done before him. It is the institution of the supper has pro- not unlikely that he might have known vided for the weary soldiers of the cross. Abraham previously to this, and have -~I And he was the priest of the been well acquainted with his being a most high God. Heb. y1i5 i F lp Ifavourite of heaven, in whom all the priest to the most high God. Chal. nations of the earth were to be blessed;'Minister before the most high God.' and to whose posterity God had prom.. The leading idea conveyed by the origi- ised the land of Canaan. If so, his nal term for'priest' y7i cohen, is that blessing him in so solemn a manner of ministration in general, but yet, as implied his devout acquiescence in the predicated of him who is next in rank divine will, even though it would be at to the supreme power. Thus, 2 Sam. the expense of his ungodly country8. 18,'And David's sons were chief men. —~ Possessor qf heaven and rulers;' Heb.'cohens,' priests, is ren- earth. Heb. Y'~R O 2h2 htIg. The dered literally in the parallel passage, idea of a'possessor' is very intimately 1 Chron. 18. 17,'And David's sons related to that of a'disposer,' especialwere the first at the king's hand.' So ly when, as in the present case, the also 2 Sam. 20. 26,'And Ira also the possession is founded upon creation; Jairite, was a chief ruler about David;' and we think it highly probable that Heb.'a priest to David.' In its gen- the words were intended to convey a eral usage, however, it is appropriated tacit acknowledgment of the sovereign as the office-title of one who performs right of the most high God, who had the functions of a sacrificer, an offerer created all things, to make such an alof sacred oblations to God, and an in- lotment of the earth or any part of it tercessor for, and blesser of, the people, as he saw fit. The speaker, therefore, I Chron. 23. 13. Under the gospel in employing this language virtually dispensation this office is abolished puts his Amen to the Divine promise among men, its functions being cen- which secured to Abraham and his seed 236 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 20 And hblessed be,he most 21 And the king of Sodom sail high God, which hath delivered untoAhram, Gve me lthe personq, thine enemies into thine hand. and take the goods to thyself. And he gave him tithes i of all. 22 And Abram said to the king h ch. 24. 27. i lieb. 7. 4. the possession of the land of Canaan. who minister to men in spiritual things, The rendering of the Sept. and tihe who are to be esteemed very highly in Vulg.'who created the heaven and love for their work's sake, and who, the earth,' is not exact, and has prob- while they serve at the altar, are orably flown from confounding the literal dained to live of the altar. with an inferential sense of the original 21. Give me the persons. Heb. =E:M word. the soul; col. sing. for' souls;' correct20. Blessed be the most high God. ly rendered'persons,' according to a This discloses the native working of a usage of very frequent occurrence. It truly pious and devout spirit, which means of course the captive men and cannot contentedly stop short of the women. Gr.' Give me the men.' It fountain-head of all blessing. Instead would seem that while these thines of launching out into encomiums on were going on between Melchizedek and Abraham's valour and skill as a war- Abraham, the king of Sodom stood by rior, he rises in his ascription of praise and heard what passed, but without tato the God of Abraham, who had gra- king anyparticular interest in it. What ciously conferred the victory upon his occurred between these two great charservant. —' He gave himr tithes qf all. acters appears to have made no impresThat is, Abraharn gave to Melchiz- sion upon him. Apparently he thought edek, as the Apostle assures us, Heb. of nothing, and cared for nothing, but 7. 2. The expression is thought by what respected himself. Though there some too general to be confined to a is no evidence that he could claim any tenth of the spoils taken from the con- right at least to the goods, yet he federate kings, but as it does not appear speaks in a manner as if he would be that lie had any thing else there to thought not a little generous in relintithe, we think it more probable that a quishing them. —I And take the goods tenth of the spoils is all that is meant, to thyself.'It would seem that here and in this we are evidently sustained the king claims his own due, and alby the testimony of Paul, Heb. 7. 4. lows Abrahaml his. According to Arab As Melchizedek in this transaction had usage Abraham had an undoubted right officiated in his priestly capacity as a to the recovered goods and cattle. The kind of mediator between God and custom is, if an enemy has spoiled an him, it was undoubtedly in this light Arab camp, and carried away some of that he regarded him in making the the persons as prisoners, and if the oblation. He gave him tithes, not as whole be afterwards recovered by a friend, buit as God's representative. another party, for the persons to be reThe present was undoubtedly accom- stored, but for the property to remain panied by sentiments of personal re- in the possession of those by whom it spect and gratitude, but it was principal- was recaptured. This elucidation, ly designed as a tribute of piety to God. which has escaped the notice of annoConsidered in this light it was a very tators, exalts the conduct of Abrahamri early and significant intimation of the in declining to redeive his due, and de debt of temporal support due to those tracts from the generosity for which B C. 1913.] CHAPTER XIV. 237 of Sodom, I k have lifted.up mine 23 That M I Nwill not take from hand unto the LORD, the most a thread even to a shoe-latchhigh God, 1 the possessor of heav- et, and that I will not take any en and earth, thing that is thine, lest thou k Ex. 6. 8. Dan. 12. 7. Rev. 10. 5, 6. 1 ver.m So Esther 9. 15,16. 19. ch. 21. 33. the king of Sodom has obtained credit. strued; where it might be said that he Indeed we see that Abraham himself was prompted to the rescue of Lot admits the right of his friends to that more by the hope of plunder than the which, for himself, hu teclined.' Pict. spirit of benevolence. His conduct in Bible. this emergency affords a good hint to 22. 1 have lifted up mine hand. A Christians. - They are really so rich in Hebraism for'I have sworn,' derived their own inheritance that it ill befrom the custom, to which there are comes them to crave tme possessions of frequent allusions in the Bible, of ele- others. vating the right hand in the act of ta- 23. That 1 will not take. Heb. 1S king an oath. Abraham doubtless A)d if I will take; an imperfect mode knew the man, and perceiving his af- of expression peculiar to the original fected generosity, gave him to under- Scriptures, and frequently occurring in stand that he had already decided, and oaths. It is equivalent to a negative, even sworn, in the presence of the most as rendered in our version. Tilus in high God, what he would do in respect like manner Ps. 95. 11,'Unto whom I to that part of the spoils which had pre- sware in my wrath that they should not viously belonged to him. This answer enter my rest (Heb. if they shall enter of Abraham is somewhat remarkable. my rest);' explained by the Apostle, His having determined upon his course Heb. 3. 18,'that they should not enter before the king of Sodom met him, im- into his rest.' So Mark, 8. 12,'LVerily plies something dishonourable in the I say unto you, there shall be no sign character of that prince. He must given unto this generation (Gr. if a have been well known to Abraham as sign shall be given);' whereas in the a vain-boasting, unprincipled man, or parallel passage Mat. 16. 4, it stands, he would not have resolved, in so sol-'I There shall no sign be given it.' emlt a manner, to preserve himself clear Comp. Gen. 21. 23. —T From a from the very shadow of an obligation to thread even to a shoe-latchet. Heb. him. It is possible that he might have g 111 It 72'! toir. This was thrown out some malignant insinua- probably a proverbial expression of tions against Lot and his uncle on the diminution, equivalent to'the meanest score of their religion. At any rate, he thing.' As to the original t'r' hoot had become for some reason fixed in rendered thread nothing satisfactory his purpose not to become in any sense can be determined respecting it, fara debtor to the kingof Sodom. In this ther than that it denotes some kind he may have designed to honour the of fastening either to the hair or the promise of blessing which had been dress.'This may refer to the red madle to him. If the possessor of heav- thread worn round the neck or the arm, en and earth has engaged to provide for and which binds on the amulet; or him he will not be beholden to an earthly the string with which females tie up potentate, especially where his motives their hair. The latchet I suppose to in so doing were liable' to be miscon- mean the thong of the sandal, which 238 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913 shouldest say, I have made Abram CHAPTER XV. rich: AFTER these things the woru 24 Save only that which the _L-. of the LORD came unto Abram young mren have eaten, and the "in a vision, saying, b Fear not, portion of the men which went Abram: I am} thy c shield, and with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mam- thy exceeding d great reward. re; let them take their portion. a Dan. 10. 1. Acts 10. 10, 11. b ch. 26. 24. Dan. 10. 12. Luke 1. 13, 30. c Ps. 3. 3. & 5. 12. n ver. 13. & 84. 13. & 9t. 4. & 119. 114. d Ps. 16. 5. & 58. 11. Prov. 11. 18. goes over the top of the foot and be- ed in the Scriptures for thing, or that twixt the great and little toes. It is which is the subject qf words. Thus proverbial to say, should a man be ac- Lev. 5. 2, an'unclean thing' is in the cused of taking away some valuable Heb.'an unclean word;' Deut. 17. 5, article, which belongs to another,'I'wicked thing,' Heb.' wicked word;' have not taken away even a piece of and so in innumerable other cases. On the thong of your worn-out sandals.'' the ground of this usage we are perhaps Roberts. to explain our Saviour's declaration, 24. Save only that which the young Mat. 12. 37,'By thy words thou shalt men hare eaten. Heb. D:5>n,-T The be justified, andby thy wuords thou shalt leading idea to be attached in numerous be condemned,' i. e. by thy deeds; for instances to the phrase'Iyoung men' instances to the phrase' young men' conduct is constructive or virtual lanis that of service or ministry instead of giage. Accoldingly the Apostle speakyoutIful age.'rhus Est. 2. 2,' Then ing Heb. 11. 14, of the conduct of the said the king's servants that ministered believing patriarchs, remarks,' For they unto Ilim;' Heb.'Then said the king's that say such things declare plainly young men.' Neh. 5. 15,'N.a-y even that they seek a country;' i. e. whose'n a ctions say such things, or, in other their servants bare rule over the peo- act say such things, or, in other ple;' Heb.' their young men.' E x. words, who do such things. So also 24. 5,'And he sent young mern of the Eccl. 10. 3,' When he that is a fool children of Israel which offered burnt- way, his wisdom failoffirings;' i. e. servants; men who eth him, and he saith to every one that performn-led the burdensome parts of the he is a fool;' i. e. his conduct proclaims ritual. Acts, 5. 6,' And the young men him to be one.' The word of the arose and wound him up, and carried Lord came to Abram. Heb.: n~', hi,, out and buried him;' i. e. the ser- t:,R was to Abram; i. e. efficaciousvants, ministers, or deacons of the ly was; was made to be. This is the, church; men doubtless of adult years. first instance of the occurrence of the So those who by one Evangelist, Luke, phrase'word of the Lord,' as applied 12. 45, are called in Gr.'young men to a divine communication. It is the and youlreg cralds,'i are by another, usual way in which the fact of a speMat. 24,'49t, denominated'fellow-ser- cial revelation to the prophets is aftervants.' wards announced. See the Prophets passim.-~- In a vision. Heb.;t2::: in a sight. Gr. ev op:llari. id. Chal. HAPTER XV. in a prophecy; i. e. in a pro1. Afterthesethings. Heb. t:12h- phetic vision. Prophets were in the ~ttii!after these words; i. e. these earliest ages called seers (Heb. t, things spoken of.' Word' is often us- 1), 1 Sam. 9. 9. 2 Sam. 24. 11, and B. C. 1913.1 CHAPTER XV. 239 2 And Abram said, Lord GonD, I go childless, and the steward of what wilt thou give me, e seeing rine house is thils Eliezer of Dae Acts 7. 5. 1nascus? a prophecy in Is. 1. 1, is called a vision, ple, interposes at the needful moment in accordance with what is said Num. and ministers the support, confidence, 12. 6,'If there be a prophet among and courage which they require.-~f you, I the Lord will make myself 1 am thy shield. Gr.'I will protect known to him in a vision l q'~2). thee.' Chal.'My word shall be thy There is great obscurity resting upon strength.' As thou wert shielded by the modes of the divine communica- my protection in the late engagement, tions to men, but when God in. said to so believe me to be to thee an everhave appeared to any one even in a vis- present defence. The samle assiurance ion, it does not necessarily follow that is virtually given to all God's servants, the recipient of such a revelation was Ps. 84. 11 -'r And thine exceeding properly asleep. Though the night great reward. Rather, as the Heb. season and the state of sleep was often accents require, and as the Greek renchosen for that purpose, and probably ders it,'Thy reward shall be exceeding was in the present instance, yet in great.' Although there is nothing speother cases the prophet was evidently cifically said of the grounds of this rethrown into a temporary trance, in ward, or of the nature of it, yet there which the exercise of the senses on can be little doubt that it was but anoutward objects was suspended. In other form of the gracious promise alother instances the will of heaven was ready made to Abraham of his being imparted by the powerful agency of blest with a numerous seed, of his inthe Spirit of God, giving to the subject heriting the land of Canaan, and of his of It a strong perception and super- finally becoming a fountain of blessing natural persuasion of the truth of the to the whole world. But as Abraham things revealed. See' Hengstenberg's hIad done nothing to merit all this, if it Christology,' p. 217. Keith's Transl. is here spoken -of as a reward, it could 1836. -— fSaying, Fearnot. AsAbra- be only a reward to faith, and not to ham had defeated the kings mentioned works; and it is in this view that the in the last chapter with far inferior num.. Apostle seems to allude to this very bers, he may have thought it not un- termn as here employed, Rom. 4. 4, likely that, in order to retrieve the dis-'Now to him that worketh is the regrace, they might again rally and come ward not reckoned of grace, but of upon him with a force which lie should debt.' The plea of rewardable works be unable to resist. Such an assn- however did not holdin regard to Abrarance, therefore, as hie now received of ham;'But to him that worketh not the divine protection, must have been (that is not said to have worked, viz. peculiarly seasonable and consolatory. Abraham), but believeth on him that Whether from a review of past diffi- justifieth the ungodly, his faith is countcntlties, or from a prospect of augment- ed for righteousness.' ed trials, or from an apprehension of 2. And Abram said, Lord God what disappointed hopes, the most eminent wilt thou give me. Rather, according saints are prone at times to give way to the IIeb. a' nMn no2 how wilt thou to discouragements; but God, who do (it).for me. Such in numerous inwatches over the secret fears as well stances is the for-e of the original paras the outward afflictions of his peo- ticle here rendered'what.' Thus Gen. 240 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 3 And Abram said, Behold, to l'e, f o:e born in mine house is me thou hast given no seed: and miine fle;r. fch. 14. 14. 44. 16,'How (rnt) shall we clear our- tationis, son of running about; ol selves?' Job, 9. 2,'How (noh) should one who occupies the station of headman be just with God?' Abraham's servant in the midst of a numerous thoughts instinctively reverted to the household. The idiom by which such great pro, ise, and he here suggests an one is called a'son of stewardship,' what he conceived, in the judgment of is of very frequent occurrence; thus human reason, an insuperable obsta- 1 Kings, 1. 52,'son of strength' for cle to the fulfilment of this promise.' strong man;' Ezek. 4. 1,' sons of cap He reverently inquires how it was tivity' for'captives;' Ju. 48, 45,'sons possible that good word could be ac- of uproar' for'tumultuous persons,' &c. complished to him, so long as he was The Chal. reading is 7 3-1t E: bar living and apparently like to die in a parnasa, son offeeding, sustentation childless state? It is proper to remark, or procuring, in evident allusion to the however, that the words of the com- office of a steward, whose business it mon translation make a consistent is to'give every one his portion of sense in themselves, and do no violence meat (food) in due season,' Luke 12. 42. to the original, implying that Abraham The reason of Abraham's introducing could find no comfort or happiness in the mention of the steward of his house any thing else, so long as the promise in this connection,and the manner in respecting a blessed seed remained un- which it bore upon the objection statfulfilled or urfulfilling. Still the inter- ed, will be apparent from the next pretation we have given we think a verse, and the accompanying notes. better one, as being equally consistent - Is this Eliezer of Damascus. with the original and more natural in Heb. 7 itself.-~ Seeing I go childless. Heb. mascene, or Damasco-man, Eliezer. ~~.5. ~q,~ amnt going childless; i. e. The name'Eliezer' signifies'help of am going out of the world. Thus the God,' and from this name, especially as Targ. Jon.' Seeing I depart out of the it is written Ex. 6. 25,'Eleazer.' comes midst of this world.' Gr. a7roXvotr the apocopated'Lazar,' and from this, arEKIoe I am being dismissed, or let de- by adding the termination os, the Gr. part, childless; the same word as that'Lazaros; Eng.'Lazarus.' Guided used by Sirneon, Luke 2. 29.'Now let- by tmis clew, we learn why it is that test thou thy servant depart (acroXvEe) our Saviour, in the parable of the rich in peace.' Compare 1 Chron. 17. 11 man and Lazarus, Luke 16. 23, reprewith 2 Sam. 17. 12, where'go' and sents Lazarus as being'in Abvaham's'sleep' are evidently used as synony- bosom;' i. e. seated familiarly with mous terms, signifying'to die.' So also him at the same table. It is because Ps. 39. 13,' Spare me, that I may re- there is a covert allusion, in the person cover strength before I go hence (~)' ),of Lazarus, to this same Eliezer, the and be no more.' Ps. 58. 8,'As a patriarch's venerable steward.' Since snail which melteth, let every one of the discourse, Lulke 16. 20, is concernthem pass away (l in go),' i. e. let ing Abraham and Lazarus, who would them die.-I- Steward of mine house. not call to mind Abraham and Eleazer Heb. %'iD- tD"J'Z son of adminis- his servant, one born at Damascus, a tration or stewardship: Jilius discursi- Gentile by birth, and some time the B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 241 4 And behold, the word of the 5 And lie brought him forth L.onD came unto him, saying, abroad, and said, Look now toThis shall not be thine heir; but ward heaven, and h tell the i stars, he that g shall come forth out of if thou be able to number them. thine own bowels shall be thine and he said unto him, k So shall heir. thy seed be. h Ps. 147. 4. i Jer. 33. 22. k ch. 22. 17. Ex. g 2 SalI. 7. 12 & 16. 11. 2 Chron. 32. 21. 32. 13. Deut. 1. 10. & 10. 22. 1 Chron 27. 23. Rom 4. 18. Heb. 11. 12. ch. 13. 16. heir apparent of Abraham, but shut of this class as their own child and out of the inheritance by the birth of heir; or sometimes they purchase promIsaac, yet restored here into Abraham's ising boys when young, and after havDosom 1 Which I leave to the judg- ing brought them up in their own faith, ment of the reader, whether it might formally adopt them as their children.' not hint the calling of the Gentiles into Pict. Bible. Such appears to have the faith of Abraham.' Lightfoot. been Abraham's idea in the present in3. One born in mine house is mine stance. Instead of thinking of adoptheir. Heb. harm vil.8n Inn; 7 a ing his nephew Lot, he speaks as if his son of my house is inheriting me; i. e. faithful steward were the probable canabout to inherit, or destined or likely didate for that honour. to inherit me. To'inherit one' is a 4. The word of the Lord came unto HIebraism for inheriting one's goods, him, saying, &c. God, in mercy to the or estate. Thus, Jer. 49. 1,'Why patriarch, condescends to remove his then doth their king inherit Gad?' doubts on this head, by assuring him this is explained in the ensuing clause that his heir should be the offspring of to import' dwelling in his cities.' By his own body. This he had not before the like idiom,'to possess great na- done, but had merely given him a gentions,' Deut. 9. 1, is to possess their eral promise that he should be blest lands, cities, and substance; for the na- with an innumerable seed, leaving it tions themselves were to be destroyed. uncertain whether it should be by the So, Ps. 79. 7,'They have devoured increase of a natural or an adopted Jacob;' i. e. they have consumed his seed. But now his doubts on that possessions. 2 Cor. 11. 20,'Ye suffer head are fully resolved, the promise if a man devour you;' i. e. devour your being renewed in so explicit a manner, property. By one'born in his house' that it was impossible he should afteris meant a home-born servant in oppo- wards mistake in regard to it. It is sition to those bought or obtained true, indeed, he was not yet expressly otherwise from without, and also from informed whether this promised seed'sons of the womb,' Prov. 31. 2, or should be the offspring of Sarah or of one's own proper children.'In Mo- some other woman, but on this point hammedan Asia the slaves termed also he was afterwards clearly instruct-'house-born' are regarded with peculiar ed, Gen. 17. 16; teaching us that it esteem. They form part of their mas- sometimes pleases God to makeknown ter's family, and their welfare is an ob- his will and impart his promises to his iect of his peculiar care. They are the servants not all at once, but by gradmost attached of his adherents, and ual disclosures. often inherit a large share of his wealth. 5. And he broutght him forth abroad It is sometines the practice of child- and said, &c. If the'vision' menless,lersoins to adopt a favourite slave tioned in the first verse was vouchsafed 21 242 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 6 And he I believed in the the LORD that nbrought thee out LORD; and he n, counted it to him of 0 Ur of the Chaldees, P to give for righteousness. thee this land to inherit it. 7 And he said unto him, I am nch. 12. 1. o ch. 11. 28,31. p Ps. 105. 42, 44 I Rom. 4. 3, 9, 22. Gal. 3. 6. James 2. 23. Rom. 4. 13. im Ps. 106. 31. to Abraham in the sleeping hours of Chal. B'LO7 M2'12th h'ei believed in night, we may easily conceive that it the }Ford of the Lord. Gr. EIrtcrE was early in the morning, before sun- Ocp believed God, omitting the'in,' rise, that he was brought forth and bid is followed by the Apostle Rom. to count, if he could, the number of the 4. 3. In numerous other instances in stars. And this, on the whole, seems the New Testament the Greek verb the simplest mode of exposition, though Malmornides and other Jewish writers AW7rzrewo to believe is followed by the parMaimonides and other Jewish writers t ui, t, or cv, i suppose that every thing related in this tides S, as if there were chapter was transacted in vision, in a designed distinction, at least in some which state stars might be made to cases, between'believing' and'believappear to the mental perception at ing in;' and perhaps it may not be noonday, as well as to the natural eye improper to say, that while the devils'noonday, as well as to the natural eye li at midnight. This is indeed true, and' believe' Christ, a true penitent only it is true also that the Scriptures often can'believe in' him. The Hebrew represent that which is done in vision term 717 aman, fiom whichcomesthe as if it were an historical fact, without familiar'Amen' so be it, signifies to be clearly drawing the line between ther,.firm, fixed, stable, sure; and in the as in Jer. 13. 4, 5. Ezek. S. 7, 9. But Hiphil conjugation, which is here emin the present case, as all the circum- ployed, followed by m in or 5 to, to esstances are consistent with the literal tablish one's self, or one's facith, firmly verity of the incidents recorded, we pre- in or towards an object, to deem, or acfer this mode of interpretation, espe- count, or make sure to one's self, and cially as an act of faith so highly cornm- so to lean upon, confide in, or trust to, mended as that of Abraham on this any thing as stable and stedfast. occasion would seem to have required Hence as applied to the act of a believthe exercise of a waking and not of a ing agent in reference to divine promsleeping or entranced mind. Whether ises, it denotes a degree of assured conthe innumerable host of stars were de- fidence amounting, as it were, to a signed to shadow forth the countless creative efficacy, making to exist, submultitude of his natural or his spiritual stantiating, confirming the thing beseed is not apparent from the narrative, lieved,'calling things which are not as nor is it certain that a distinction of though they were.' Thus'faith is the Ibhis kind was intended. It was prob- substance (the substantiating principle) ably designed as a general intimation of things hoped for;' and in this view including both, though with a domi- Christ is denominated the'Amen, the nant reference to his seed in the lne of faithful and true witness,' from his Isaac and Jacob. This is to be infer- being the ground of the most fixed red from the passages which speak of and stable confidence, whose fidelit3 the fulfilment of promise, as Dent. 10. or trust-worthiness may be relied upon 22. 1 Chron. 27. 23. Neh. 9. 23. with unbounded assurance. The cir6 And he believed in the LORD. Heb. cumstances which gave so much effi. believed in Jehovah. cacy and value to the faith of Abraham B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 243 on this occasion are so forcibly recited pute (NZat) iniquity unto me.' Ps. i:l the oEpistle to the Romans, that we 32. 2,'Blessed is th n man un o whom adduce the words of the Apostle as the the Lord imputeth (.~r~-) not iniquimlost apposite commentary which can ty.' Comp. Lev. 7. 18.-17. 4. Nntm. be given upon this passage. Rom. 4. 18. 27. The expression before us be18-22,' Who against hope believed in comes important from the use which hope, that he might become the father is made of it by the Apostle Paul, Rom. of many nations; according to that 4, in establishing the doctrine of juswhich was spoken, So shall thy seed tification by faith; but as a full considbe. And being not weak in faith, he eration of his reasoning on the subject considered not his own body now dead, would lead us into too wide a field of when he was about an hundred years discussion we shall content ourselves old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's with glancing at some of the leading womb. He staggered not at the prom- aspects of the passage. The'believise of God through unbelief; but was ing' which is here said to be counted to strong in faith, giving glory to God; Abraham for righteousness is not to and being fully persuaded, that what be understood of the general and habithe had promised, he was able also to ual faith that governed his life and perform. And therefore it was impu- entitled him to the character of a truly ted to him for righteousness.' —~ And pious man. It was the particular act.he counted it to him for righteousness. of believing here spoken of which was Heb.;U";X'~ 11M2'121n: and he count- so imputed. Nor is it to be supposed ed it to him righteousness. Gr. EXoytr0, that Abraham now first began to beaeir:t ELS tLKatocvviv it was reckoned, lieve savingly in God, for the Apostle accounted, imputed to him for right- assures us, Heb. 11. 8. 9, that it was by eousness. Nearly all the ancient ver- faith that he obeyed when called, long sions agree with the Sept. in rendering before this, to forsake his native counthe verb in the passive, which shows try, and sojourn in a strange land; that they understood it as construct- and so far as he then had true faith, he ed with an indefinite nominative, doubtless had justifying faith, or such equivalent to the passive, like Gen. 2. a faith as availed to constitute him a 20,' But for Adam there was notfound pious man and an heir of salvation. an help meet.' Heb. 42n bk one did In what sense, then, was his faith on not find. See Note on Gen. 16. 14. this occasion peculiarly counted to him This current of authorities, which is for righteousness? We answer, that it countenancedhby the Apostle's citing it was counted to him, as in its own naalso in the passive, strongly inclines ture it truly was, as a righteous, that us to regard this as the genuine sense is, an acceptable, an excellent, a praiseof the original, although the main scope worthy act. This we conceive to be, of the clause remains the same which- in this connection, the genuine import ever construction be adpted. The of 11i)2~ (Gr..mt.orvvr) translated Scriptural usage of the term Z7;V is righteousness, a term clearly used in a primarily to think, purpose, intend, parallel sense in D ut 24. 13,'In any imagine, devise, as evil or mischief to- case thou shalt deliver him the pledge wards any one. Gen. 50. 20. Ps. 35. again when the sun goeth down, that 4, 20.-41. 8.. Jer. 11. 19. 2 Sam. 14. 13. he may sleep in his own raiment and And secondly, to reckon, esteem, account; bless thee: and it shall be righteousto impute, to put to one's account, ness (Oin=) unto thee before the Lord whether favourably or the reverse. Thus thy God;' i. e. a good, a meritorious 2 Sam. 19. 20,'Let not my 1ord im- I deed, an act of piety. So in Gen. 18. 244 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 19,'And they shall keep the way of Scriptures. And accordingly Pbilo the the Lord, to do justice (~i;ip) and Jew, (deAbrahamo, p.386,ed.Frankf.) judgment;' i. e. to do good or corm- in speaking of Abraham says,'His mendabe' deeds. Is. 64. 5,'Thou praise has been recorded, being testified meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh by the oracles which Moses delivered, righteousness (-2);' i. e. that doeth by whom it is reported that he believed good. The interpretation of the term in God. And that this has been said in this sense is strikingly confirmed of him is a great thing, but it is a far by the parallel passage respecting the greater that it has been confirmed by good deed of Phinehas in slaying the acts.' But if such be the genuine purpolluted Israelite and the Midianitish port of the language as used by Moses, woman, Num. 25. 6, seq. and thus re- the question very naturally occurs, ferred to by the Psalmist, Ps. 106. 30, whether the passage as quoted by Paul 31,' Then stood up Phinehas, and exe- has the same meaning, or in other cuted judgment: and so the plague was words whether Palll is to be considered stayed. An-d that was counted unto as giving an infallible exposition of the him for righteousness ('i5 2Tr'I1.1 exact mind of the Spirit in the present -i7p-72. Gr. Ka eFoytrOrI aurct ls clKaSt- clause as it stands in the Mosaic ori. oaveny).' In this case, as in that of ginal. To this it may be replied, that Abraham, it is clear that it was a sin- in as far as the Apostle is to be considgle act on a special occasion that was ered as introducing this passage with so reputed to the doer. The conduct a view to illustrate the case of a sinof each was so remarkable, so noble, ner'sjustification on hisfirst believing in so commendable in the sight of God, Christ, the quotation cannot be deemed under the circumstances which gave in point, because this was not the first rse to it, as to gain the particular, the instance of Abraham's believing, nor marked approbation of Heaven, and to consequently of his being accounted cause it to be distinguishedby a corres- righteous, nor is there any evidence that ponding emphasis of honourable testi- his faith, on this occasion, had a spemony. This we conceive is what is cial respect to Christ as its grand object. meant by its being' counted' in both It was a faith exercised upon a peculiar cases' for righteousness.' The expres- promise, viz. the promise of an innusion does not merely indicate that it merable seed. But the circumstances was so esteemed in the divine mind, or under which it was exercised rendered it that God in his secret judgment ac- something so signal and illustrious, so counted of it as a pre-eminently wor- heroic and praiseworthy, that God was thy and acceptable deed, but that he so pleased to account it, and to have it ordered things that it should be remem- accounted, as a singularly righteous bered to their credit, that it should be act. But the Apostle's citation was in made matter qf public and lasting rec- another respect strictly pertinent. The ord, in a word, that it should stand as grand scope of his reasoning in the an honourable testimonial affixed to context is to show that according to their characters with all succeeding gen- the economy of grace a believing sinner erations. This is undoubtedly the true may be placed in a state of acceptance force of the expression as viewed in it- with God simply by believing without self and apart from any peculiar bear- the works, that is, the observances, of ings elsewhere given to it by the sacred the Jewish law. This is clear from the writers. It is the primary and unfor- case of Abraham. It is expressly reced sense which a native Jew would corded of him that righteousness was affix to the words in reading his own reckoned to him on the ground of his B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 245 8 And he said, Lord GOD, me an heifer of three years old, q whereby shall I know that I and a she-goat of three years old, shall inherit it? and a ram of three years old, 9 And he said unto him, Take and a turtle-dove, and a young q ch. 24. 13, 14. Judg. 6. 17, 37. 1 San. 14. 9, pigeon. 10. 2 Kings 20. 8. Luke 1. 18. faith, before he was circumcised, or in day the Lord made a covenant with other words, before he came under the Abraham, in reference to which the obligations of the ceremonial law. In symbolical transaction here related like manner, the same favour may be ex- was ordered.- Of this the memory kended to the gentile believer of every would naturally be preserved and cherage and country who reposes trust in ished among his descendants, as an inthe gospel message. The example of fallible token of the fulfilment of the Abraham is adduced, we conceive, great promise. Should we be, disposed merely by way of illustration, as af- to blame this inquiry, as savouring of fording an analogous, not an identical, vain curiosity or sinful distrust, let us case of strong and acceptable faith. It bear in mind that the very same act is not designed to intimate that pre- may be good or evil, according to the cisely the same object qf faith of which principle from which it proceeds. Had Paul is speaking, was before the mind the question arisen from unbelief, it of the patriarch on the occasion referred would have been decidedly sinful. It to, but the course of his argument is would have resembled the question substantially this; —As Abraham, in which Zacharias asked, Luke, 1. 18, the face of great discouragements and when the angel told him from God he impediments,'firmly believed God, and should have a child;' Whereby shall thereby is said to have had righteous- I know this? for I am an old man, and ness accounted to him, much mnore my life well stricken in years,' for the believing sinner who in spite of all which unbelieving question he was imthe obstacles in the way gives credence mediately struck dumb. If, on the to the gospel promise, is counted and other hand, it expressed a wish to be treated as righteous and gratuitously informed more clearly respecting the justified. divine purposes, or to receive those 8. Whereby shall 1 know, &c. ample testimonies which God himself Abraham's interrogation here is not to was willing to communicate, then it be construed as a mark of the tempo- was perfectly innocent, and consistent rary failure of his faith, nor as imply- with the strongest faith. It was for ing that he himself needed an extraor- the purpose of instruction only that dinary confirmation of the divine prom- the blessed virgin inquired of the angel, ise; but for the sake of his posterity, Luke, 1. 34, how she should have a who might be tempted, from the diffi- child, since she was a virgin. The -ulties to be encountered, to despair of question, in itself, did not materially realizing the truth of the prediction, he differ from that of Zacharias; but the desired some clear testimonial, which principle was different; and therefore should have the effect of ratifying to the one received a gracious answer, the their minds, like the seal of a covenant, other a severe rebuke. Many instanthe solemn engagement of the Most ces are recorded where God has been High. This request God was gra- graciously pleased to give signs to his ciously pleased to grant, as it is ex- people for the confirmation of their pressly said, v. 18, that in that same faith, when there was not any doub, 21'* 246 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913 upon their minds respecting either his sacrifice; a fact which very naturally faithfulness or power. When he ap- leads us to the inference that the transpeared to Gideon, Judg. 6. 14-21, and action here recorded had some symtold him that ne should deliver his bolical allusion to that system of worcountryfrom theyokeof Midian, Gideon ship. True it is, there is no express said,' If now I have found grace in thy mention in the present narrative of tile sight, then show me a sign that thou animals and fowls being actually sactalkest with me;' in answer to which, rificed, but from all the circumstances God caused fire to come out of the we can scarcely doubt that that was the rock, and consume the kid and cakes case.- IT An heifer of three years which Gideon had prepared for him; old. Heb. hZlwZ" literally a trebled and presently afterwards, Judg. 6. heifer. The Gr. however renders it 36-40, tie gave him another sign, ma- alalaXtv rptsrttovaav a three-yearling king the dew to fall alternately on the heifer, while the Chal. has:Rn5 fleece and on the ground, while the jniAa. a triple heifer or three heifers. other remained perfectly dry. In the The dominant idea of the original Heb. same way he gave to Hezekiah a choice is that of triplication, without specifyof signs, offering to make the shadows ing in what respect. But Bochart and on the sun-dial go backward or forward other commentators of high repute ten degrees, according as he should de- understand it in reference to time, i. e. sire, 2 Kings, 20. 8-11. From hence as denoting a heifer of three years old, it appears that the inquiries which pro- especially as the equivalent phrase Is. ceed from faith, are good and accept- 15. 5. cannot well be otherwise exable to God; and that Abraham's was plained;'His fugitives shall flee unto of this nature is manifest; because his Zoar, an heifer of three years old faith on this occasion was specially ( 5 htY).' It is true indeed commended by God himself. that under the law these animals were 9. Take me an heifer. Heb. hMjI generally offered when they were one'i take for me; i. e. take and offer year old, but these were no doubt reunto me. Chal.'Offer before me.' quired to be of the age of three years, The idiom is Hebraic, paralleled by because they were then full grown, in Gen. 48. 9,'And Joseph said unto his their most perfect state, and therefore father, They are my sons, whom God most suitable to be made use of on the hath given me in this place. And le present extraordinary occasion. To said, Bring them (mrjjD take them), I which we may add, that there might pray thee, unto me, and I will bless have been some mystical import, dethem.' Ex. 25. 2,'Speak unto the signed to be conveyed to Abraham by children of Israel, that they bring me, this circumstance of the transaction, of ( 3njDhq1 that take for me) an offer- which we are at present ignorant. ing.' So that which in Ps. 68. 18, is - I A young pigeon. Heb. BY:> read, Thou hast received (in DL thou gozal. This term is indeed occasionhast taken) gifts for men; is expound- ally applied to the young of other birds ed by the Apostle Eph. 4. 8.'Thou than those of the dove kind, but its hast given gifts unto men,' i e. taken leading import is that of ring-doves or and given. The creatures here mIlen- wood-pigeons. Accordingly the Gr. tioned viz. the young of beeves, sheep, has here reptarEpav a dove, and the and goats, with turtle-doves, and young Chal. ~n.n e,> bar yonah, young dove, pigeons were the only ones which were which accords moreover with the law afterwards appointed under the law for given Lev. 1. 14. B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 247 10 And he took unto him all against another: but s the birds these, and I divided them in the divided he not. midst, and laid each piece one 11 And when the fowls came r Jer. 34. 18. 19. s Lev. 1. 17. 10. And he took unto him all these, fowls, i. e. the ravenous birds of prey, and divided them in the midst, &c. as eagles, vultures, kites, &c. which This very solemn form of ratifying a feed upon dead bodies. As the slain covenant is again particularly mention- and divided animals represent the naed in Jer 24. 18. It consisted in cut- tion of Israel, so these birds of prey ting the throat of the victim, and pour- were doubtless emblematic of the Egyping out its blood. The carcass was tians and other enemies who should then divided, lengthwise, as nearly as fall upon, rob, and afflict them with the possible into two equal parts, which utmost rapacity and cruelty. Thus in being placed opposite to each other at a Ezek. 17. 3, 7, 12. the invading kings short distance, the covenanting parties' of Babylon and Egypt are compared approached at the opposite ends of the to eagles; in Ezek. 39. 4, 17. Rev. 19. passage thus formed, and meeting in 17, 18, various hostile powers, under the middle took the customary oath. the emblem of ravenous birds, are The practice was by no means pecu- summoned to feast upon the sacrifice liar to the Hebrews. Traces of it may of a devoted and slaughtered people. be found in the Greek and Roman wri-. The Jerus, Targ. interprets the passage ters, and in the accounts of travellers. in the same sense, understanding it of On the question of the time, scope, and the idolatrous monarchies which afobject of this transaction symbolically flicted Israel.-I- Abram drove thLem considered, we defer our remarks to away. Heb. twns acl pufed them v. 17. - T And laid each piece one away, i, e. by swelling his cheeks with against another. Heb. Taif'n1 r his breath and blowing at them. Ains1io9'1~~ rtR':'-h gave every one's worth renders it'huffed them away.' part or piece against his,fellow; i.e. The expression seems to be employed head against head, shoulder against with a view to denote the ease with shoulder, leg against leg, and so of the which, under a protecting providence,,other parts, with a considerable space the assaults of their enemies should betsecn, through which the covenant- be repulsed from the chosen people. ing parties were to pass, v. 17. XT Targ. Jon.'And idolatrous people deBut the birds dipided he not. The scended, who are likened to an unclean same thing was afterwards prescribed bird, in order to prey upon the riches of in the law, Lev. 1, 17,'He shrill cleave Israel; but the merit of Abraham proit (the bird) with the wings thereof, tected them.' Though Abraham is but shall not divide it asunder.' Fowls here represented as the instrument, yet were con.sidered rather as mere appen- the effect is to be ascribed primarily to dages to the sacrifice, and their blood the tutelar agency of Omnipotence. was nqt sprinkled upon the altar. Yet Thus Ex. 15, 10, of the Egyptians, in the present instance it is probable'Thou didst blow with thy wind, the that the birds, like the several parts of sea covered them; they sank as lead the animals, were laid whole evon in the mighty waters.' Thus too Ezek. against each other. 21. 31, of the Ammonites,'I will pour 11. And when the fowls camne doown. out mine indignation upon thee, I [Hleb. ~t- the fowl, collect. sing. for will blow against thee in the fire of 248 GENESIS. [B. C. 19t3 down upon the carcasses, Abram going down, t a deep sleep fell drove them away. upon Abram; and lo, an horror of 12 And when the sun was great darkness fell upon him. t Gen. 2. 21. Job. 4. 13. my wrath.' The following practical victims be not plundered nor polluted. suggestion, though doubtless very re- Thus employed he continues till the mote from the primitive drift of the going down of the sun, when his eyewords, and resting moreover on the lids begin to grow heavy, being pressed assumption that the present ceremony down by a supernatural impulse. And was a sacrifice, is yet drawn so nat- now we may expect that God will anuraldy from the incidents that we scru- swer him, as he had done before, by pie not to give it.'Interruptions, we vision. But very different, in the cirsee, attended the father of the faithfill in cumstances at least, is the revelation his most solemn approaches to God; now granted him from that which he and interruptions of a different kind had previously enjoyed. An horror attend believers in this. How often do of great darkness falls upon him, an intruding cares, like unclean birds, effict akin to that overpowering influseize upon that time and those affec- ence both upon the mind and the body tions which are devoted to God! Hap- which we elsewhere learn was no py is it for us, if by prayer and watch- unusual accompaniment of prophetic filiness, we can drive them away so as trances. Thus Dan. 10. 8,'1 was left to worship him without distraction!' alone, and saw this great vision, and Fuller. there remained no strength in me: for 12. And when the sun. was going my comeliness was turned into cordouan. Heb. Rl=Z to go in; i. e. ready ruption, and I retained no strength.' to set; the usual form of expression in Job, 3. 13, 14,'In thoughts from the the original.-IT A deep sleep fell upon visions of the night, when deep sleep Abraham. Heb. n1Rn'1 tardamah. falleth on man, fear came upon me, Gr. e.rtor-rLs, i. e. a supernatural trance and trembling which made all my or extacy. The Heb. term is the same bones to shake.' The visitations of with that employed respecting the deep the Almighty are always awful, even sleep into which Adam was cast Gen. those of love and mercy, and no doubt 2. 21, upon the creation of Eve. -S the preternatural gloom now made to An horror qf great darkness fell upon rest upon Abraham's spirit, was dehim. Taking the whole narrative to- signed in part to impress him with a gether it would seem that the day profound reverence of God, and to was entirely dedicated by Abraham to teach him that those that rejoice in him God. His first vision was before day- must still rejoice with trembling. But light, while the stars were yet to be it cannot be questioned that there was seen. In the morning he is ordered to yet a farther reach in the purpose of provide, slay, and arrange the appoint- this extraordinary illapse upon the paed victims, and in these preparations, triarch's mind. Every incident of the which must naturally have required transaction appears to have been fraught considerable time, it is probable the for- with emblematic meaning, and this ruer part of the day was spent till noon among the rest. The overwhelming or after. Having thus done what was darkness, and the accompanying menenjoined, he was still required to wait tal emotions, were a striking image of and watch; wait till God should con- profound distress and affliction, and descend to appear, and watch that the from what follows in the ensuing verse, B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 2 9 13 And he said unto Abram, is not theirs, and shall s.-v. Know of a surety u that thy seed them; and,w they shall afflict shall be a stranger in a land that them four hundred years; u Ex. 12. 40. Ps. 105. 23. Acts 7. s. w Ex. 1. 11. Ps. 105. 25. we ale left in no doubt that such was ed in compliance with his request in inneed their real purport. By signifi- v. 8.- ~ Shall be a stranger in. a cant symbols he designed to give him land that is not theirs. The primary a just conception of the manner in and principal reference here is to tile which the great end should be accom- land of Egypt, although from the lanplished, and to indicate that it would guage of Gen. 17. 8. Ps. 105. 9-12, it be against much opposition, through would seem that even the land of Camany troubles, and after long delays. naan itself, which though theirs by This calamitous scene of suffiring was promise, was not actually made over to be brought about mainly, though not to them as a possession and inheritance exclusively, by the oppressive power till some generations afterwards, was of Egypt. From this indeed they were also intended; and in the meantime was afterwards to be signally delivered and actually the scene of more or less perplanted in the land of promise; but secution to the patriarchs, as is clear the darkness must precede the light; from Gen. 21. 9.-26. 7, 14, 15 et inf. trial must pave the way for triumph. - Sr And shall serve them. Heb. Egypt indeed is not named, for proph- ftil d'. It is far from clear that our ecy requires to be delivered with some translation has given the right view of degree of obscurity, or it might tend to this clause. It is altogether more natdefeat its own design; but the grand ural to suppose the nominative here is fact of a series of unparalleled suffer- the people of the land in which they ings is clearly disclosed, while it is left were to be strangers, and that the proto time -to develope the various related noun' them' in both cases refers to the particulars. The Jerusalem Targum seed of Abraham. The word 5'17 gives the symbol a somewhat more ex- therefore we take for ta1 q:"[7 they tended scope than most commentators; shall serve themselves of them. The'And as the sun was near to setting, a Sept. has JouvXaoucrtv avrosv they shall profound slumber seized upon Abra- enslave them; the Vulg. subjicient eos ham, and behold four kingdoms stood servituti, shall subject them to bondage, up with a view to reduce his children and equivalently the Syr. Arab. and into a state of bondage.' These king- Targums; all confirming the sense doms, as we elsewhere learn, were the which we propose.-IT They shall Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Ro- afflict them four hundred years. It is man, of which great account is made, not entirely clear from what date this as persecuting powers, by the Jewish period is to be reckoned. Ainsworth, writers. with great probability, computes it from 13. Know of a surety, &c. Heb. the time of Ishmael's mocking Isaac,.tVi ri'1~ knowing know. This can be Gen. 21. 9. Gal. 4. 29, which occurred understood only as God's own inter- thirty years after the promise recorded pretation of the sign which he had Gen 12. 3. This promise was given vouchsafed to Abraham in the incidents 430 years before the giving of the law, above recorded. He here explains to Gal. 3. 17, and from Ex. 12. 41, it aphim the manner in which he is to un- pears that their deliverance from bond-,erstand the sign that was now grant- age was also 430 years after that prom 250 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 14 And also that nation whom fathers in peace; b thou shalt be they shall serve, x will I judge: buried in a good old age. and afterward y shall they come 16 But c in the fourth generaout with great substance. tion they shall come hither again: 15 And z thou shalt go -' to thy for the iniquity d of the Armorites e is not yet full. x Ex. 6. 6. Deut. 6. 22. y Ex. 12. 36. Ps. 105. 37. z Job 5. 26. a Acts 13. 36. b ch. 25. 8. c Ex. I2. 40. d 1 Kings 21. 26. o Dan. 8. 23. Mutltt. 23. 32. 1 Thess. 2. 16. ise. The chronology may be stated Ps. 105. 37,'He brought them forth thus: — with silver and g6ld.' The promise of Abraham enters Canaan and B. C. blessings to the church often comes in receives the Jronmise 1921 very close connection with the threatIsaac maockel by Ishnlael 1- - - - iss ening of judgments to its oppressors. israel dep~arts from Egypt - 49I Israel cdep)arts rmEgypt - - - - 1495 15. 7l7ou shalt go to thy.fathers in The difference between the first and peace. Shalt die a peaceful death. last of these dates is just 430 years. Of The consolation hitherto imparted to thi's period 215 years were passed in Abratam was of such a nature as to sojourining in Canaan, and215in Egypt. pertain in common to him and his seed; -It may here be remarlied that ac- but here the divine discourse is directed cording to the Hebrew accents, which to the patriarch in person for his own we believe to be as correct indices of individual comfort. It could not but the sense as the Hebrew vowel points, relieve the saddening influence of the the middle clause of this verse' and above declarations to be assured, that they shall serve them, and they shall his old age should be happy, and his afflict them,' is to be considered as par- end shouldbe peace. Though he might enthetical, and we should therefore read not be favoured in his life-time with it,'IKnow of a surety, that thy seed the actual possession of Canaan, his shall be a stranger in a land that is not promised inheritance, yet he should not theirs, four hundred years.' The actual be wanting in the grounds of solid hope period of their service and affliction and joy in view of his departure to the was much less. world of spirits. With such an assur14. T'hat nation whom they.shall anlce from such a source, he will be serve, will I judge. That is, will pun- content to forego the privilege of seeing ish by the infliction of such judgments all the promnises fulfilled. r 7Thou7t as their sins deserve. These are par- shalt be buried in a good old age. Heb. ticularly described Ex. ch. 7-11, and i-N it _ i? a good hoary-age. Ps. 78. 43 —51.-27. 36. It goes to 16. In the.fourth generation. they counterbalance the announcement of shall come hither again. Or Heb. -1'I grievous suffering to be assured that n i,'1D J: the fourth generathe eye of God is continually upon the tion shall return hither; but the prespersecutors, and that he will in due ent rendering'in the fourth,' may be time avenge the wrong done to his own admitted, and in that case the phrase glory in the affliction of his unoffending is probably to be understood as denopeople.- ffl Tlhey shall come out with ting the fourth age or century, equivagreat substance. Heb. n111 =>. lent to the 400 years in v. 13. It is that is, great riches, both of their own remtiarkable, however, that the lant of and of the Egyptians, whose'jewels of promise was actually entered upion and silver and gold, and garments,' they inherited by the fourth generation of carried away, Ex. 12. 35. 36. So also the Israelites who went down into 3. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 251 17 And it carne to pass, that nace, and a burning lamp that when the sun went down, and it f passed between those pieces. was dark, behold a smoking fur- f Jer.34.18, s. Egypt, as Caleb was the fourth from inct words promiscuously rendered Judah, and Moses the fourth from Levi w p,d. Judah, ans i Moses the fourth from Levi,'furnace,' in our common translation; and so doubtless of many others.- and from this cirumstance has ase..f For th. iniquity of isand from this circumstance has artsen ~ For the iniquity of the Arnorites - a confusion in the use of the term not yet.full. Heb. ~.RtX, b the Amorwhich can only be dispelled by a clear ite, collect. sing. Abraham was now.'ine collecting.aon Abraham was now exhibition of the respective meanings of indeed living among the Amorites, each One of these words-that occurwhich made it natuiral that that people ringh ere-is -3 shr tannoor, which propshould be specified rather than any oth- erly signifies that kind of cylindrical er; but the term properly includes all and portable oven, used by the o)rienthe other nations of Canaan whose ini*quities had marked them out for de- tals for baking and other culinary purposes. This is an earthen vessel about struction. The whole of these nations three feet high, smeared outside and are seldom enumerated together; one or more usually standing tfor all. In- inside with clay, and placed ipon a frame orsupport. Fire is made within stead of'is not yet full,' a more correctre it and when the sides are sufficiently version is probably,'is not till then version is probably,'is not till then ated, thin layers of dough are spread full.' It is evident from this that there v on the inside, and the top covered, Is a certain measure of wickedness be- on the inside, and the top cover, yond. which Gdwhen the process of baking is very yond which God will not spare a guilty quickly completed. This word occurs quickly completed. This word occurs people. See Note on Gen. 6. 3. fifteen times in the Hebrew Bible, and 17. Behold a smnoking f:urnace, and in every instance refers to this kind of a burning lamp that passed between t piee. Heb.'tz. 5 lit,.a oven, and is indeed rendered'oven' in hose pieces. Heb. s 7in o it. an our translation in all of them except oven of smoke, or smoking oven. Our Xoven smoke, orsmokingove the present and three other passages, language does not perhaps afford a viz. Neh. 3. 11.-12. 38. Is. 1. 9. The more intrinsically suitable word by other term is kor, of which other term is a1n kor, of which'fitrwhich to render the original ~1.R tanwhich to render the original ni= tan- nace' is the legitimate signification, i. e. noor than'furnace;' and yet it is certain that a degree of ambiguity attaches a place for melting, assaying, and reto it in this connection which has led fining metals. Thus Ezek. 22. 18 —22, to a very general misapprehension of q t)= tea: -'11 is a placefor refining the real scope of this part of the vision. silver, and:1~t'Vi Prov. 17. 3, is a The phrase here employed has been al- place for refining gold. In like manmost universally considered as parallel ner the ~5~''I:1 iron furnace, mento the expression Dent. 4. 20,' The tioned in Deut. 4. 20, and from which Lord hath taken you and brought you the Israelites are said to have been out of the iron.feurnace, even out of brought out, is properly a furnace Egypt' (comnp. Jer. 11. 4), and the drift for melting iron. It is this latter of the symbol has been understood word which is employed wherever a to be nothing more nor less than to people are said metaphorically to be point to that well-known scene of the cast into a furnace as Ezek. 22. 18-22, afflictions of Israel, while the'burning or delivered out of one, as Deut. 4. 20. lamp' has been regarded as an emblem 1 Kings, 8. 51. Jer. 11. 4. It occurs of their joyful deliverance thence. But nine times, and is uniformly rendered the fact is, the Hebrew has two dis-'furnace.' From this view of the usage 2b2 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. of the two words in the original it is yea for the king is it prepared; he hath clear that they are not literally applied made it deep and large: the pile thereof to designate the same things, nor is is fire and much wood; the wrath of the present phrase'smoking furnace' the Lord, like a stream of brimstone intended to convey precisely the same doth kindle it.' Again, Is. 33. 10 —14, idea with the phrase'furnace of iron' when his own degenerate people are in Deuteronomy. The latter undoubt- more particularly the subject of the edly refers to Egypt as a scene of afflic- threatening,'Now will I rise, saith the tion and bondage; but that the former Lord; now will I be exalted; now will has any such allusion is not to be gath- I lift up myself. Ye shall conceive ered from the import of the term itself, chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your nor is it in fact consistent with the de- breath as fire, shall devour you. And corum of the imagery. The smoking the people shall be as the burnings of furnace is describedas passing between lime: as thorns cut up shall they be the parts of the slaughtered animals; burned in the fire:-The sinners in Zion but this was an action appropriate to are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised one of the covenanting parties, and to the hypocrites. Who among us shall him alone, or to his representative sym- dwell with the devouring fire? who bol: and with what propriety such an among us shall dwell with everlasting act could be attributed to the symbol burnings' In the great scarcity of of persecuting Egypt, which was no wood for fuel throughout the East, the party in the transaction, we are utterly tannoor or oven is usually heated with at a lost to conceive. Yet that the ob- stubble or chaff, and the rebellious Isject seen in the vision had a mystical raelites are here represented as alarmimport of some kind is beyond ques- ed at the idea of being cast into the tion, and this we know no other mode oven of divine wrath which their own of determining than by comparing the sins have furnished the fuel, the chaff figurative use of the term in other pla- and the stubble, for heating. John ces. But here our resources are scan- the Baptist utters a clearly parallel inty, for there are not more than two or timation, Matt. 3. 12,'He will thorthree passages in which any thing be- oughly purge his floor, and gather his yond the literal sense of the term, can wheat into his garner: but he will burn be detected. Of these the principal are up the chaff with unquenchable fire.' the following; Is. 31. 9,' And he (the The'unquenchablefire' in this passage Assyrian) shall pass over to his strong answers plainly to the'everlasting hold for fear, and his princes shall be burnings' in that of the Old Testament afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord, prophet, and has moreover a direct refwhose fire is in Zion and his furnace erence to the words of Malachi, ch. 4. 1, (m'in~ tannoor) in Jerusalem.' As this where the coming of John the Baptist is a denunciation of wrath to the ene- is announced as the forerunner of the mies of Israel, the natural purport of great Messengerofthe Covenant;' For the passage seems to be, that as the behold the day cometh that shall burn divine presence dwelt in Jerusalem, this as an oven (r~n. tannoor); and all the was the seat and source from whence proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, the judgments of Jehovah should issue shall be stubble: and the day that against his adversaries. With this it cometh shall burn them up, saith the may be well to compare the following Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them equivalent passages, ls. 30. 33, speak- neither root nor branch.' So also Ps. ing of the same hostile power, the As- 21. 8, 9,' Thine hand shall find out all syrians,'For Tophet is ordainedf old; thine enemies, thy right hand shall B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XV. 253 find out those that hate thee. Thou the covenant and avenging God of his shalt make themr as a Jiery ovent (r:h I seed, and that henow appeared in this tannoor) in the time of thine anger: the I symbol in order to convey to him a preLord shall swallow thetm up in the time i intimation of the peculiar manner in of his wrath, and the fire shall devour which his indwelling in the midst of his them.' From all this we cannot avoid posterity should be manifested. The the conclusion that the'smoking oven''burning lamp' is probably to be conis a designed symbol of the divine pres- sidered merely as an equivalent symbol, ence viewed more especially in its vin- introduced in order more vividly to dedictive aspect; and in the passage -be- pict to the mind's eyeof thepatriarch the fore us, instead of regarding it as point- character of that visible manifestation ing to the afflictions endured by Abra- by which the divine glory and majesty ham's seed in Egypt, we rather look was to be displayed under the economy upon it as mystically shadowing forth afterwards to be established among the divine judgnments visited upon the chosen people. This is confirmed Egypt. As far as it has relation to that by a reference to the solemn rites witpersecuting power, it represents it rath- nessed at Sinai, where among other cirer as the subject than the agent of suf- cumstances of the sublime and awfill fering. Nothing is morecommon with scene it is said Ex. 20, 18, that'all the the sacred writers than to represent the people saw the thunderings, and the Deity in his avengingdispensationsun- lightnings (Heb. ~'~ lappidim, der the emblem of a consuming fire, lamps), and the noise of the trumpet, and in this connection it will be proper and the mountain smoking.' The to bear in mind that in Sinai he appear- mention of' lamps' in connection with ed in mingled fire and smoke, in cir- the divine appearances is by no means cumstances of grandeur and terror, of infrequent, as may be seen by turning which the object seen in the vision of to Ezek. 1. 13. Dan. 10. 6. Rev. 1. 14. the patriarch was perhaps but a min- It has indeed been usual with commeniature adumbration; Ex. 19. 18,'And tators, especially on the ground of Is. mount Sinai was altogether in a smoke, 62. 1, to consider the'burning lamp' because the Lord descended upon it in in this place as an emblem of deliver-. fire: and the smoke thereof ascended ance, bill as it is represented as passing as the smoke qf a furnace.' So also between the parts of the victim, which when he manifested his wrath at the was the act of a covenanter, this sense destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, seems to be somewhat remote from the it is said ch. 19. 28, that Abraham in main scope of the vision, and therefore looking toward the burning cities'be- improbable. On the whole, we conheld, and lo, the smoke of the country ceive the grand drift of this symbolical went up as the smoke qf a furnace.' transaction to be, to disclose to AbraAdd to this, that the standing symbol ham the leading fortunes of his seed of Jehovah's presence in the wilder- through a long lapse of ages not only ness was the pillar of cloud (or smoke) their bondage and afflictions in Egypt, by day and of fire by night, and that but their subsequent establishment in on several occasions the temple is said the land of Canaan, the scene of the to have been filled with the smoke of vision, as a nation of sacrificers, among his glory, 1 Kin-gs, 8. 10, 11. Is. 6. 4. whom the distinguishing symbols of Rev. 15. 8, and we can scarcely fail to the divine presence were to be fixed as perceive that the object here exhibited their glory and their defence. Thus to Abraham was a designed and appro- viewed the incidents here recorded aspriate symbol of the Most High, as sume a significancy and an interest of 22 2i54 GENESIS. [B, C. 1913. IS In that samne day the LORD given this land, from the river of g made a covenant with Abram, Egypt unto the great river, the saying, h Unto thy seed have 1 river Euphrates: g ch. 24. 7. h ch. 12. 7. & 13. 15. & 92. 4. Ex. 19 The Kenites, and the Ken23. 31. Numb. 34. 3. Deut. 1. 7. 11. 24. izzites and the Kadmonites, 34.4. Josh. 1.4. 1 Kings, 42. 2Chron. 9. 26. Neh. 9. 8. Ps. 105. 11. Isai. 27.12. which they are effectually deprived by At the same time, it is probably to be the common more limited application understood, though not expressly afof them. firmed, that Abraham became so far a 18. in the same day the Lord made a party to the covenant as to promise covenant with Abram, saying, &c. Heb. under the most solemn sanctions a n Z' n)= cut a covenant; in allu- general course of obedience to all the sion to the ceremonies above described. divine requiremcnts. —~ Unto thy seed From what follows it would seem that have I given. Gr. dlwao I will give, these words contain more than a mere on which the Jewish doctors very perexposition of the drift of the preceding tinently remark,'He saith not'I will rites. Those rites indeed had refer- give,' but'I have given;' and yet Abraence to a covenant; they were design- ham had now begotten no children. edly subservient to one; yet of the ver- But because the word of the holy blesbal stipulations of that covenant noth- sed God is a deed, therefore he thus ing thus far has been said. That part speaketh.'- 1~ FProm the river of of the transaction is now related. It Egypt. Heb..tlh'.iitZ. Cornis spoken of apart from the foregoing, mentators are in great doubt as to the probably because it took place subse- identity of this river. At first view it quent to the incidents there mentioned. would unquestionably seem that the The action of the furnace and lamp in Nile is intended, as that river is clearly passing between the pieces was per- in several places indicated by this formed as it were in pantomime or phrase. But as it does not appear that dumb show, while Abraham was en- the jurisdiction of the Israelites ever tranced in a vision. But the actual en- actually extended to the Nile, Wells, gagenlent into which God was pleased Clark, and others incline to the opinion to come with his servant was of too that it denotes an inconsiderable river much moment, of too high an import, or brook falling into the Mediterranean to be made with him In any other than at a small distance south of Gaza. a waking state. Abraham accordingly This is supposed to be the same stream is released from his state of vision, and which is called by Joshua, ch. 15. 47, God thus proceeds to bind himself by the'Sihor,' corresponding to the supcovenant to make over, as by a sol- posed situation of which Dr. Richardemn deed of gift, the whole land in son crossed the dry bed of a river, which he then was, the boundaries and thirty yards wide, called the'Wadi the present occupants of which are Gaza.' But we still think the former specified with great accuracy and mi- is the true interpretation. For (1.) a nuteness. Though calleda' covenant,' brook or small stream is never called yet it was mainly a stipulation on the in Hebrew, as here, -~: nahar, but part of God only; for which reason it 5n~ nahhal. (2.) In Josh. 13. 3, the probably was, that in the previous destined boundary of the land of Israel vision his symbol only passed between on the south is said indeed to be the the parts of the animals, while nothing Sihor, which is before Egypt, but in Is. of this kind is affirmed of Abraham. 23. 3. and Jer. 2. 18. mention is made B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER XVI. 255 20 And the Hittites, and the I CHAPTER XVI. Perizzites, and the Rephairns, NAOW Sarai, Abram's wife, 21 And the AmuriLes, and the bare him no children: and Canaanites, and the Girgashites, I she had an handmaid, ban Egypand the Jebusites. tian, whose name twas c Hagar. a ch. 15. 2, 3. b ch. 21. 9. c Gal. 4. 24. of the same stream under the denomi- in their situation aud history. Out of nation of n'Wi yeor, river, which is the ten here mentioned only seven were the appropriated naime of the Nile, asis actually subjugated, Deut. 7. 1. It is known to every reader of the Hebrew hlence, with great probability inferred Scriptures, it being but in a single in- that the redundant three had, by the stance (Dan. 12. 5-7) applied to anoth- time of the actual conquest, become er stream. Indeed Wilkinson reniarks either extinct or blended with other that.'" yeor, river, is merely the He- tribes, or had changed their names. brew form of the Egyptian word JARO river, applied to the Nile. (Dom. Man. CHAPTER XVI. of Anc. Egypt. vol. I. p. 12, note.) It 1. Sarai, Abratm's wife, bare him no is no valid objection to this that the Is- children. Abraham had now dwelt ten raelites never extended their borders years in the land of Canaan, and not quite to the banks of the Nile; for (3.) withstanding his advanced age appears It is doubtless the object of the divine to have discovered no impatience for speaker merely to designate in a loose lthe fulfilment of the promise. It was and general way the two great rivers now put beyond a doubt that he should as the extrenle limits within which the become a father; but it had not yet been territory of the Israelites was to be in- explicitly declared that Sarah should cluded, though it might fall somewhat become a nmother. We may suppose short of these limits on either side. In therefore that her feelings as a wife like manner in Is. 27. 12 and Jer. 2. 1S, gave force to her concern about her the Euphrates and the Nile are un- husband's glory and happiness, and doubtedly opposed to each other as the prompted the weak and carnal expediextreme boundaries of the possessions ent which is here described, and to of the Hebrews. Moreover (4) in the which Abraham himself undoubtedly time of David and Solomon all, or lent tooready anear. Seeingathertime nearly all, the kings between these riv- of life but little hope of seed in the ordiers were tributaries of the Israelitish nary way, she seems deliberately to have kings. 2 Chron. 9. 26. 2 Sam. 8. 3. concluded, that if the promise were to From the combined weight of the above be fulfilled it must be in the person of reasons we feel little hesitation in as- another. Accordingly, as unbelief is signing the Nile as the stream here in- very prolific of schemes, she here protended by the'river of Egypt.' As to poses a measure evidently fraught with the fulfilment of the promise respect- the most pernicious consequences. It ing the actual occupancy of this ex- implied a culpable distrust of God who tended region, see Note on Josh. 1. 4. had promised, and went to introduce a 19 —21. Kenites-Kenizzites —Kad- foreign, perhaps an idolatrous mother monites, &c. So little is known of into the family of Abraham. It was most of these nations or clans, that it a most unwise and inconsiderate tamwill be sufficient to refer to the maps pering with her husband's affections, and Marg. Ref. for all that is important and it laid a foundation of probable. if 256 GENESIS. [B. C. 1913. 2 dAnd Sarai said unto Alb ama thee go in unto my maid; it Behold now, the LO~RD e hath re- may be that I may obtain chilstrained me from bearing: 1 pray dren by her. And Abram g hearkened to the voice of Sarai. d ch. 30. 3. e ch. 29. 18. & 30. 2. 1 S1an.. 5, 6. ch 0.33,9. gch.3.17. not of certain domestic jealousies and in the same relation to Sarah, that Eliquarrels. In a word, it was a direct ezer did to Abraham. Thus likewise doing of evil in the vain expectation Rachel and Leah, the daughters of Lathat good might come. But let us con- ban, had their respective handmaids, sider the particulars. —' She had an or female head-servants, Gen. 30. 3. handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name In such cases the relation between the owas Hatgar. A bond-woman, a female mistress and her servant was so intimslave, in opposition to a fiee woman, ate, that the children of the latter by Jer. 34. 10, 11. Gal. 4. 22, who accord- the master were reckoned as those of ing to the usages of those times might the mistress, as appears not only from be disposed of by her mistress Sarah the present instance, but also in the as she chose, v. 6. She probably cale parallel case of Rachel, Gen. 30. 3, 6, 8. into Abraham's fiamily during his so- So afterwards tinder the law, the chiljourn in Egypt, and may have been one dren of the bond-servant were accountof the'maid-servants' presented by ed the children of the master, Ex. 21. 4. Pharaoh to the patriarch, Gen. 12. 20. 2. Behold now, the Lord hath reHer namle'Hagar' flight, or a fitgi- strained me from bearing. The active, we think with Mchaelis was not knowledgment conveyedin these words bestowed byherparents —for whyshould is almost the only redeeming feature of an Egyptian child be called by a He- Sarah's conduct on this occasion. She }.rew name''-but was one that accrued owns God's providence in her childless to her in process of time froim the lead- condition, Ps. 127. 3, and yet well nigh trig event in her history here recorded. destroys the virtue of this confession Multitudes of similar instances, as we by making the fact a plea for contriving have before remarlked, occur in the sa.- some other means for the fulfilment of cred narrative. Her descendants were the promise!'What a lively pattern called' Hagarites' or' Hagarenes,' do I see in Abraham and Sarah, of a 1 Chron. 5. 10, rendered by the Gr. strong faith and weak; of strong in trartoIovo strangers. From her, by Abraham, and weak in Sarah! She, Ishmael, the Saracens and Arabs were to imake God good of his word to descended, and the word' Hegira' ap- Abraham, knowing her own barrenplied to the flight of Mohammed from ness, substitutes a Hagar; and, in an Mecca to Medina, comes fronl the ambition of seed, persuades to polysame root, as does also'Mohagerin' gamy. Abraham had never looked to or' Mohajerin,' fellow-flyers, the name obtain the promise by any other than given by the false prophet to the com- a barren womb, if his own wife had panions qf his flight. She is said to not importuned him to take another. have been handmaid or servant to Sa- When our own apparent means fail, rah, and not to Abraham, from its being weak faith is put to the shifts, and procustomary in those patriarchal tines, jects strange devices of her own, to atfor the male and female departments tain her end: she will rather conceive of a family to be kept in a great meas- by another womb, than be childless: ure distinct; and Hagar probsably stood when she hears of an impossibility to B. C. 1913.] CHAPTER. XVI. 257 3 And Sorai, Abram's wife, years in the land of Canaan, and took Hagar her maid the Egyp- gave her to her husband Abram tian, after Abram 1 had dwelt ten to be his wife. h ch. 12. 5. nature, she doubteth, and yet hides her that their houses shall continue for d&ffidence; and, when she must be- ever; i. e. that their stock or race shall lieve, feareth, because she did distrust. be interminably perpetuated. Ps. 113. Abraham hears and believes, and ex- 9,'He maketh the barren woman to pects and rejoices; he saith not, I am keep house;" i. e. as the ensuing exold and weak; Sarah is old and bar- egetical clause explains it,'to be a ren; where are the many nations that joyful mother of children.' ~[ And shall come forth from these withered Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. loins? It is enough to hinm that God That is, obeyed; a very common sense hath said it: he sees not the means, he of the word. Thus Prov. 1. 33,' Whosees the promise: he knew that God so hearkeneth unto me shalldwell safewould rather raise him up seed from ly;' i. e. whoso obeyeth me. Ps. 81. the very stones that he trod on, than 13,'O that my people had hearkened himself should want a large and hap- unto me;' i. e. had obeyed my prepy issue.' Bp. Hall. — T I pray thee cepts. Rev. 1. 3,'Blessed is he that go in unto my maid. That is, marry readeth, and they that hear the words her, as is clear from the ensuing verse, of this prophecy;' i. e. they that give on which see note.-~ I may obtain obedient heed to what is written. The children by h er. Heb.,i:i? mNay be period of Abraham's previous sojourning builded by her. The ideal connection in Canaan is stated in the next verse betwveen the rearing of offspring and with a view, perhaps, of displaying'buildinr' is very close in the original still more impressively his infirmity on'~3~~~ ~ this occasion. He who had for ten Scriptures. The XRb. 1:2 ben, a son, long years sojourned as a stranger and is a derivative from,; banah to is a derivative ban, o a pilgrim in the land of promise, and build, and 1[q eben, a stone, of which that wholly from a principle of faith, houses are built, probably comes from he, alas! is at length so far overcome the same root. The following passa- as to yield to the carnal expedient proges, aniong others, will exhibit the posed by his wife.'The father of Scriptural usagein this respect. Deut. mankind sinned by hearkening to his 25. 9,'So shall it be done unto that wife, and now the father of the faithman that will not buildup his brother's ful follows his example. How neceshouse;' i. e. who will not raise up seed sary for those who stand in the nearto his brother. Ruth 4. 11,'The Lord est relations, to take heed of being make the woman like Rachel and like snares, instead of helps, to one anLeah, which two did build the house of other!' Fuller. Abr. ham was now Israel;' i. e. were the founders of the 85 and Sarah 75 years of age. nation of Israel. Ex. 1. 21,'And it 3. Gave her to her husband Abram came to pass, because the midwives to be his wife. That is, a secondary feared God, that he made them houses;' wife, or one of an inferior grade. i. e. he gave them children, an extend- Such wives, though contrary to the ed posterity. Ps. 68. 6,'God setteth primevalinstitution of marriage, were the solitary i.n fasthlies;' Heb.'in customary in the patriarchal and subhouses;' i. e. makes them progenitors. sequent ages, and are generally in the Ps. 49. 11,'Their inward thought is scriptures called'concubines.''The 9c)~C 258 GENESIS. [B. C. 1911 4'[ And he went in unto Ha- My wrong be upon thee: I have gar, and she conceived: anid given my maid into thy bosom: when she saw that she had con- and when she saw that she had ceived, her mistress was i de- conceived, I was despised in hew spised in her eyes. eyes: k the LORD judge between 5 And Sarai said unto Abram, me and thee. i 2 Sam. 6. 16. Prey. 30. 21, 23. k ch. 31. 53. 1 San. 24. 12. Hebrew word pilgash, here translated her posterity, and as a natural resul'wife,' is frequently in other places ren- her mistress is despised in her eyes, dered' concubine.' It describes a wife thus showing herself to be one of the of a second and inferior class. Stich wo- three things by which the earth is dismen were considered real wives, inas- quieted, Prov. 30. 23, viz.'an handmuch as the connection was legal and maid that is heir to her mistress.' customary; but the absence of certain 5. And Sarai said unto Abram, My solemnities and contracts of dowry wrong be upon thee, &c. Heb. n}hr marked thecondition asinferior, though V my wrong is (lieth) upon thee; notin itself degrading. The children did i. e. thou art to blame in suffering her not inherit the property of the father; insolence; the duty of redressing the who usually provided for them in his wrong which I sustain rests with thee; own life-time, if he had sons by the prin- or she may mean to say, My injury is cipal wife or wives to claim the inher- thine also. Those who are the first to itance. We thus find Abraham pro- give evil counsel are often the first to viding for the sons of his concubines stuffer by it. This was strikingly exHagar and Keturah. Things are still emplified in the case of Sarah. Being much the same in the East, where sil- now made to reap according to that ilar practices are legalized by the Mo- she had sown, she begins, when it is harmmedan law. That law allows a too late, to repent of her rashness. man four wives of the first class, and But instead of condemning her own does not restrict him as to slaves. But condulct, and confessing that her folly the condition of a slave is not altered had recoiled upon herself, she turns as such by the manner in which she the edge of her resentment against her lives in the famlily of her master. The husband. Had the good man formed sweeper of his house and the partner a deliberate design of injuring and inof his bed are alike liable to be sold sulting her, she could not have emagain if they have been purchased; ployed harsher language. Indeed her but delicacy prevents this right from conduct throughout was that of a peevbeing often exercised. (See Malcolm's ish, unreasonable, and disappointed'History of Persia.') So we see that woman; and its weakness and wickedHagar remained a'bondwoman' after ness are aggravated by her appealing she had become the mother of Ishmael, to God in a case where she was clearly and Sarai is still called her mistress.' and consciously in the wrong. As if Pict. Bible. she had taken it for granted that her 4. When she saw that she had con- husband would not hear her, she exceived, &c. The consequence was claims,'The Lord judge between me what might have been anticipated. The and thee!' Such hasty and passionate young woman, elated with the honour appeals to heaven, instead of indicadone her, becomes vain and insolent. ting a good cause, are commonly the She views Abraham's vast possessions, marks of a bad one A truly serious and vaster prospects, as entailed upon spirit will pause before interposing the B. C. 1911.1 CHAPTER XVI. 259 6 1 But Abram said unto Sarai,! hardly with her, "she fled from n' Behold, thy maid is in thine her face. hand; do to her as it pleaseth 7 NT And the angel of the LORD thee. And when Sarai dealt found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, o by the fountI Prov. 16. 1. I Pet. 3. 7. m. Job. 2. 6. Ps. at in the way to X Shur. 106. 41, 42. Jer. 38. 5. ain in the way to P Shur. n Exod. 2. 15. 0 ch. 25. 18. p Exod. 15. 22.;name of God on any occasion, and strikingly do they show into what diswill shudder at the thought of employ- order and turmoil one ill-advised measing it on a false or frivolous one.'I ure may plunge a happy well-regulated will sooner believe a plain unprofessing family. Abraham's ill-judged compliman, in his simple words, than ten ance with the rash counsel of his wife thousand common swearers, under the has created an unpleasant state of feelsanction of as many oaths.' Hunter. ing between him and her; it constrains 6. Behold, thy maid is in thine hand; him to connive at her cruel treatment do to her as it pleaseth thee. Heb. of an unhappy woman, who is at least. M that which is good in as much to be pitied as blamed; and thine eyes. Abraham on this vexingo renders the prospect of the promised occasion is meek and gentle. He had seed a heavy affliction instead of a learned that a soft answer turneth blessing. Sarah is betrayed by the away wrath, and therefore refrained eagerness of her spirit first into a culfrom upbraiding his wife, as he might pable expedient; then into unkindness easily and reasonably have done; pre- and undutifulness towards her lord; Ferring domestic peace to the vindica- then into irreverence and impiety todion of himself and the placing the wards God; and finally, by an easy blame where it ought to have laid. It transition, into barbarity towards the is doubtfill, however, whether he did hapless handmaid whom iher own not yield too much- in this case; for scheme had brought into a condition though according to the custom of that claimed her utnlost compassion those times Hagar was mainly under and lkindness. In what deep and acthe control of Sarah, yet being his cumulated woe, then, mnay one inconlawful wife, she was entitled to pro. siderate step involve the heedless! tection, and should not have been given And if good and well-intentioned people up to the will of one who manifested, suffer thus severely from one act of imon this occasion, nothing but jealousy, prudence, who but must tremble to passion, and caprice. But he see to think of the fearful consequences of have been brought into a situatlion deliberate wickedness! Athousand volwhere he was at a loss what to do; uines written against polygamy would and thus, as Sarah is punished for not lead to a clearer fuller conviction of tempting him, so he also is punished the evils of that practice, than the story with a disordered house for having under review. ~yi~elded to thme temptations.-~s Sa-rai 7. Tphe angel of the Lord found her, dealt hardly with her. Heb. Il Sr &c. We here see how seasonably and afivicted her; probably by some kind suitably God interposes to rectify the of personal maltreatment, as the ex- disorders occasioned by the infirmities pression in the original is too strong of his servants. When we have weanot to imply something more than ried ourselves with our own devices, nlere verbal reproaches. The more and snared ourselves in the works of the incidents are considered, the more our own hands, Providence often takes '60 GENESIS. [B. C. 1911. 8 Atnd he said, ITagar. Slrai's' said, I rce from the face of my maid, whence earnest licu? and mistress Sarai. whither wilt thou go' Anti she up the case, subdues it to his own wise men. Rev. 22. 8,'And when I had and gracious purposes, and turns evil heard and seen, I fell down to worship into good. Hagar flies from the face before the feet of the angel which of -her unkind mistress, but happily for showed me those things. Then said her she cannot flee from God. The in- he unto me; See thou do it not; for I torest which Abraham now has in her am thy fellow-servant, and of thy gives her an interest in thepeculiar care brethren! the prophets, and of them and protection of the Almighty-and which keep the sayings of this book.' how kindly this is manifested the se- Again, Rev. 21. 17,'And he measured quel will disclose. An'angel' is here' the wall thereof according to the measmentioned for the first time. The word ure of a man, that is, of the angel,' or itself is properly a name of obce, and rather,' of an angel,' as the article does not of nature; signifying messenger or not occur in the original. In some legate, one sent or employed upon any cases the word is evidently a designabusiness whatever, whether human or iion of Christ, who is'the angel of the divine. Thle'angels' mentioned in the covenant,' Mal. 3. 1; the'angel of sacred volume were sometimes men, God's presence,' Is. 63. 9; and'the as Haggai, Hag. 1. 13, is called' the angel in whom the name of the Lord Lord's messenger,' Heb.'angel of the is,' Ex. 23. 20. As the angel here menLord;' as is also John.the Baptist, tioned is called by Hagar'Lord' (Heb. Mal. 31. Ma'. 11. 10. The appellation Jehovah), v. 13, and as he addresses is given generally to the ministering her in a style befitting only the Most servants of God, to prophets and holy High, v. 10, promising to perform what men acting under divine direction, or God alone could do, and foretelling what in the service of religion. It is also God alone could know, the inference extended in several instances to prov- would seem to be inevitable, that it was idential dispensations or to the imper- no other than a divine personage who is sonal agents of the divine will, as here presented to our view.-~r In the plagues, pestilences, famines, &c. A waytoShur.'It appears that the term remarkable and prominent usage of the' wilderness,' or' desert of Shur,' here term is to designate him who is here and elsewhere denotes the sandy tract and elsewhere denominated the' angel to the west of Stony Arabia, extending of Jehovah,' a title which is evidently 150 road ipiles between Palestine and appropriated to an uncreated being. Egypt, and having the Mediterranean More frequently, however, the term is on the north, and the peninsula of applied to a superior order of beings, Sinai on the south. The common carof whom our Saviour says,'They avan road between Palestine and Egypt are all ministering spirits, sent forth still lies through the heart of this desto minister for them who shall be ert. It is evident that it was Hagar's heirs of salvation.' From the silence intention to return to her own country.' of the Scriptures respecting the crea- Pict. Bible. tion of these spiritual intelligences, and 8. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's from the remarkable language of the maid, whence comest thou,, &c. That followving passages, some have inferred she should thus hear her name familiarthat tile whole angelic order was in ly called, and her occupation specified, fact composed of the spilits of glorified by an entlre stranger, would naturally B.C0. 1911.] CHAPTER XVI. 261 9 And the angel Ol tile LORD 10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Reitun to thy mis- said unto her, r I will multiply tress, and q submit thyself under thy seed exceedingly, that it shall her hands. not be numbered for multitude. q Tit. 2. 9.. ret. 2. 18. r ch. 17. 20. & 21. 18. & 25. 12. excite her wonder, and beget the im- in despising her mistress, and by her pression that it was more than a hu- exposure in endangering the fruit of her man being who addressed her. Of womb, and now she must be humbled.his she certainly became entirely con- for it. Hard as this might appear, it vinced in the course of the interview. was the counsel of wisdom and merIn calling her Sarai's maid instead of cy. A connection with the people of Abrwam's wife, he seems to have aimed God, with all their faults, is preferable tacitly at lowering the self-complacen- to the best of this world, where God cy which had procured her troubles, is unknown. If we have done wrong, and to lead her mind back to that whatever temptations or provocations humble character which she had for- we have met with, the only way to merly sustained. The questions put to peace and happiness is to retrace our her were close. but tender, and such footsteps, in repentance and submisas were fitly addressed to a person sion. As to the fact of her return, the fleeing from trouble. The first might history leaves us to draw our own conbe'answered, and was answered; but clusions. We may safely suppose that with respect to the last she is silent. all parties were by this time brought'We know our present grievances, and sufficiently to themselves to aflbrd her so can tell'whence we came,' much ample encouragement to return. The better than our future lot, or' whither solitude and dangers of the wilderness, we go.' In many cases, if the truth and the apparition of the angel, awful, were spoken, the answer would be, though in mercy, would of course from bad to worse.' Fuller. greatly have diminished in Hagar's 9. Return to thy mistress -and sub- mind the resentment occasioned by mit thyself under her hands. Heb. her mistress's treatment. With Sarah,'3PhI afflict thyself or su.ffcr thyself on the other hand, the sudden disapto be dafficted; the same which occurs pearing of her maid; the loss of her v. 6, and is thus rendered'dealt hardly services; the just apprehension of the with.' The idea of something like evil which might have befallen a despenance is undoubtedly implied. It is perate woman in her delicate situation' the term usually applied to the act of regret for her cruel behaviour; together self-abasement by which a penitent with the soothing effbect of' time and sinner humbles himself with prayer, serious reflection, would no doubt tend and fasting, and confessions of guilt to moderate and mollify her spirit, and before his Maker. The Gr. renders it dispose her to welcome back the reby riaxc-vwrOir be thou humbled, and in turning fugitive. While Abraham, alallusion to this expression, the Apostle ways wise, gentle, and good, would says, 1 Pet. 5. 6,' Humble yourselves necessarily rejoice in the restored peace (rTarrvo0e7rc) therefore under the mighty of his family, accompanied as it was hand of God, that he may lift you up.' with a fresh demonstration of the diThe injunction of the angel to Hagar vine tenderness towards him and his, here was to return and submit. The and with a farther enlargement and reason was that she had done, wrong eNlent of the promised blessing. 262 GENESTS. [B. C. 1911. 11 And the aingel of the Iotle) n 12 tAnd he will be a wild man; said unto her, Behold, thou art his hand wvill be against every with child, and shalt bear a son, man, and every man's hand ~ and shall call his came Ishmael; against him; u and he shall dwell because the LORD hath heard thy in the presence of all his brethaffliction. ren. 8 ch. 17. 19. Matt. 1. 21. Luke 1. 13, 31. t ch. 21. 20. u ch. 25. 18. 10. 1 will multiply thy seed exceed- and promised to him, was intended tt ingly, &c. Heb. nm nn'~rin multi- be affirmed of his descendants and ful plying 1 will multiply. The angel- filled in them. speaker here adopts a style,suited only 11. Shalt bear. Heb. In' yoladtlit, to the Deity, and for Hagar's encour- a very peculiar word, being composed agement gives her grounds to expect a of two tenses implying time present portion of Abraham's blessing, of which and future, and equivalent to,'thou she must often have heard, viz. a nu- shalt very shortly bear.' So Judg. 13. merous offspring. This was the promp- 8, where the Heb. phrase for' child that ting of divine benignity, for it is clear shall be born' presents the same signithat the language of absolute authori- ficant anomaly in point of grammar. ty might have been used without any -I Shall call his name lshrnael. intermingling of gracious promises; Heb. -15tUzh yishmael, Godwillhear, but God delights rather to win than to or, as immediately interpreted, God compel the hearts of his people into the hath heard, i. e. hath heard, pitied, and ways of obedience. A parallel promise relieved, thine affliction; which is well occurs ch. 17. 20,' And as for Ishmael, rendered by the Gr.'Hath given heed I have heard thee: Behold, I have to thy tribulation.' Chal.'Hath reblessed him and will make him fruitful, ceived thy prayer. Targ. Jon.' Thine and will multiply him exceedingly: affliction is revealed before the Lord' twelve princes shall he beget, and I This is the first instance of a name will make him a great nation;' on given by divine direction before birth, which we may here take occasion to though many such instancesoccurhereremark, that the usual idiom of the after, as we shall have occasion to Scriptures requires us to understand in observe. It is remarkable that God is both passages what is said of Ishmael not said to have heard her prayer, for personally to be true also of his de. it does not appear that she had yet callscendants. Indeed it is rather his pos- ed upon his name. She merely sat terity than himself that is primarily in- bewailing herself, as not knowing what tended. When it is said,' I will ll. t- to do. Yet lo, the ear of mercy is open tiply him exceedingly,' the word'him' to what we may term the silent voice is obviously meant his posterity, for no of affliction itself. The groans of the one can imagine that he himself was prisoner are heard of God, hot only meant to be literally multiplied in vir- theirs who cry unto him, but, in many tue of this promise. So likewise in the cases, theirs who do not. See a paralsubsequent clause'I will make him a lel case, Gen. 21. 17, with the accom. great nation,' it is evident that one man panying note. cannot be a nation; and therefore Ish- 12. He will be a wild man. Heb. mael throughout this whole prediction h: At-t~ a wild-ass man. Gr. xypomust be viewed as the representative of zxos avOptorog a wild man. Chal.' Wild his posterity. What is declared of him ass among men.' i. e. rude, fierce, un B. C. 1911.] CHAPTER XVI. 263 cultivated, and impatient of the re- told him the creature was perfectly unstraints of civilized life. As remarked tameable.' The passage of Job to in v. 10, the predicted character and which the author refers is ch. 39. 5-8, fortunes of Ishmael are here identified' Who hath sent out the wild ass free' with those of his posterity. The' wild or who hath loosed the bands of the man' here Imentioned was to be mnul- wild ass? Whose house I have made tiplied into a greal nation, and if so it the wilderness, and the barren land his must necessarily be into a great nation dwellings. He scorneth the multitude of'wild men;' and we have only to of the city, neither regardeth he the turn to the page of history to see how crying of the driver. The range of the apposite this character has been in all mountains is his pasture, and he searchages to the Arab race, the descendants eth after every green thing.' By the of Ishmael. In allusion to the term use of so unusual a phrase in reference here employed it is said of unregenerate to the, future seed of Hagar, it was obmen, Job, 11. 12,'For vain man would viously intended to indicate an analbe wise, though man be born like the ogy between the wildness of Ishmael wild ass's colt.' On the contrary of and his descendants, and that of the renewed and sanctified men, it is said, wild ass (onager); and it is equally Ezek. 36. 38,'The waste cities shall curious and surprising to observe how be filled with flocks of men.' Heb. minutely the description in Job applies' with sheep-men,' i. e. men whose na- to the free, wandering, lawless, pastortures are tamed and softened, made al, marauding Bedouins, the descent of gentle and lamb-like. Again, Hos. 13. whose tribes from Ishmael is admitted 15,' He (Ephraim) hath run wild (Iebh. by the learned, and gloried in by themhath assified himself) amidst the bray- selves. The manners and customs of ing monsters.' Sir Rob. Ker Porter these Arabtribes, except in the articleof (Trav. vol. I. p. 459) thus describes one religion, have suffered almost no change of this species of animals which he met during the long period of three thousand in the mountains of Persia:-' He ap- years.'They have occupied the same peared to me to-be about ten or twelve country, and followed the same mode of hands high; the skin smooth like a life, fromthedaysoftheirgreatancestor, deer's, and of a reddish colour; the bel- down to the present times, and range ly and hinder parts partaking of a sil- the wide extent of burning sands which very gray; his neck was finer than that separate them from all surrounding of a common ass, being longer, and nations, as rude, and savage, and bending like a stag's, and his legs beau- untractable as the wild ass himnself. tifully slender; the head and ears seem- Claiming the barren plains of Arabia, ed long in proportion in the graceful- as the patrimonial domain assigned by ness of their forms, and by them I first God to the founder of their nation, they recognised that the object of my chase considered themselves entitled to seize, was of the ass tribe. The mane was and appropriate to their own use, whatshort and black, as also was a tuft which ever they can find there. Impatient of terminated his tail. The prodigious restraint and jealous of their liberty, swiftness and peculiar manner with theyform no connection with the neighwhich he fled across the plain, remind- bouring states; they admit of little or ed me of the striking portrait of the an- no friendly intercourse, but live in a imal drawn by the author of the book state of continual hostility with the of Job. I was informed by the meh- rest of the world. The tent is their mandar that he had observed them of- dwelling, and the circular camp their ten in the possession of the Arabs, who city; the spontaneous produce of the 264 GENESIS. [B. B. C1911. soil, to which they so;netimnes add a have often invaded their country with little patch of corn, furlnishes them wilh powerful arrmies, determined to extirmeans of subsistence, amply sufficient pate, or at least to subdue them to their for their moderate desires; and the lib- yoke; but they always return baffled erty of ranginro at pleasure their inter- and disappointed. The savage freeminable wilds, fully compensates in booters, disdaining every idea of subtheir opinion for the want of all other mission, with invincible patience and accommodations. Mounted on their resolution, maintained their independfavourite horses, they scour the waste ence; and they have transmitted it unin search of plunder, with a velocity impaired to the present times. In spite surpassed only by the wild ass. They of all their enemies can do to restrain levy contributions on every person that them, they continue to dwell in the happens to fall in their way; and fre- presence of all their brethren, and to quently rob their own countrymen, assert their right to insult and plunder with as little ceremony as they do a every one they meet with on the borstranger or an enemy; their hand is ders, or within the limits of their dostill against every man, and every man's mains.' Paxton. To the samepurpose hand against them. But they do not the editor of the Pict. Bible on this pasalways confine their predatory excur- sage remarks:-' Even in the ordinary sions to the desert. When booty is sense of the epithet' wild,' there is no scarce at home, they make incursions people to whom it cart be applied with into the territories of their neighbours, more propriety than to the Arabs and having robbed the solitary travel- whether used in reference to their chai ler, or plundered the caravan, irnmledi- acter, modes of life, or place of habitaately retire into the deserts far beyond tion. We have seen something of the reach of their pursuers. Their Arabs and their life, and always felt character, drawn by the pen of inspi- the word wild to be precisely that by ration Job, 24. 5, exactly corresponds which we should choose to characterwith this view of their dispositions and ize them. Their chosen dwelling-place conduct:'Behold, as wild asses in the is the inhospitable desert, which offers desert, go they forth to their work be- no attractions to any other eyes but times for a prey: the wilderness yield- theirs, but which is all the dearer to eth food for them and for their children.' them for that very desolation, inasmuch Savage and stubborn as the wild ass as it secures to them that independence which inhabits the same wilderness, and unfettered liberty of action which they go forth on the horse or the drom- constitutes the charm of their existedary with inconceivable swiftness in ence, and which render the minute quest of their prey. Initiated in the boundaries and demarcations of settled trade of a robber from their earliest districts, and the restraints and limitayears, theyknowno other employmen t; tions of towvns and cities, perfectly they choose it as the business of their hatefill in their sight. The simplicity life, and prosecute it with unwearied of their tented habitations, their dress, activity. They start before the dawn, and their diet, which forms so perfect to invade the village or the caravan; a picture of primitive usages as describmake their attack with desperate cour- ed by the Sacred Writers, we can also age, and surprising rapidity; and, plun- characterize by no more fitting epithet ging instanltiy into the desert, escape than' wild;' and that epithet clain-s a from the vengeance of their enemies. still more definite application when we Provoked by their continual insults, the come to examine their continual wann tions of ancient and modernr titnes de-ings with their flocks and herds B. C. 1911.1 CHAPTTER XVI. 265 their constant readiness for action,-and could not recollect this to be the case their frequent predatory and aggressive with any one among the numerous cxcursions against strangers or against tribes with which he was acquainted. each other.' But this point resolves it- Such wars, however, are seldom of long selfl' into the ensuing clause.-~T His duration; peace is easily made, but hand will be against ecery man, and broken again upon the slightest preevery man's hand against him. It is tence.' Pict. Bible.-~l IIe shall evident that one ilan could not sub- dwell in the presence ofallhis brethren. sist alone in open enmity with all the Heb. 1 i: shcll world, nor could one man's hand be dwell bejbre, or over against, the faces literally against every man's. There is, qf his brethren. The original word for moreover, not the slightest hint in dwell (B.D shakcan) properly signifies Scripture, nor any reason to believe to dwell in tents; or to tabernacle, that Ishrnael lived personally in a state whence a portion of the Arab tribes are of opposition to his brethren. Bear- denominated Scenites, tent-dwlellers, ing in mind what we have already answering to the modern Bedouins, in said respecting the collective import of opposition to those who inhabit cities. the name Ishmael in this prediction, we The lneaning undoubtedly is, that he can have no diffiulty in understanding i. e. his descendants, shall pitch his this as a declaration, that his posterity tents near to and in sight of his brethshould exist in an attitude of perpetual ren, and shall maintain his independhostility with the rest of mankind. ence in spite of all attempts to conquer And there is certainly no people to or dispossess him. There is some whom this applies with greater truth doubt as to the latitude in which the than to the Arabs; for there is none of term'brethren' is here to be underwhom aggression on all the world is so stood; some taking it in a more reremarkably characteristic.'Plunder stricted sense for the other descendants in fact forms their principal occupation, of Abrahanl. viz. theIsraelites, Midianand takes the chief place in their ites, Edotnites, &c. while others, as all thoughts; and their aggressions upon mankind are brethren in a larger sense, settled d;stricts, upon travellers, and consider it as equivalent to saying that even upon other tribes of their own peo- the race of Ishmael should still subsist, Dle, are undertaken and prosecuted with notwithstanding the universal enmity a feeling that they have a right to what of all nations, as an independent people they seek, and therefore without the in the face of the whole world. From least sense of guilt or degradation. the general tenor of Scriptural usage, Indeed the character of a successful and we think the former the most probaenterprising robber invests a Bedouinl ble interpretation. It is unquestionawith as high a distinction in his own ble, as an historical fact, that they have eyes and ii the eyes of his people, as the ever been mainly surrounded by the most daring and chivalrous acts could above nations, or their posterity, and win among the nations of Europe. The nothing is more notorious than that operation of this principle would alone they have never been effectually subsuffice to verify the prediction of the dued. Although continually annoying text. But besides this, causes of vari the adjacent countries with their robance are continually arising between beries and incursions, yet all attempts the different tribes. Burckhardt as- made to extirpate them have been absures us that there are few% tribes which ortive; and even to this day travellers are ever in a state of perfect peace with are forced to go armed, and in caravans all their ncighlbours, and adds, that he or large companies, and to march and 9,3 266 GENESIS. [B. C. 1911 13 And she called the name of Have I also here looked after him the LORD that spake unto her, x that seeth me? Thou God seest me: for she said, X ch. 31. 42. keep watch like a little army, to defend that the Heb. word'an" roi rendered themselves from the assaults of these'thou seest' is really an abstract noun roving freebooters of the desert. These of the form of'd.- oni, affiction,'s. robberies they justify, according to Mr. ani, ship, &c. signifying here as elseSale (Prelim. Dissert. to the Koran) by where vision or the subject of vision.. alleging the hard usage of their father Thus, 1. Sam. 16. 12,'Now he was Ishmael; who being turned out of ruddy, and withal of a beautiful coundoors by Abraham had the open plains tenance, and goodly to look-to (Heb. -'lD and deserts given him by God for his' in good or.fair qf visage or sight).' patrimony, with permission to take Job, 33. 21,'His flesh is consumed whatever he could find there. On this away that itcannot be seen, (Heb.':7z account they think they may, with a from sight, from visibility).' Comp. safe conscience, indemnify themselves, Job, 7. 8. The purport of her words is as well as they can, not only on the undoubtedly that of a grateful recogniposterity of Isaac, but on every one tion of the fact, that God had condeelse; and in relating their adventures of scended, in the person of the Angel to this kind, deem themselves warralqted, make himself graciously visible in instead of saying,'I robbed a rman of the hour of her extremity. -- Have such a thing,' to say.'I gained it.' It-1- I also looked qfter him that seeth. me. deed from a view of the character and OrHeb.' —i i t''t'Mno have 1 lookhistory of this remarkable people du- ed upon the back parts qf my seer, bering a period of 4000 years, as compar- holder. Although the letters of the oried with this prediction, we may say ginal im' are the same as in the pre with Dr. A. Clarke, that'it furnishes ceding clause, yet the vowel-pointing an absolute demonstrative argument of is different, so as to give the sense not the divine origin of the Pentateuch. To of seeing in the abstract, but of a seer attempt its refutation, in the sight of in the concrete. Again, the other imreason and common sense, would con- portant word in the clause,~trlm renvict lf most ridiculous presumption dered q/ter is the same as that applied and excessive folly.' to the view of the divine glory which 13. She called the name qf the Lord Moses enjoyed in the cleft of the rock, that spake unto her, l'hou God seest Ex. 33. 23. After the full brightness of me. Heb. i2' 5NX -tan thou (art) the the Shekinah had passed by, the prophGod of vision, or rather qf visibility; et saw the mitigated or shaded glories i. e. the God that sufferest thyself to be of the Godhead, the'back-part,' as it seen. The Gr. indeed renders differ- were, of the sacred vision. It is not ently; av b Os, e5 Eirnov pE thou art the unlikely that a similar import is to be God that seeth me, i. e. who careth for affixed to the word here; yet there is nme, who pondereth and pitieth my af- such a vast variety in the renderings of flictions; a sense which the original the ancient versions, that nothing posword for see often bears in the Scrip- itive can be affirmed respecting it. We tulres, as Ex. 3. 7. Ps. 9. 14.-25. 18. have suggested that which seems to us This rendering, after the example of the most probable. If this be not satisfacLat. Vulgate, has been followed by our tory to the reader, he is left at liberty translation. But there is little doubt to exercise his choice among the fol B. C. 1910.1 CHAPTER XVI. 267 14 Wherefore the well was son's name, which Hagar bare, called y Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it b Ishmael. is z between K;-desh and Bered. 16 And Abram was fourscore 15 7f And a Hagar bare Abram and six years old, when Hagar a son: and Abram called his bare Ishmael to Abram. y ch. 24. 62. & 25. 11. z Numb. 13. 26. a Gal. b ver. t11. 4. 22. lowing variety of versions. Gr.' For I well qf the living one, my seer. Chal. have openly seen him that appeared' the well of the angel of life, who apunto me.' Chal.'Lo, I begin to see peared there.' According to this renafter that he appeared unto me.' Syr. dering of Onkelos, the active sense of'Lo, I have beheld a vision, after he be- life-giving or quiccening, in allusion to held me.' Arab. Erp.'Even hereI have her wondrous preservation, is involved seen, after his seeing me.' Arab. Saad. in the epithet ", living here employed,'Truly I have here seen thy compas- and this perhaps is not far from the sion, after I had seen affliction.' Targ. truth. Jon.'Behold, here is revealed the glory 15. Abram called his son's nameof the divine majesty after the vision.' Ishmael. Having previously heard In several of them it will be observed from Hagar the various particulars of that the leading idea is that of devout the divine apparition above recited. He wonder on the part of Hagar, that she named his son'according to the prophhad been permitted to live to see any ecy that went before upon him.' thing else, after being favoured with 16. Abram was fourscore and six such a glorious vision; and this is years old. Heb.'Son of eighty-six strikingly in accordance with the gen- years;' according to the usual idiom of eral belief prevalent in those early the original. For this long period had days, that such a view would be fol- Abraham lived childless, and yet as a lowed by the immediate extinction of trial to his faith, he is required to wait life. See Ex. 24. 11. Judg. 13. 32. But fourteen years longer before the sight whether this were the real sense of the of the child of promise gladdens his words we are not prepared to decide. aged eyes. During thirteen years of 14.'he well was called. Heb. Rki7 that period it would seem that all those he called, i. e. one called, every one delightful personal manifestations of called; this became its general appel- the Almighty which he had hitherto lation. This impersonal kind of phrase enjoyed were suspended: but whether in which the active is used for the pas- this was designed, as some have sugsive voice, is very common both in the gested, as a token of the divine disHeb. of the Old Testament and the pleasure for so easily acquiescing in the Gr. of the New. Thus, Ex. 10. 21, sinfull expedient proposed by Sarah, or'Even darkness which may be felt.' whether it is simply to be referred to Heb.'which one may feel.' Ps. 9. 6, the sovereign good pleasure of him'And his name shall be called.' Heb. who giveth not account of any of his'one shall call his name.' Luke 12. ematters, it is not for us to say. It is 20,'Thou fool, this night shall thy soul certain however as a general fact that be required of thee.' Gr.'they shall similar conduct is productive of simrequire.' I Cor. 15. 27,'But when he ilar results, and that if we find that it saith, all things are put under him;' is not with us as in times past, that i. e. when it is said, &c.- ~ Beer- communion with God is more than lahai-roi. Heb. -t'l-FI5 v 2 the usually difficult, that our intercourse 268 GENESIS. [B. C. 1910. CIA PT7ER Xv11. unto hirn. b I am the Almighty A ND wxven Abrarn was ninety Go; walk before me, and be years old and nine, the LORu thou,I perlect. a appeared to Abram, and said b ch. 28. 3. & 35. 11. Ex. 6. 3. Deut 10. 17. c ch. 5..22. & 48. 15. 1 Kings. 2. 4. & 8. 25. a ch. 12. 1. 2 Kings 20. 3. d clh. 6.9. Deut. 18. 13. Job. 1. 1. 11lat. 5. 48. with heaven is sadly impeded, our ty-nine years,' i. e. going on in his prayers hindered and our praises dead- ninety-ninth year. This was thirteen ened, the cause is to be sought in our- years after the birth of Ishrnael. From selves. It is not a mere sovereign the effect produced on Abraham's mind withdrawal of the light of God's coun- by the annuncia'ion, v. 15-17, that tenance, but a merited rebuke of some he should yet have a son by Sarah, secret ofbnfice, some unrestrained tem- it is probable that he had long settled per, some unholy compliance, some down in the belief that Ishmael was unchecked and unchastened desire, the destined seed, and consequently which is suffered to remain undetected had renounced all hopes of farther in the heart and to rob us of the prom- issue.- f 1 ain the Almighty God. ised blessing. —A single additional re- Heb. A'mp %I El Shaddai, God allmark may close our exposition of the suffcient; able to accomplish with inpresent chapter. We are here impres- finite ease all his purposes, whether of sively taught that we are not to judge judgment or of mercy. This was a of the greatness and importance of truth which he needed to have re-imthe designs of providence, by any pressed upon his mind. It was foi worldly marks of distinction. The want of considering this, that he had posterity of Ishmael, though later pre- had recourse to crooked devices in dicted, was earlier brought forward, and order to accomplish the promise. In has been much longer established, and view therefore of the physical inmpoexisted in a far higher degree of nation- tency of Abrahamr's body and of Sarah's al dignity and consequence, than the womb, the Most High is pleased to anposterity of Isaac. Yet it was not in nounce himself under this august title, the line of Ishmael, but in that of which evidently carried with it the imIsaac that the promises of life and sal- plication that no obstacles whatever vation were to run. To Isaac, and lot could stand in the way of the comto his elder brother, pertained' the plete fulfilment of the word of promise. adoption, and the glory, and the cov- -.~ 1Ualtkc before vme. Heb. lrn enants, and the giving of the law, and set thyself to'walk; a peculiarly emthe service of God, and the promises,' phatic mode of expression. See Note and of him'as concerning the flesh, on Gen. 13. 17.-~T Be thou perfect. Christ came, who Is over all God bless- Heb. tn'/nn perfect, i. e. upright,/sined for ever.' The things which are cere. Gr.'Walk p easingly beobre rme highly esteemed among men, are often and be blameless.' Chal.'Serve before of no price in the sight of Him who me and be perfect.' See notes on hath chosen tIhe foolish, the weak, and Gen. 5. 25. & 6. 9. Integrity is true the base things of the world to con- scriptural perfection; and without that found the wise, the nlighty, and the every thing in our religion is defectmagnificent. ive, and all profession vain. We may not indeed attain to absolute perfecCHAPTER XVII. tion on earth, but we should srtldy 1. When Abram wcas ninety years as nearly as possible to approach it, old and nine. Heb.' the son of nine- which is only to be done by' walkitlg B. C. 1898.1 CHAPTER XVII. 269 2 And I'will make my cov- face: and God talked with him, enant between me and thee, and saying, e will multiply thee exceedingly. 4 As for me, behold, my cov3 And Abram f fell on his enant is with thee, and thou shalt be g a father of many nations. e bh. 12. 2. & 13.16. & 22. 17. fver. 17. g Rom. 4.11, 12,16. with God,' by a steady course of prayer posture assumed by Abraham on this and communion with him. Difficul- occasion probably resembles one of the ties, to try our faith, may daily occur, several postures used by the Mohamand irksome and unpleasant duties will medansin their worship. It consists In frequently present themselves, but we placing the body on the hands and must walk on, pursue the even tenor knees-or on all fours, as we should of our way, and not turn aside to avoid say-while the head is bent down, the the one or evade the other. It is prob- forehead touching the ground. This able that the admonition in this case is posture is highly expressive of the to be considered as involving a virtual deepest humility and the most profound reproof. It was as if he had said, adoration. It also resembles the kotow' Have recourse to no more unbelieving usually performed before the emperor expedients; keep thou the path of up- of China; and which is so well known rightness, and leave me to fulfil my to us in consequence of the refusal of promise in the time and manner that Lords Macartney and Amherst to subseem good to me.' What a lesson is rmit to it.' Pict. Bible. here afforded us against a resort to un- 4. Thou shalt be a father qf many lawful or doubtful means under the pre- nations. Heb.'87] 7'3," 1'MR5 for or tence of their being better calculated to a.father of a multitude of nations. to promote the cause of God! Our This promise was fillfilled both in a litconcern is simply to walk before him eral and a spiritual sense. In the forin uprightness of heart and cleanness mer, not to mention the many tribes of hands, leaving it to him to bring to which sprang from his children by pass his own designs in his own way. Keturah, Arabia, Idumea, and Canaan 2. 1will make my covenant between were peopled by the descendants of me and thee. Heb. fit.. will give, Isaac and Ishmael. But from the lani. e. will fix, appoint, confirm; as we have guage of Paul, Rom. 4. 16, 17, it is evibefore explained the term, Gen. 1. 29. dent that a far higher sense is to be-asIt is not of course the annunciation of signed to this promise; that it is to be a new purpose, but simply the renewal, understood not merely of Abraham's the confirmation, of one of long stand- natural posterity, but of his spiritual ing. It is in fact the fifth declaration seed also, composed of all true believor utterance of the same gracious de- ers of every age and country. They, sign of making Abraham the father of by the exercise of genuine faith, bean innumerable seed. The words, come heirs of the righteousness of faith, however, in this connection probably and all its accompanying blessings, and have reference more particularly to the so are rendered adoptively the children establishment of that external sign or of Abraham, the father of the faithful. token of the covenant which the wri- The promise therefore went to make him ter goes on to describe in the ensuing the father of the church of God in all fuverses, and which is afterwards ex- tore ages, or, as the Apostle calls him, pressly called a covenant, v. 10.'the heir of the world.' Accordingly for 3. Abram'.fell on his face.' The all that the Christian world enjoys or ev 270 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 5 Neither shall thy name any 6 And I will make thee exceedmore be called Abram; but h thy ing fruitful, and I will make k naname shall be Abraham; i for a tions of thee; and l kings shall father of many nations have I come out of thee. made thee. h Neh. 9. 7. i Roam. 4. 17. tk ch. 35. 11. 1 ver. 16. ch. 35. 11. Matt. 1. 6, &c. h Neh. 9. 7. i Rom. 4.17. erwillenjoy, it isindebted instrumentally'Peter,' Matt. 16. 18, and'Saul' for to Abrahaim and his seed. T''he high hon-'Paul,' Acts, 13. 9. In like manner the our then of being the stock from which promise to all true believersis, Is. 62. 2, the Messiah should spring, and on'Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the church of God should grow, which the Lord thy God shall name.' is here conferred upon Abraham. It Again, Rev. 3. 12,'He that overcomwas this honour that Esau despised eth, I will write upon him my new when he sold his birthright; and here name.' Isaac's name was not,chanlay the profaneness of that act, which ged, because it was given him by God involved a contempt of the most sacred himself before he was born. In allu.of all objects, the Messiah and his ever- sion to this promise the Apostle says, lasting kingdom. Rom. 4. 17,'God calleth those things 5. T7hy name shall be called Abra- which be not as though they were,' i. e. ham. The change is greater in sefise he called or denominated Abraharn the than in sound.'Abram' (.zl), the father of a multitude, because he should former name, is composed of A- ab, finally beconie so, though now he had father, and tn ram, high or eminent. but one child, and he not the child of'Abraham' (ti-) is formed by drop- promise. The custom of changing ping the last letter of the last merlbe; names still obtains in the East.'In and inserting the first syllable, of 7 Persia, frequent examples of this kind hamon, multitude. The constituent occur. One ofthe Iost strikiig is that elements of the name, therefore, are of the Persian king Shah Solynan, 17t T E Abram-hamo~n, hhih ~fa- whose reign commenced in 1667 under thef a multitude, which for coe- his proper name of Suffee. But its ience' sake is abbreviated to c ton first years being marked by public and Abraham. It is proper however to ob- private calamities, he was persuaded serve that Jerome and some few others that there was a fatality in the name suppose the latter name to he formed lie bore, and that a change of it was nesimply by the insertion of the letter cessary to turn the tide of misfortune. h, one of the letters of' Jehovah,' in- e accordingly assumed, with gleat to the former. But the mass of critics solemnity, the name ofSolyman. He adopt the formation given above. This was crowned anew under that name, change of names, of which Abraham's and all the seals and coins which bore is the first on record, imported soe that of Suffe were broken, as if one kind of chanfe in the relative state of king had died and another succeeded. the subject, with a renewal or increase Chardin, who was present, has given of the tokens of the Divine favorr to- a particular account of this coronation. wards him. Accordingly the name of The constant change of name by the'Jacob' was changed to that of'Israel' popes on their election, is perhaps from the circumstance related Gen. 32 quite as good an illustration.' Pict. 28. The name of'Cephas' also was Bible.-~ Have 1 made thee. Heb. authoritatively exchanred for that of I have lgiven thee; i. e. put, ap B. C. 1898.1 CHAPTER XVII. 271 7 And I will m establish my 8 And P I will give unto thee, covenant between me and thee, and to thy seed after thee, the and thy seed after thee, in their land q wherein thou art a strangenerations, for an everlasting ger, all the land of Canaan, for covenant;,to be a God unto thee, an everlasting possession; and r I and to o thy seed after thee. will be their God. p ch. 12. 7. & 13. 15. Ps. 105. 9, 11. q ch. 23. m Gal. 3. 17. n ch. 26. 24. & 28. 13. Heb. 11. 4. & 28. 4. r Ex. 6. 7. Lev. 26. 12. Deut. 4. 37. 16. o Rom. 9. 8. & 14. 2. & 26. 18. & 29. 13. pointed, constituted; as explained on of good to creatures can be set forth. Gen. 1. 29. Gr. re0elKa, Rom. 4. 17. All the privileges of the covenant of 6. Kings shall come out of thee. This mercy, its richest joys and most glorihas been most signally fulfilled. No ous hopes, are summed up in this asone in any age can be compared with surance. He that comes within its Abraham, as far as relates to his nu- scope, as does every believer, can demerous progeny of kings. From him sire nothing more to make him happy. were descended the chiefs of the twelve It is as if he had said,' Whatever I am tribes of the Hebrews, and after their or have, or purpose in a way of grace separation, the kings of Judah, as well to do, all that will I be to thee and to as the kings of Israel. From him thy seed; all that shall be employed sprang the ancient monarchs of Edom, for thy protection, consolation, and saland the Saracen kings in Arabia, Bab- vation.' ylon, and Egypt, trace back their ori- 8. 1 will give unto thee-the land gin to him. If we pass from the literal wherein thou art a stranger. teb. ~tR to the spiritual fulfilment of the predic-'1-nj land of thy sojournings, or tion, we find the heavenly Messiah, the peregrinations; not of thy permanent king of kings, descending from the abode; the land in which thou hast not same stock, and not only so, but all a settled but a migratory kind of resitrue Christians, his seed by faith, made dence.- ~ For an everlasting pos-'kings and priests unto God,' Rev. 1. 6. session. Here again the original word 7. For an everlasting covenant. Heb. AY olaln, everlasting, is to be under-;tq n-inn covenant qf eternity. The stood in the restricted sense explained phrases'everlasting,' to eternity,''for- above, although no precise limitation ever,' &c. it is well known are often to is assigned to it. Indeed it may be adbe taken in a limited sense, implying mitted, that as their enjoyment of the not an absolutely eternal, but an in- promised blessings of the covenant dedejinite duration. Here, however, al- pended on their observance of its conthough the outward sign and adminis- ditions, had they continued in a course tration of the covenant were to be term- of devout obedience, they might have porary, circumcision being afterwards been in possession of their earthly insuperseded by baptism, Col. 2. 11, 12, heritance at the present day. But they yet the covenant itself, in its spiritual forfeited the blessing by failing to comimport, is rightly termed by the Apos- ply with their stipulated engagements, tie, Heb. 13. 20'everlasting covenant,' and the consequence has been, that as it secures everlasting blessings to all they are now scattered to the four winds tnose that by faith become interested of heaven. Yet there are many who in it.-'ri 7'o be a God unto thee, and contend that this covenant grant seto thy seed qfter thee. The highest ex- cured to the seed of Abraham the right pression by which the communication of a perpetual inheritance of the lanld 272 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 9 I' And God said unto Abra- I ye shall keelp between me and ham, Thou shalt keep my cove- Iyou, and thy seed after thee; nant therefore, thou, and thy seed 8 Every man-child among you after thee, in their generations. shall be circumcised. 10 This is my covenant, which s Acts 7. 8. of (Canaan, and that in virtue of this here the first mention of an inthey are to be restored and reinstated stitution which, however revolting to ti!: llLlr ancient possession, and to flour- European or Armerican feelings, is held;-h with more than their pristine glory. in such veneration to this day by no It is only in this way, they affirm, that less than 150 millions of the earth's the splendid predictions respecting the population, that they look down with later fortunes of Israel are to be fillfill- the utmost contempt and execration ed. But until the great principles of upon every male uncircumcised. As tr prophetic interpretation are muore defi- the origin of the rite, whether it had nitively settled than they are at pres- existed in the world prior to this conment, we cannot but deerl this a very mand, itis a pointwhich hasoccasioned hazardous theory to mainitaln, and one much controversy among the learned. which has a bearing far fiom favoura- Herodotus speaks of it, as a custom ble upon the conversion of the Jews. ancient even in his time, and which 9. Thou shalt keep my covenant. To existed among several nations, particuseep a covenant is faithfully to perforln larly the Egyptians and Ethiopians the conditlorns irmposed upon the cove- This has led some to suppose that th5 ranting parties. The grand condition practice was adopted from the Egyp in the:resent case was the observance tians; but it is to be borne in mind that of tle rite of circumicision, which God Moses lived more than a thousand goes on to specify and enjoin in a moinre years before Herodotus, and from his particular manner in the ensuing verse. account it is certain that the ancestors 10.'This is my covenant, &c. i. e. of the Israelites were already circumthe sign of my covenant, as explained cised, when they went downi into v. 11. From this phraseology the Egypt, and did not therefore first adopt usage arose of denominating a sacra- the practice during their continuance mental sign by the name of the sacra- in that country. The presumption is ment itself. Thus, Ex. 12. 11,'Ye rather that the Egyptians borrowed the shall eat it in haste; it is the Lord's rite from the Israelites, perhaps fromn passover;' i. e. the sign of the pass- the belief that the remarkable fecundiover. Luke 22. 19, 20,'This cup is ty of the Hebrew race, as mentioned the New Te'stacment in my blood;' i. e. Ex. 1. 7, 12, was in some way dethe sign of the New Testament, Mat. pendent upon it, or connected with it. 26. 17,'Where wilt thou that we pre- There are, moreover, other considerapare for thee to eat the passover?' i. e. tions which make it highly probable the lamb, the sign of the passover. that the custom was utterly unknown Here the covenant, properly so called, to theEgyptiansprior to the sojourning is couched in the preceding words,'I of the Israelites among them, (1.) It will be a God unto thee,' &c.- ~ was twenty years after Abraham's reEvery man-child amo7.g you shall be turn from that country before God circumcised. Heb. q1q yimmol, shall enjoined upon him the rite of cirbe cut round about; i. e. there shall be cumcision, and then, we are told, he an excision of the prepuce or foreskin administered the rite upon every nmale of the flesh of all males. We have in his hause, v. 23. Nlow it is certain B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVII. 273 that when he came out of Egypt he SEAL. (1.) Its first and most obvious broughlt with him a numerous train of design was to serve as a sian of the men-servants and maid-servants; and covenant into which the posterity of therefore unless we suppose that all Abraham were, in the person of their these Egyptian men-servants died with- father, to enter; or in other words, to in twenty years, or that when they died fix upon the persons of all his natural none of them left any male issue be- descendants a distinguishing mark, hind them, we can scarcely doubt that separating them from the rest of the circumcision was not known in Egypt world and denoting their peculiar relain Abrahamr's time; for it is expressly tion to the true God. The wisdom of said that'every male among the men such a badge will be evident at once of Abraham's house was circumcised,' when it is remembered, that God had at the saine time that he himself was, promised to) multiply the seed of Abrawhich could never have been the case hamtoaninnumerablemultitude. This had they undergone the operation be- promise it is true, he might have verifore. (2.) The conduct and expressions fled even though he had suffered them of Pharaoh's daughter upon finding the to be mingled promiscuously with the infant Moses in the ark go to establish other nations of the earth. But in orthe same point. Ex. 2. 6,'And when der to afford a visible attestation to his she had opened it, she -saw the child; veracity it was necessary that they and behold the babe wept (Heb. and should be distinguished by some mark behold, a male-child weeping). And of peculiarity, and for this purpose, as she had compassion on him, and said, we shall soon see, nothing could be This is one of the Hebrews' children.' more suitable than the rite here preIt is plain that she noted the sex of the scribed. But such an end, it is obvichild, and the inference is fair, if not ous, could not have been answered, inevitable, that she knew him to be a had the practice at this time generally Hebrew child by the sign of circum- prevailed among other nations; for in cision-a mark which distinguished the that case its distinctive character would HIebrewl from the Egyptian children. have been lost. We can see then with (3.) The language of the inspired wri- how much propriety this rite is afterter, Ezek. 31. 18, would seem to imply wards v. 11, termed the'token of the that, although the practice may have covenant.' But this was not all. It obtained, as Michaelis contends, to some served also to Abraham and his seed, extent among the priests, yet that it (2.) As a memorial of their engagewas so far from being universal, that it ments. When they submitted to this could not even be deemed a general ordinance, whether it were in infancy characteristic of the nation;-' Thou or at an adult age, they were no longer shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumn- to consider themselves their own, or at cised, with them that be slain by the their own disposal, but as dedicated to sword: this is Pharaoh and all his mul- the service of their God. As Paul in titude, saith the Lord God.' But waiv- reference to the scars and bruises which ing the farther discussion of this point, his body had received in the service ot or rather talting it for granted that the his Lord, said,' I bear in my body the custom was now expressly ordained of marks of the Lord Jesus,' so might Heaven, it is a matter of more impor- the same language with propriety be tance to determine the grand ends which used by every Jew in reference to this the divine Institutor had in view in es- sacred memorial; for having in his own tablishing it. It may be viewed under person the appointed sign of his relathe twofold aspect of a SIGw and a tion to God, he must be continually re 274 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. minded'whose he was, and whom he more properly falls within the range of was bound to serve.' (3.) Another a New Testament commentary, we reason for the adoption of this painful shall not enlarge upon it hlere. (5.) In rite was its adaptedness to iepresent addition to the reasons above cited fior certain spiritual truths intimately con- the adoption of this rite, there is annected with the great scope of the cov- other suggested by Saurin, which, enant. The Scriptures very frequent- though intrinsically more appropriate ly hold forth some of the most impor- to Abraham himself than to his postant moral doctrines under metaphors terity, is yet well deserving of notice. drawn from the practice of circumncis- Whoever looks into the life of this pa ion. Tllhus the mortification of sin is triarch will perceive that God especialspoken of as the' putting off the whole ly designed him for an eminent pattern body of sin;''the crucifying of the of faith and obedience to all succeedflesh with the affections and lusts;' ing generations. The prominent dis-'.the putting off the old man, and put- pensations of God's providence toting on the new;' are all of them ex- wards himt seem to have been all orderpressions exactly coinciding with the ed with a particular view to the trial of chief intent of this ordinance, showing his faith, which continually became that we bring a corrupt nature into the the more illustrious, the more it was world with us which it must be the subjected to the ordeal. It was for this great labour of our lives to put away. end that so long a delay was ordained But there are also other expressions of before the birth of the promised son; Scripture which show that this rite im- and after he was born, that he was reported the highest degree of sanctifica- qtlired to offer hint up in sacrifice, to tion and holiness. Moses repeatedly the extinction of his own hopes, and speaks of the'circumcising of the the apparent nullification of all the heart to love the Lord with all our gracious promises made to him. Now heart and all our soul,' Deut. 10. 16.- may we not conceive the command 30. 6. And the prophet Jeremiah's relative to circumcision to have been a language is sinllglarly emphatic, Jer. part of the same severe but salutary 4. 4,'Circumcise yourselves to the discipline? God did not only defer for Lord, and take away the foreskins of the space of twenty years the birth of your heart, lest my fury come forth that son who was so solemnly promlike fire, and burn that none can quench ised and so impatiently desired, but it.' From all this it is clear that the even when that period was elapsed, inordinance was figurative and designed stead of seeing the promise accomplishto instruct the Lord's people in the na- ed and his faith crowned, God was ture and extent of their duties towards pleased again to cross his expectation him. (4.) From the reasonings of by requiring of him the performance of Paul in the epistle to the Romans, ch. an act, which, in all human probabil4. 9-13, we learn a still higher import ity, must totally defeat the promise. of this institution, which without such To the eye of sense it was an operaa clew we should perhaps never have tion not only dangerous to adults, but gathered from it. He instructs us to when administered to one of his adconsider it as'a seal of the righteous- vanced years, even if he survived it, ness of faith,' inasmuch as it shadows it would in all likelihood effectually out a circumcision of the heart, which preclude the possibility of his even beis an inward seal that the sinner is jus- coming a father. Indeed the injunctified by faith as Abraham was. But tion,'My covenant shall be in your as this is a view of the subject which flesh,' to a man of his years could not B.C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIL. 275 11 And ye slall circumcise the old u shall be circumcised among flesh of your foreskin; and it shall you, every man-child in your be ta token of the covenant be- generations, he that is horn in twixt me and you. the house, or bought with money 12 And he that is eight days of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. t Acts 7. 8. Rom. 4. 11. u Lev. 12. 3. Luke 2. 2. John 7. 22. Phil. B. 5. but seem as opposite to the promise of regard their extraction from Abraham having a son, as the command to' take as being as truly miraculous, unner the his son, his only son Isaac, and offer circumstances in which it occurred, as him for a burnt-sacrifice,' was to the if they had been excavated or quarried promise of his being the father of a out of the solid rock; an allusion to numerous posterity. Yet the faith of which we are also to recognise in the Abraham triumphed over this as it did words of John the Baptist, Mat. 3. 9, over all other obstacles. He was sat-'And think not to say within yourself, isfied that notwithstanding every im- We have Abraham to our father; for pediment, whether from a fresh phys- I say unto you, that God is able of ical incapacity in himself or a perma- these stones to raise up children unto nent one in his superannuated wife, Abrahami' He has virtually done it God would assuredly by one means or once, and he canl do it again. other make good his promise. This 11. Ye shall circumcise the flesh of was indeed a new and illustrious in- your.foreskin. Heb. 2n-ny zi-_ rstance of the faith of the father of the the flesh qof your superfluous foreskin, faithful; and we cannot well doubt that by a usual hypallage for foreskin of among the things of which circumcis- your flesh, where'flesh' has the approion was to be a memorial to his poster- priated imeaning elsewhere assigned to ity, this signal example of believing in it, as Lev. 15. 2, 19. Ezek. 16. 26.-23. the promise in spite of his advanced 20. The original for'foreskin' is deage and of such a disqualifying opera- fined by lexicographers to signify that tion, was one. Circumcision was en- which is superfluous or redundant; joined upon the Jews to be a perpetual not that any part of the human body memento of their strange and super- is really and originally superfluous or natural origin, an impressive token at useless; but in relation to an ordionce of the faith of their ancestor, nance it may be termed so, just as it'who against hope believed in hope,' might have been proper to command a and of the fidelity of their God, who Nazarite to shave off his superfluous from one man only,'and him as good hair- superfluous in relation to his vow. as dead,' was able to raise up a people Gr. arpo/flvrta akrobustia, from aepov as numerous as the stars of heaven, extremnity and oveco to cover. The same and as the sands upon the sea-shore. word is applied figuratively to other This idea throws light upon the words parts, as to the lips, Ex. 6. 20, to the of the prophet, Is. 51. 1, 2,' Look unto ear, Jer. 6. 10, to the heart, Lev. 26. 41. the rock whence ye are hewn, and to Is. 6. 10, and in plain allusion to this the hole of the pit whence ye are dig- phrase the apostle James exhorts, ch ged. Look unto Abraham your father, 1. 21, to'lay apart all filthiness and and unto Sarah that bare you; for I superfluity of naughtiness,' and in called himl alone (i. e. when childless), Col. 2. 13, the uncircunmcisionr of our and Iblessed him and increased hirm;' flesh is coupled with our estate as dead anlguage importing that they were to in sins, all betokening that the excis 276 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 13 He that is born in thine c unmcised: and my covenant shall house, and lhe that is bought with be in your flesh for an everlastthy money, must needs be cir- ing covenant. ion of the superfluousprepuce is to be as bread is a general term for food. understood as a sign of the mortifica- From the position of the Heb. accents tion of sin and the renewal of our cor- and the rendering of most of the anrupt nature. cient versions, it is at least questionable 12. He that is eighlt dayrs old-every whether our present translation of this child in your generations. Heb.'a clause is correct. The versions alluded son of eight days.' This ceremony to do not connect the phrase'of any was to be administered on the eighth stranger' (Heb. of every son of a stranday even though that should chance to ger) with' bought,' but read it, accordbe the Sabbath; it being one of the ing to a common Heb. idiom, as an Jewish maxims, that'circumcision expression of totality, exegetical of drives away the Sabbath.' That this the previous clause, and characterizing maxim was acted upon in our Saviour's still farther the class spoken of in contime is clear from John, 7. 22, 23, traidistinction to the'born in the house.''Moses therefore gave unto you circum- Guided by them we should literally cision, and ye on the Sabbath day cir- translate the verse —'A son of eight cuimcise a man. If a man on the Sab- days shall be circumcised unto you; bath day receive circumcision, that the every male in your generations, the law of Moses should not be broken; born in the house and the purchase of are ye angry at me,' &c. The perfor- silver, from (i. e. even or including,) mance of the rite was probably delay- every son of the stranger, which is not ed till the eighth day, because that all of the seed.' This we incline to concreatures newly born were counted as sider the true construction, and if so in their blood and unclean fer seven this passage, however it may be with days, and night not be sooner offered others, affords no countenance to the to God, Lev. 12. 2, 3. Neither calf, ideaofAbraham'shavingbought slaves lamb, nor kid could be presented as an of others who claimed an ownership in oblation before it was eight days old, them. It is rore likely that the perLev. 22. 27. The rite was administer- sons in question sold themselves, ed to males only, as they alone were though it is undoubtedly true that in capable of it; but as the man is the such cases their children were considhead of the woman, she was virtually ered as belonging to their master. The included in the covenant. From the power of a master over his household constructive unity of man and wife,it and slaves at that early period was no was proper that in a federal transaction doubt very absolute, and he might of this nature her agency should be probably have compelled the observmerged in his. But in baptism, to ance of this injunction; but still it is which, under the gospel dispensation, more likely that the command did not circumcision has given place, Col. 2. contemplate a resort to compulsion, as 11, 12, males and females stand upon it would be entirely consonant to the a par in this respect. — He that is ideas and customs of the East that born in the house, or bought with mon- every thing belonging to a person ey. Heb. ti= njiD7' the purchase qf should be affected just as he was.,ilver; though the term silver is a Thus the king of Nineveh, Jon. 3. 8. general term for monry or prince. iust ordered not only his people, but even B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVII. 277 14 And the uncircumcised man- w shall be cut off from his people; child, whose flesh of hi; foreskin he hath broken my covenant. is not circumcised, that soul cw Ex. 4. 24. the cattle to put on mourning, when his stock or kindred.' Chal'Shall Jonah preached to the city. For this perish from his people.' Though the reason there can be no question that the idea of excommunication, of being no baptism of infants would appear to jlonger considered as one of the peculiar have great propriety to the primitive people, would naturally suggest itself Christians, though such infants could as couched under the phrase, yet the have no knowledge of the religion to i oriuinal termn is very strong, and legitwhich it was the introduction and, as iniately implies capital punishment, or it were, the sign. —The command her; the excision of the offender by death given was one marked with divine benig- from that community to whlich he benity, for it not only showed that the longed, and of which he has proved love extended to Abrahamn embraced himself an unworthy member. This his whole house, but it also in effect de- was to be done by the sentence of the dared that the way was opetred for the judges when the crime was known, reception, within the pale of the cove- otherwise it is implied, say the Jewish nant, of those who were not of Abra- writers, that he should fall by the hand ham's seed according to the flesh. of God himself cutting him off by preWhatever were the privileges of that mature death. This is confirmed by gracious compact, God herein showed Lev. 17. 10,'I will even set my face hilnself willing that others should be against that soul that eateth blood, and partakers of them, provided they were will cut him off fiom among his people.' willing to comply with his prescribed Conp. Ex. 31. 14. Lev. 20. 2-5. By conditions; and accordingly we find several of the Rabbinical writers, howthat express laws were afterwards giv- ever, it was understood to signify someen for the admission of proselytes into thing more than mere temporal death. the communion of the Jewish church. Thus Maimrnonides, speaking of eternal 14. T'hat soul shall be cut off from death, says,'And this is that cutting his people. That person. Chal.' That of written of in the law, as it is said, man.' As infants or little children Num. 15. 31,'That soul shall be cut could not proper:y bh held amenable off;' which we have heard expounded for the neglect of their parents, whose thus; cut qf' in this world and cut qof duty it was to see that their offspring in the world to come.' However it be were seasonably circumcised, this of understood, the threatening is a severe course miust be understood of those one, and shows conclusively with what who, having arrived at years of discre- reverence God would have his own ortion, and become capable of knowing dinances regarded, especially those that and obeying the will of God in this par- bear so directly upon our spiritual intlcular, yet from unbelief, contempt of terests. Having ordained that the sign the ordinance, or fear of pain, failed to and the promise should go together, it compensate by their own act for the was at any one's peril that he preslmldelinquency of their parents. It is not ed to sunder them. Yet as God desireasy, however, to say what is the pre- eth mercy and not sacrifice, so the cise meaning of the phrase' shall be sickness or weakness of an infant rmight cut off from his people.' The Gr. ren- warrant a delay of the ceremony; and ders it' Shall be utterly destroyed from if one chanced to die before the eighth 24 278 GENESIS. mB. C. 1898. 15'[ Arl. God said unto Abra- a zmother y of natio 1-; kings of ham, As k r Sarai thy wife, thou people shall be of her. shalt not call her name Sarai, but 17 Then Abraham fell upon Sarah shall her name be. his face, z and laughed, and said 16 And I will bless her, Xand in his heart, Shall a child he born give thee a son also of her: yea, unto him that is an hundred years I will bless her, and she shall be old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? x ch. 18. 1o. y ch. 35. 11. Gal. 4. 31. 1 Pet. 3. b. z ch. 18. 12. & 21. 6. day, it was not to be supposed that this sing the difference solely by doubling circumlstance prejudiced its prospects the letter p r.' Sarai' properly signiof future happiness. The same re- fies'my princess,' as if sustaining that marks are in their spirit applicable to relation to a single individual or to a the ordinance of Baptism. It is high famiily. The restriction implied in the presumption to neglect or causelessly possessive'my' is now to be done to defer it. Some indeed are supersti- away; her limited pre-enminence is to tiously anxious about the early adnlin- be unspeakably enlarged; and as the istration of this ordinance to their chil- letter n h was inserted in Abraham's dren, as if their salvation entirely de- natme, to signify the multiplication of pended upon it. That it should not be his seed, so the final yod (" i) in her needlessly delayed we grant; but the name being cancelled the same letter command to circumcise the children on r, h, and probably with the same imthe eighth day sufficiently shows that port, is substituted in its stead. Thus the children who died under that age, instead of' my princess,' she is hence. did not perish for the mere want of that forth to bear an appellation importing ordinance; and Christian parents may'princess of a multitude,' and corresbe equally assured that if their infants ponding with the magnificent promise die before they have been initiated inl the made to her, v. 16. Christian covenant by baptism, the 16. She shall be a mother of nations. want of that ordinance will not at all Heb.'2i~ ~l~ shall be to nations; affect their eternal welfare. It is the i. e. shall become nations. This is the avowed contempt of the ordinance, and first express mention of the destined not the providential exclusion from it, mother of the seed promised to Abrathat makes us objects of God's dis- ham. This annunciation would of pleasure. —The directions here given course correct the error into which are to be understood as not only ad- both she and her husband had fallen, dressed to Abrahaml personally, but in imagining that the prospect of her havhim to his natural seed in all genera- ing a child was hopeless, and therefore tions. The reason assigned for this if the promise were fillfilled at all it severe edict is,-' He hath broken ny must be in Ishmael. But now all miscovenant;' i. e. hath made frustrate, take on that head is precluded. God broken down, demolished, in opposition will give to Abraham a son qf her, and to the phrase to establish, to make f.rm, kings of people shall be of her. Their a covenant. Gr.' Hath dissipated my former fault in resorting to a carnal excovenant.' Chal.'1Hath made void my pedient is not to be allowed to stand in covenant.' the way of the execution of God's pur15. Sarah shall her name be. Heb. poses of mercy. The divine goodness;.t Sarah. Gr. El!z Sarra, expres- shines forth conspicuously in this that B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVII. 279 18 And Abraham said unto and thou shalt call his name God, O that Ishrnmael might live Isaac: and I will establish my before thee! covenant with him for an ever19 And God said, a Sarah thy lasting covenant, and with his wife shall bear thee a son indeed; seed after himn. a ch. 18. 10.& 21. 2. Gal. 4. 28. notwithstanding men in their perverse- From this it would appear that a doubt ness do so much to obstruct its course, occurred to Abraham which struck a it is still made to triumph over their damp upon his pleasure. The promise unworthiness, and spend itself upon of another son he fears will be the dethem, even in spite, as it were,of them- struction of all the hopes centred in the selves. one already given. If he be not re17. Abraham.fell upon his face, and quired to die to make room for the laughed. Not out of incredulity or rid- other, at any rate the promise concernicule, for he was strong in faith, but out ing him may be in great measure frusof the admiration and joy with which trated, and the prospect of his blessings he was transported. Laughter may vastly diminished. He prays therefore arise from very different states of mind. that his apprehensions in this respect It is easy to perceive that in Abraham's may be removed; that not only Ishcase it was prompted by a very differ- mael's life be preserved, but that he ent feeling from that which moved the may live and prosper; that he may risibilities of Sarah on the occasion yet enjoy the distinguished temporal mentioned Gen. 18. 12, 13. Chal.'He blessings formerly promised him. Chal. rejoiced.' Targ. Jerus.'He marvelled.'' I would that Ishrmael might abide beHis emotions,entirely freefrom thelevity fore thee;' i. e. continue to enjoy thy of spirit which usually we connect with blessing. That the Heb. word (*rN'l) laughter, were doubtless a mixture of for'live,' has often the import of proswonder and delight. He was overcome pering will be evident to any one who with an extacy of surprise that vented examines the scriptural usage of the itself in this unusual, though not unnat- term, particularly as exhibited in Deut. ural manner, for we see similar emo- 8. 1. 1 Sam. 25. 6. tions expressing themselves in a simi- 19. Sarah thy wife shall bear. Heb. lar way in the language of the Psalm- j is bearing; spoken of as an ist, Ps. 126. 1, 2,' When the Lord turn- event now taking place, from its absoed again the captivity of Zion, we were lute certainty, though a year was to inlike them that dream. Then was our tervene before its actual occurence.mouth filled with laughter, and our I Thou shalt call his name Isaac. Heb. tongue with singinlg.' So also Job, 8. j1Zrl yitzhek, he shall laugh. Gr. 21,' Till he fill thy mouth with laugh- taaeK, whence the English Isaac.-fS ing, and thy lips with rejoicing.' In 1 will establish my covenant with him, allusion to this circumstance the child, &c. That is, my spiritual covenant, when born, was named Isaac, laugh- the covenant containing the promise of ter, v. 19. See Note on Gen. 21. 8. the Messiah, and all its related privi18. 0 that Ishmael might live before leges and blessings. Yet from the fact thee. Not merely Ishmael in person, that Ishmael was commanded to be but Ishnmael in his posterity. The pur- circumcised and that the rite was perport of the petition is to be judged of petuated in his family, the inference from the answer which was given to it. would seem fairly drawn, that the covw 280 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 20 And as for Ishmael, I have 22 And he left off talking with heard thee: behold, I have bless- him, and God went up from ed him, and will make him fruit- Abraham. ftul, and bwill multiply him ex'- 23 ~f And Abraham took Ishceedingly: c twelve princes shall mael his son, and all that were he beget, d and I will make him born in his house, and all that a great nation. were bought with his money, ev21 But my covenant will I es- ery male among the men of Abratablish with Isaac, e whom Sarah ham's house; and circumcised the shall bear unto thee at this set flesh of their foreskin, in the selftime in the next year. same day, as God had said unto him. b ch. 16. 10. c ch. 25. 12, 16. d ch. 21. 18. e ch. 21. 2. enant, in some of its aspects, did prop- tion, and for its remarkable fulfilment, erly pertain to him. So far as it had consult the history, Gen. 25, 12-16. a temporal bearing, Ishmael seems to 21. At this set time next year. At have been made as much a partaker in this very time in the following year. it as Isaac, and Esau as Jacob. Nor Comp. Gen. 21. 2. are we authorized to conclude, from the 22. And God went up.from Abracircumstance of the covenant, in its ham. Arab.'The angel of God went more spiritual features, being restricted up.' Chal.'The glory of the Lord to the line of Isaac, that therefore the went up.' That is, the visible majesty line of Ishmael was any disadvantaged of Jehovah, the Shekinah, the symbol as to the prospect of eternal life. The of the divine presence; See Gen. 35. covenant of peculiarity was indeed 13. Ezek. 1. 2i.-8. 4. The whole more especially established with the narrative suggests the idea of a personformer, but as many who were inclu- al interview, and all doubt as to the ded in it might fail of salvation, so identity of the personage described is many who were excluded from it might precluded by the express declaration, still become heirs of salvation. The v. 1,'I am the Almighty God.' door of mercy was always open to 23. And Abraham took Ishmaelevery one who believed; and in every and circumcised, &c. That is, ordered nation and in every age, he that feared it to be done; saw that it was done. God and wrought righteousness was As no express directions were given as accepted of him. to the operator, such agents might be 20. 1 have blessed him and will make employed as the head of the household him fruitful. That is, have blessed saw fit. In Ex. 4. 25, we see a mothhim by mnaking him fruitful; which er performing it, but in modern times it though spoken in the past, is to be un- is usually performed by some experienderstood in the future; and that for the ced person; and it is not only considsame reason that the future is so often ered a great honour to be a circumciser used for the past, viz. to indicate the (mohel), but the occasion is made one absolute certainty of the event foretold. of great rejoicing and festivity.-The - IT 2Twelve princes shall he beget. conduct of Abraham on this occasion as Jacob, the son of Isaac, was the fa. furnishes a bright example to all sticther of twelve patriarchs or phularchs, ceeding ages of the manner in which i. e. heads of tribes, so Ishmael is here divine ordinances should be complied made the subject of a parallel predic- with. We may remark concerning it, 3B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 281 24 And Abraham twas ninety 27 And f all the men of his years old and nine, when he was house, born in the house, and circumcised in the flesh of his bought with money of tile stranforeskin. ger, were circumcised with him. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was CHAPTER XVIII. circumcised in the flesh of his AND the LORD appeared unto foreskin. him in the a plains of Mam26 In the self-same day was re: and he sat in the tent-door Abraham circumcised, and Ish- in the heat of the day; mael his son; fch. 18. 19. a ch. 13. 18. & 14. 13. (1.) That it was prompt. Though God name of liberality, is anti-christian. had said nothing to him respecting the (4.) It was yielded in old age, when lime of his performing the ceremony, the infirmity of nature is prone to plead yet we learn that in the self same day off frotn engaing in any thing new, that God had spoken to him, the com- or different from that to which it has mand was put in execution. This was been accustomed. Yet it seems to be making haste, and delaying not to for the purpose of putting honor upon Keep his commandments.' Such is Abraham's obedience, that it is so exevermore the impulse of a truly devo- pressly said,'Ninety and nine years ted and affectionate heart. To linger old was Abraham when he was cirin the practical observance of the di- cumcised.' It is one of the temptations vine precepts, to put off till to-morrow of old age to be tenacious of what we what can as well be done to-day, is the have believed and practised from our evidence of a cold, languid, listless youth; to shut our eyes and ears state o1Pheart, and little short of tri- against every thing that may prove it fling with supreme authority. Such to have been erroneous or defective, conduct receives no countenance from and to find excuses from being exthe example of Abraham. (2.) It was empted from hard and dangerous duimplicit. We do not find him inqui- ties. But Abraham to the last was ring into the reasons of the divine in- ready to receive farther instruction, junction, nor asking why such a pain- and to do as he was commanded, leavful rite had been deferred for so long a ing consequences with God. This time and was now appointed to be ob- shows that the admonition to'walk served when he had one foot in the before him, and be perfect,' had not grave. It was sufficient for him that been given in vain. thus God would have it to be. God's 21. And Ishmael his son Wias thirteen will was at once a law and a reason to years old when he was circumcised. him, and he yielded an unquestioning From this circumstance the Arabians obedience. (3.) It was punctilious. and other descendants of Ishllael, and We have only to read the verse to see indeed all the followers of Mohammed, how exact was the correspondence be. defer circumcision till the age of thirtween the command of God and the teen, and when it occurs it is made a obedience of his servant. A rigid re- festival occasion of great rejoicing. gard to the revealed will of Heaven, even in its minutest particulars, enters CHAPTERt XVIIT. deeply into the essence of true religion, 1. And the Lord appeared unto him. and the spirit which dispenses with it, Heb.'~ ~ was seen of him. though it may pass under the specious This clause states in a general manner 24* 252 GENESIS. [13. C. 1898. 2 b And he lifted up his eyes saw thenm, he ran to meet them and looked, and lo, three men from the tent-door, and bowed stood by him: Gand when he himself toward the ground, b Heb. 13. 2. c ch. 19. 1. I Pet. 4 9. the incident which is more fully de- his cattle were probably at pasture tailed in its particulars in the ensuing many miles distant. Among the Beverses. As we gather from the sequel, douin tribes it is the duty of the chief the object of this renewed manifesta- or sheikh to entertain strangers, and tion of the divine presence was again as the custom requires them to stop at to repeat the promise of a son, and to the first,tent they reach, the sheikh's make known to Abraham the purposed tent is usually pitched so as to be the destruction of Sodom. It was. prob- first in that directionfrom which stranably vouchsafed a short time after the gers most comlmonly arrive. This cusevents recorded in the preceding chap- tom would account for Abraham's ter. ~ In the plains of Mamre. Or, being the first to perceive the strangers Heb.' h 5:xn in thie oaks, or tIhe as he sat in the shade of his tent-door oak-grove qf JManere. See Note on to enjoy any air that might be stirring, Gen 13. 18.- r~ He sat in thie tent- while the heat of the day rendered the door in the heat of the day. The in- interior of the tent too close and sultry tense heat of those eastern climes still to be conveniently occupied. In the compels the labourer and the traveller heat of the day the external shade of to seek shelter and rest during the mid- the tent is much more cool and pleasant die of the day.'Often has my mind than the interior.' Pict. Bible. reverted to the scene of the good old 2. And he lifted up his eyes and lookpatriarch sitting in the door of his tent ed.' To lift up the eyes does not mean in the heat of the day. When the sun to look upward, but to look directly at is at the meridian, the wind often be- an object, and that earnestly. A man comes softer, and the heat more op- coming from the jungle might say,'As pressive; and then may be seen the I came this morning, I lifted up my people seated in the doors of their huts, eyes, and behold, I saw three elephants.' to inhale the breezes, and to let them'Have you seen any thing to-day in blow on their almost naked bodies.' your travels?'-'I have not lifted up Roberts. The scene here described my eyes.''I do not see the thing you presents a beautiful picture of patriar- sent me for, sir.'-'Just lift up your chal manners, and one strikingly ac- eyes, and you will soon find it." Robcordant with the customs of other na- erts.-~- And lo, three men stood by tions of remote antiquity, as transmit- him. Such they were in outward apted to us by their historians and poets, pearance, but the Apostle Heb. 13. 1, particularly Homer, who thus describes calls them'angels,' whom Abraham the hospitable Axylus;- entertained unawares, i. e. not knowing Fast by the road his ever-open door them to be such. To him they appearObliged the wealthy and relieved the poor. ed to be three strangers on a journey, iliad, B. 6. and as such he treated them. But it' The annotators on this chapter seem is generally conceded that two of these to have had in view the single tent of were created angels. As to the third, Abraham. with flocks and herds feed- it can scarcely be doubted thatbhe was ing around. P,ut there rmust have beien the sanme divine personage who, tLnder miany tents for his nunlerous depend- tle name of' Angel,' or' Angel of Jeants and servants; while the bulk of hovalb,' so frequently appeared to the d. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 283 3 And said, My lord, if now 4 Let d a little water, I pray I have found favour in thy sighlt, you, be fetched, and wash your pass not away, I pray thee, from feet, and rest yourselves under thy servant: the tree d ch. 19. 2. & 43. 24. patriarchs in human form. Certain it is perior, but not greatly so, he rises hasthat this personage appears in the sub- tily and advances to receive his visiter sequent part of the narrative, v. 13-22, at the entrance of the room; if the and yet there is not the least intimation visiter be an equal, he simply rises from of any other appearance than that of his seat on his entrance; and if an inthe three men whom Abraham enter- ferior, he only makes the motion of tained. The inference therefore is fair rising.-~ Bowed himself toward the that the Sonl of God, anticipating thus ground. Heb. ~PuD'I. The original his future manifestation in the flesh, word is elsewhere rendered'worshipconstituted one of the company. The ped,' as is also the corresponding Gr. persons that now appeared at the tent- termll 7rpoUVi'EW proskuneo both in the door of Abraham were certainly un- Old and New Testament. Its primary known to him. He was ignorant of meaning is to do homage, or pay obeitheir quality, their country, and their sance to one, but whether this homage destination; yet his behaviour to themn be civil or religious cannot be deterwas as respectful as if they had been mined from the word itself; this must attended by a pompous retinue, or had be ascertained from the context. Thus sent a messenger to him beforehand where one Evangelist, Mat. 8. 2, says, announcing their names, and their in-' Behold there came a leper and wortention of paying him a visit. With shipped him,' another, Mark 1. 40, how much propriety the Apostle incul- speaking of the same incident, says, cates the duty of hospitality from this' And there came a leper to him, beincident will be obvious at once, and seeching him, and kneeling down to we may remarkl in addition, that those him.' This determines the sense of wvho hold themselves in readiness to'worship' in the former passage to be show kindness to the stranger and the merely assuming a reverential posture. traveller, may chance sometimes to be So also, Luke 14. 10,'Then shalt thou favoured with the presence of guests have worship in the presence of them who will have it in their power and in that sit at meat with thee;' i. e. have their hearts to bless them as long as reverence. In the present case, Abrathey live.-IT Tie ran to meet them. haim's bowing was doubtless intended His generosity on this occasion is not rather as a token of civil respect than more conspicuous than the amiable as an act of religious adoration; for he manner in which it was expressed. seems not at first to have been aware The instant he sees them, he rises up, of the true character of his guests, paras by a kind of instinctive courtesy, to ticularly the principal of them. bid them welcome to his tent, and that 3. And said, Mly 0lord. Addressing in the most respectful manner. This himself to that one of the three who and other passages in the Bible may be had the most dignified and commanding illustrated by the gradations of Persian air, or who perhaps advanced someetiquette. When a Persian is visited by what in front of the rest. — r If now a very superior person he crosses the I have fobund favour in thy sight. open court of his house, and receives j That is, if you are disposed to do me a him at tile street-door; if decidedly su- favour, pass not away, &c. 284 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 5 And e I will fetch a morsel on: g for therefore areye come to of bread, and f comfort ye your yoe;r servant. And they said, So hearts; after that ye shall pass do, as thou hast said. e Judg. 6. 18. & 13.15. f Judg. 19. 5. Ps. 104. 15. g ch. 19. 8. & 33. 10. I:. Let a little water be fetched, and sible the merit of every office lie protush your feet. That is, have them poses to perform for them. If they wash: d; for this was performed by are to be refreshed with water, he calls servants, and not by the guests them- it'a little water;' and if with food he seclves.'Water for the feet is a neces- calls it'a morsel of bread.' In order sary and most grateful part of hospital- to spare them the formality of apolity in the East. Where the people ogies and relieve them from the anxiewear sandals, which are intended only ty they might feel under the apprchento protect the soles, the feet soon be- sion of the trouble he might be at on come foul and parched; and to have their account, he says not a word of the feet and ankles bathed is the most the best of the entertait.rne;:!s which gratifying of refreshlnents after that of he determined to provide for them. quenching thirst. The office is usually — ~ Comnfort ye your hearts. Heb. performed by servants. Mr. Roberts tn.~ 1l~S'1 sustain, uphold, strengthmentions, that in passing through Hin- e.nyousrhearts. Gr. SbasEaOE eat. Thus doo villages it is common to see this Judg. 9. 5,'Conmfort (Heb. n't: stay) office performed for the weary traveller. your hearts with a morsel of bread.' In the sandy deserts of Arabia and Hence bread is ternmed the staff of life, the bordering countries no covering for and the Lord threatens by the prophet, the feet can prevent the necessity for Is. 3. 1, to' take away from Jerusalem this refreshment at the end of a day's and from Judah, the stay and the stafj, journey. The fine impalpable sand or the whole stay of bread and the whole dust penetrates all things, and, with staff of water.'f ~ For therefore are the perspiration, produces an itching ye come to your servant. Heb.'For and feverish irritation, which, next to therefore have ye passed by ('1j2) to the quenching of his thirst, it is the your servant,' i. e. for this has it been first wish of a traveller to allay; and so ordered in Providence that your steps to uncover his feet, and to get water to have been condcted hither. Not that wash them, is a prime object of atten- he would intimate that their sole design tion. If sandals only are used, or the in passing that way was to avail themfeet are entirely without defence, it be- selves of his generous hospitality, but comes still more necessary to wash that God hadso ordered things, that he them after a journey.' Pict. Bible. was bound to regard them and treat -~f Rest yourselves. Heb. jtI~~ them as if sent with that special purlean ye down. Gr. KaraIVIxre refresh pose. The sentiment so casually intiyourselves..~ Under the tree. Col- mated in the text discloses a very inlect. sing. for' trees,' as his tent stood teresting trait in Abraham's character in a grove. as a pious man. It shows how habit5. 1 will fetch a morsel qf bread. ually he recognised a superintending As before remarked,'bread' among the and directing Providence. Even an Hebrews was the general name for any incident so apparently fortuitous as the kind of food. Nothing is more remark- passing by his door of a few strangers able than the refinement of this ad- he instinctively refers to the ordering of dress. He dlminishes as much as pos- heaven, and therefore feels that in B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 285 6 And Abraham hastened into ures of fine meal, knead it, and the tent unto Sarah, and said, make cakes upon the hearth. Make ready quickly three measobeying the impulses of a benevolent great interest, and traced the analogies heart he is at the same time discharging they afforded to the usages recorded in a duty expressly enjoined upon him by the Bible. As we shall have occasion the circumstances of the case. His to describe these processes in notes to example teaches us to consider every the various passages which refer to unexpected opportunity for befriending them, we now only notice that which our fellow-creatures as divinely afford- is supposed to be here intended, and ed.-T' So do as thou hast said. which is still in use among the Arabs'How exceedingly simple was all this! and other people of the East. It is No compliment on either side, but such done by kindling a fire upon the ground as a generous heart and sound sense or hearth: when the ground is suffidictate.' A. Clarke. ciently.heated the fire is removed and 6. Abraham, hastened into the tent the dough placed, and being coverunto Sarah. That is, into Sarah's ed with the hot ashes and embers is tent, into the woman's apartment, soon baked, although not so rapidly as which was separated from his.-T~ by some other processes, the cakes beMake ready quickly three measures of ing thicker and not so wide as those in meal. Heb. t"a 1vt5 ~t,2 hasten most common use. Another process three seahs of meal. A' seah' contain- resembles this, except that, instead of ed about two gallons and a half.-~f the bare hearth, a circle of small stones KnLead it, and make cakes upon the is arranged, and these being heated, the hearth.'It seems very strange to us paste is spread over them, and then that in such an establishment as that overlaid with hot cinders. This is thinof the patriarch there was not ready ner than the former, and is only used baked bread for the strangers. But by the Arabs for their morning meal. the fact is, that in the East to this day, Sarah's process was probably the first so much bread and no more than will mentioned. It may seem extraordinasuffice for the household is baked daily, ry to see a lady of such distinction as as the common bread will not keep Sarah, the wife of a powerful chief, ocgood longer than a day in a warm cli- cupled in this menial service. But even mate. They also prefer bread when it now this duty devolves on the women is new. In the East, it is only in large of every household; and among those towns that there are bakers by trade. who dwell in tents, the wife of the In villages and camps every family proudest chief is notabove superintendbakes its own bread; and while jour- ing the preparation of the bread, or neying in the East we always found even kneading and baking it with her that, except in towns, the women of own hands. Tamar, the daughter of a the familes which entertained us al- king, seems to have acquired distinction ways went to work immediately after as a good baker of bread (see 2 Sam. our arrival, kneading the dough and 13. 5-10); and there are few of the baking'cakes,' generally on spacious heavy duties which fall upon the woround or oblong plates, of thin and soft men of the East which they are more bread, which were ready in an aston- anxious to do well, and get credit for, ishingly short time. We have often than this. It is among the very first Wtatched the various processes with of an Eastern female's accomplish 286 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 7 And Abraham ran unto the! young man; and he hasted to herd, and fetched a calf tender dress it. and good, and gave it unto a ments. The other duties of the kitchen but on the occasion of some great fes Aitll often devolve upon the wives, even tival, or on the arrival of a stranger. in families of distinction. When Dr. If the guest is a common person, bread Richardson was at Jerusalem he was, is baked and served up with the ayesh; as a physician, consulted about the if the guest is a person of some small conlplaints of the ladies of a Turk of consequence, coffee is prepared for him, high considera tion, called Oinar Efflindi. and also a dish called behatta (rice or'I was surprised,' says the doctor,' to flour boiled with sweet camel's milk), hear many of them ascribe their comrn- or that called.ftltat (baked paste, plaints to fatigue, which, I was inform- kneaded up thoroughly with butter); ed, arose from their employment in the but for a man of some rank, a kid or kitchen.'' Pict. Bible. lamb is killed. When this happens, the 7. A calf tender and good.'Here lamb is boiled with bourgoul (wheat again the European reader is struck no dried in the sun after having been boilless at the want of preparation than by ed) and camel's milk; and served up the apparent rapidity with which the in a large wooden dish, around the edge materials of a good feast were supplied. of which the meat is placed. A woodThe dough was to be kneaded and the en bowl, containing the melted fat of bread baked; and the meat had not the animal, is put and pressed down in only to be dressed but killed. The fact the midst of the boiled wheat; and evis, the Orientals consume a very small ery morsel is dipped into this melted quantity of animal food; and the nom- fat before it is swallowed. *A bowl of ades, with their ample flocks and herds, camel's milk is frequently handed round less than other Orientals. In our own after a meal. Now in this account of journeys meat was never to be found the Arab mode of entertaining a stranready killed, except in large towns, and ger we have all the circumstances of then only in the mornings. - There was Abraham's en tertainment, if we change probably not a morsel of meat in Abra- his'calf' for a sheep, lamb, or kid. nam's camp, in any shape whatever. Here are the bread newly baked, the The usages of the Aeneze Arabs, as butter and the milk. If we shouldsupttated by Burckhardt, in his'Notes on pose that the process of boiling the the Bedouins,' strikingly illustrate this choice parts of the calf was too long entertainment prepared by Abraham for the present occasion, we may confor his visitants; and we know that, elude that the choice parts were cut up with some unimportant differences, the into small bits, and, being run upon statement applies generally to other small spits or skewers, broiled over the Arab tribes. Their usu-al fare (called fire: this being a mode very common ayesh) consists of flour made into a in the Fast of preparing a hasty meal paste, and boiled with sour camel's of animal tbod. We have not supposed milk. This is their daily and universal that the animal was dressed and servdish; and the richest sheikh would ed up entire, as that would have requirthink it disgraceful to order his wife to ed more time than the haste of preparprepare any other dish merely to please ing a tneal for merely passing strangers his own palate. The Arabs never in- would allow. But amongst theArabs, dulge in animal food and other.txua-ies and indeed other Eastern people, it is B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 287 8 And hhe took butter, and! dressed, and set it before them; milk, and the calf which he had and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. h ch. 19. 3, not unusual at their entertainments to fowls six or eight hours before they are serve up a lamb or kid that has been cooked, and say we are fond of eating baked whole in a hole in the ground, chettareyche, i. e. dead flesh. He adds, which after being heated and having' There are some Englishmen who bereceived the carcase, is covered over come so accustomed to these things, with stones. It is less usual now in that they have the chicken grilled, and the East to kill a calf than it seems to on their table, which a quarter of an have been in the times of the Bible. hour before was playing in the yard.' The Arabs, Turks, and others think it Pict. Bible. monstrous extravagance to kill an ani- 8. He took butter.'The continual mal which becomes so large and valu- mention of butter as an independent ble when full grown. This considera- dish, and as a proverbial sign of plenty, tion seems to magnify Abraham's liber- is calculated to astonish an European elity in being so ready to kill a calf for reader. The word, as used in the Bible, strangers.' Pict. Bible. —I Gave it implies butter and cream in various unto a young ian. That is, to a ser- states of consistence. Annotators have vant. See Note on Gen. 14. 24.- ~ discussed whether, in the present inIlasted to dress it. That is, to cook it. stance, the meat was dished up with Judging front our modern notions of butter, or that the latter formed an incookery, it may seem strange to many dependent dish. It might well be both readers that a calf just killed should or either, if we judge from present Arab be immediately roasted. But the Ori- usages, which furnish ample illustraentals are still fond of eating meat just tions of the extraordinary use of butter killed. It is said then to be tender and among the Hebrews. The butter is juicy.'It seems to us rather revolting usually made with the mills of sheep or that the meat should be dressed and goats, and is used to an excess which eaten so immediately after being killed. it seems amazing that the human But it is still the custom in the East -to stomach can bear. All Arab food, condress meat very soon after the animal sidered well prepared, swims in butter, has been killed, and very often before and large quantities are swallowed in the warmth of life has departed from dependently in a solid or liquid state. it: and in a journey we have ourselves Burckhardt mentions that those who often eaten boiled mutton in less than can afford such luxury swallow every two hours after the sheep had been' morning a large cup full of butter bekilled; and broiled mutton in a much fore breakfast; and even snuff a good shorter time. T'he custom doubtless quantityup their nostrils. Some tribes originated in the heat of the climate, welcome a guest by pouring a cup of which precluded meat from being kept melted butter on his head. Our way of long; and, as a custom, came to be spreading butter thinly on bread seems applied in seasons and regions where the height of absurdity to them, and the originating cause did not immedi- indeed to other Asiatics. When they ately operate. Mr. Roberts, in a re- do eat it with bread at all, it is in the mark on 1 Sam. 28. 24, 25, observes, way which was taught us by a Bedouin, that in India the nativesaffect to bedis- wto observing us sitting on the ground gusted with the English for keeping and refreshing ourselves with buttered 288 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. bread and dates, looked compassion- sweet milk is handed round after an ately on our ignorance of the true use Arab meal. They also make much use of butter, and to give us a valuable les- of butter-milk; and coagulated soul son on the subject, commenced break- milk, diluted with water, is in very gening off a thin bit of bread, about the eral use both among the Arabs and size of a crown piece, and heaping other inhabitants of Western Asia. Althereon as large a lump of butter as it though unpleasant at first to strangers, would support, threw it into his mouth the natives swallow it with avidity, and with great satisfaction. He pursued it is really famed to be very refreshing this instruction until his rapid progress in a warm climate. Either this or towards the bottom of our butter skin sweet milk is probably intended In the obliged us to declare ourselves suffi- text. They make cream by the usual ciently instructed. Burckhardt, in al- processwhich is scarcely inferiorto that lusion to the extraordinary use of but- of Devonshire. From the frequent ter among the Arabs, observes,'the mention which is made of milk, milk continual motion and exercise in which meals must have been very common they employ themselves, strengthen among the Hebrews, who seem to their powers of digestion, and for the have been always, even in their settled same reason an Arab will live for state, more a pastoral than an agriculmonths together on the smallest al- tural people. In Prov. 27. 27, goat's lowance; and then, if an opportunity milk, of course understood in its preshould offer, he will devour at one sit- parations, is mentioned as a principal ting the flesh of half a lamb, without article of diet in a Hebrew household. any injury tohishealth.' This in some The milk of goats is perhaps there degree accounts for the extraordinary mentioned as being of the best quality. quantity of food which here and else- It is decidedly so considered in the where we find prepared for a very few East. The Arabs drink camel's millt persons; or a reason perhaps is found (see note on ch. 32. 15); but all their in the existing practice throughout butter and cheese is made with the milk Western -Asia of producing at enter- of goats and sheep, which are milked tainments from five to ten times the by the women every morning before quantity of food which the invited daybreak. Cow's milk, where it is to guests can consume, the residue going be had, is held in comparative little esto feast the women and the host of ser- teem, and is, in fact, much inferior to vants and dependents which men of that which our cows produce; perhaps consideration support. It is the same because these animals cannot thrive in camps, where a great number of hun- well upon the wild and often scanty gry Arabs or Tartars got some benefit pastures of those regions.' Pict. Bible. from the feasts which their sheikh or -~ Stood by them. Heb. Chn omad, some wealthy person provides for a was standing. Chal.'Ministered unto stranger.' Pict. Bible.-~ And milk. them.'' Standing,' in the idiom of the' Milk, in its various forms, constitutes.Scriptures, is often equivalent to waita principal article of diet among the ing upon, serving, or ministeringunto. Arabs and other pastoral tribes; and Thus, Neh. 12. 44,'Judah rejoiced for also enters largely as an ingredient into the priests and the Levites thatwaited;' the composition of their prepared dishes. Heb.'that stood.' Jer. 52. 12,'NeMany tribes live almost exclusively on duzar-adan, captain of the guard, which dates and milk meals. Butter has been served& the king of Babylon.' Heb. mentioned, and cheese will claim' a'stood before.' Jer. 40. 10,'As for futurenotice. When pasturageis good me, behold 1 will dwell at Mizpeh to B. -C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 289 9 1T And they said unto hint, And Sarah heard it in the tentWhere is Sarah thy wife? And door, which was behind him. he said, Behold, i in the tent. 11 Now n Abraham and Sarah 10 And he said, I k will cer- were old and well stricken in tainly return unto thee 1 accord- age; and it ceased to be with ing to the time of life; and lo, Sarah 0 after the manner of wom Sarah thy wife shall have a son. men. i ch. 4. 67. k ver. 14. 1 2 Kings, 4. 16. m ch. n ch. 17. 17. Rom. 4. 19. Heb. 1. 11, 12, 19. 17. 19, 21. & 21. 2. Rom. 9. 9. 0 ch. 31. 35. serve the Chaldeans;' Heb.'to stand saying this he probably pointed with before.' On the contrary,'sitting' is a his finger to the tent. sign of supremacy or government. 10. And he said, 1 will certainly rePs. 29. 10,' The Lord sitteth upon the turn unto thee. Heb.'Ini- n']V reflood;' i. e. reigneth over it. Is 16. 5, turning I will return, the strongest' And in mercy shall the throne be es- and most emphatic mode of affirma tablished, and lie shall sit upon it il tion. The speaker in the former verse truth in the tabernacle of David;' i. e. is not especially designated; but here he shall reign upon it. Ps. 110. 11, he who was first in the train on their' Sit thou at my right hand;' i. e. reign arrival, and whom he had addressed in thou. Mat. 23. 2,'The Scribes and terms of the highest respect, now the Pharisees sit in Moses's seat;' i. e. speaks to Abraham respecting that exercise authority in the name of Moses. promise as his own, which had been Although the patriarch was now a given in the foregoing chapter by the great prince in the land, as princes were Almighty God; and he expressly enthen accounted, and though he had not gages for its accomplishment. This long before this vanquished kings, yet rlust have opened his eyes to the true not only did he, upon the first sight of character of the being who addressed these his guests, bow himself to the him. He must have recognised in him ground, but while they sat at meat he no other than Jehovah under the ap thought it not beneath his dignity to pearance of a man. It is not however stand and wait upon them. to be understood that the predicted're9. And they said unto him where is turn,' was to be made in the same visSarah thy wife. This question must ible or personal manner, but it was to have excited surprise; for how should be in the efficient fulJilment of the these strangers know the name of thing promised, called, ch. 21. 1,'a Abraliam's wife, and her new name visitation.' So the New Testament too; and why should they inquire after speaks of a' coming of Christ,' which her? The relations of the sexes are so was to be not a personal return to the peculiar in the East, that such inqui- earth, but a spiritual coming, accomries are never made. Mr. Buckingham plished in the works of Providence, and in his lectures remarks that one who in the power of the Holy Ghost, should ask another of the health of his 2 Thess. 2. 8.- ~ According to the wife and family would be considered as time of life. Heb. A'lp trFi accordoffering him a downright insult. But ing to.he living time. A singularly if this inquiry niust have struck Abra- ambiguous phrase, upon which a great ham with surprise, what followed mnust variety of interpretations has been have astounded him still more. —r grafied. The most probable of these, And he said, Behold in tile tent. That we' think, is that of the Persic version; is, in the women's apartments. In'According to the time of that which 25 290 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 12 Therefore Sarah P laughed am waxed old shall I have pleaswithin herself, saying, q After I ure, my r lord being old also? p rh. 17. 17. q Luke 1. 18. r I Pet. 3. 6. is born, or the birth;' i. e. according to displeasure on account of it. Howthe time necessary for the production ever secret may be the actings of sin, of a living child, or at the end of nine God will not fail to notice and reprove months. This is perhaps confirmed it. Sarah might indeed have said, that by ch. 21. 1, 2,'And the Lord visited she had done nothing but what AbraSarah as he said; for Sarah conceived, ham himself had done the very last and bare Abraham a son in his old age, time that the divine purpose respecting at the set time of which God had spo- a son had been announced to him. ken to him.' — ~ Sarah heard it in the But though the external act of laughtent-door which was behind him. He ing was the same in both cases, yet probably sat in such a manner relative- the principle from which it sprung was ly to the door of Sarah's tent, that his widely different. Abraham's was a back was turned towards it, so that if laugh of admiration and joy; Sarah's he had been a mere man he could not was a laugh of unbelief and distrust. have noticed the fact of her laughing.'They did not more agree in their deThat he was aware of it, showed his sire,' says Bp. Hall,'than differ in omniscience.'The form of Abraham's their affection. Abraham laughed betent, as thus described, seems to have cause he believed it would be so, Sarah been exactly like the one in which we because she believed it could not be so.' sat; for in both, there was a shaded Her conduct, however, though exceedopen front, in which he could sit in the ingly faulty, was not prompted by a heat of the day, and yet be seen from profane or impious rejection of the afar off; and the apartment of the proffered mercy, but by laying too females, where Sarah was, when he much stress on thenecessity of natural stated her to be within the tent, was means to produce a natural effect, and immediately behind this, wherein she thus failing to give glory to God as prepared the meal for the guests, and able to accomplish his purposes in spite from whence she listened to their pro- of every opposing obstacle. The re phetic declaration.' Buckingham. buke, therefore, was comparatively gen12. Therefore Sarah laughed with- tie, and connected with a renewal of in herself. Busied in her domestic en- the promise. —— ~ My lord being old gagements, and withheld by the eti- also. This passage taken in connecquette of eastern society, Sarah was tion with another which contains an not present while these illustrious allusion to it, affords a striking proof strangers partook of the refreshment how ready God is to mark whatever is provided for them; but being close at good in our actions, while he casts a hand, she overheard the inquiries made veil over the evil with which it is acafter her, and the assurance given to companied. At the very time that Abraham that she should bear him a Sarah yielded to unbelief, she exercised son. Not able to credit these tidings, a reverential regard for her husband, she laughed within herself, supposing and this fact is recorded to her honour that as it was to herself only that she by the apostle Peter and proposed as laughed, the whole was unknown. an example to all married women, while But it was not. The Lord saw what the infirmity that she betrayed on the passed in her heart and testified his same occasion is passed over in si B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XV1II. 291 13 And the LORD said unto the LoRD? t At the time apAbraham, Wherefore did Sarah pointed I will return unto thee, laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety according to the time of life, and bear a child, which am old? Sarah shall have a son. 14,Is any thing too hard for s Jer. 32. 17. Zech. 8. 6. Matt. 3. 9. & 19. 26. t ch. 17. 21. ver. i0. 2 Kings, 4. 16. Luke 1. 37. lence; —'In this manner in the old the principle of it; it was saying time the holy women who trusted in' Shall I of a surety bear a child, whc God adorned themselves, being in sub- am old 7' This principle he silences by jection to their own husbands, even as the present question,' Is any thing too Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him hard for the Lord?' Unbelief is apt lord.' The Scriptures afford numerous to have respect to the power rather instances in which God has manifested than the veracity of God. It asks with the same condescension to his frail and Moses,' Can he give bread also, can he sinful creatures. The existence of provide flesh for his people?' But God'some good thing towards the Lord' has given such abundant evidences of often avails, as in the case of young his power, that no apparent impossibilAbijah, 1 Kings, 14. 13, to turn away ities ought at all to shake the steadfastthe eye of Jehovah from manifold im- ness of our faith. Did he not form the perfections in other respects. This is universe out of nothing by a simple act a great encouragement to us amidst all of his will? Did he not give laws to the weakness that we feel; and we all the heavenly bodies, and does he may be assured that if, on the one not still preserve them in their orbits? hand, the evils of our hearts will be Does he not also supply the wants of disclosed, so, on the other, there is not every living creature upon earth 7 How a good purpose or inclination that shall absurd then for Sarah to suppose that not be made manifest and abundantly her age, together with that of her husrewarded in the great day. band, was any effectual obstacle to the 13. The Lord said unto Abraham accomplishment of God's word. One wherefore, &c. Sarah may not at this moment's reflection on his omnipotence time have come into the presence of should banish unbelief forever from oui the guests, and for that reason the in- hearts. —-- At the time appointed 1 terrogation may have been put to her will return, &c. It is humiliating to husband. If she had, Abraham was think what a necessity our unbeliefimperhaps called to answer for his wife in poses upon God to impart and renew order to render the reproof more point- his promises to us; and the earnestness ed to Sarah; for to an ingenuous mind with which the promise so often given nothing can be more galling than to is here repeated, shows the just dishear an innocent person called in ques- pleasure which Sarah's incredulity had tion for our fault. excited in the bosom of God. We can14. Is any thing too hard for the not indeed but be filled with amazeLord? Heb. ~'1= fiuiih x5Vift is ment that he did not rather say,'Since any word too wonderful.for Jehovah? you treat my promises with secret deThat is, any thing which can be spoken rision, you shall never be made partaof, any thing which is a matter for ker of them.' But God well knows words. See Note on ch. 15. 1. In de- the weakness of the human heart, and teeting the sinfulness of Sarah's laugh- therefore deals tenderly with offinders. ter in the preceding verse, he points out Were he to suffer our unbelief to make 292 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, And lhe said, Nay; but thou didst 1 laughed not; for she was afraid. laugh. void his truth, no one of his promises what I know to be true;' a short but would ever be fulfilled. But ie hasas- pungent reply, and when accompanied sured us that this shall not be the case, by the piercing and majestic look with and if any thing will put to shame our which it was doubtless uttered, must unbelief, surely this will. Such conde. have sunk to her very heart. But it scension and compassion cannot but was the wound of a friend, which is prevail upon us more forcibly than a faithful. It seems to have been a sigthousand menaces. nal mercy to her, thus to have had 15. 7hen Sarah denied, saying, &c. her secret sin detected and reproved. The above language, while it proved From this time we hear no more of her that he who uttered it was a discerner unbelief; on the contrary, the rebuke of the thoughts and intents of the heart, administered to her was effectual for covered Sarah's face with confusion. the confirming and establishing her But instead of confessing, or attempt- faith. In the account given of the most ing to extenuate her fault, she, in her eminent saints who were distinguished fright, denied the fact altogether. Alas, for their faith, Sarah herself is menhow awfully prolific is sin! One sel- tioned; and her faith is said to have dom comes alone. It generally brings been instrumental to the accomplisha multitude of others to justify or con- ment of that very promise, which in ceal it. But it is in vain to cover our the first instance she had disbelieved. iniquities. God sees through the cob- And how many have found similar web veil, and will charge upon us the reason to bless God for the fidelity of aggravated guilt which we thus fool- their friends, or for the inward rebukes ishly contract. We may imagine that of their own consciences! Had their what merely passes in our own minds sin passed without notice, they had has in a manner no existence, and may lived and died under its dominion; but almost persuade ourselves to think we by a timely discovery of it, they have are innocent. But in the presence of been led to repentance, and stirred up to God all such subterfuges are no better the exercise of virtues which they had than the fig-leaves of our first parents. previously neglected.-In closing our When he judgeth, lie will overcome. remarks upon the incident here record-~ For she was afraid. This sin- ed, we cannot forbear the suggestion, fulfear, or'amazement,' asitisrendered that we are admonished by it to bein the Vulg. betrayed her into the deni- ware of every thought, every publicaal of which she was guilty. For that tion, every person, that would teach us reason the Apostle, 1 Pet. 3. 6, when to receive even the minutest portion of he proposes Sarah as a pattern of obe- the revelation of God with the feeling dlence to women, though he makes no of incredulity, or the smile of ridicule. mention of her laughing, yet he does The protection of the most crowded insinuate an indirect reflection upon her assembly, the secrecy of the most prifear;' Whose daughters ye are, as vate retiremenlt, will be alike unavailing long as ye do well, and are not afraid to shield us from the eye of him from with any amnazement.' In this respect whom no secrets are hid. Let us be he would have them avoid following careful that he never sees on our counher example. — ~ Nay, but thou didst tenance the smile of distrust, the sneer laugh. As if he had said,' Do not deny of derision at his promises, his precepts, B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 293 16 M And the men rose up from 17 And the LORD said, w Shall thence, and lookedl toward Sod- I hide firom Abraham that thing om: and Abraham went with which I do; them U to bring them on the way. u Rom. 15. 24. 3 John 6. w Ps. 25. 14. Amos 3. 7. John 15. 15. his people. However common a sin 1 Cor. 16. 11. Acts, 20. 38. From v. 22, this may be in a bold, skeptical, gain- it would appear that it was only the saying age, and however little thought two angels who now took their leave. of, it will be unceasingly remembered He who is called'Jehovah' seems to with grief and anguish amidst the ret- have remained, and Abraham, after ributions of the coming world. The conducting the two some little distance, profane joke, the contemptuous epithet, probably returned into the presence ot the supercilious sneer, the open ridicule, his Divine guest, when the circumstanthe downright mockery of the saints, ces afterwards mentioned occurred. are all registered, and how will the 17. Shall I hide.fromn. Abraham that eternal echo of that impious laugh thing which 1 do? That is, which I sound in the ear of conscience, when purpose to do. What is contained in every excuse will be silenced, and every this and the two ensuing verses may denial vain!'NAY, BUT THOU DIDST be considered as forming a divine soliliLAUGH' will continue to awaken new quy uttered during the interval of Abrapains of remorse in the soul of the ham's absence with the two angels. scorner when he and laughter shall The divine condescension shines forth have been long strangers, and when very conspicuously in this transaction. tears, and sighing, and mourning, and God's regard to his own peculiar people woe, have become his unchangeable surpasses almost the bounds of credportion; for of laughter such as this ibility. Who would suppose that he the word of God has pronounced,'The' whose ways are in the great deep,' end of that mirth is heaviness;'' Woe should yet humble himself so far as to unto you that laugh now, for ye shall' do nothing without first revealing his mourn and weep.' secret unto his servants the prophets!' 16. 1The men rose up.from thence, But Abraham was honoured to be calland looked towards Sodom. Set their ed'the friend of God;' he was as it faces in that direction, as if they in- were,' the man of his covenant,' and tended to travel thither. Thus, Luke, between friends and associates it is ex9. 53,' His face was as though he would pected there will be freedom and opengo to Jerusalem.' —l Abraham Denat ness of intercourse, and a mutual imwith them to bring them on the way. parting of counsels. Abraham indeed Heb.:15t: to send them away. Gr. could have no view or purpose but v,qnrpsoorer)ov atvrovg, conveying the what lay open to the eye of God, as twofold idea of dismissing and accom- soon as formed within his own breast; panying. The courteous dismissal of but the designs of the Most High could friends and brethren who have been en- be known to him only as they were tertained as guests, by accompanying revealed. Jehovah in his righteous them some distance on their way, is a judgment had now determined to take duty frequently enjoined in the New signal vengeance on Sodom and Go: Testament. Thus, 3 John 6,' Whom morrah, for their crying iniquities; but if thou bring forward on ther journey his favoured servant was deeply interafter a godly sort, tho', shalt do well.' ested in the fate of those cities, and he See to thr same purpose Rom. 15. 24. knew not how to proceed in the work 25* 294 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 18 Seeing that Abraham shall will command his children and surely become a great and mighty his household after him, and they nation, and all the nations of the shall keep the way of the LORD, earth shall be x blessed in him? to do justice and judgment; that 19 For I know him, Y that he the LORD may bring upon Abrax ch. 12. 3. & 22. 18. Acts 3. 25. Gal. 3 8. ham that which he hath spoken y Deut. 4. 9, 10. & 6. 7. Josh. 24. 15. Eph. 6. 4. of him. of destruction till he had apprised hint his household, that it should operate as of his intention, and given him an op- a warning to his posterity in all future portunity of interceding for them.'The ages of the consequences of bold transsecret of the Lord is with them that gression, and a powerful motive to fear him.''keeping the way of the Lord and do18. Seeing that Abraham shall surely ing justice and judgmnent.' But its conbecome, &c. Heb. Ii'~n,'l' being nection with the preceding verse seems shall be; i. e. shall assuredly become. too close to admit of this construction. Although God was pleased in the pre- We take it rather as a statement of the ceding verse to adopt the interrogative conditions on which the previous promform of speech, yet it is to be consider- ise of enlargement and blessing should ed as in fact a most emphatic negative. be fulfilled-conditions which Omnis-'Shall I hide from Abraham that thing cience saw would be complied with on which I do? No, I will not, for I Abraham's part.'Abraham shall beknow,' &c. We have in this and the come a great nation and a source of following verse the reasons assigned blessing to the world, because I know f(or the decision to which he coimes. that he will be faithful in the discharge The first is the dignity and importance of his duties as the head of a family, of his character, and the great things and thus do what in him lies to perwhich he had purposed to do for himrr. petuate the promised good to his most It is a reason a.fortiori; as if he had distant posterity.' Whence it appears said,'Seeing I have determined to be- that although the promises to Abraham stow upon Abraham the greater favour and his seed, and through them to the of making him a great nation, and of world, were absolute, yet Abraham's blessing in him all other nations, sure- conduct forms an essential part of the ly I may confer upon him the less, of plan. It was by a suitable system of making him acquainted with my pres- means that the predicted end was to be ent purpose of destroying Sodom.' brought about. —We cannot fail toperWhere God has begun to do good to ceive in this language in what high his servants he follows them with still esteem family-religion is held by God accumulating mercies. The past is a and should be held by us. The honpledge for the fuiture, and they may, ourable testimony which is here borne like Rachel, name their blessings' Jo- by the Most High himself to the charseph,' saying,'The Lord willyet add acter of Abraham, rests mainly on the another.' ground of his foreseen exemplary per19. For I know him that he will cor- formance of the duties of a father and mand, &c. This is usually understood a master. It was this pre-eminently by commentators as a second and sep- which God saw and knew and acarate reason for the proposed annunci- knowledged in Abraham, that he would ation to Abraham, viz. that he would use Itis influence in these relations make good use of theintelligence afford- aright; that he would not only advise ed himn, and so aim to impress it upon and counsel his children and household B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 295 in the ways of God, confirming his do it only in a tame, timid, and inefiecteachings by his own pious example, tual way? They may perhaps occasionbut he would command as a master, ally give their children and domestics when he failed to influence as a father. good advice. But ofhowmuch account Although it be admitted that a stern is that? Abraham did not satisfy himand despotic enforcement of religious self with giving good advice to his duties upon the young, whether chit- household, but he' commanded them.' dren or domestics, usually tends to evil, He maintained authority in his family yet occasions will arise when parental and exercised that authority for God. authority must accompany parental God saw that Eli reasoned and exposprayers and precepts, if we would walk tulated with his children, and that in a in the steps of faithful Abraham. As manner which at the present day many influence of whatever kind is a sort of would consider as abundantly serious delegated power with which God is and severe;-' Nay, my sons, this is no pleased to invest us for his glory, it good report that I hear of you: ye make should be carefillly exercised for the the Lord's people to transgress.' EIe upholding and promoting his interests even went further and reminded them in the world. In particular, every of the day of judgment;-'If one man thing that dishonours God, no less sin against another the judge shall than that which is injurious to society, judge him: but if a nian sin against must be opposed with determined vig- the Lord, who shall entreat for him?' our. The violation of the Sabbath, the But he still failed of his duty, and God neglect of public worship, and all kinds cut off both him and his family,'beofprofaneness must bediscountenanced cause his sons made themselves vile, in the most positive and peremptory and he restrained them not.' God manner. Parents and heads of fami- saw that the guilt and usurpation of lies are bound to see to the moral de- Adonijah lay at the door of David, his portment of all who are committed to too fond and indulgent parent;-' His their charge. They should feel a re- father had not displeased him at any sponsibility on the score of their spirit- timein saying, Why hast thou done ual and eternal interests. The econo- so?' And thus too, by some severe my of the household should be so or- and heart-rending judgment will the dered as to carry the conviction to their delinquency of Christian parents be apt minds that the knowledge, the love, to be visited. True it is, that though and the service of God is the great bu- we may command, we cannot ensure siness of life, to which every thing else obedience to our commands; and in is to be subservient. We should aim spite of our utmost efforts, there may to make known to them' the way of be much amiss among those under our the Lord,' and especially the way in control. In Abraham's family there which they may find acceptance with was a mocking Ishmael, in Isaac's a him in the last day. With this view profane Esau, and in Jacob's many a their attendance upon the instituted or- sinful character. But for our encourdinances of religion should be an ob- agement the inspired declaration,'Train ject of special solicitude and inculca- up a child in the way he should go, and tion. We should inquire from time to when he is old he will not depart from time into their knowledge of divine it,' will hold, if not as a universal, yet things, and their progress in the heav- at least as a general truth. At all enly road. How many alas, are they events, signal benefits will accrue to who never employ their influence as those who are brought up in tne fear of heads of families at all for God, or who God. Innumerable evils, which under 296 GENESIS. [B.C. C. 1398. 20 And the LORD said, Because see whether they have done alto" the cry of Sodom and Gomor- gether according to the cry of it, rah is great, and because their sin which is come unto me; and if is very grievous, not, b 1 will know. 21 a I will go down now, anwt b Deut. 8. 2. & 13. 3. Josh. 22. 22. Luke 16., ch. 4. l0. & 19. 13. Jam. 5. 4. a ch. 11.. 5.. Cor. 11. Exod. 3. 8. a different education would have en- said;' i. e. had said in his heart, had sued, are prevented, and good habits purposed. Descent here is of course are, for a time, at least, induced. And bilt figuratively ascribed to God. There though afterwards the force of temrta- could be no change of place with him tion may prevail to draw them aside who is everywhere present; nor can from the good way, yet in a season of examination be necessary to the eye of distress they may be brought to reflec- Omniscience. The language merely tion, and the seed long buried in the represents God as employing- those earth may spring up, and as in the case means of investigation which are neof the prodigal son, bring forth fruit to cessary to man to declare that all the their eternal welfare. The advantages acts of his vengeance are in perfect of a father's house may be forgotten conformity to justice, and that he never for a season; but in a day of adversity punishes without the clearest reason. they may be remembered, and lie that And surely if any thing can show unwas lost may be found, and he that willingness to punish, or a desire to see was dead be made alive. Let us then every thing in the most favourable earnestly aspire to the commendation light, or an anxiety like that of a tenhere bestowed upon Abraham. Let us der parent to cleave to the last hope aim at securing the same high testi- that his child is not irrecoverably lost; mony, so that God may say respecting we have it in these words. It is speak each of us,'I know him; I know his ing of God indeed according to the_ principles; he regards all that he pos- manner of men, but it implies that he sesses, his power, his health, his learn- would look into the whole case; that ing, his influence, as a talent commit- he would be slow before he came to the ted to him by me, to be improved for resolution to inflict vengeance to the the good of others and the glory of my uttermost; that he would institute a name. I know his practice. He calls carefiul inquiry to see whether what he his family together from day to day, to knew to be bad, was incurably bad. unite in worshipping and serving me. In a word, it implies that if there was He catechizes his children; he instructs any possibility, consistently with jushis servants; he labours steadily and tice, of sparing that devoted city, he affectionately to guide them all into the stood ready, in heart and mind, to do it. way of peace. His heart is set upon If we rightly apprehend the drift of the these things; he enters into them as whole narrative, vs. 20, 21, are inserted one who feels his responsibility, and by way of parenthesis, in order to achas no wish but to approve himself to quaint the reader with the main design me, and to give up a good account of for which the Lord, with his two achis stewardship at last.' Let us thus companying angels, had descended and aim to be like Abraham in this world, made this visit to Abraham. On any that we may be numbered among his other interpretation it is not easy to children in the world to cone. understand the propriety of the expres 20, 21. And the Lord said — I ill go sion, v. 21,'I will go down,' when he down, &c. Rather,'for the Lord had had actually'come down' already. 1. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 297 22 And the men turned their 23 IT And Abraham e drew faces from thence, c and went to- near, and said, f Wilt thou also ward Sodom: but Abrahamdstood destroy the righteous with the yet before the LORD. wicked? ch. 19. 1. d ver. 1. e Heb. 10. 22. f Numb. 16.. 22. Sam.n.4.17. -'~1'he cry of Sodom and Gomor- It was so to the angels, who sunk into rah. The sense given to this phraseol- hell under it. It was so to the Sodomogy by some commentators, making ites; they were so clogged with the the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah mere- superfluity of naughtiness, that God ly equivalent to the fame or report of came from heaven to give their land a their wickedness, is certainly altogether vomit.' Trapp.- lT Whether they too frigid to answer to the emphatic have done altogether according to the nature of the expression. It is the cry qf it. Ileb. Ott: q', have done very metaphor used by God in addres- or made to a consummation or comsing Cain,'the voice of thy brother's pletion, or as is not inaptly rendered in blood crieth unto nle.' But the lan- our version,'have done altogether.' guage is by no means exclusively ap- Others give it a little different shade of propriated to the horrid crime of mur- meaning, and render' have made a full der. It is applicable to every sin as end;' i. e. whether they have filled the expressive of the moral demand which measure of their iniquities, whether it makes.for punishment, for every sin they have carried their sins to the tthas a voice of crimination against the most height of enormity, so that they sinner, and its crying intimates the can be spared no longer; for'sin where fixed, necessary, and righteous connec- it is finished bringeth forth death.' tion, Gen. 4. 10, which is established be- The language shows, at any rate, the tween transgression and punishment. deterniination of the divine mind to inThus, James, 5. 4,'The hire of the stitute the most rigid scrutiny into the labourers kept of you back by fraud facts of the case and to act only upon crieth, and the cry of the reapers en- clear and indubitable evidence. ~ tereth into the ears of the Lord God of And if not, I will know. Chal.'But Sabbaoth.' Sins however are more es- if they repent, I will not take venpecially said to cry when they are pe- geance.' culiarly heinous, flagrant, aggravated, 22. T7te men turned theirfaces from and calculated to provoke the wrath of thence. That is, the two before spoken God; and such were now the sins of of. A more accurate rendering would Sodomn and Gomorrah, which two be'had turned,' and instead of' went' cities are doubtless mentioned for their in the next clause,'had gone.' Abrapre-eminence in crime, though it is clear ham after going with them some disfrom Deut. 29. 22-24, that several tance, returned into the presence of the other cities in the immediate vicinity Lord, where the ensuing interview took were involved in the same destruction. place. ~ Stood yet before the Lord. - 11 Their sin is very grievous. Heb. Gr. srL nv egrerow; was yet standing. JR7Z M'lSn= very heavy.'Such as Chal.'Stood in prayer before the the very ground groans under; the Lord.' axle-tree of the earth is ready to break 23. Abraham drew near, and said, tinder it. Sin is a burden to God, Am.' &c. Targ. Jon.' And Abraham prayed 2. 13. It was so to Christ; he fell to and said,' as if his'drawing near' was the ground when he was in his agony. not imerely in a way of local approxi 298 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 24 g Peradventure there be fifty thou also destroy and not spare righteous within the city: wilt the place for the fifty righteous g Jer. 5.. that are therein? mlation, but also of holy fervency and and yet, as no reservation or exempimportunity in prayir. In Heb. 10. 22, tion was spoken of in the announceJames 4. 8, the corresponding Gr. term ment itself, there might have been a (syc(wo) has the same meaning. And momentary inward misgiving which here commences the most remarkable was sufficient to prompt the humble instance of human intercession to be and reverential inquiry of the text. As met with in the whole compass of rev- a general principle, we certainly run no elation, one in which the tender and hazard in maintaining that in the dissympathizing benevolence of Abraham tribution of rewards and punishments, on the one hand, and the astonishing the Judge of all the earth will do right. clemency and forbearance of Jehovah At the same time it cannot be questionon the other, are portrayed in colours ed, that in those judgments which besuch as the pencil of inspiration alone fall communities in the ordinary course could present. The mind of the patri- of God's providence, the good and the arch would naturally be deeply im- bad are often alike involved. Thus the pressed with the annunciation given calamities of war, pestilence, earth-, above. He would feel for his reckless quake, fire, &c. fall upon the righteous and ungodly neighbours, over whom as well as the wicked. In such cases such a tremendous doom was impend- we are to look forward to the retribuing; but especially for Lot and other tions of another world for a complete righteous men whom he might hope vindication of the ways of Providence. would be found among them. In these There the sufferings of the righteous in circumstances it might indeed be ex- this world, in which however even here pected that he would stand in the gap, they experience no more than their sins and do all that in him lay to avert the deserve, will be abundantly compensaevil coming upon them. But that God ted. But we may suppose that Abrashould have been so condescending to ham here speaks rather of such mirachis prayers, and yielded one concession ulous and extraordinary judgments as after another till the number was re- are immediately inflicted by the hand duced from fifty to five, could not have of God for the punishment of some been anticipated'by human reason. crying sins, and as a warning to a heedBut the depths of the divine mercies are less world to avoid the like provocanot to be fathomed by the scanty line tions. Such was the awful visitation of our feeble faculties, and we can only which God now intended to bring'upon stand on the shore of this great ocean Sodom, and to which Abraham refers. and wonder and adore.'I Wilt thou In this case it might reasonably be exalso destroy the righteous with the pected from the justice of God that he wicked? The question here proposed would put a difference between the is not to be understood as implying any righteous and the wicked. Thus in settled doubt in the mind of Abraham like manner in view of the threatened whether the righteous might not be in destruction of Korah and his company, danger of being destroyed with the Numb. 16. 19-22, Moses and Aaron wicked. His previous knowledge of'fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the true attributes of Jehovah, we may the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall well suppose, would have precluded one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with any serious apprehension on this score, all the congregation t' And on this oc B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XVIII. 299 25 That be far from thee to do find in Sodom fifty righteous after this manner, to slay the within the city, then I will spare righteous with the wicked; and all the place for their sakes. h that the righteous should be as 27 And Abraham answvered the wiclied, that be far from thee: and said, 1 Behold now, I have i Shall not the Judge of all the taken upon me to speak unto the earth do right? LoRD, which am m but dust and 26 And the LjoD said, k If I ashes: h Job. 8. 20. Isai. 3. 10, 11. i J',b. 8. 3. & 34. 1 Iuke 18.1. mch. 3.19. J n.4 19. Eccles. 17. Ps. 58. 11. & 94. 2. Rom. 3 6. k Jer. 5. 1 12. 7. 1 Cr. 15.47, 48. 2 Cor. 5. 1. Ezek. 22. 30. casion an exemption was granted to all sakes. But pondering farther upon the such as would avail themselves of it, subject, his benevolent feelings, togethv. 26, for command was given by er with his conviction of the divine Moses to the congregation, saying, clemency, seem to have prompted him' Depart, I pray you, from the tents of to widen the scope of his intercession, these wicked men, and touch nothing and to sue for the sparing of the guilty of. theirs, lest ye be consumrned in all for the sake of the innocent part of the their sins.' Comp. 2 Sam. 24. 17. Ps. population. For their own sakes he 11. 4-7. would not venture to offer the petition. 24. Peradventure there befiftry right- In this we see the working of a pious eous. Abraham charitably hopes the heart, which is continually prone to best with respect to the number of enlarge its desires, and like the horsethe righteotis even in ~Sodorm. At this leech's daughter to cry,'Give, give.' the outset of his intercession, he cer- Like the four things that are never sattainly considered it as at least a pos- isfied-the grave, the barren womb, the,sible case, that there might be found thirsty earth, and the fire-'it saith not, in that wicked place fifty righteous, and it is enough.' though in this instance he was sadly 25. That be far from thee to do. mistaken, yet his example teaches us Heb. l55 a halilah; a term expresthe propriety of entertaining the most sing detestation of a thing as profane, charitable hopes, even in the midst of abominable, shocking, and consequentthe worst appearances. From facts ly that which was forbidden to be done. elsewhere recorded in the sacred volume, we learn that God still had a It s rendered in the Sept. bypi ysvouro remnant to serve him in times of gen-e it not be, or by pnape bynomeans, eral apostacy, even though they were and in Job, 27. 5, pr Et7 be it not. In unknown to his own servants; and all the parallel New Testament texts, we are perhaps warranted to believe the Gr. is uniformly pI y0ca0, and that although in regard to particular the Eng. version'God forbid.' places the number of the righteous may 28. Peradventure there shall lack five be less than we suppose, yet in the of the fifty riglteous, &c. If it be world at large it is much greater._ ~T asked why Abraham continued thus to Wilt thou also destroy and not spare press his suit abating the number by the place? Frorm the question pro- five till at length he had reduced it down posed by Abraham in the preceding to ten, the answer perhaps may be, verse, it would appear that he contem- that being in the outse' uncertain as to plated the preservation of the righteous the number of righteous in Sodom, the only, without presuming to hope for readiness and facility of Jehovah in the deliverance of,thle wicked for their yielding to his first petition, inspired a 300 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 28 Peradventure there shall 31 And he said, Behold now, I lack five of the fifty righteous: have taken upon me to speak unto wilt thou destroy all the city for the LORD: Peradventure there lack of' five? And he said, If I shall be twenty found there. find there forty and five, I will And he said, I will not destroy it not destroy it. for twenty's sake. 29 And he spake unto him yet 32 And he said, n Oh. let not again, and said, Peradventure the LoaRD be angry, and I will there shall be forty found there. speak yet but this once: PeradAnd lie said, I will not do it for venture ten shall be found there. forty's sake. 0 And he said, I will not destroy 30 And he said unto him., Oh, it for ten's sake. let not the LoRD be angry, and I 33 And the LORD went his will speak: Peradventure there way, as soon as lie had left comshall thirty be found there. And muning with Abraham: and he said, I will not do it, if I find Abraham returned unto his place thirty there. n Judg. 39. o James 5. 16. doubt whether the specified fifty could and the iniquities of a people may arbe found. This doubt would naturally rive at such a pitch that if Noah, Danbe increased by every successive con- iel, and Job were in it, those holy men cession, each one of which paved the should not prevail except to deliver way for the following, till at length he their own souls by their righteousness, probably deemed it both hopeless and Ezek. 14. 14. It is not to be forgotten presumptuous to proceed any farther. therefore that notwithstanding the Yet who can affirm that one step far- amazing condescension of God manither in the reduction might not have fested on this and other occasions to secured the salvation of Sodom? The the prayers of his saints, there is a liminquiry is not perhaps profitable or dec- it beyond which their intercessions will orous, but certain it is that on a sub- not avail. sequent occasion, when God was about 33. And the Lord went his way, &c. to send the Jews into captivity, Jer. Rather, HEeb. 1etn went away; which 5. 1, he told them that if they could implies that he was one of the three find one righteous man in Jerusalem, persons who had come to Abraham. he would spare them all; and after he Chal.' The glory of the Lord was lifthad inflicted his judgments upon them, ed up.'- ~ Unto his place; i. e. to he assigned as his reason for it, Ezek. the grove of Mamre, where he was now 22. 30, 31, that not one had been found residing. to stand in the gap, and intercede for REMARKS.-The above narrative of them. But on the other hand, it must Abraham's intercession teaches us, (1.) be admitted that God holds the preroga- How highly God esteems the righteous, tive of pardoning in a sovereign man- and what blessings they are to the planer, and will not allow himself to be ces in which they live. They are well bound by his own precedent. The termed the'light of the world' and the clemency which would have spared'salt of the earth,' for without them the Sodom for the sake of ten could not world would beimmersed in total darkbe moved on any account to avert the ness, and speedily become one mass of threatened wrath from the city which corruption. Little do the world think had rejected the Saviour, Matt. 11. 24, how much they are indebted to God'e B. C. 1893.1 CHAPTER XVIII. 301 people. If only ten persons of this case ten righteous men had been founa character had been found in Sodorn it in it. Our glorious Intercessor has would have been spared. Good men availed to save ten thousand times ten are the safeguards of a nation. Though thousand of the guilty progeny of Adoften traduced and represented as the am, though not one righteous man has'troublers of Israel,' yet were they been'found throughout all their generviewed aright they would be considered ations. rather as the' shields of the earth,' who 3. T'he astonishing efficacy qf interward off from it the judgments of the cessory prayer, and the duty which rests Almighty, and thejr removal would be upon us of oxfering it. It appears from mourned as a public calamity.'When the present narrative that Abraham left Lot is taken out of Sodoim, Sodom is off asking before God left off granting; taken out of the world.' Trapp. and thoughll the particular object of his (2.) The humility which oZLght to petitions was not accorded to him, yet characterise our addresses to God. the avowed conditions on which it Nothing more distinguishes the prayer would have been granted show that no of Abraham on this occasion than the limits, but such as a concern for his profound abasement of spirit which own honour induced God to fix, can breathes through it. He speaks as one be assigned to the exercise of his grace who can hardly realize that he has ta- in answer to his people's prayers. It ken it upon him to speak at all. Un- was in fact a virtual obtaining of the der the same oppressive consciousness object of his suit. How diligently then of our being but sinful dust and ashes should the pious improve their interest should we draw near to God. It is in behalf of others! We can scarcely only when the awe of the divine ma- conceive a person so obdurate, but that jesty and purity falls upon us, and we if, by speaking to another, he could are filled with an overwhelming sense obtain health for the sick or relief for of our own unworthiness and vileness, the indigent, he would avail himself of and of the vast distance that separates suchl an opportunity to benefit his.felus from God, that we can suitably ap- low- creatures. Yet, alas! what backproach him. But if duly penetrated wardness among Christians to the work with these emotions, we need not fear of intercession I How silent, how cold, that he will be angry with us, or that how indifferent, while an awful mass our humble, conipassionate, and fer- of ignorance, wretchedness, and impivent petitions will fail of acceptance. ety, surrounds them on every sidet Moreover, let us remember for our con- Shall Abraham be thus fervent, thus solation and encouragement, while thus anxious in behalf of a guilty city by abased with the sense of our ill-desert, whose destruction he could in no way that we have a High Priest within the have been injured, while we sit unconvail,whose meritscounltervailourdemer- cerned in the midst of perishing parits, and who will present our poor peti- ents, children, brethren, and friends? tions at the throne of his Father; who Let us stir ourselves up to this good will do more than this-who will in- work. Let us consider how much we tercede for us as Abraham never could; ourselves need the prayers of others, for the intercession of Jesus cannot and from this let usjudgelf the claims weary, his petitions cannot fail. How of others upon us. Let us consider also comforting, how delightful a thought to that to neglect to pray for others is to the true believer! Abraharn's inter- sin against God, 1 Sam. 12. 23; and that cession, with all his fervency, could if we have no heart to sigh and cry for oi;lv avail to save devoted Sodom in the abominations or miseries of others, 26 302 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. CHAPTER XIX. 2 And he said, Behold now, AND there a came two angels my lords, c turn in, I pray you, to Sodom at even; and Lot into your servant's house, and sat in the gate of Sodorn; and tarry all night, and dwash your b Lot, seeing them, rose up to feet, and ye shall rise up early, rneet them; and bowed himself and go on your ways. And they vith his face toward the ground; said, e Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. a Ch. 18. 22. b ch. 18. 1, &c. c Heb. 13. 2. d ch. 18. 4. d Luke 24. 28. we have great reason to fear and trem- special formalities of appointment, the ble for ourselves. supposition is perhaps not ill-founded. Cer(ain it is that in the book of Job, CHAPTER XIX. which contains so many striking pic1. And there came twVo angels to Sod- tures of patriarchal times, the phrase omn. Rather awcording to the literal is used in that sense; ch. 27. 7-12, rendering of the Heb. i't nn:i1' When I went out to the gate through $ 7:,>r, and there came twoo qJ tie the city, when I prepared my seat in angels, or the two angels; i. e. two of in the street, &c.-I delivered the poor the three spoken of in the previous that cried, and the fatherless, and him chapter, and there called men. While that had none to help him;' i. e. I did the Anrgel-Jehovah remained commnu- this judicially. Lot was now an aged ning with Abraham, the other two went man and a resident of long standing in on their way till they came to Sodom. Sodom, and might with other elders -- And Lot sat in the gate of Sodon.. have sustained this character, though The gates of cities were anciently the it would appear from v. 9, that he was chief places of general resort for the cit- too good a mall to have been a popular izens where they assembled not only to magistrate.-ir And Lot seeing them, confer upon public affairs, and to hold rose up to meet them, &c. Lot, like their courts ofjustice,butt also for the sake Abrah am, was'upon hospitable thoughts of social intercourse and pleasant rec- intent,' and with the ready courtesy reation. Indeed it appears from 2 Kings, which is ever prompted by a pious 7. 1, 18, that markets were some- heart, he rises and goes forth to meet times held in their gates, which would the approaching strangers, and to tender naturally bring together a concourse of to them the welcome and the attentions people, and it is remarked by travellers of a generous host; thus exemplifying that the modern Arabs and other Ori- the language of Job, ch. 31. 32,'The entals are exceedingly addicted to flock- stranger did not lodge in the street; ing together to their markets and fairs but I opened my doors to the traveller.' for the sake of society and amusement. 2. Behold, now, my lords, turn in., As to the passage before us, the Jewish &c. Heb. A'nR Adoncti; a word frecommentators understand the phrase quently applied as a title of the Most'sitting in the gate,' as implying the High, although in such cases distinexercise of authority as a magistrate; guished by a different mode of voweland if we suppose, as is highly proba- pointing. The absence of inns in eastble, that in those primitive times the ern countries (except thecaravanserais,'elders' of cities and villages were the where shelter alone is provided), both acknowledged judges in civil affairs in in ancient and nlidetrn times renders virtue of their age, and without any such an invitation as Lot's a custom e. C(. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 303 3 And he pressed upon them 4 If But before they lay down, greatly; and they turned in unto the men of the city, even the men him, and entered into his house; of Sodom, compassed the house f and he made them a feast, and round, both old and young, all the did bake unleavened bread, and people from every quarter: they did eat. f cll. 18. 8. ary civility under similar circumstan- enjoy their company and converse, but ces. But for such a proffer of enter- because he was too well aware of the tainment in private houses, strangers danger to which they would be exoften pass the night in the open squares posed, were they to adhere to their de of cities, which in that warm climate dlared purpose of lodging in the street. is attended with little inconvenience. The Heb. term implies an earnestness --- Nay, but he will abide in the of importunity almost amounting to street all night. They at first refuse, violence, and is in fact the very same as if it were accounted as great a mark word that occurs v. 9,'And they pressof civility on the part of strangers not ed sore upon the man,' which cannot to seem forward in accepting, as it was perhaps be better rendered. Its Gr. on his to be forward in inviting. The representative is KareltEaaaro, a synonreply is to be construed, not as a delib- yme with which is employed in a simerate violation of truth, but as the lan- ilar connection, Luke, 24. 29,'But guage of common etiquette on such they constrained (7rapeflitaaaro) him occasions, and as expressing their pres- saying, Abide with us; for it is toward ent purpose, unless they should be fur- evening, and the day is far spent. And ther importuned by Lot; in that case, he went in to tarry with them.'-!' their words would not be understood to He made them a feast. Heb. Drn.llS preclude the liberty of complying. Our a drinking, a banquet. Gr. rro7ve id. Saviour's language, Luke, 24. 28, 29, rendered in Est. 5. 6.-7. 7, a C banquet affords a striking parallel to their re- of wine.' Comp.'Est. 7. 1, 2.-3. 15; fusal. The:answer of the angels, more- so called from that which constituted over, was better calculated to put to the principal part of the entertainment. the test and-make manifest the smncer- This was customary in those days, and tty and kindness of Lot's disposition. on similar occasions, and is not to be By acting as if they deemed it safe to judged of by those rules of abstinence lodge in the streets, while they knew from every exciting beverage which the contrary to be true, they gave a pious and benevolent men in modern fair opportunity to Lot to show how times have felt constrained to adopt unfeigned was his concern for their se- under a state of society altogether difcurity, while at the same time the inti- ferent, and in view of evils which have mations from him of the danger to be made a course of rigid abstinence abapprehended would go to disclose the solutely imperative on their conscienaggravated wickedness of the place, ces.- ~ Did bake unleavened bread. and justify the judgment about to be in- Because this could be more expeditiousflicted. ly prepared than any thing else of the 3. He pressed upon them greatly. kind. Heb. tr:::'Y 1 and he was 4. And before they lay down, &c. exceedingly urgent upon them. Not While the little party were thus inmerely from an impulse of generosity, nocently refreshing and enjoying themthat he might refresh them with the selves under the hospitable roof of cheer of his house, or from a wish to Lot, the characteristic baseness of the 30f4 GENESIS. LB. C. 1898. 5 g And they called unto Lot, 7 And said, I pray you, breth and said unto him, VWhere are ren, do not so wickedly. the men which came in to thee 8 1 Behold now, I have two this night? h bring them out daughters which have not known unto us. that we i may know mnan; let re, I pray you, bring them. them out unto you, and do ye to 6 And k Lot went out at the them as is good in your eyes; door unto them, and shut the door only unto these men do nothing; after him, Im for therefore came they under g Isai. 3. 9. h Judg. 19. 22. i ch. 4. 1. mom. the shadow of my roof. 1. 24. 27. Jude 7. k Judg. 19. 23. 1 Judg. 19. 24. m ch. 1]8. 5. abandoned Sodomites soon began to not completely sunk in profligate idlebetray itself. They beset the house, ness, they could not all have found not tfr the purpose of robbinigor insult- time thus suddenly to rendezvous for intg them in any of the ordinary modes deeds of iniquity. But fiom the peof violence or outrage, which had been culiar emphasis of the language it bad enoulll, especially to strangers, would seem that there were, no excepbut to perpetrate a species of crime too tions. Sodom was full of Sodomites. shocking and detestable to be named; What must have been the extent of its a:pecles of crnne which indeed has no abominations, when the aged, instead narme given it in the Scriptures, but of restraining the young, were actually what is borrowed firom this infamous urging them forward in the course of place, Lev. 18. 22. However we might iniquity by their own pernicious exwish, for the honour of human nature, ample! But every thing tended to il.. tlat this shameful viVe had perished lustrate the justice of the judgment from the earth together with the cities which was fast ripening for execution of the plain, yet the severe prohibitory against them. laws of Moses imply that it was prac- 5. Called. That is, with a loud tised in his day, and history unblush- voice; demanded vociferously; which ingly records it as prevalent in the best was virtually proclaiming their own days of Greece and Rome. Rom 1. shame. In allusion to the circumstan24-27. In like manner we have mel- ces mentioned in thisverse,the prophet ancholy evidence from the penal codes says of Jerusalem, Is. 3. 9,'They deof modern times that it is not extinct, clare their sin as Sodom, they hide it as the British law makes it punishable not.' Corrmpare the similar instance of with death. —' All the people from enormous wickedness recorded Judg. every quarter. Heb. 1pt~.from the 19. 22, &c. extremity, i. e. from every extremity of 6. rWent out at the door. The origthe city; correctly rendered in our ver- inal here, as in v. 11, employs two dission. This circumstance shows in the tinct words for'door;' the one rit most impressive light the unparalleled pethah signifying the aperture, passage, corruption that had infected all orders, or doorway, through which ingress and ranks, and ages of the inhabitants of egress were made, the other fl' deSodom. The signal had bhut to be leth denoting the leqf of the door, hung given, and the universal mass of the upon hinges, by which the aperture population were ready at once to flock was closed. The distinction is very together to any scene of riot and de- accurately preserved throughout the bauchery! Had they had any subsequent narrative, v. 9, 10, 11. useful o-.x: pations to follow, were they 7, 8. And said, I pray you, brethre'c, 13. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 305 &c. The conduct of Lot on this try- himself up for a judge, who was mereing occasion was in many respects ly a sojourner among them. Perpraiseworthy. IIe seems to have been suasion has no force with imen who are struck with horror at the thoughts of under the dominion of their lusts, and the violation of the laws of hospitality, nothing is more common than for kind and his shutting the door after him ex- admonitions and faithful rebukes to be pressed how delicately he felt for his attributed to unmannerly and arrogant guests. It was saying in effect,' Let dictation. So Lot's endeavours to renot their ears be offended with what strain these desperate Sodomites from passes without; whatever is scurrilous, the commission of iniquity was taken obscene, or abusive, let me hear it but in evil part, their resentment was innot them.' His gentle and respectful flamed against him, they thirsted for manner of treating this worst of mobs, revenge, and not content with having is also worthy of notice. Though he the men brought out, they will go in could have entertained no respect for unto them, and break the door open to them on the score of character, yet he effect their purpose! —. For thereforebore the use of opprobrious terms. fore came they under my roof. Gr. Recognising in them his fellow crea-'Under the covering of my beams or tures and near neighbours, he calls them rafters.' The meaning is, that they brethren, if perchance by such concil- entered his house on the ground of the iatory language he may gain their ear understood condition that their persons and eventually dissuade them from should be safe, that the sacredness of their wicked purpose. (See I Sam. 30. the laws of hospitality should protect 23. Is. 58. 7. Acts 17. 26.) But when, them. Together with this, the words to turn off their attention from his probably carry all implication that a guests, he proposes to bring out and special providence had conducted them surrender his daughters to their pleas- to his dwelling, and that any allowed ure, he hints at an expedient which can violence towards his guests would not by no means be justified. It is not for only be a most flagrant injury to them, us to have recourse to one evil in the but an act of gross treachery and dishope of preventing a greater; but rath- obedience towards God who had, for er to consent to no evil. His regard to the time being, intrusted their persons the rites of hospitality was indeed com- to his keeping. As it would seem from mendable, but having used all proper the language of Abraham in the premeans of preserving his guests, he ceding chapter, v. 5, that the opportuniought to have left the event to God. ties afforded for entertaining strangers It is possible indeed that owing to the were regarded as providential, and as excessive perturbation of his mind he carrying-the force of a direct command was scarcely master of his words or of heaven to that effect, Lot no doubt actions, and that some excuse may be suggested as strong an argument as suggested for him on this score; but he could have used, when he said, in all probability if he had never lived in' For therefore have they come undes Sodomn nor become familiarized to their the shadow of my roof.' It was approfligate manners he would not have pealing to their own knowledge of the made such a proposal. As it was he awful sanctity with which the laws ol evidently gained nothing by it, but an hospitality were invested. But with tlcreased measure of abuse; and even that abandoned population this plea, hLl. gentle reriionstrance was perverse- like every other, was unavailing. lv conslrued into obtrusive and officious 9. This one fellow came in to so-,'-,thllinp, as if he had or would set.journ, and he will needs be a judge. 26* 306 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 9 And they said, Stand back. 10 But the men put forth their And thLy said again, This one hand, and pulled Lot into the fellow 1' came in to sojourn, o and house to them, and shut to the he will njeeds be a judge: Now door. will we deal worse with thee 11 And they smote the men than with them. And they press- P that were at the door of the ed sore upon the man, even Lot, house with blindness, both small and came near to break the door. i and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. I. 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8. o Exod. 2. 14. p 2 Kiings 6. 18. Acts. 13. 1 1. -Ieb. n2j1-2 ta -,p judging he will the reception of God's messengers, as judge. The point of the reproach lies he had recognised a special providence in charging Lot with the audacity of in their being sent within the sphere of opposing himself a single individual, to his hospitality, and as he had exposed the will of the majority, the multitude himself to great perils in their defence, of the citizens, and thus, though no the Most High would not leave him more than a foreigner arrogantly taking' without a witness of his guardian care. it upon hill, to act the part of a judge, By this seasonable interference he reas if he would hold the whole city at minds us how calmly we may resign his beck. At the samne timne, it would ourselves to the custody of an ever perhaps be doing no violence to the watchful providence while engaged in words to suplpose the charge to have the way of duty, and how intrepidly been grounded ont the fact of his hav- we may face dangers and enemies ing fbrmerly officiated as judge amono while following that'which right is.' them, and in that characte:r rebuked or' 11. Smote the men-with. blindness. punished their flagitious conduct. It Heb. t-lD..: A bassanverint, with dazadrmits of a doubt, at any rate, wheth- zled blindnesses, pl. Gr. aupsaol with er the term is predicated of what he a not-seeing. Chal.'With fatuity of said or did on this occasion merely. vision.' Syr.' With illusions.' The 10. Th're men put.forth their hand, origiual occurs only here and 2 KICings, &c. God's people are safe when an-,:6. 18, where a sintilar effect appears gels stand sentries at their doors. Mo- to have been produced upon the Syrses again calls the heavenly messen- ian army ill answer to the prayer ot gers by a namie indicative not of what Elisha. The judgment undoubtedly they were, but of what they seemed; consisted, not in a total privation of, for although they now began to put sight, in which case they would of forth a superhutman power, they had course have desisted from the assault not yet revealed themselves as minis- on Lot, and endeavoured to make their ters sent from heaven. The incident way home, but in a confused vision. here related of thelm teaches us that such as is occasioned by vertigo of the though God, in his deep wisdom, oftenll brain, in which objects swim before sees fit to defer, till his- people are the eyes, and mock every attempt to brought into the most trying straits, approach or seize them. It was an efthe aid which he purposes to afford, yet feet upon -their vision that prevented he will not fail them in the last extrem- their seeing any thing distinctly or ity. Lot was made to feel his extrem. steadily, or in its right place. In this ity before the needed succour was utter collfilsion of the senses they vouchsafed himr, but as he had kindly wearied ther-selves in seeking for w'ilit and ene.l-rouls'y,irt:ned hiis doors flr they dleemed a door, but hlhich wes B. C. 1898.1 CHAPTER XIX. 307 12 ~ And the men said unto 13 For we will destroy this Lot, Hast thou here any besides? place, because the r cry of them son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy is waxen great before the face o. daughters, and whatsoever thou the LORD; and 8 the LORD hath hast in the city, q bring them out sent us to destroy it. of this place: q ch. 7. 1. 2 Pet. 2. 7, 9. r ch. 18. 20. s 1 Chron. 21. 15. merely a phantasm of the imagination. ces cease not'to press forward in the The miracle was as great as if they same destructive career. had been suddenly struck stone-blind; 12. Hast thou here any besides? sonfor seeing they saw not; with open in-law, and thy sons, and thy daugheyes they were unable to receive any ters, &c. At length the angels antrue impressions from the external nounced the object of their errand. In world. Yet they madly persisted in this verse they read to Lot their comtheir object, when heaven had made mission. The last high handed enorthem impotent to effect it, and with mity of the Sodomites proclaimed their iron obstinacy continue to war with sins no longer tolerable. But the inforotnipotence.' Many a one is harden- mation is given to Lot not merely that ed by the good word of God, and, in- he may be assured of the justice ann stead of receiving the counsel, rages at equity of God in punishing his incorrithe messenger: when men are grown gible enemies, but also in order that he to that pass, that they are no whit bet- might be' moved with fear' to make ter by afflictions, and worse with ad- good his escape from the devoted city. monitions, God finds it time to strike. Here we are to mark the mercy of the Now Lot's guests begin to show them- divineproceedings. Ten righteous men selves angels, and first delivered Lot in would have saved the city; but there Sodom, then fiom Sodom; first strike seems to have been only one. He howthem with blindness, whom they will ever shall at all events escape; and after consume with fire. Hflow little not only so, but all that belong to him did the Sodomites think that vengeance shall be delivered for his sake; or if was so near them! While they went otherwise, it shall be their own fault. groping in the streets, and cursing It shall not be for the want of a profferthose whom they could not find, Lot ed opportunity or a faithful warning. with the angels is in secure light, and Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or whatsees them miserable, and foresees them ever he had are directed to be brought burmunng. It is the use of God, to blind out of the doomed city, which was and besot those whom he means to rapidly approaching the crisis of its fate. destroy.' Bp. Hall. The same infat- That remarkable feature of the divine uated conduct, says Calvin, is still ex- administration by which the wicked emplified by men of reprobate minds, are blessed for the sake of the rightewhom Satan fascinates with such ous is here most signally illustrated; strong delusion, that, though smitten for that such were the sons-in-law is by the mighty hand of God, they still, evident fiom the contemptuous manwith stupid impetuosity, rush against ner in which they received the warning, him. Yet the awful lesson of God's and the fact that they perished in the most tremendous rebukes of unhallow- perdition of the city. See note on Gen. ed lustings is lost upon rnultitudes, who 7. 1.-Probably a more correct renderwith their eyes open to the consequen- ing of the clause is,' Hast thou any 308 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 14 And Lot went out, and for the LORD will destroy this ~Fake unto his sons-in-law, twbich city x but lie seemed as on;e that tmarried his daughters, and said, mocked unto his sons-in-law UUp, get you out of this place; t Iatt. 1. 18. u Nunm. 16. 21, 45. x Ex. 9. 21. Luke 17. 28. & 24. 11. here besides? son-in-law, or thy sons, stances of the visit of the strangers, or thy daughters.' how he had learnt that they were an1,. We twill destroy this place. Heb. gels, and the announcement which M' tz Frl we arecorrupting; i. e. abollt they had made to him of the object of to corrupt or destroy; just upon tho their coming to Sodom. But the drift eve of destroying-often the force of the of the whole was an immediate escape present participle. For this sense of the from the impending wrath; and it word'corrupt' see Note on Gen. 6. 13. would seem that if they had any rein the subsequent narrative, v. 24, 25, spect foi Lot, or reposed any confithe destruction of the city is indeed re- dence in his words they could not but ferred more directly to the agency of have been deeply impressed to see hln Jehovah himself, but the angels say, conting to their houses at an unwonted We will destroy it,' both because they hour of the night and with a couilterad been sent to announce it, and be- nance and manner full of solemnity recause they were to be associated in the lating to them what had happened, and work of destruction. earnestly exhorting them not to be 14. 1i'hich married his davughters.'disobedient to the heavenly vision!' Heb. John 1-1i 5- the takers of his But alas! he was destined to meet a daughters, or wiho'were takiueg; i. e. disheartening reception. A judicial inwho wvete about to take or tarry; who fatuation had seized upon them: they were betrothed to his daughters, and closed their ears against his warnings, upon the point of consummating their and even set them down to the account auptials; called therefore' sons-in-law' of a distempered imagination or a disby anticipation. Chat'Who were sembled merrintent!-~' Hee seemed about to take.' The Greek, however, as one tlhct mocked. As one who was unlike all the other versions, renders it not in earnest; one that was In jest, s)itrlaoras had taken. If this be correct, excitig ggroundless fears in sport. Heb. then some of Lot's daughters perished rlX~ kematzehak, the same word m. the conflagration, for the two who from which Isaac is derived, and sigalone escaped were maidens that had nifying laughter.'He warns them not known men. Some countenance like a prophet, and advises them like a is given to this idea by the purport of father, but both in vain: he seems to v. 15, on which see note.-'v Up, get them as if he mocked, and they do you out of this place, &c. The warning more than seem to him to mock again.' given by Lot was abrupt and pointed, Bp. Hall. One can almost imagine such as implied a peculiar urgency in that he hears them saying,' What, this the case, and one which would admit entire city to be destroyed. These of no delay. Still it is not necessary to goodly houses and temples to be oversuppose that this was all he said to them. thrown and sink in flames! These As it would give additional force to his active multitudes to perish in a body, warnings to cite the authority on which and that by such an unheard of judgthey were uttered, we can hardly doubt ment as a fire rained down from heavthat he related to thtc: all the cilrcum- eT! Incredible! ImTpossible! Away 3. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 309 15 ~' And whben the mornin- men laid hold upon his hand, and arose, then the angels hastened upon the hand of his wife. and Lot, saying, y Arise, take thy upon the hand of his two daugh:wife, and thy two daughters ters; a the LORD heing merciful which are here, lest thou be con- unto him; b and they brought sumed in the iniquity of the city. him forth, and set him without 16 And while he lingered, the the city. y Numb. 16. 24, 26. Rev. 18. 4. a Lukc 18. 13. Ron. 9. 15, 16. b Ps. 34. 22. withsuchchildish bugbears! Mereidle severe test to know that he must forwhims conjured up in the brain of a sake all and go forth homeless and weak doting old man!' Thus was the destitute, he knew not whither, and awful message of heaven received, or our own habitual practical distrust of rather rejected, and thus alas! too often Providence enables us but too easily to is the gospel message spurned and enter into his feelings, and perhaps to made light of, as if its ministers were find an apology for them on this score; playing upon the fears and credulities but this was not the only ground of his of their fellow men. Yielding them- reluctance. His heart was agonized at selves up to a fatal security, they heed the thought of leaving so many relanot the monitions of the word or the tives behind him to perish in the perspirit till in too many instances the. de- dition of the city; and we may suplusion is dispelled by the fearful reality pose it was mainly in consequence of of a lost soul and a present hell. this strong conflict that he so deferred 15. And when the morning arose. his flight that his deliverers were at That is, at break of day, for the sun last obliged to have recourse to a kind did not rise till Lot entered Zoar, v. 23. of violence to hasten his departure. - ~T Tlthe angels hastened Lot. This Such, in thousands of instances, is the circumstance shows that the com- struggle in the minds of men when mendable faith and piety of Lot were called to leave all and flee from the still mingled with some degree of hu- wrath to come. They do not wholly man infirmity. He was disposed to disbelieve or reject the warnings adlinger, and had to be hastened by the dressed to them; they are convinced angels. It is easy indeed to conceive that there is peril in their path, and that one in his situation, though pre- that ere long something must be done pared on the whole to obey the divine to avoid it; an awful sound is ever and summons, should still have felt a strongx anon in their ears, urging them to exrepugnance to an instantaneous flight. pedite their flight from the devoted city; His was a struggle like that of the en- but still they linger, and still would lindangered mariner who feels that his ger to their final undoing, did not the only chance for escaping shipwreck same compulsory mercy of heaven and saving his life, is to cast all his which rescued Lot, save them also from goods overboard, and yet hesitates and the consequences of their destructive lingers and can scarcely bring himself apathy.-~ Thy two daughers which to part with what he holds so dear. are here. Heb. RtiZh- n which are In Lot's case, however, we may have found. Gr. as eXEst which thou hast. the charity to believe, it was not solely Chal.' Which are found faithful with the thought of losing all his worldly thee.' The expression seems covertly stlbstance that made him falter. It to imply that some of Lot's daughters was indeed putting his fortitude to a were not thus found, and consequently 310 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 17 q{ And it camne to pass,! thy life:, look not bvhind thee, when hey had brought Lhem forth neither stay thou in all the plain: abroad, that hte said, c Escape for escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. c 1 Kings, 19. 3. d ver. 26. latt. 24. 16, 17, iE. Luke 9. 62. Phil. 3. 13, 24. that they perished in the general de- us out, whilst we linger, we should lie straction. —1 Lest thou be consumed condemned with the world. If God in the iniqu.ity qf the city. That is, the meet with a very good field, ne pulls up punishment of the iniquity; akin to the weeds, and lets the corn grow; if which is the coinmon idiom of' bearing indifferent, he lets the corn and weeds iniquity' for'suflering punishment,' grow together; if very ill, he gathers Lev. 20. 17-20, Numb. 14. 34. the few ears of corn, and burns the 16. And while he lingered the men weeds.' Bp. Hall. laid hold upon his hand, &c. Heb. 17. He,aid, Escape for thy life. r;~i2 D h'- he delayed or distracted Heb.' -y for thy soul. Chal. him.sef. The original is peculiar and'Pity thine own soul, and save thyself,' emphatic in its import, leading us to &c. It would seem that a new speakfear that it was not altogether a com- er, even the Angel-Jehovah, who had passionate sympathy that detained his by this time left Abraham and joined steps. The word properly implies that the two angels at Sodom, utters these he sueJered himself to be hindered and words. The fact indeed of his coming embarrassed with distracting cares, up and joining his angelic companperhaps relative to his property. The ions is not mentioned, but the tenor of same term occurs with a negative in the ensuing narrative makes it clear, Ps. 119. 60, showing a striking con- we think, that the personage called Jetrast between the promptitude of Da- hovah was present at the overthrow of vid and the tardiness of Lot;'I made Sodom, and that it was no other than haste, and delayed not. (Heb. 15 he who sustains the character of chief An,,:,,'i n - su.fered not n.yself to be speaker in the discourses recorded. delayed,) to keep thy commandments.' See v. 21, 22. Lot, having been so far - T The Lord being merciful unto saved almost in spite of himself, is him. Heb. 1ey;in' tjh, 2 in now solemnly charged to escape for his the gentle mercy qf the Lord upon him. life to the mountains without so much HIow striking was the divine interpo- as looking behind him. This was consition in his favour! How evident is tinuing to be mercifully severe, and It that had he been left to himself he such are our Lord's commands which would have perished in the general require us to deny self, take up the overthrow! cross, and follow him. The extreme E'en Lot himself could lingering stand, earnestness of the angels throughout, When vengeance was in view; and the urgent and imperative tone in'Twas mercy plucked him by the hand, which Lot was now addressed, was inOr he had perished too. deed calculated to inspire him with an So the general warnings and provisions awful dread of what was coming, and of the gospel are unavailing to move in the weaker females to extinguish the sinner's heart without a special in- perhaps the powers of reason and refluence of Divine mercy superadded to flection. But shall we say that these the outward call.'We are all nat- divine monitors were therefore imperurally in Sodom: if God did not hale tinently officious or needlessly severe? B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 311 Suppose that having received a corn- you, nor tarry in all the plain.' Imission to warn Lot, they had yielded Look not behind thee, &c. Ncither to a mistaken tenderness, and forborne thou nor any of the company. That to alarm his fears. Suppose that they all were included in the prohibition is had gently admonished him of his evident from what befel Lot's wife, danger, and suggested the expediency though we do not read that it was exof providing against it. Suppose that pressly addressed to her. They were when the' saw hi'll lingering, and forbidden to look behind them or to knew that one hlour's delay would in- tarry in all tlhe plain, not only as a test volve him and his famnily in the cornm- of obedience-which might have been mon ruin, they had contented them- prescribed them without any other reaselves with hinting in a distant manner son than the will of God-but also to that more expedition would be desira- express in this manner the utrmost posble; would such conduct have become sible detestation of the abhorred and them? Would they have acted the devoted city, and a firm rt:solve to shun part of friends? Yea, would they not all participation in its fate. In order have been awfully responsible to God to this they are not to tarry (Heb for their unfaithfulness, and considered stand) in all the plaitl; they were not as chargeable with the death of the to station toemselves at any particular family? Assuredly, the mole faithful spot with a view to indulge their curiosand earnest they were in the discharge ity in looking back upon the conflagof their duty, the more real benevo- ration; for as the impending destr:lclence they exercised; nor could they tion was not to be confined to the city, have displayed their love in any better but was to extend all over the region way than by seizing hold of them to of the plain, they could not consequicken their pace, and urging them by quenltly delay but at the'imminent the most powerfull considerations to peril of their lives. The extent of the secure their own safety. In like man- purposed ruin is doubtless now marked ner should the earnest appeals and ex- by the boundaries of the Dead Sea. hortations of Christ's ministers to the Within these limits it was death for impenitent be regarded. They are them to tarry. With what altered really prompted by the most benev- emotions does Lot now survey that olent motives. Knowing the terrors of ensnaring plain, which had been his the Lord they endeavour to persuade great temptation! For many a day he men. In uttering the denunciations of had roved at ease with his flocks and heaven they may be accused as need- herds over that goodly ground. But lessly harsh or severe, but it is a most now he is to pass over it with the utunjust imputation, for what they speak most speed-not a moment is to be will soon be found true, and in thus lost. Fly he must for his life to the discharging their duty they perform an mountains beyond, for a deluge of fire office worthy of an angel. They be- is about to break forth and flow over lieve God's threatenings and therefore that accursed soil! Ah, how easily they speak; and should they speak can the hand of God turn our choicest smooth things to their hearers and worldly comforts into wormwood and prophesy deceits, they would prove gall! How easily can he rob our entheir bitterest enemies. In this urgent joyments of their zest, and convert our matter concealment is treachery and earthly Edens into a dreary waste! fidelity is love. They must be an echo' Little children, keep yourselves from to the angel's voice and cry aloud,'Es- idols.' IT Escape to the m.ountain. cai.e for your lives, look not behind Collect. sing. for mountaints, i. e. the 312 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 18 And Lot said unto them, escape to the mountain, lest Oh, e tlot so my Lord! some evil take me, and I die: 19 Behold now, thy servant 20 Behold now, this city is hath found grace in thy sight, and near to flee unto, and it is a little thou hast magnified thy mercy, one: Oh, let me escape thither! which thou hast shewed unto me (is it not a little one.?) and my in saving my life: and I cannot soul shall live. e Acts 10. 14. mountainous region of Moab, several avails, and at the same time by the remiles to the east of Sodom. sult to teach his short-sighted servant 18, 19. And Lot said unto them, &c. how much wiser a part he would have It must certainly be set down to the acted had he confided in a child-like account of a weak and wavering faith manner in God, and fled to the mounin Lot that he now made this request tains in the first instance. For it is to his divine deliverer. His duty evi- clear from the sequel, v. 30, that his dently was to have yielded a simple terror would not suffer him to remain obedience to the declared will of heaven. in the place he had chosen, but that he IHe should have known that what God was soon glad to take refuge in the very dictated was best; that if he had com- mountains which he had foolishly demanded him to go to the mountains, he clined to seek. This instance should would certainly enable him to get there, fix firmly in our minds the conviction and that he could as well protect him that we can never gain any thing by there as any where else. But he is attempting to improve upon God's ap filled with alarm in view of the dis- pointments. He will choose for us intance of the mountains, imagining that finitely better than we can for ourselves. he will be unable to reach them in time Let us learn, moreover, another lesson to secure his safety, and therefore from this incident. If a petition markpleads hard for permission to flee to ed and marred with such faultiness as the neighbouring city of Zoar, and that of Lot on this occasion still met hopes he may be excused in this desire with a favourable hearing, what effiseeing it was'a little one;' a reason cacy may we conceive to pertain to the force of which probably lay in the those prayers which are prompted by a implication, that as the city was small yet more believing spirit and framed its sins were comparatively small, and more distinctly in accordance with the on this account might be favoured with revealed will of heaven?-..~ Behold exemption from the coming calamity. now, thy servant hath ffound grace in The preferring of such a request in thy sight.'Nothing can be more cornsuch circumstances we should no doubt mon than this form of speech. Has a suppose would have drawn forth some man been pleading with another and marked expression of the divine dis- succeeded in his request, he will say, pleasure, and that with a frown the Lord' Alh, since I have found favour in your would have repeated the former com- sight, let me mention another thing.' mand. But with characteristic clem-'My lord, had I not found favour in your ency he lends a gracious ear to his sight, who would have helped me?' petition. His infirmity is not rebuked; I Happy is the mnan who finds grace in his request was granted; the city was your sight.' Roberts.-~ Lest some spared for his sake. In this God de- evil take me. Heb. iYni. J, n lest the signed at once to show how much the evil, or this evil; i. e. the threatened fervent prayer of a righteous man destruction. He was apprehecnsive he B.. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 313 21 And he said unto him, See, 22 Haste thee, escape thither; f I have accepted thee concerning for g I cannot do any tlhing till this thing also, that I will not thou he come thither: therefore overthrow this city, for the which h the name of the city was called thou hast spoken. Zoar. f Job 42. 8, 9. Ps. 145. 19. g ch. 32. 25, 26.. Ex. 32. 10. Deut. 9. 14. Mark 6.5. h oh. 13. 10. & 14. 2. should not be able to reach the destin- come thither. The inability here mened place of safety till the fiery tempest tioned is of course wholly of the moral had burst forth. and not of the physical kind, si Silar in 20. Is it not a little one? Heb.'3.Xh its nature, though arising from an oppoMitzar; in allusion to which the name site cause, to that affirmed of our Sayof the city was afterwards called'Zoar,' iour, Mark, 6. 5,' He could there do no whereas before it was known by the mllighty work,' by reason of the unbename of'Bela,' Gen. 14. 2. Targ. lief of the people. He could not beJeruos.'It is little, and its sins are little.' cause he would not. There was a mor21. 1 have accepted thee. Heb. n,-\jV al unfitness between such a state of ]jUD I have accepted thy.face, or I mind and such a display of power, so have lifted up thy face; i. e. I have a that he determined not to put it forth. compassionate respect to thee, and will But the expression in the present ingratify thee by granting this rece:st. stance is very remarkable. What an The expression probably arose from an evidence does it afford of the favour Eastern custom. Persons there in pre- in which God holds a good man! ferring a petition, instead of falling What a testimony to the efficacy of upon their knees, often prostrate them- his prayers and intercessi.ons. The selves with their face to the ground. Most High is pleased to represent When the petition is accepted, the his hands as bound by his paramount prince or potentate commands them to regard to the welfare of such; he be raised from their lowly posture, can do nothing towards the punishwhich is expressed by'lifting up the ment of the wicked till their safety face.' In common usage therefore, is secured. Had we not a divine warthe phrase, is clearly synonymous rant for the use of such language, it with' showing favour,' but it is some- would doubtless be a high presumption times taken in a bad sense, and pro- in us to employ it, and when we find hibited as implying what is termed the Holy Spirit adopting it, we still'respect of persons,' or undue partial- pause in devout admiration mingled tiy, which is denied of God, Deut. 10. with a latent misgiving whether we are 17, and forbidden to men, Deut. 16. 19. indeed to understand the words in their Gr. eg9atltoa ovo -rov rrpoowrrov 1 have most obvious sense. But our doubts admired thy.face or thy person; paral- are precluded by adverting to numerlel to which the Apostle, Jude, 16, says, ots parallel instances in God's dealings'having men's persons in admniration;' with his people. On more than one i. e. with sinister motives, because of occasion when he had determined to advantage. Thus doth a gracious God, execute vengeance on Israel for their according to the words of the Psalmist, perverseness, the intercessions of Moses Ps. 145. 19,'fulfil the desire of them are represented as having been in effect, that fear him; he also will hear their irresistible, so that the threatened cry, and will save them.' judgment was averted. What an argu22. 1 cannot do any thing till thoeL be ment is this for our pressing earnestly 27 314 GENESIS. lB. C. 1898,. 23 1[ The sun was risen upon brimstone and fire from the LORD the earth when Lot entered into out of heaven; Zoar. 25 And he overthrew those cit24 Then i the LORD rained up- ies, and all the plain, and all the on Sodom and upon Gomorrah inhabitants of the cities, and kthat i Deut 29. 23. Is. 13. 19. Jer. 20. 16. & 50.40. which grew upon the ground. Ezek. 16. 49, 50. HoS. 11. 8. AmOS 4. 11. Zeph. 2. 9. Luke 17. 29. 2 Pet. 2. 6. Jude 7. k ch. 14. 3. Ps. 107. 34. forward to the acquisition of the same brings with it the means of escape. character. If we are prompted at all When the day breaks upon us it scatby the noble ambition of becoming ben- ters peace, and joy, and safety in its efactors-of our race, let us seek to form smiles. Alas! how little do we know ourselves on the models proposed in where danger lurks, and when the the Scriptures, and thus by being made dream of happiness shall be broken! eminently acceptable to God become Sodom escapes the perils of the niaht in the highest degree usefil to the cotn- to fall by unexpected vengeance in the munities in which we live. morning! As the destruction was un23. The sun was risen upon the earth expected, it was the more terrible; and when Lot entered into Zoar. Rather, as it was sudden it admitted of no esaccording to the Hebrew,'The sun cape. The sons-in-law of Lot, who rose or went forth upon the earth, and had mocked his admonitions, are rousLot entered into Zoar.' The sun-light ed to a sense of their truth and imporof the last day which was ever to dawn tance by the hand of death. Let this upon ill-fated Sodom, had now appear- consideration prepare us for a still greated, and the inlhabitanlts, unconscious, or er event, in the solemnities of which rather incredulous of danger, gaze upon we must all participate, and in referthose early beams, which, as it respected ence to which our Saviour has taught us them, were soon to be extinguished in how we are to improve the narrative of eternal night. The opening of the day the present awful scene, Luke 17. 28-30, in its usual serenity probably confirm-'As it was in the days of Lot, they ed them in their insensibility to peril. did eat, they drank, they bought, they The night for the most part is the sea- sold, they planted, they bullded; But son of alarm and danger. It was at the same day that Lot went out of night that the destroying angel passed Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone through Egypt to slay the first-born- from heaven and destroyed them all: at night, that the sword of the Lord Even thus shall it be in the day when penetrated the camp of Assyria, and the Son of man is revealed.' destroyed a hundred and eighty-five 24. The Lord rained-brimstone and thousand men-at night, that the shad- firefrom theLord out of heaven. Heb. ow of a hand wrote on the wall of Bel- am h't3D brimstone and fire; shazzar's palace the departure of his that is, by a common idiom, ignited or kingdom and the close of his glories burning brimstone. Thus 1 Chron. and his life together. But the day has 22. 5,'Of fame and of glory,' i. e. of ever been regarded as the season of se- glorious fame. Jer. 22. 3,'Execute ye curity. The first ray of the morning judgment and righteousness,' i. e. righdispels the phantoms of the imagina- teous judgment. Jer. 29. 11,'To give tion, and transfers us from scenes of an end and expectation,' i. e. an exfancied suffering to those of real enjoy- pected entd. Acts, 14. 13,'Brought ment. Light discovers a-tual peril and oxen and garlands,' i. e. oxen garland B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 315 ed, or having their heads adorned with bow. The mountains which enclose fillets. As we are informed in a pre- the Ghor, or valley of the Jordan, open vious chapter that the vale of Siddim considerably at the northern extremity was full of bitumen pits, and the towns of the lake, and, encompassing it on must have been situated on a mine, as the east and west sides, approach again it were, of that combustible matter, it at the southern extremity, leaving bedoes not perhaps detract from the su- tween them only a narrow plain which, pernatural character of the visitation under the names of El Ghor and El to suppose that the Almighty saw fit Araba, is continued southward to the to employ natural agencies in bringing eastern gulf of the Red Sea. The diit about. As then the phrase' brim- mensions of the lake are very variousstone and fire' may with equal propri- ly stated. The account most usually ety be rendered'burning brimstone;' followed is that of Josephus, which and as sulphur is found in greater or seems to make it 72 miles long by 18 less quantities in the neighbouring hills, broad; but it would appear that this it is conceivable that it may have been must be taken as a large estimate, for'rained down from heaven' in conse- many modern observers have been dis.quence of being first thrown up by a posed to reduce it by one-third, or even volcanic eruption, of which there are one-half. It is probable that the distriking indications at the present day mensions of the lake have become pervading that whole region. But re- more contracted than in former times; serving this point for a fuller discussion but nothing more determinate than ocin the sequel of the present note, it will ular impressions has hitherto been offlrbe proper here to give a somewhat de- ed on this subject. Theepithets'Dead,' tailed account of that remarkable body and' Salt,' which are applied to this of water which occupies the site of the great lake, may respectively form the devastated plain of Siddim. This, the points on which a short account of it reader is aware, is a heavy, sluggish, may turn; the former denoting its genfetid, and unwholesome lake known by eral appearance, and the latter the the various titles of the' Salt Sea' qualityofits waters. The name'Dead (Numb. 34. 3. Deut. 3. 17. Josh. 15. Sea' is supposed to have been given to 5); the'Sea of the Plain' (Deut. 4. the lake in consequence of the desolate 39); and the'East Sea' (Ezek. 47. 18. appearance of all things around, and Joel, 2. 20,) from its situation relatively the absence of animal and vegetable to Judea. By Josephus and other life; for the waters being intensely Greek writers it was called the'Lake salt, and the soil around deeply imAsphallites,' that is,'the Bituminous pregnated with saline matter, no plants Lake,' from the abundance of asphal- or trees will grow there, and the sattum or bitumen found in it and around uration of the air with saline particles it; while by the Arabs it is termed and sulphureous and bituminous va-'Bahar Loth' Sea of Lot, and by the pours is also unfavourable to vegetable Turks'Ula Deguisi.' Its usual appel- life. It is a necessary consequence of lation among Europeans is the' Dead this, that no wild animals resort thither Sea.' It is situated in the south of for food or drink, nor are flocks or Palestine, and is of an irregular oblong herds led to its shores. The absence figure, extending generally from north of fish also in its waters prevents even to south, but with a leaning of the the resort of those water-fowl whose northern portion eastward, which gives presence gives some animation to lakes to the whole figure an appearance less peculiarly circumstanced; and, which has been compared to that of a altogether, the general aspect of nature 316 GENESIS. [B. C. 189S. in this blighted region is dull, cheerless, phens says that almost at the moment and depressing. The unusual stillness iof his turning from the Jordan to the of so large a body of water is quite in Dead Sea, notwithstanding the long unison with the general desolation, to credited accounts that no bird could which it not a little contributes. This fly over without dropping dead upon is doubtless owing in a great degree to its surface, he saw a flock of gulls the shelter of the mountains which en- floating quietly on its bosom; and close it, and shut out the strong winds; when roused with a stone, they flew but part of the effect may perhaps be down the lake, skimming its surface attributed to the heaviness of the wa- until they had carried themselves out ter.'It was nearly dark,' says Mr. of sight. As to the absence of fish, Stephens (Incid. of Trav., vol. 2. p. there is no good reason to doubt it. 212),' when we reached the top of the We do not recollect that any European mountain, and I sat down for a mo- travellers discovered any, although ment to take a last look at the Dead some heard of fish from the natives; Sea. From this distance its aspect but we know how little reliance in fully justified its nam-e. It was calm, general is to be placed on the remotionless, and seemingly dead; there ports of the Orientals on such subjects. was no wave or ripple on its surface, The few shells of fish, always unocnor was it hurrying on, like other wa- cupied, which have occasionally been ters, to pay its tribute to the ocean; the found on the shores by Maundrell and mountains around it were also dead; no other travellers, do not seem to afford trees or shrubs, not a blade of grass any satisfactory evidence on the subgrew on their naked sides; and, as in ject. Mr. Madden remarks (Travels, the days of Moses,'Brimstone and vol. 2. p. 210),'I found several fresh salt; it is not sown, nor beareth, nor water shells on the beach, such as I any grass groweth thereon.'' Where before noticed on the Lake of Tiberias; the waters occasionally overflow their and also the putrid remains of two usual limit, a saline crust is left upon small fish, of the size of mullet; which the surface of the soil resembling hoar- no doubt had been carried down from frost, or snow. The lake, and the lake the Jordan, as well as the shells; for only, being at certain seasons covered I am well convinced, both from my with a dense mist which is dissipated own observation and from the accounts by the rays of the sun, it came to be of the Arabs, that no living creature is said that black and sulphureous exha- to be found in the Dead Sea.' The lations, destructive to animal life, were waters of the Lake Oormiah in the constantly arising; and it was added, north of Persia are probably not more that these exhalations struck dead any salt than those of the Dead Sea, and birds that attempted to fly across. they are not known to contain any The rare appearance of birds in con- fish, or trace of animal life. The water sequence of the saltness of the water itself, like that of the sea, is of a dark and the absence of fish, probably oc- blue colour, shaded with green, accordcasioned this report, which is now ing as the light falls upon it, and perknown to be incorrect. It is not un- fectly clear. It is much salter than common to see swallows dipping for the waters of the sea, and has also an the water necessary to build their nests. unpleasant bitterness. An American Maundrell saw several birds flying missionary who visited the spot says, thbout, and skimming the surface with-' The water looks remarkably clear and Atit any visible harm. The same fact pure; but on taking it into my mouth, it attested by Volney; and Mr. Ste- I found it nauseous, and bitt:r, I thilk, B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 317 beyond any thing I ever tasted. My It was an exertion even for my lank clothes were wet by the waves, and as Arabs to keep themselves under. When they dried, I found them covered with I struck out in swimming, it was exsalt.' Another traveller says,'I went ceedingly awkward; for my legs were till up to the knee into the sea, and constantly rising to the surface, and took some water into my mouth. It even above the water. I could have was impossible to keep it there. Its lain there and read with perfect ease. saltness is even greater than that of In fact, I could have slept, and it would the ocean, and it produces a sensation have been a much easier bed than the on the lips similar to that from a strong bushes at Jericho. It was ludicrous to solution of alum. My boots were see one of the horses. As soon as his scarcely dry, whenvthey were already body touched the water he was afloat, covered with salt; our clothes, hats, and turned over on his side; he strughands, faces, were impregnated by this gled with all his force to preserve his mineral in less than two hours.' But equilibrium, but the moment he stopthis wonderful saltness is not its only ped moving he turned over on his side peculiarity. One of the most remark- again, and almost on his back, kicking able characters of this lake is the his feet out of water, and snorting with buoyancy of its waters. Josephus re- terror. The worst of my bath was, lates that the most weighty things after it was over, my skin was covered thrown into it will not sink; and that with a thick, glutinous: substance, the Emperor Vespasian, to try its which it required another ablution to strength, caused certain men who get rid of; and after I had wiped mycould not swim to be thrown in with self dry, my body burnt and smarted their hands tied behind them, and they as if I had been turned round before a floated on the surface.'From my roasting fire. My face and ears were own experience,' says Mr. Stephens,'I incrusted with salt; my hairs stood can almost corroborate the most ex- out,'each particular hair on end;' and travagant accounts of the ancients. my eyes were irritated and inflamed, Before I left Jerusalem, I had resolved so that I felt the effects of it for several not to bathe in it, on account of my days. In spite of all this, however, rehealth; and I had sustained my resolu- vived and refreshed by my bath, I tion during the whole of my day's ride mounted my horse a new man.' Mr. along its shores; but, on the point of Madden, however, was less fortunate. turning up among the mountains, I'About six in the morning,' says he, could resist no longer. My clothes'I reached the shore, and much seemed to come off of their own ac- against the advice of my excellent cord; and, before Paul had time to ask guide, I resolved on having a bath. I me what I was going to do, I was was desirous of ascertaining the truth floating on its waters. Paul and the of the assertion, that'nothing sinks Arabs followed; and, after splashing in the Dead Sea.' I swam a considerabout for a while, we lay like a parcel able distance from the shore; and of corks upon its surface. I know, in about four yards from the beach I was reference to my own specific gravity, beyond my depth: the water was the that in the Atlantic or Mediterranean T coldest I ever felt, and the taste of it cannot float without some little move- most detestable; it was that of a soment of the hands; and even then my lution of nitre, mixed with an infusion body is almost totally submerged; but of quassia. Its buoyancy I found to here, when I threw myself upon my be far greater than that of any sea I back, my body was half out of water. ever swam in, not excepting the Eux27* 318 GENESIS. LB. C. 1898. ne, which is extremely salt. I could down from the mountains. —'The' aplie like a log of wood on the surface, ples of Sodom,' beautiful without, and without stirring hand or foot, as long dust and ashes within; the doleful as I chose; but with a good deal of sounds issuing from the lake; and the exertion I could just dive sufficiently sometimes visible remains of the subdeep to cover all my body, but I was merged citles:-these, and other points again thrown on the surface, in spite of of interest with which tradition and my endeavours to descend lower. On fanciful imaginations have invested the coming out, the wounds in my feet Dead Sea, we may pass unnoticed; but pained me excessively; the poisonous on the last point, we cannot refrain quality of the waters irritated the abra- from expressing our astonishment that ded skin, and ultimately made an ulcer sensible modern travellers should have of every wound, which confined me thought it worth their while to look fifteen days in Jerusalem; and became narrowly for walls and pillars under so troublesome in Alexandria, that my the water, and that some have even medical attendant was apprehensive fancied that they had seen them. The of gangrene.' (Trav. vol. 2. p. 210.) cities of the plain were probably small These facts indicate a degree of density towns, built with mud or bricks, within the water of this lake utterly un- out any pillars, unless of wood; and known in those of any other. Its spe- a few days' submersion would convert cific gravity has in fact been ascertain- them into heaps of rubbish, or dissolve ed to be 1.211, that of fresh water being them in the waters, not to speak of 1.000. Some of the water has been the previous overthrow and burning bottled and brought to Europe, and which they experienced. Most of the subjected to analysis. The results ob- exaggerations and marvellous stories tained by Dr. Marcet were as follows:- about this lake are doubtless owing to Grains its singularity, no similar lake being Muriate of lime, 3.920 known to the mass of ancient writers Muriate of magnesia, 10.246 and more modern travellers. Thle Muriate of soda, 10.360 mind must ever be deeply impressed fulphate of lime, 0.054 by regarding the lake as a monument of the divine anger against a sinful 241580 people; nor is its solemnity, as such, thus giving about one fourth of its diminished by the knowledge that there weight in various kinds of salts.-As are other lakes very similar to the Dead the Lake has no outlet, Reland, Po- Sea. The Lake Oormiah, in Persia, cocke, and other travellers have sup- for instance, exhibits a very striking posed that it must throw off its super- analogy to it in many of its principal fluous water by some subterranean features; nor is there any considerable channel; but although it has been cal- difference of dimension between them.' culated that the Jordan daily dischar- Pict. Bible. It only remains to offer ges into it 6.090 000 tons of water, be- some farther remarks upon the connecsides what it receives from the Arnon tion between the Mosaic narrative, and several smaller streams, it is now and the present physical character o1 known, that the loss by evaporation is the lake and the surrounding country. adequate to explain the absorption of The grand question is as to the orithe waters. Its occasional rise and fall gin of the large quantities of sulphum at certain seasons, is doubtless owing and salt with which the region of the to the greater or less volume which Dead Sea now abounds. Are they the Jorlan and the other streams bring native to the soil of the valley and the B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 319 mountains, elements whibilh existed by consequence, brim7stoneis notmeant,' there prior to the destruction of Sodon-! when chemar is used, but bitumen, a and Gornorrah,or are they deposits left very different substance. Hence the there in consequence of that destruc- brimstone which now impregnates the tion? A solution of this question soil of the Salt Sea, and banishes alwould assist us greatly in determining most every kind of vegetation from its the true nature of the judgment by shores, must be regarded, not as an which the devoted cities were over- original, but an accidental ingredient, thrown; whether it was purely mirac- remaining from the destruction of the ulous, effected by a literal shower of vale by fire and brimstone from heavburning brimstone from heaven, in en. The same remark applies to the which terraqueous agents had no share; mines of fossil salt, on the surroundor whether the trermendous action of ing mountains; the saline matter was earthquake and volcano were also deposited in the cavities which it now enlisted on this occasion in obedience occupies at the same time, else the vale to the special volition of the Deity. of Siddim, instead of verdant pastures, A miracle is doubtless to be recog- and abundant harvests, had exhibited nised in either case, but on the latter the same fiighjful sterility from the besupposition the miracle consisted, not ginning, for which it is so remarkable in creating at the time the element in modern times. Bitumen, if the Heemployed, but simply in bringing brew word chemar denotes that subforth and directing in an extraordi- stance, abounds in the richest soils; for nary manner those natural agencies in the vale of Shinar, whose soil, by which were already in existence. On the agreement of all writers, is fertile this point commentators are divided. in the highest degree, the builders of On the one hand, it is contended that the tower of Babel used it for mortar. the exceeding fruitfulness asserted by The ark of bulrushes in which Moses Moses of the vale of Siddim, before the was embarked on the Nile, was in like destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, manner daubed with bitumen (chemar), is inconsistent with the existence of and pitch; but the mother of Moses those mines of fossil salt which sonme must have found it in the soil of Egypt, travellers have affirmed to be coeval near the Nile, on whose borders she with the soil. Such a theory Prof. lived. It is therefore reasonable to supPaxton thinks to be utterly at war pose, that bitumen abounded in Gowith the veracity of the sacred writer. shen, a region famed for the richness'No disproportionate quantity of saline of its pastures. Hence it may be fairmatter, could then (originally) have ly concluded, that the vale of Siddim been present either in the soil or in the before its destruction, in respect of natsurroundina mountains. Thatitabound- ural fertility, resembled the plain of ed with bitumen, some have inferred Shinar, and the land of Egypt along from the assertion of Moses, that the the Nile. But it is well known, that vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits: wherever brimstone and saline matter where the Hebrew word -r'ln chemar, abound, there sterility and desolation which we render slime, others, and reign. Is it not then reasonable to particularly the Seventy interpreters, infer, that the sulphureous and saline render bitumen. But nj:~j gophrith, matters, discovered in the waters and and not chemar, is the word that Moses on the shores of the Asphaltites, are employs to denote brimstone, in his ac- the relics of the divine vengeance excount of the jJdgmitent which over- ecuted on the cities of the plain, and whelmed the cities of the plain; and not origirial ingredients of the soil? If 320 CG*NESIS. [B. C. 1898. we listen to the testimony of the sacred be the man that trusteth in man, and writers, what was reasonable hypoth- mateth flesh his arm, and whose heart esis rises into absolute certainty. Meo- departeth from the Lord. For he shall ses expressly ascribes the brimstone, be like the heath in the desert, and the salt, and the burning, in the over- shall not see when good cometh, but throw of Sodom, to the immediate shall inhabit the parched places in the vengeance of heaven;'When they wilderness, in a salt land, and not insee the plagues of that land, - - - that habited,' Jer. 17. 5, 6. In this passage, the \whole land is brimstone, and salt, the salt is assigned as the cause that and burning; that it is not sown, nor the parched places in the wilderness rebeareth, nor any grass groweth there- main in a state of perpetual sterility. on, (like the overthrow of Sodom and In the judgments which the prophet Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim, which Zephaniah was directed to predict the Lord overthrew in his anger, and against the kingdom of Moab, he alin his wrath); even all nations shall ludes expressly to the punishment of say, Wherefore has the Lord done thus Sodom and Gomorrah, and intimates, unto this land? What meaneth the that one part of that punishment conheat of this great anger,' Deut. 29. 22. sisted in the vale being turned into salt; Jn this passage, the brimstone, salt, and'As I live, saith the Lord, - - - Surely burning, are mentioned as true and Moab shall be as Sodom, and the chilproper effects of the divine wrath; and dren of Ammon as Gomorrah, even since this fearful destruction is com- the breeding of nettles and salt pits, pared to the overthrow of Sodom and and a perpetual desolation,' Zeph. 2. 9. Gomorrah, the brimstone and salt into The qualities of the lake which now which the vale of Siddim was turned, covers the once fertile and delightful must also be the true and proper effects vale of Siddim, and the desolate apof divine anger. This indeed, Moses pearance of the surrounding country, asserts in the plainest terms:'Then as has been already shown, perfectly the Lord rained upon Sodoln, and upon correspond with the words of the inGomorrah, brimstone and fire from spired writers, and the conclusions of the Lord out of heaven; and he over- reason.' Paxton.-Such are the main threw those cities, and all the plain, and arguments adduced against the volcanall the inhabitants of the cities, and ic origin of this remarkable locality that which grew upon the ground,' But on the other hand it is maintained Gen. 19. 24. But since the brimstone (1.) That all the ancient and modern and the fire were rained from heaven, traditions connected with the place reso must the salt, with which they are fer the destruction of Sodom and Goconnected in the former quotation: and morrah to such a catastrophe. Thus this is the opinion received by the Jew- Tacitus relates (Hist. Lib. v. c. 7.) that ish doctors. The frightful sterility a tradition still prevailed in his days, of which followed the brimstone, salt, and certain powerful cities having been deburning, in the first quotation, is in the stroyed by thunder and lightning; and same manner represented as an effect of the plain, in which they were sitof the divine judgment upon the vale of uated, having been burnt up. He Siddim;'It is not sown, nor beareth, adds, that evident traces of such a canor any grass groweth thereon.' The tastrophe remained. The earth was barrenness and desolation that result parched, and had lost all its natural from the action of brimstone and salt, powers of vegetation; and whatever are introduced by the prophet in these sprang up, either spontaneously or in words:'Thus saith the Lord, Cursed consequenceof beingplanted, gradually BC. C1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 321 withered away, and crumbled into gen ral is subject to ti-em, and history dust. The historian concludes with gives us many examples of earthquakes expressing his own belief in this awful which have changed the face of Antijudgment, derived from an attentive och, Laodicea, Tripoli, Berytus, Tyre, consideration of the country, in which Sidon, &c.' To which may be added it was said to have happened. In a the tremendous shock of 1837 which similar manner Strabo, (Geog. Lib. xvi. destroyed Tiberias, Saphet, and many p. 764,) after describing the nature of other towns in the north of Palestine. the Lake Asphaltites, adds, that the The following then may be stated as whole of its appearance gives an air of the theory of those who build upon the probability to the prevailing tradition, facts above mentioned in connection that thirteen cities, the chief of which with present geographical phenomena. was Sodom, were once destroyed and In the first place it is to be observed, swallowed up by earthquakes, fire, and that the vale of Sodom abounds in an inundation of boiling sulphmureous veins of bitumen, which are to be found water. The same account is given by not only on the surface, but to a great Pliny and Solinus. (2.) Volney, and depth in the soil. In the next place it after him Malte Brun, are decidedly is worthy of notice, that bitumen of opinion that the whole region from whether in a liquid or solid state, is exthe remotest periods has been the ceedingly conmbustible; and that a theatre of volcanic action, the effects thunderbolt falling upon it would no of which may be still traced alone, more fail of setting it on fire, than the the banks of the Lower Jordan, and flash from the steel and flint fails to more especially about the Lake itself. ignite gunpowder. Now the account'The south of Syria,' says Volney, given by Moses is, that'the Lord rain-'that is, the hollow through which the ed upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimJordan flows, is a country of volcanoes; stone and fire from the Lord out of the bituminous and sulphureous sources heaven;' by which, according to the of the Lake Asphaltites, the lava, the Hebrew idiom, is to be understood pumice-stones, thrown upon its banks, flaming brimstone, in other words lightand the hot bath of Tabaria, demon- ning. It is true that Moses, though he strate that this valley has been the seat adds, that'God overthrew those cities, of a subterraneous fire which is not and all the plain, and all the inhabityet extinguished. Clouds of smoke ants of the cities, and that which grew are often observed to issue from the upon the ground,' does not explain lake, and new crevices to be formed how this overthrow took place; but a upon its banks. If conjectures in such knowledge of the above facts at once cases were not too liable to error, we leads to the following as at least a probmight suspect that the whole valley able conclusion. The lightning fallhas been forlned only by a violent sink- ing upon the bitumen would instantly ing of a country which formerly pour- set it on fire, and the fire would not ed the Jordan into the Mediterranean. only skim the surface but penetrate It appears certain, at least, that the deep into the soil, sweeping along, as catastrophe of five cities, destroyed by it does in a coal-pit, with the vein of fire, must have been occasioned by the combustible matter. The consequence eruption of a volcano, then burning. would be that a terrible earthquake These eruptions have ceased long since, would take place, followed, as such a but earthquakes, which usually suc- convulsion always is, by a subsiding of ceed them, still continue to be felt at the ground; and the waters rushing inintervals in this country. The coast in to the hollow thus created, would, by 322 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. mixing with the bitumen, formn a small be admitted in the catastrophe of the lake, where, previous to the awfvll vis- guiity cities, without offence to religion. itation, a fruitful valley lay. Thtus Sodom was built upon a mine of bituwould perish the cities and their pollu- men, as we know from the testimony ted inhabitants; whilst the lake would of Moses and Josephus, who speak rt-main as a lasting memorial of God's concerning the wells of bitumen, in the power to punish as well by fire as by valley of Siddim. Lightning kindled a deluge of water. Chateaubriand, the combustible mass, and the cities however, ranges himself amiiong the sunk in the subterraneous conflagraopponents of this theory, though he tion. MI. Malte Brun ingeniously sugseems inclined to admit that physical gests, that Sodom and Gomorrah agencies were not excluded from the themselves might have been built of judgment which overthrew the Penta- bituminous stones, and thus have been polis.'I cannot coincide in opinion set in flames by the fire of heaven.' with those who suppose the Dead Sea Chateaubriwand. But to this we have to be the crater of a volcano. I have to oppose the opinion of Mr. Madden. seen Vesuvius, Solfatara, Monte Nu-'The face of the mountains and of the ovo, in the lake of Fusino, the peak of surrounding country has all the apthe Azores, the Mamelif, opposite to pearance of a volcanic region and havCarthage, the extinguished volcanoes of ing resided for some years at the foot Auvergne, and remarked in all of them of Vesuvius, having visited Solfatara, the same characters, that is to say, Etna, and Stromboli, I was tolerably mountains excavated in the form of a conversant with volcanic productions. funnel, lava, and ashes, which exhibit- I have no hesitation in saying, that ed incontestable proofs of the agency the sea which occupies the site of Sodof fire. The Dead Sea on the contrary, om and Gomorrah, Adma, Zeboim, and is a lake of griat length, curved like a Zoar, covers the crater of a volcano, bow, placed between two ranges of and that, in all probability, heaven mountains, which have no mutual co- made that mode of destruction the inherence in form, no homogeneousness strument of Divine vengeance. I must of soil. They do not meet at the two confess I found neither pumice-stone, extremities of the lake, but continue, nor genuine black lava, but the soil the one to bound the valley of Jordan, was covered with white porous and red and to run northward as far as the veined quartz, which had decidedly unLakeof Tiberias; the other to stretch dergone combustion.' To the same away to the south till lost in the sands effect De la Martine observes,'It is a of Yemen. Bitumen, warm springs, Sea that seems petrified. And how and phosphoric stones are found, it is has it been formed? Mbst liketrue, in the mountains of Arabia; but ly, as the Bible tells us, and as all probI met with none of these in the oppo- ability declares, it was the vast centre site chain. But then, the presence of of a chain of volcanic mountains which, hot springs, sulphur, and asphaltos, is stretching Irom Jerusalem to Mesoponot sufficient to attest the anterior ex- tasnia, and from Lebanon to Idurnea, istence of a volcano. With respect to burst open in a crater, at a time when the ingulphed cities, I adhere to the ac- seven cities were peopled on its plain. count given in Scripture, without sum- The cities would have been overthrown moning physics to my aid. Besides, if by the earthquake. The Jordan which we adopt the idea of Professor Mich- most probably flowed at that time aelis, and the learned Biisching, in his through the plain, and emptied itself Memoir of the Dead Sea, physics may into the Red Sea being stopped all at B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 323 once by the volcanic hillocks, rose high dent from their situation, had been above its bed, and ingulphing itself in brought down by the rain; their great the craters of Sodom and Gomorrah, deposit must be sought for, they say, might have formed this sea, which is'in the cliff.' If then the sulphur and corrupted by the union of sulphur, salt, asphaltum be indigenous to the soil, and bitumen-the usual production of and not a relic of the material engenvolcanic eruptions. This is the fact dered miraculously for the destruction from all appearances.' (Trav. p. 234.) of Sodom, it remains to inquire whethOn the whole, we cannot but con- er the same can be said of the salt.sider the volcanic theory as the best Almost every traveller has spoken of sustained of the two. The objection of the vast quantities of salt by which not Chateaubriand that the usual phenom- only the waters of the Lake are impregena of extinct volcanoes such as a cra- nated, but which also spread a kind ter, lava, ashes, &c. are wanting, is of of frost-work over the shore and enlittle weight when opposed to the coun- crust nearly every object.' The origin ter testimony afforded by actual ap- of this mineral,' says Volney (Trav. v. i. pearances and immemorial tradition. p. 191),'is easy to be discovered: for Not to advert to the consideration that on the south-west shore, are mines of abundance of such materials may have fossil salt, of which I have brought been covered by the waters of the lake; away several specimens. They are not to insist on the remark of Clarke situated in the side of the mountains (Trav. in the Holy Land, p. 372) that which extend along that border, and he noticed a mountain on its western for time immemorial, have supplied the shore resembling in form the cone of neighbouring Arabs, and even the city Vesuvius, and having also a crater up- of Jerusalem.' But we have still strongon its top, which was plainly discerni- er proof in the following account of the ble; the physical characters of the re-'Valley of Salt' which the American gion exhibit the most conclusive evi- editor of Calmet places in the near vidence that strata of bituminous. and cinity of this Lake.'This valley sulphureous matter, capable of explo- would seem to be either the northern sion, did formerly exist on the spot. part of the great valley E1 Ghor, leadDeep clefts or pits containing hot ing south from the Dead Sea, or persprings at the bottom of which bitu- haps some smaller valley or ravine men is found, occur in the immediate opening into it neanr the Dead Sea. The vicinity of the Lake, while the floating whole of this region is strongly impregasphaltum which gives to the lake one nated with salt, as appears from the of the many names is collected by the report of all travellers. According to Arabs, and is not only used as pitch, Captains Irby and Mangles'a gravelly but enters into the composition of med- ravine, studded with bushes of acacia icines, and seems to have been ancient- and other shrubs, conducts [from the ly much employed in Egypt in the em- west] to the great sandy plain, at balming of bodies. The shores of the the southern end of the Dead Sea. sea, and also the neighbouring hills, On entering this plain, the travelfurnish a sort of stone or coal, which ler has on his right a continued hill, readily ignites, and yields an intolera- composed partly of salt and partly ble stench in burning. Captains Irby of hardened sand, running south-east and Mangles collected on the southern and north-west, till, after proceeding a coast lumps of nitre and fine sulphur, few miles, the plain opens to the south, from the size of a nutmeg up to that of bounded, at the distance of about eight a small hen's egg, which, it was evi- miles, by a sandy cliff from sixty to 324 GENESIS. LB. C. 1898. eighty feet high, which traverses the On the southern extremity of the eastvalley El Ghor like a wall, forming a ern shore, the salt is also deposited bh barrier to the waters of the Lake when the evaporation of the water of the lake at their greatest height.' On this plain, The travellers found several of the na besides the saline appearance left by tives peeling off a solid layer of salt, the retiring of the waters of the Lake, several inches thick, with which the) the travellers noticed, lying on the loaded their asses. At another point. ground, several large fragments of also where the water, being shallow, rock-salt, which led them to examine retires or evaporates rapidly, a considthe hill, on the right of the ravine by erable level is left, encrusted with a which they had descended to the plain, salt that is but half dried and consolidescribed above, as composed partly of dated, appearing like ice in the comsalt and partly of hardened sand. They mencement of a thaw, and giving way found the salt, in many instances, nearly ankle deep. All these appearhanging from the cliffs, in clear per- ances are surely sufficient to justify the pendicular points resembling icicles. appellation of Plain or Valley of Salt.' They observed also strata of salt of Robinson's Calmet. If then we find considerable thickness, having very lit- the very materials of this awful visitatle sand mixed with it, generallyin per- tion at hand in the neighbouring hills, pendicular lines. During the rainy what shall prevent us from supposing season, the torrents apparently bring that a volcanic eruption, perhaps from down immense masses of this mineral. the identical crater, which Clarke deWas, then, this'gravelly ravine,' the scribes, pouring down upon the guilty particular'Valley of Salt?' or was cities a shower of inflamed sulphur or this term applied more generally to this nitre mixed with heated salt, while the whole plain, which exhibits -similar whole adjoining plain underwent a characteristics? Strabo mentions, that simultaneous overthrow in consequence to the southward of the Dead Sea there of a bituminous explosion 7 There is are towns and cities built entirely of nothing, that we can see, in this supsalt; and'although,' add the travel- position at variance with the really lers,' such an account seems strange, miraculous character of the event-for yet when we contemplate the scene be- it was omnipotence that waked the fore us, it did not seem incredible.' The sleeping subterranean fires at that parsea had thrown up at high-water mark ticular juncture-nothing but what is a quantity of wood, with which the in strict accordance with the geological travellers attempted to make a fire, in phenomena that now distinguish this order to bake some bread; but it was remarkable region. Indeed the more so impregnated with salt, that all their close and rigid have been the researchefforts were unavailing. The track, af- es into the physical characters of the ter leaving the salt-hill, led across the basin of the Dead Sea, the more clearbarren flats of the back-water of the ly have the results appeared to be prelake, then left partly dry by the effects cisely such as might be expected from of evaporation. They passed six drains the truth of the foregoing hypothesis. running into the sea; some were wet, The objection stated above by Paxton, and still draining the dreary level which that the presence of sulphur and salt they intersected; others were dry. would be inconsistent with the asserted These had a strong marshy stmell, sim- primitive fertility of the plain, is obviailar to what is perceivable on most of ted at once by the remark, that by our the muddy flats in salt-water harbours, very supposition these substances were but by no means more unpleasant. not originally found on the plain, but B.C. 1898.7 CHAPTER XIX. in the mountains and that the water its fertility, and submerged the ground is so largely impregnated with saline itself under the waters of the Jordan, and sulphureous properties is probably that the foot of man might never tread in part at least to the fact that it now it more. The destruction was comextends on either side to the base of the plete and irreparable; the country was mountains, and thus comes in contact inl a manner blotted out of the map of with the materials of which they are Palestine, so fierce was the indignation, composed.-On this whole subject see so terribletheoverthrow. Theoriginal Mod. Traveller, vol. i. pp. 188, 199, word (brin yahaphok) is emphatic Am. Ed. and by being applied not to the build The Lord rained-from the Lord ings only, but to the ground on which out qf heaven. This phraseologyis re- they stood, would seem to imply that markable, and has led some comment- kind of physical disruption which could ators to understand the words as a be caused only by an earthquake or distinct intimation of a plurality of per- volcano, or the combined action of sons in the Godhead, q. d.'The Lord, both, which we have above endeavourwho appeared and conversed with Lot, ed to show to be nearer the truth. Its the Son of God, rained from the Lord leading idea in such connections as the who is invisible, from the Father in present, is that of subversion, and this heaven, the-destroying tempest.' But is obviously an effect additional to any it is perhaps safer to understand it as thing that would be caused by the mere a mere Hebraic idiom, equivalent to descent of a fiery shower from heaven. saying, that Jehovah rained in this The catastrophe, therefore, if our interfearful manner from himself out of pretation be admitted, was marked heaven. That is, such was the appear- with the united horrors of earthquake, ance of the phenomenon. Parallel and volcano, the latter described as a modes of speech are not unusual in the conflagration from heaven, forning alsacred writers. Thus, Ex. 24. 1,'And together such a scene as baffles conhe (the Lord) said unto Moses, Come ception, and such as the eye of man up unto the Lord,' &c. Hos. 1. 7,'I never witnessed before. Thus were will save them by the Lord God.' the cities of the plain, and the ground Zech. 10. 12,'I will strengthen them on which they stood, set forth for an in the Lord.' 1 Kings, 8. 1,'Then example to every succeeding age; and Solomon assembled the elders of Israel to that awful catastrophe the sacred and all the heads of the tribes, the chief writers often allude, in their denunciaof the fathers of the children of Israel, tions of the divine judgments against unto king Solomon.' Thescopeof the apostate Israel; Deut 23. 23,'When words is probably to intimate that the the generations to come shall see that fiery shower was extraordinary and the whole land thereof is brimstone, and miraculous, altogether out of the com- salt, and burning; that it is not sown, mon course of nature, something to be nor beareth; nor any grass groweth referred to the hand of Omnipotence. thereon, (like the overthrow of Sodom -~T Upon Sodom and Gomnorrah. and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim, And also upon the mighty cities Admah which the Lord overthrew in his anger and Zeboim, as is evident from Deut. and in his wrath); even all nations 29. 23. Hos. 11. 5. shall say, wherefore has the Lord done 25. Ovz7rthrow those cities, and all this unto this land?' The prophet the plain, &c. That is, he consumed Hosea, pathetically describing the great its productions, lie destroyed its beauty, mercy of God toward the people of Is he extinguished the very principles of rael, and his unwillingness to punish 28 326 GENESIS. [B. C. 1893. 26 I' But his wife looked back 27 IT And Abraham gat up from behind him, and she became early in the morning to the place 1 a pillar of salt. where -" he stood before the LORD: Luke 17. 32. m oh. 18. 22. them, noiwitlfstanding their signal in- It was total.'And he overthrew those gratitude, breaks out into the following cities, and all the plain, and all the inanimated address, in the name of the habitants of the cities, and that which Lord, Hos. 11. 8,'How shall I give grew upon the ground.' It was an thee up, Ephraim; how shall I deliver utter ruin, and absolutely irreparable. thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Every habitation was overturned, every Admah, how shall I set thee as Ze- animal destroyed, every vegetable conboim? My heart is turned within nre, sumed, every soul of man, excepting and my repentings are kindled togeth- Lot and his party, involved in the dread er.' But however interesting may be disaster. Had ten righteous persons the event geologically or philosophical- been found in it, it would have beer. ly considered, it is practically fraught preserved for their sakes; but as the with far more important lessons. (I.) degeneracy was universal, so also was The destruction of these fated cities the destruction. What a striking dewas extraordinary. It was unprece- monstration of the exceeding sinfuldented; there has been nothing like it, ness of sin, and of the direful conseeither before or since. It was emphat- quences it draws after it! What a.cally destruction from the Almighty. fearful intimation of the final doom of He rained down out of heaven, in the the ungodly, when they shall be conmanner above described, fire and brin- demned to suffer the vengeance of eterstone upon their habitations, and at the nal fire! same time upturned the soil on which 26. His wife looked backfrom behind they stood by the agency of subter- him.'This seems to imply that she ranean burnings and explosions. We was following her husband, as is the can enter experimentally into the feel- customr at this day. When men, or ings of those who are overtaken in a women, leave their house, they never fearful storm of thunder and lightning; look back, as' it would be very unforbut who can enter into the feelings of tunate.' Should a husband have left the inhabitants of these devoted cities, any thing which his wife knows he will when the Lord himself had become require, she will not call on him to turn their enemy, when he was evidently or look back; but will either take the fighting against them with his great article herself, or send it by another. power, and unlocking the magazines of Should a man have to look back on his vengeance for their total destruci some great emergency, he will not then tion! The burning of Moscow by the proceed on the business he was about Russians, to prevent its being sacked to transact. When a person goes by the French, was an awful calamity; along the road, (especially in the evenbut then it was not supernaturally ing), he will take great care not to wrought; it was occasioned by human look back,' because the evil spirits would agency, and the inhabitants might flee assuredly seize him.' When they go to a place of safety. But in the de- on a journey, they will not look bestruction of Sodom and Gomorrah es- hind, though the palankeen, or bandy, cape was hopeless. Divine vengeance should be close upon them; they step closed in its victims on every side, and a little on one side, and then look at as the perdition was inevitable, so (2.) you. Should a person have to leave B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER X[I'. 227 the house of a friend after suns'et, he though her l,o/,ig lr tcack,:: ould n: e will be advised in going home not to sulpposed to have inspired a wish to go look back:'as much as possible keep back, yet still it was disobeying an exyour eyes closed; fear not.' ii as a press command, a comnmand which, person made an offering to the evil for wise reasons, was made the test of spirits, he must take particular care obedience, and consequently she sinned when he leaves the place not to look after the sitnilitude of Adaln's transback. A femt-ale known to me is be- gression, and what reason had she. to lieved to have got her crooked neck by expect any milder doom? WVe may looking back. Such observations as allow for the strength of natural curithe following may be often heard in,osity, for the force of motherly, sisterprivateconversation.'Have you heard ly, and neighbovurly;affiction, yet with that Comiircan is very ill?'!-' No, what every abatement, it was a great sin, beis the matter with him?'-' Matter! cause upon her abstaining from it was why he has looked back, and the evil suspended her temporal, if not her spirit has caught him.' Roberts.- 1 eternal, salvation. Behold then the And she became a pillae qf salt. How goodness and severity of God; towards fearfully is judgment here mingled with Lot that went forward, goodness; tomercy! Lot was himself delivered, wards his wife that looked back, sebut at what an expense! It was a verity. Though nearly related to a dismal spectacle to him to behold the righteous man, and a monument of dis. city of his residence, his adopted home, tinguishing mercy in her deliverance including the habitations of his neigh- out of Sodom, yet rebelling against an bours and probably of some of his express mandate of heaven, her privown relatives with all their inmates, ileges and relations availed her nothing; sinking in the flames of the devouring God would not connive at her disobeelement. But this was not all. One dience; she became a mournful illuswave of anguish after another rolled tration of the truth that the righteous over him. His company, as he left who turn away from their righteousthe city, was but small; and now, ness shall perish! While then we laalas! when he has escaped, one is ment her fate, let us profit by her exmissing! His wife was the partner of ample.-As to the meaning of the his flight, but not of his preservation. phrase,' became a pillar of salt,' comThe companion of his youth, the moth- mentators are not agreed. The more er of his children, instead of sharing in common opinion is, that she was sudthe joy of their deliverance, stands a denly petrified and changed into a pillar of salt in the way towards Sodom, statue of rock salt, which either by its an awful monument of the danger of own nature or by miraculous power disobedience!'Whatdoth itavail her,' was made capable of continuing tinsays Bp. Hall,' not to be turned into dissolved by the action of the elements. ashes in Sodom, when she is turned In conformity with this is the testimointo a pillar of salt in the plain?' This ny of Josephus, who says expressly may be deemed a hard fate for a mere that Lot's wife' was changed into a glance of the eye; but that glance, no pillar of salt, for I have seen it, and it doubt, was expressive of unbelief and remains to this day.' Clement, of a lingering desire to return. Certain it Rome, also says that it was standing is, that her example is held up by our there to his time, which was about the Lord as a warning against turning time of Josephus; and Irenaeus says back, which intimates that such was that it was there a century still later. the meaning of her look. But even Some modern travellers relate that it 3,28 GENESIS. [B. C. 189S. remains;here still; but the probability every trace of the material fabric had is that they were one and all imposed disappeared. Indeed in this sense Lot's upon by the reports of those who dwelt wife is a'pillar of salt' to us at the at or near the spot; just as travellers present day; inasmuch as lier recordat this day are often told that such and' ed fate teaches us a lesson of perpetual such objects are real monumrnents of warning against the sin of apostacy. antiquity when there is not a particle 27. And Abrahamn gat up early to of evidence of the truth of thie state- the place, &c. The narrative now rement. Josephus and the others no turns to Abraham, to whose history doubt saw what they wcere told was every thing is subservient, and shows.the pillar of salt into which Lot's wife. that he was far froni being unheedful was turned, and in like manner the of theepredicted doom of Sodom. For traveller is still told that he sees the aught that he seems to have known, very water-pot which contained the Lot may have been involved in the wa ter miraculously turned into wine in common destruction; at least it does Cana of Galilee. The truth is, the not appear that he had before received literal mode of interpretation is not de- any assurance of his safety, and we mnanded by the terms of the text. Salt deetn it a very probable supposition is a symbol of perpetuity. For this that he had been engaged a great part, reason the covenant spoken of Num. if not the whole, of the previous night 18. 19, is called a'covenant of salt,' in earnest intercession in his behalf. i. e. an enduring, a perpetual covenant. Accordingly le repairs at an early Thus too 2 Chron. 13. 5,'The Lord hour the next morning, the very mornGod of Israel gave the kingdom over ing, it would seem, on which the judgIsrael to David, even to him and to his ment occurred, to the spot where he sons by a corenant of salt,' i. e. by the had the day before held his favoured most binding and lasting engagement. communion with Jehovah, which was See Note on Judg. 9. 45. In like mIan- doubtless a position commanding a ner a' pillar of salt' conveys the idea full view of the cities of the plain and of a lasting monument, a perpetual the adjacent valley of the Jordan. And memorial of the sad consequences of here what a scene of woe bursts upon disobedience. We may suppose with his sight!'Come, behold the works great probability that the saline and of the Lord, what desolation he hath sulphureous matter which, in conse- made in the earth.' The fertile and dequence of the eruption, was showering lightful vale of Siddim, whose green down from the atmosphere, gathered fields and well-peopled cities had so around the unfortunate woman as a often met his view from the rocky nucleus, formine a thick incrustation, heights of Canaan is now enveloped in which gradually became hardened, till flames! Not the cities only with their at last she stood a massive pillar of buildings and inhabitants are sinking in this mineral matter capable of resist- the conflagration, but the very ground ing, perhaps for ages, tleb action of itself on which they stood shares in the time and the elements. The perpetuity awfulcatastrophe! Sulphureoussmoke however Indicated by the use of the mingled with lurid gleams of fire, is term'salt' Is not to be considered as constantlyrisingupindensepitchymasdepending upon the actual duration of ses, and constitutes all that Abraham the pillar. That may have worn away is now able to see! ~ Lo, the smoke in time, and yet the record of the event of the country went up as the smoke of may have been a perpetual rlemorial a furnace. This is rendered by the to subsequent generations long after Septuagint,'A flame wvent uip out of B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 329 28 And he looked toward Sod- mii.t of the overthrow, when he om and Gomorrah, and toward ov rthrew the cities in the which all the land of the plain, and be- iLo dwelt. held, and lo, n the smoke of the 30 "' And Let went up out of country went up as the smoke of Zoar, and P dwelt in the mounta furnace. ain, and his two daughters with 29 1T And it came to pass, him; for he feared to dwell in when God destroyed the cities of Zoar: and he dwelt in a cavern, the plain, that God ~ remembered he and his two daughters. Abraham, and sent Lot out of the n Rev. 18. 9. o cb. 8. 1. & 18. 23. p ver. 17,19. the earth as the vapour of a furnace.' fore was for Abraham's sake; and why It is not unlikely that frequent flashes shall we not suppose it to have been of fire were intermixed with the clouds owing to the influence of Abraham's of smoke that rolled up from the scene prayers? Is it not natural to under of the devastation. The view must stand God's'remembering Abraham' have been awful beyond description, of his remembering the intercessions of and from its terrific features is no doubt Abraham? And if so, it is but a fair made the Scriptural type of hell, which presumption, as before intimated, that in allusion to the fate of Sodom, is the pious uncle had spent the previous called the' lake that burneth with fire night in earnest prayer for his nephew, and brimstone.' Compare also Deut. and that he went forth in the morning 29. 23. Is. 13. 19. Jer. 49. 18. Jude, 7. under the prompting of an ardent desire 2 Pet. 2. 6. The destruction of the to learn the success of his petitions; spiritual Sodom, Rev. 18. and 19., is to see if he could meet with any tokens moreover evidently described in terms of the preservation of Lot. Whether borrowed front the event here described; he received any assurance to this effect especially where the bewailing specta- is uncertain, but the fact that Abrac tors are represented as standing afar ham's intervention had availed in some off and gazing at the smoke of her way to the deliverance of Lot comes in burning-a circumstance doubtless very appropriately in this connection, drawn from Abraham's here standing as it gives to the reader precisely the at a distance and witnessing the doom information which Abraham desired of the devoted cities. It has indeed for himself. The incident teaches us been generally supposed that it was that one righteous man may fare betnot till the morning qfter the destruc- ter for the intercessions of another; and tion that Abraham went forth to sur- it reminds us too of the unspeakable vey the scene, but there is nothing in privilege of those that have an Interthe text that requires this construction, cessor in heaven who knows all the and from the anxiety he would natur- evils coming upon them, and prays for ally feel in consequence of the disclo- them when they forget or neglect to sures of the heavenly visitants, we can pray for themselves, And notonly so; hardly suppose such a delay to have hbilt in the fearful catastrophe of the taken place. This impression is con- last day, when a favoured countless firmed by what we gather from the multitude shall be seen emerging and purport of the next verse. soaring to the nmountains 6f salvation, 29. God remembered Abrahacm, and from the midst of a still more countless sent Lot out of the mids. of the over- multitude left to their fate in the flames throw, &c. Lot's preservation there- of a burning world, their deliverance 28* 330 GENESIS. [B13. C. 1898. shall be owing to the efficacy of his at first prescribed, but which they in prevalent intercession and atoning their foolish wisdom saw fit to republood. diate. He who preferred the plain to 30. Dwelt in the mountain. That is, the mountain, is here represented rein the mou n-tainous district or hill-coun- penting of his choice and condemning try of Moab bordering upon what is his folly in not acquiescing at once in now the eastern side of the Dead Sea.. the direction of the Almighty. But - IT He feared to dwell in Zoar. why did not Lot return to Abraham'? But of what was he afraid? Undoubt- There was no occasion now for strife edly either of fire or water, but of which about their herds, for he had lost all, it is impossible to say. It is altogether and but just escaped with his life; and likely that fitr some time after the de- he could have no doubt that Abraham struction of the larger cities, the whole would cordially receive him and beadjacent plain was in a disturbed and friend him to the utmost. Perhaps the volcanic state; that rumblings of the most probable supposition is that he earth and occasional eruptions of fire was too proud to do this. He left him threatened a second visitation of wrath prosperous; but he must return, if he from heaven and kept Lot and his fain- return at all, poor and degraded and an ily in continual alarms. Or it may be outcast. This was too severe a trial that he was in dread of being over- for his spirit as a man, and he had whelmed by the approaching waters. rather incur new dangers than submit The sight of a sea of waters accunmula- to it. Whatever were his reasons he ting in the vale and gradually ap- seems to have made a bad choce and proaching the very borders of Zoar,'forsaken his own mercies.' His was not a little calculated to inep)ir- daughters, who appear to have co-nterror. How could he know where it tracted such habits in Sodom as would would stop; at what point the Most prepare them for any thing, however High would say,'Hitherto shalt tlioi, unnatural, draw him into intemperance come, but no farther?' If this wert andiincest, and thus cover his old age the real cause of his flight, his betaking with infamy. Such was the sad conhimself to the mountains-would be a sequence of declining to go to the very natural step; for there he would ut mountain when directed, and thinking course be most secure from the advan- he could select a better location for cing deluge. But whatever the truth himself than that which God had pointmay be on this head, the history de- ed out.'He that trusteth in his owVn monstrates that the rash counsels heart is a fool.'- ~ Dwelt in a cave. which good men adopt under the dic- Not in any one particular cave, any tation of fleshly wisdom or passion, more than in one particular mountain; are never attended with prosperous is- but his mode of life was now that of sues. They may appeartosucceedin the those who took up their abode in the outset, and their authors may fora time cavernous recesses of the mountains, bless themselves in a fond conceit of- instead of living in the open country, the happiest zesults, but eventually the some of which were of vast extent; truth of the divine declaration will be and it was and is customary for the experienced, Is. 31. 1,' Woe to the re- shepherds to occupy them, and often bellious children, saith the Lord, that to shelter the cattle in them while pastake counsel but not of me;' and they turing in the neighbourhood. The peoare not to be surprised to find them- pie who flee to the mountains in times selves at length driven to have recourse of danger are glad of the accornmodato the very expedients which Heaven tion which such caverns offer, and oc B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XIX. 331 31 And the first-born said unto 32 Come, let us make our fathe younger, Our father is old, ther drink wine, and we will lie and there is not a man in the with him, that we rmay preserve earth q to come in unto us after seed of our father. the manner of all the earth: q oh. 16. 2, 4. ch. 38. 8. 9. Deut. 25. 5. r Mark 12. 19. cupy them, with their wives and chil- which led to it. Especially was his dren, and all their property in movea- conduct to be condemned for suffering lhies and cattle. Thus Lot seems to himself to be twice intoxicated, since have been circumstanced. See Note it is difficult to conceive that he should on Judg. 6. 2. not on the second evening have had 32. Come let us make our father some recollection of the consequences drink wine, &c.' When God delivers of his former indulgence. But if Lot us from destruction, he doth not secure cannot be acquitted from blame in this us from all afflictions: Lot hath lost instance, much less can we find an adhis wife, his allies, his substance, and equate apology for the part enacted by now betakes himself -to an uncomfort- his daughters. The very circumstance able solitariness. Yet though he fled of their enticing their father to drink to from company, lie could not fly from excess is a proof that they were consin: he who could not be tainted with scious of the sinfulness of the design, uncleanness in Sodom, is overtaken since they were aware that he would with drunkenness and incest in a cave: not yield to such an expedient in his rather than Satan shall not want baits, sober senses. But on the other hand his own daughters will prove Sodom- we may concede (1) That they were ites: those which should comfort, be- not actuated by a base and sensual detrayed him. How little are some sirein thus deceiving their father. Their nearts moved -with judgments! The preservation in the midst of the overashes of Sodom, and the pillar of salt, throw, which shows that they partook were not yet out of their eye, when of Lot's faith, their declared object' to they dare think of lying with their own preserve seed of their father,' and their father. They knew, that whilst Lot not repeating the crime, evince that was sober, he could not be unchaste. that they were influenced by some Drunkenness is the way to all bestial other motive than lust; and though affections and acts: wine knows no this motive was founded on false and difference either of persons or sins.' mistaken views, yet we may admit that Bp. Hall. The sacred writer, with his it was in some degree excusable; for accustomed fidelity, here relates a trans- (2.) They were doubtless of opinion action which throws an indelible stain that it was the only means of prevent upon the character of Lot. True, in- ing the extinction of the f!Imily. In deed, it was a sin into which Lot was making the proposition tne first-born betrayed by the machinations of his said to the younger,'Our father is old daughters, and not one into which he and there is not a man in the earth to entered knowingly or of set purpose. come in unto us after the manner of This circumstance mitigates the offence all the earth.' That is, there were greatly on his part, though it by no none leftt in all the land of Canaan means leaves him guiltless; for how- none among their ownfamily and kinever he may have been unconscious of dred, with whom they could hold it the incest, we cannot but suppose him lawful to intermarry. That the words culpable in yielding to the inebriety are to be taken with some such limita 332 GENESIS. [B. C. 1897. 33 And they made their father the younger arose, and lay with drink wine that night: and the him; and he perceived not when first-born went in, and lay with she lay down, norwhen she arose. her father; and he pelceiveJ not 36 Thus were both the daughwhen she lay down, nur wien ters of' Lot with child by their she arose. father. 34 And it came to pass on the 37 And the first-born bare a norrow, that the first-born said son, and called his name Moab: unto tilhe younger, Behold, I lay s the same is the father of the yesternight with my father: let Moabites unto this day. us make himn drink wine this 38 And the younger, she also night also; and go thou in, and bare a son, and called his name lie with him, that we may pre- Ben-ammi: t the same is the faserve seed of our father. ther of the children of Ammon 35 And they made their father unto this day. drink wine that night also: and s Deut. 2. 9. t Deut. 2. 19. tion as this is evident, for they could ception whatever of the incident from not be ignorant that there were men in first to last, which we think less likely. Zoar; but as they were now more 37, 38. Called hisname1lIoab. Heb. than ever convinced that they belonged,Rj87 Moab, i. e. as generally interto an accursed race, they seem to have preted, of the father.- ~r Ben-ammi. regarded it as both dangerous andcrim- Heb.'h23 In ben-ammi, i. e. son of inal to form any matrimonial connec- my people. Both these names justify tions with them. As then there was the view given aboveof the translation, now in their apprehension no righte- viz. that it was merely to preserve the ous man in the land, it was the same family that the daughters of Lot had to them as if there had been none at all, recourse to the expedient. Hence as and so they express themselves; and we do not find that they ever repeated in this we see a prevailing regard to the stratagem, so neither do they apcharacter which is highly commend- pear to have been at all ashamed of it, able. On the whole, though there was both which would have been natural a large admixture of human infirmity had their motives been more unworthy in the proceeding and a gross practical than they were. The offspring, howdistrust of Providence, yet the conduct ever, of this incestuous connection, of all parties admits of a strong plea whatever may be said in behalf of the of extenuation under the circumstan- connection itself, was certainly a bad ces, which we may warrantably con- one. These Moabites soon fell from cede to it, especially as the sin was one the faith of God, and became idolaters, of such a peculiar nature as never to be the worshippers of Cllemosh and of capable of becoming a precedent. Baal-peor, and were enemies to the 33. He perceived not when she lay children of Abraham. The same also down, nor when she arose. Heb. R5 is true of the Ammonites. As both n7:2~iD',_z'2 tIc'l knew not in these make afterwards a considerable her lying down or in her rising up; figure in the sacred history, the inspired i. e. knew not, distinguished not, the writer takes care to introduce, at this person, either on her approach or at her early period, an account of their origin. departure. Others understand the wri- REMARIKS.-Although we have alter's nlleaning to be that he had no per- ready drawn a large amount of prac B. C. 1897.] CHAPTER XIX. 323 tical inference from the foregoing chap- recorded on any other authority than ter, yet we know not how to forbear that of-inspiration. It is a sure sign adverting to some few additional les- that corruption has made great prosons which the narrative teaches us. gress among any people when the (1.) The example of Lot forcibly in- young have cast off all reverence for culcates both the'duty and the advan- age, and scruple not to expose their guilt tacge qf hospitality. Men stand contin- to the eyes of those, from whom, of all ually in need of each other, and are others, they should hide it. But when therefore bound to give countenance, the aged have lost all reverence for to show kindness, to grant succour to themselves; wnen they fear not to their brethren of the race. We cannot publish their shame to their sons; when move a single step through the world the hoary head is found mingling in without being brought into connection the licentious rabble with younger profwith strangers, nor of course without ligates, then indeed has guilt reached having opportunities afforded us of be- its last gradation, and we behold a stowing or of receiving some instance spectacle which brings earth into close of hospitable entertainment.'I'o be alliance with hell. Yet that this was careless or unkind in this respeAt, then, the condition of Sodom on the eve of is to be at once unwise, inhuman, and its destruction is clear from the narraunjust. Christianity has taken into its tive of Moses, and we feel but little service every noble and valuable prin- wonder that the exhalations of such ciple of our nature, and calls the whole horrid sins should engender such a citalogue of human virtues its own. tempest of wrath in the heavens of the As we are continually reminded, in the Lord God. What thankfulness should courseof providence, ofourbeingstran- we not feel if we have been kindly gers and pilgrims upon earth, so we withheld from attaining to so awful a are strictly and repeatedly enjoined by pre-eminence in crime! the laws of the Gospel, to be attentive (3.) We learn also the care and the and kiind to strangers.'Be given to faovour with which God regards the hospitality,' says Paul.'Use hospital- good. How precious are their lives in ity one to another without grudging,' his sight! While he'reserves the unsays Peter.'Be not forgetfilf,' says just unto the day of judgment to be the author of the epistle to the He- punished, the Lord knoweth how todebrews,' to entertain strangers,' a pre- liver the godly out of temptation.' Alcept which he enforces by a motive though it was signal folly andinfirmity drawn from the narrative before us, in Lot to go. and take up his abode in'for thereby some have entertained Sodom, and though his deliverance is angels unawares.''The houses of holy ascribed perhaps as much to the effimen,' Bp. Hall remarks,'are full of cacy of Abraham's prayers as to his these heavenly spirits whom they know own merit, yet it would appear that not; they pitch their tents in ours, and while there he kept himself pure from visit us when we see not; and, when the abounding iniquities, and instead of we feel not, protect us. It is the honour following a multitude to do evil, boldly of God's saints to be attended by an- rebuked them by his preaching and exgels.' ample. The consequence was that (2.) We learn from this history of God was pleased to intimate that the what enormous depravity human na- fated city could not be destroyed till ture is capable. The pitch of wicked- Lot was safe! In like manner, those ness to which Sodom and Gomrnorrah who stand aloof fiom prevailing corrose is such as to stagger belief were it ruptions, and sigh over, the abomina 334 GENESIS. [B. C. 1897 tions of the places where they live, of personal e.xertion and persevering shall have a mark set upon them be- diligence if we would escape the wrath fore the destroying angel goes forth, to come. It had been declared to Lot and'only with their eyes shall they that the threatened destruction could see and behold the destruction of the not be executed till he should have arwicked.' rived at the place provided for him. (4.) The story admonishes those who But could he therefore say,'I am in no are hastening towards heaven not to be danger; I may take my leisure; I may content to go alone. Let them seek to leave myself in God's hands.' Surely take all they can along with them. had he acted in so presumptuous a Let them exert their influence to the manner he would have perished with utmost over all their friends and con- the ungodly multitude. When he had nections, in order that they may be in- come out of Sodom, his exertions were strumental to their salvation also. Let no less necessary than before. He them especially manifest their conjugal must flee to the mountain; he must and parental affection in this way. escape as for his life; he must not deDerided as visionaries they may be by lay a moment, lest he should be consome, and forsaken in their progress sumed. Thus it is with us. We canby others, yet let them not for one mo- not say,' God has sent his only Son to ment intermit their diligence in the sal- save me, and therefore I have nothing vation of souls. If their labours prove to do.' We must rather say,' God effectual only to one or two, it will be has offered to have mercy on me, and a rich consolation to them in the day therefore I must work out my salvation of judgment, that though many who with fear and trembling.' To found were once dear to them have reaped our hopes on the secret purposes of the fruits of their indifference, yet there God, would be to delude ourselves, and are others for whom they have'not insure our eternal ruin. We might as laboured in vain, nor run in vain.' well hope to win a race without run(5.) Sinners when most careless and ning, or to gain a battle without fightsecure are often the nearest to danger. ing, as to obtain heaven without perWhen the sun rose upon Sodom, with sonal exertion. Nor will occasional the promise of a fine day, could any exertion avail. We must maintain a thing be farther from their thoughts constant, vigorous, persevering dilithan the overwhelming tempest which gence in the course we have begun. almost immediately began to pour down Had Lot remitted his endeavours like upon them? Had they had the most his wife, he also would have perished distant idea of their perilous situation, in like manner. We may'run well for with what avidity would they have a season, and yet be hindered.' We seized the opportunity of escape, and may'begin in the spirit, and yet end with what persevering effobrts have ex- in the flesh.' We may'escape the polerted themselves to reach a place of lutions of the flesh, and yet be entansafety. But their confidence destroyed gled therein, and overcome.' We may them. Let the heedless take warning. come out of Egypt, and yet never The breath of the Lord may kindle a reach the promised land. He that enstream of brimstone before they are dureth unto the end shall be saved. aware.' He that being often reproved He that puts his hand to the plough hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be and looks back, is not fit for the kingdestroyed, and that without remedy.' dom of heaven. (6.) -1ow forcibly are w'e here re- (7.) The dishonourable end of Lot minded of the indispensable necessity shows that re ar'e never otet of dangei B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XX. 335 CHAPTE-R XX. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah AND Abraham journeyed from his wife, d She is my sister: And.a tthence toward the south Abimelech king of Gerar sent country, and dwelled between and e took Sarah. b Kadesh and Shur, and csojourned in Gerar. d ch. 14;. 13. & 26. 7. e ch. 12. 15. a ch. 18. L. b ch. 16. 7, 14. c ch. 26. 6. while we cre upon earth. He whose the reproof itself, which makes it so righteous soul was grieved with the painful to contemplate, and the grounds filthy conversation of the wicked while of which we are now to consider. in a city, is drawn into the same kind 1. Abraham journc_ I from thence. of evils himself when dwelling in a That is, from the oakl-groves of Mamre, cave! His whole history indeed fromt where he had long resided, as appears the time of his leaving Abiahaln fir- fromn Gen. 13. 18.-IS. l.- IT Dwelled nishes an affecting lesson to the [eads between Kadesh. and Shur, and soof families in the choice of habitations journed in Gerar. These places were for themselves or their children. If -I contiguous to the southern borders worldly accommodations be preferred if Canaan. Gerar was the metropolis to religious advantages, we have noth- of the country of the Philistines. See ing good to expect, but every thing evil. map. We may or may not lose our substance 2. Abraham said of Sarah his wife, as he did; but what is of far greater &c. Heb. god,rr jX to Sarah consequence, our families may be ex- his wife. The original word }R el, sigpected to become mere heathens, and nifying to or unto, is occasionally renour own minds contaminated with the dered of or concerning. Thus, Jer. 27. examples which are continually before 19,' Thus saith the Lord concerning our eyes. So was it with Lot, and so tire pillars;' Heb. to the pillars. Ezek. will it be very likely to be with all 13. 16,' The prophets of Israel which those that follow his example. prophecy concerning Jerusalem;, Heb. to Jerusalem. Strictly parallel with CHAPTER XX. this is the usage of the Gr. preposition Nothing is more worthy of admira- srpo pros, which primarily signifies to tiou than the fidelity of the Scripture or unto. Thus, Heb. 1. 7,'And of the history. There is not a saint, how- angels he saith;' Gr. unto the angels. ever eminent, but his faults are reported So v. 8,' But unto the Son he saith;' as faithfully as his virtues; and from Gr. as to, concerning the Son. Rom. the testimony given we are constrain- 10. 21,' But to Israel he saith;' Gr. ed to acknowledge that the best of concerning Israel. It appears evident men, when they come into temptation, from v. 5, that Sarah connived at the are weak and fallible as others if they equivocation, and the fear which be not succoured from above. We are prompted her to do so seems to be habituated to behold Abraham as a tacitly censured by the Apostle, 1 Pet. burning and shining light; but here, 3. 6. —-I — She is my sister. She was, as on a former occasion, we are called it is true, his sister in the same sense to view him under somewhat of an that Lot was his brother. She was his eclipse. We see the father of the faith- niece, the daughter of Haran, who was ful drawing upon himself a sharp re- his brother by the father's side. Still buke from a heathen prince. But it is it cannot be denied that there was a the justice of the reproof, ratller than culpable dissimulation in his conduct, 336 G(ENESIS. [B. C. 1898 and when we consider the circuinstan- should never have subjected himself ces under which it occurred, it is inpos- again to such danger reproach, and sible to acquit hirn, to say the least, of infatnmy. The repetition of so gross the sin of gross unbelief. Having been an offence, after'such a warning and called out of his native country to so- such a deliverance, increased its sinfuljourn in a strange land, and depending ness an hundred-fold. We shudder, upon God for direction and support, lie moreover, while we contemplate the went forth, not knowing whither he tendency of this sharlefulprevarication. went. For the space of twenty-five It was calculated to ensnare the people years he had experienced the faithful- among whom he sojourned; while it ness and loving-kindness of his God. exposed the virtue of Sarah to the exHe had moreover recently received the tremest hazard. Had she been acmost express promises that he should knowledged for Abraham's wife, every have a son by Sarah, who should be one would have known the unlawfulthe progenitor of the Messiah. Yet on ness of entertaining a desire after her, coming to Gerar his heart fails him and would have abstained from showfor fear that the people will kill himn in ing her any undue attention. But order to gain possession of his wife; when she passed for an unmarried wowho, it appears, though ninety years man, every one was at liberty to insinstill retained a good degree of her for- uate himself into her affections and to mer beauty; and in order to secure seek to the uttermost an honourable himself has recourse a second timiie to connection with her. The event inthe expedient of equivocating in respect deed shows what might reasonably to his real relation to Sarah. This have been expected from such a'plot. was a practical distrust of the protec- The catastrophe, which came so nlea tion of Jehovah for which we can fiend taking place, was no other than the no apology. In what had God failed natural consequenceof the deceit which him that he should begin now to doubt was practised. But what was its asof his faithfulness or power l Could pect and tendency with respect to the the Phlilistines touch a hair of his head Messiah a This was a matter of very without the divine permission? Be- serious moment. But a short time, sides it ought to have occurred to him perhaps but a few days, before, God that he had once before been guilty of had promised to Abraham that within the same dissimulation, and had been the year he should have a son by Sareproved for it. Had the Philistines rah. Had Abimelech then proceeded come suddenly upon him, and threat- to accomplish his purpose, and God ened to put him to death for his wife's withholden his interference, it would sake we should the less have wonder- have remained a doubt at this moment ed that they were prevailed upon to whether the promises were ever fulfilconceal their relation to each other. But led to Abraham, and whether the Mes he had done the same thingmany years siah did indeed descend from his loins. before and had thereby ensnared Pha- Consequently the covenant made with raoh king of Egypt, nor was he then Abraham, and all the promises made to delivered without a divine interposition, him and his seed, would be left an awand a just rebuke from the injured ful uncertainty. If it would have been monarch. Surely he ought to have criminal in Abraham and Sarah to conprofited by past experience. He should cert such a plan under any clrcumstanhave been sensible of the evil of such ces, how much more criminal was it a proceeding; and having been once to do so under the peculiar circumstanrescued, as it were by a miracle, he ces in which they then werel Happy B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XX. 337 3 But f God came to Abimelech 4 But Abimelech had not come in a dream by night, and said to near hl-r: and he said, LORD, nim, "Behold, thou art batt a dead i wilt thou slay also a righteous man, for the womnan which thou natioon? nast taken: for she is a man's wife. it Ps. 105. 14. g Job 33. 15. h ver. 7. i ch. 18. 23. ver. 18. was it for Abraham, happy is it for us, made the medium of communicatin that the'Lord is our keeper.' —~ the most important.truths to the chit Abimelech. Heb. 7'1nn:'' abi-melek, dren of men. Accordingly Abimelech i. e. father-king; the common title of the dreamed that God addressed him in the kings of Gerar, as Pharaoh was of the words following, although we suppose kings of Egypt. See Note on Gen. 12. that there was something in the nature 15. The terni conveys a latent impli- of the impression that carried with it cation that in those early days the the evidence of its own divine origin and kingly rule was considered to be of a authority. —- l Behold, thou art a dead paternal character. Indeed all magis- man., &c. Heb. tnR lin hinneka trates are spoken of in the Scriptures mttlt That thou art all but a dead as fathers to their people. 2 Kings, 5. ean; thou art in the most imminent 13. Job, 29. 16. In later times this fea- danger of death. The threatening ture of the office has mostly disappear however is to e understood with an however, is to be understood with an ed. -"'{ Sent and took Sarah. God implied condition of impunity provided so ordered it in his providence that lie desisted from his present purpose Abraham should be chastened for the and resisted the w oman unharmed to evil counsel which he devised, by Sa- her husband. Comp. Ezek. 33. 14, 15. rah's being exposed to the very danger from which, by a sinful evasion, he Jon. 3. 4. It is evident from such a from which, by a sinful evasion, he was endeavouring to shield her. Si- sternadmonition that God regards adultery as a very heinous crimle, and ilar results may invariably be expected tery as a very heinous crime, a to follow the practical disbelief of which though originally addressed t to a the people of God may be guilty. They single individual, yet it ought to be listhcan neither equivocate nor doubt, or tened to as the voice of God sounding can neither equivocate, nor doubt, nor disobey with inpunity. out his judgment respecting this aggrar ated sin in the ears of the whole humaran 3. God came to Abimelech in a dream by night. That is, revealed himself in a dream by night. Chal'And the Heb. )1SV W:n' n''l for she is marWord from the face of God came to red to an husbatnd; or still more litAbimelech in a vision of the night.' erally, she is the possessed, subjected, or The Most High has access to all men's married one of a lod; implying that minds and can impress them by a her wedded fealty was wholly due to dream, an affliction, or in any way another; and that he could not take which seems to him good. He did her without infringing upon a most thus by Abimelech; he came to him in solinin covenant relation previously a dream. Dreams in general are the subsisting between Abraham and her. mere delusive play of the imagination, The simple declaration,' she is a man's which is for the time released from the wife,' ought instantaneously to extincontrol of reason. Yet they are sub- guish the least motion of unhallowed ject to the power of CGod, and in the desire towards an object made sacred early ages of the world, before the and inaccessible by the very nature of Scriptures were indited, were often the marriage compact. 29 338 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898 5 Said he not unto me, She is a dream, Yea, I know that thou my sister? and she, even she didst this in the integrity of thy herself said, He is my brother: heart; for I I also withheld thee k in the integrity of my heart and from sinning m against me: thereinnocency of my hands have I fore suffered I thee not to touch done this. her. 6 And God said unto him in 1 ch. 31. 7. & 35. 5. Ex.:34. 24. 1 Sam. 25. 26, k 2 Iings 20. 3. 2 Cor. 1. 12. 34. mch. 39.9. Lev. 6.2. Ps. 51. 4. 4. WVilt thou slay also a righteous their words for it that they were nation? These words appear to con- brother and sister, and nothing was tain a reference to the recent awful said of her being his wife.- r In the event of Sodorn's overthrow, which integrity of my heart, &c. Heb. Lhmust have greatly impressed th.e sur-:n1s2 in the perfection, sinzcerity, or rounding country. It is as if he had simplicity of my heart, &c. This is a said,'I am aware that thou hast slain paraphrastic way of expressing innoa nation notorious for its filthy and un- cency of intention. Conip. Ps. 26. 6. natural crimes; but we are not such a -73. 13. Gr.'In a pure heart and nation; and in the present case all that righteousness of hands have I done has been done was done in perfect ig- this.' Chal.'In the rectitude of my norance. Surely thou wilt not slay heart and cleanness of my hands have the innocent, as if they were guilty.' I done this.' The language evidently carries with it 6. And God said unto him in a the implication, which is abundantly dream. More correctly'in the dream,' warranted elsewhere in the Scripture, i. e. in the dream mentioned v. 3. It that from the close connection existing does not appear that there was a twobetween them, the sins of rulers were fold communication made in this way. often visited upon their people. See -~T I know that thou didst this in the this illustrated in the case of David, integrity of thine heart, &c. God in 1 Chron. 21. 14, 17. The'righteous- his answer admits Abimelech's plea of ness' which he here affirms of the na- ignorance, and suggests that he was tion in general is doubtless to be un- n.ot charged with having yet sinned, derstood of innocency or guiltlessness although he sees fit to renew the threatin this respect, not of a universal free- ening of death, in case he persisted in dom from sin. Abimelech would not retaining Sarah, after being informed presume to arrogate to himself or to of the truth. It is intimated, however, his people entire exemption from moral that if he had come near her, he would, evil, but merely that in the present in- in so doing, have sinned against God, stance neither he nor they had know- whether he had sinned against Abraingly done wrong, and consequently ham or not. But though acquitted were not condemned in their own con- on the whole, still as he and his peosciences. We find a similar use of the ple were not left without some marks word 2 Sam. 4. 11, where it unques- of the divine displeasure, v. 17, 18, we tionably signifies innocent;'How are taught that the searching eye of much more when wicked men have Omniscience may behold admixtures slain a righteous (-'p-1 tzaddik) per- of evil in that conduct which to general son in his house on his bed.' view, and in our own estimation, may 5. Said he not unto me, &c. Thle be entirely free from fault, and that filult is theirs not minle; I had both cons, quenily in judging ourselves we B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XX. 339 7 Now therefore restore the thou shalt live: and if thou reman his wife;'I for he is a proph- store her not, o know thou that et, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt surely die, thou P and all that are thine. n 1 Sam. 7. 5. 2 Kings 5. 11. Job 42. 8. Jam. 6. 14, 15. 1 John 5. 16, o ch. 2. 17. p Num. 16. 32, 33. are safe in taking it for granted that How much reason then-have we to be many offences escape the most rigid thankful for God's protecting and preinquisition that we are able to make serving grace! Had he taken no betinto the state of our hearts.- I For ter care of us than we have done of I also withheld thee from. sinning, &c. ourselves, how many times should we Instead of'for' a better rendering of have dishonoured our holy profession! the particle in this clause would be Who that knows any thing of his own'nmoreover.' A close inspection of the heart, is not conscious that he has at original, however, will probably sug- some times tampered with sin, and gest, as preferable to either, the follow- laid such snares for his own feet, that ing, which makes the present clause nothing but God's gracious and unlookparenthetical; I'I know that thou didst ed for interference has preserved him! this in the integrity of thy heart (and I, And even when we have deeply offendeven I, have withheld thee from sinning ed our heavenly Father by our peragainst me), therefore suffered I thee verseness, and done that which, if exnot to touch her.' In this declaration posed, would bring overwhelming diswe read a striking proof of the mercy grace upon us and our profession, how and condescension of Heaven. It was graciously has he prevented the consea signal kindness at once to Abraham quences of such culpable lapses, and and Abimelech thus to interpose an ef- accepted our secret penitence, instead of fectual restraint to the commission of a'putting us to an open shame' Let crime which might have been attended us then, while we magnify the goodwith the most disastrous consequences. ness of God, still tremble in view of God was thus propitious to the king our weakness, and ever feel the necesbecause he had, in the main, an honest sity of offering for ourselves the petiin7tention. He did not design to vio- tion,'Lead us not into temptation.' late the sanctity of the marriage cove-'Who can understand his errors? nant. On this ground alone he was Cleanse thou me from secret faults; favoured with impunity from sin. The keep back thy servant also from prenarrative teaches us, (1.) That absolute sumptuous sins; let them not have doignorance excuses from guilt. Yet let minion over me; then shall I be upright, us not forget that the ignorance of and I shall be innocent from the great which this can be said, must be una- transgression.' —~ Suffered thee not. voidable. Where the means of acquir- Heb. ['~r~3 R5 gave thee not.' Giving knowledge are possessed, and igno- ing,' in the style of the Scriptures, is ance arises from neglecting them, or often used for suefering, permitting. from aversion to the truth, it is so far Thus, Gen. 31. 7,'But God su/ered from excusing, that it is in itself sinful. him not to hurt me;' Heb. gave him (2.) That great as the wickedness of not. Ex. 3. 19,'The king of Egypt men is upon the face of the earth, it will not let you go;' Heb. will not give would be much greater, were it not that you to go. Ps. 16. 10,'Neither wilt God, by his providence, in innutnera- thou suffer thine Holy One to see corble instances, withholds them from it. ruption;' Heb. give thine Holy One. 340 GErENESIS. [B. C. lg98. S Thercfore Abimelech rose things in their ears: and the men early in the morning, and called were sore afraid. all his servants, and told all these 9 Then Abimnelech called AbraRev. 13. 7,'And it was givern. unto him a special intercourse with heaven, M1aithat he should make war with the inonides, the chief of the Jewish docsaints;' i. e. it was permitted him; he tors, remarks, that'it is one of the received a providential license. foundations of the Law, to know that 7. IIe is a prophet. Heb. t: God maketh the sons of men to prophnabi. Gr. rrpotsoreg prophetes, from esy; and prophecy resideth not but in 7rpo pro, before and boet ph-emi, to a mall that is great in wisdom, and,speak; i. e. one, who speaks of things mighty in his virtuous qualities, so that before they happen, or in other words a his affections overcome him not in any.foreteller qfifuture events. But that worldly thing; but by his knowledge this was not the original notion of the he overcometh his affections continualword, its use in this place sufficiently ly, and is a man expert in knowledge proves. Abraham certainly was not a and of a very large understanding. prophet in the present usual accepta- On such a man the Holy Spirit cometh tion of the term. It here obviously down; and when the Spirit resteth means, in a more general sense, one upon him, his soul is associated unto who is favoured with the revelation and the angels, and he is changed to another spirit of God, one who stands in a spe- mnan, and he oerceiveth in his own cially near relation to God, and who knowledge that he is not as he was, is consequently fitted to be the utterer but that he is advanced above the deor interpreter of his will. But as those gree of other wise men.' (Ainsworth.) who were in habits of intimacy with -IT He shall prayfor thee. We are God by prayer and faith, were found elsewhere informed tlhat intercession the naost suitable persons to commu- for others was a special work of the nicate his mtind to men, both with re- prophets. Thus, Jer. 27. 18,'If they spect to the present and the future, be prophets, and if the word of the hence the nabi, the intercessor, became Lord be with them, let them now make in process of time a public instructer intercession to the Lord of Hosts,' &c. or preacher, and also the predictor of Comp. Jer. 14. 11.-15. 1. And this, if future events; because to men of this we conceive of it aright, will ever apcharacter God revealed the secret of pear the most honourable and blessed his will. The idea therefore of an ut- part of the office. It is indeed a great terer of divine oracles, of an interpre- distinction to be made, as it were, privy ter qf the divine will, is the leading idea to the counsels of Heaven, an utterer conveyed by the term prophet, and in or expounder of prophetic mysteries, conformity with this, Aaron as the but it is in fact a far higher privilege to spokesman or interpreter of Moses to act the part of a pious intercessor with the Egyptian king is termed his proph- God in behalf of men, and to be to et, Ex. 7. 1. In the New Testament them a procuring cause of spiritual also, prophet is, for the most part, sy- and temporal mercies.-~ Thou shalt nonymous with interpreter, and proph- live. Heb. ~'~a live thou; the imperesying with the interpretation or expo- ative instead of the future for the sake sition of the Scriptures, 1 Cor. 14. 29. of emphasis. Thus, Am. 5. 4,' Seek In reference to the fact before adverted ye me, and ye shall live.' Hcb.' Live to, that the office of a prophet implies ye (imper.).' Ps. 37. 27,'Do good and B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XX. 341 ham, and said unto him, What done deeds unto me r that ought hast thou done unto us? and what not to be done. have I offended thee, q that thou 10 And Abimelech said unto hast brought on me, and on my Abraham, What sawest thou, that kingdom a great sin? thou hast thou hast done this thinga q ch. 26. 10. Exod. 32. 21. Josh. 7. 25. r ch. 34. 7. dwell forevermore;' i. e. ye shall dwell by this offended king we see much to forevermore. admire and to commend. Considering 8. Therefore Abimelech rose early in the injury he had sustained, and the the morning, &c. The efficacy of the danger to which he had been exposed, oracle is here related. The divine ad- it is truly wonderful that he should exmonition was not lost upon Abimelech. press himself with such mildness and Deeply impressed with the dream, he moderation. The occasion would alsummons before him at an early hour most have justified the bitterest rethe principal men of his court, and im- proaches; and it might well be expectparts to them the particulars, at the re- ed that Abimelech would cast refleclation of which they were'sore afraid.' tions on the patriarch's religion; conSome afflictions had already been laid demning that as worthless, or him as Ipon themn, of which they were doubt- hypocritical. But not one reproachfill less keenly sensible, v. 13, and consid- word escapes his lips. The only phrase ering the late tremendous judgments of that has at all that aspect is the gentle God upon Sodom, it is no wonder that sarcasm in his address to Sarah,'I they should be alarmed. An example, have given thy brother a thousand says Calvin, of such prompt obedience pieces of silver;' admonishing her thereput forth by a heathen king takes away' by to call him no more by that deceitall excuse for our sluggishness, with fill name. But we are more especially whom the reproofs of God avail so struck with the utter abhorrence exlittle. To hirr the Most High appear- pressed by this heathen prince of a sin ed only in a dream. To us he daily which is but too lightly regarded by the calls by Moses, by prophets, by apos- generality of those who call themtles, and by his only begotten Son; selvesChristians. Itisobservablethat and yet how disgraceful that such tes- he never once complained of the puntimonies should weigh less with us ishment which he and his family had than a single vision did with him!-I- suffered, nor of the danger to which His servants. That is, his counsellors, they had been exposed, but only of ministers, principal court-officers. See their seduction into sin. He considered the word employed in this sense 1 this as the greatest injury that could Kings, 1. 2.-10. 5, 2 Kings, 6. 8; and have been done to him, and inquires compare the Note on Gen. 24. 2. with artless but earnest anxiety what 9. Abimelech called Abraham and he had done to provoke Abraham to said unto him, &c. We have here the the commission of it. The reply of well-grounded expostulation of Abime- the patriarch rather explains than juslech with Abrahanm. Were we to judge tifies the grounds of his procedure, and simply from this portion of the sacred presents to us a holy man in very hunarrative, we should perhaps be ready miliating circumstances. It'was no to think that Abraham had been the little disgrace that a man of his charheathen, and Abimelech the prophet of acter, a saint, a prophet of the most the Lord. In the reproof administered high God, should be reproved at all by 29.9* 342 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 11 An(d Abraham said, Be- of God is not in this place; and cause I thought, Surely s the fear t they will slay me for mlly wife's sake. s ch. 42. 18. Ps. 36. 1. Prov. 16. 6. t ch. 12. 12. & 26. 7. a heathen; but when we reflect how to bring sin upon me; which tended to much occasion he had given for the re- it; which exposed me and my kingproof, it was dishonourable in the ex- domn to the commission of a heinous tremne. How unworthy of him was crime. See Note on Gen. 27. 21, Ex. the manner in which his wife was rle- 7. 12, where th-is usage is fully illusstored to his hands! How must he trated. blush to be told that he who should 11. Because I thought, Surely the have been her protector, had been her.fear of God is not in this place. Heb. tempter; that, in fact, he had put a ltjn amarti, 1 said. The original price upon her virtue; and that in- word is used frequently not only for stead of being willing, as he ought to speaking vocally, but also for speaking have been, to die in her defence, he had in the mind, or thinking. Thus Ex. 2. in effect sacrificed her honour to his 14,'Intendest thou to kill me as thou own groundless fears. It must not be killedst the Egyptian?' Heb. Sayest forgotten that Sarah was actually given thou to kill me? 1 Kings, 5. 5,'I purup to Abimelech, and that Abraham pose to build.' Heb. I say to build. had forborne to clainm her; so that he Ps. 14. 1,'The fool hath said in his was answerable, not only for the con- heart, There is no God;' i. e. hath come sequences that did ensue, but for those to the conclusion that there is no God; also which, according to the common or it nmay imply that he hath. entertaincourse of things, were to be expected. ed the wish that there were none. Moreover in what a light imust he have Most ancient languages use terms appeared to himself and all around which literally refer to oral communihim, when he was informed that he cation, to indicate the act of thinking had brought on Abimelech and all his though no words are uttered. So Hohousehold the severe chastisements mer frequently employs the phrase, which they had experienced, and had' He spake to his mighty heart,' i. e. he actually exposed them all to instanta- thought within himself. For the unneous death! What Abimelech had favourable opinion which Abraham done, he had done'in the integrity of here confesses that he entertained of his heart;' and if he and all his family the king and people of Gerar, he had had died for it, would not Abraham no other grounds than mere surmise. have been obliged to look upon hirn- He had indeed just heard of the holriself as the legitimate author of their. ble impiety of Sodom; and he conrulin? We need add no more to the eluded perhaps that if a whole city so degrading picture that has been exhib- violently assaulted Lot for the purpose ited. MIethinks we see him standing of gratifying their brutal inclinations overwhelmed with confusion, ashamed with the men that were his guests, to lift up his head, and in deep abase- much more would some individuals be ment of spirit inwardly acknowledging found in Gerar ready to destroy him the justice of the reproof.-IT lrThat for the sake of gaining access to a fethou hast brought on 7se and on my male so renowned for her beauty. B1ut kingdom a great sin. That is, accord- supposing him to have been actuated ing to a Hebrew idiom, that thou by such reflections, what right had he shouldest do that which was calculated to judge so harshly of a people whom B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XX. 343 12 And yet indeed U she is my come, y say of me, He is my sister; she is the daughter of my brother. father, but not the daughter of 14 And Abimelech z tool sheep, my mother: and she became my and oxen, and men-servants, and wife. women-servants, and gave them 13 And it came to pass, when unto Ahraham, and restored him x God caused me to wander from Sarah his wife. my father's house, that I said 15 And Abimelech said, Beunto her, This is thy kindness hold, a my land is before thee. which thou shalt show unto me; dwell where it pleaseth thee. at every place whither we shall u ch. II. 29. X ch. 12. 1, 9. l1, &c. Heb. 11. 8. y ch. 2. 13. z ch. 12.16. a ch. 13. 9. he did notknow? Could not that God ly accordant with scriptural usage to who had brought him out from an idol- denominate such a relative a sister. atrous country, and preserved Lot and Marriages of this kind, with persons Melchizedek in the midst of the most thus nearly related, were not at this abandoned people, have some'hidden time prohibited by an express law, ones' in Gerar also? Or, supposing though they afterwards were. His exthat there were none who truly feared cuse does indeed vindicate him from God, must they therefore be so impious the charge of falsehood, but it still leaves as to murder him in order to possess him exposed to that of gross practical his wife? There can be no doubt that unbelief and of a quibbling equivocamany who are not truly religious, have tion altogether unworthy of a good well nigh as high a sense of honour; man and a pattern of faith. See Note and as great an abhorrence of atrocious on Gen. 12. 13. crimes as any converted man can feel; 13. When God caused me to wander, and therefore the reproach which he so &c. Heb. vt'r'l~ eR vr'n when unjustifiably cast on them returned de- they, (even) God, caused me to wander. servedly on his own head. The phraseology is peculiar, the origi12. Yet indeed she is my sister, &c. nal word ~t[, Elohim, which is alIn what sense this was true is not per- most invariably joined with a verb sinfectly apparent fiom the scriptures. gular, as remarked Gen 1. 1, being here The prevailing opinion of the Jews, used as the nominative to a verb plural. which seems as probable as any, is, Some have proposed for this reason to that the term' sister' here is to be un- render the term by' angels,' a sense derstood in the same latitude as'broth- preferred by Calvin, implying that in er' in other connections, viz. to denote all his wanderings he was under the a niece, and that Sarah was the grand- tutelary care and conduct of angels; daughter of Terah, the daughter of but we meet with modes of expression Haran, and consequently the sister of so very similar elsewhere, that there is Lot, being in fact no other than the perhaps no sufficient reason for depart.. Iscah mentioned Gen. 11. 29. Terah, ing from the usual signification,'God.' it seems, had two wives, by one of Thus Gen 35. 7,'There God appeared whom he had Haran, the father of Lot (vln1,%S. 1541) unto him.' Heb. and Sarah, and by the other Abraham, There they, (even) God, appeared unto so that he might truly say of his wife him.' So likewise 2 Sam. 7. 23, comp. that she was the daughter (i. e. descend- with 1 Chron. 17. 21, from which comant or grand-daughter) of his father parison it will be evident that a pluralbut not of his mother; and it is entire- ity of beings cannot be meant. The 344 GENESIS. lB. C. 1893. 16 And unto Sarah lie said, c behold. he is to thee d a coverBehulti, I have given b tllv broth- in of tne eyes unlt ali thait are er a thousand pieces of silver: with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved. b ver. 5. c ch, 2-6. 1. d ch. 24.65. Gr. translates in the singular;'When aught I know, he suggested, that God God t0:) bronlht me out fiom niy denied Abraham and Sarah the blesfather's house.' The Chal. is in theo punish sing of children so long, to punish letter quite wide from the sense givtnthem for this sinful conpact which in our own and most other versions; they had made, to deny one another;'And it canle to pass when the peoples if they will not own their marriage, wandered after the works of their ovn why should God own it?' hands (i. e. fell into idolatry), the Lord 16. Bhold, I hae ien thy brother a applied me unto his fear, out of nmy ous ieces of silver. father's house.' This has doubtless I arisen from some misconstruction,of = a thousand (qf) silver, or a touthe original. The Hlscolseb. term u f sandsilverlings. Theword'pieces'does Y not occur in the original, though it or caused to wander, is probably here en-' shekels' is undoubtedly to be supplied, plyc from he circustance of God's as is done by the Chal. Targum. The not directing him in the outset to go to Gr. also has X.Xt, drhpaxfwa a thousand any certain place. On the contrary he was sent forth to go he knew not ddrac or double rahs. whither, and in allusion to this he is thousand shekels, as the Heb. Add said to have' wandered.' But what is shekel is often rendered in the Sept.'wandering' to us, when led by divine The original word comes from 5W guidance, is a definite course of jour- shakal, to utgeih, for which is derived neying to the omniscient eye that by transposition of letters, the English watches over and orders our steps. —'scale,' an instrument of weighing. It The fact which Abrahail here men- is so called from the fact that the value tions of an early precautionary ar- of money was anciently reckoned by rangement between him and Sarah, weight; for which reason the word would go far to set himii right in Abim-'shekel' is at once the name of a weight elech's esteem, as it would prove that and of a coini. The Chal. terms a shekel he did not resort to the expedient be- ~.~}7 salin or selang, the origin percause he thought worse of him and haps of our word'shilling,' and the his people than of the other nations value of the common shekel differed not among whom he expected to sojourn. much from the English shilling, as the Neither the king nor people of Gerar shekel of the sanctuary was equivalent were at all in his view when he pro- to about two shillings, or fifty cents, posed to adopt the artifice in question. American nmoney. Which is intended Yet we can by no means commend here, whether the common or sanctuthis concerted plan of prevarication. ary shekel, it is not possible to deterIt was a policy that savoured too mine, but probably the formi r which strongly of the wisdom of the flesh, would make the sum about $250 of our and implied a distrust in the overruling currency.-~ Th'l hy brother. In calprovidence of God altogether unwor- ling Abraham her brother he mltkes use thy of their character. Indeed the re- of her own language in a sarcastic mark of Henry on this subject carries way, and thus administers in a very with it great plausibility;' It may, for skilfiul and yet delicate manner a word PB.C. 1898.] CIHAPTER XX. 345 of fitting rebuke for the deception in would have every defence which she which she had participated. — He needed f(r the honour of her person, is to thee a covering qf the eyes, &c. without resorting to any kind of stratEIeb. tnr'jy m:p: qj3-g-. Chal. agem for the pursose. The following'Behold, it is to thee a covering of hon- remarks of the Editor of the Pict. Bible our, for that I did send to take thee, are not inconsistent with the above inand have seen thee and all that are terpretation.'We are not satisfied with thee.' Gr.'These (i. e. the thou- with any of the illustrations of this text sand shekels) shall be to thee for an that have fallen under our notice; and honour of thy face, and to all (the wo- a reference to existing usages seems all men) that are with thee.' The passage that is necessary to render it quite inis very variously explained by cornm- telligible. Without at present noticing mentators according as the original the different sorts of veils, we may tn hoo, which in itself is ambiguous, mention that it is customary for all the is rendered by he or it. According to women inhabiting towns to go about the latter mode, which is favoured by closely veiled; while all the women of Chaldee, the meaning is,'I have given the different pastoral people who live thy brother that sum of money to pur- in tents do not commonly wear veils, chase veils for thee and thine attend- or at most only so far as to cover their ants that are married, that all who foreheads and lower parts of the face, converse with thee here or elsewhere leaving the countenance exposed from may know that thou art a married the eyebrows to below the nose. It is woman.' Veils were anciently worn in evident, that although the use of comtoken of subjection to a husband, to plete coverings was known, the women which the Apostle, doubtless with this of the pastoral patriarchs did not conpassage in view, thus distinctly al- ceal their faces completely, except on ludes, 1 Cor. 11. 10,'For this cause extraordinary occasions; and if we.asought the woman to have power (Eosv- sume that the same distinction existed anta aeuthority) on her head;' i. e. a veil between them and women of towns, as or covering as a token of her husband's we find at present, we have the elucipowelor authority overher. Abimelech's dation required. Abimelech, according thus giving money for the purchase of to this view, intended to give the very veils was a reproof to Abraham for per- sensible advice, that while Sarah and mitting his wife to go withaout one; her women were in or near towns, they implying that if she had worn one, it had etter conform with the customs would have prevented the unpleasant of tows, and wear the complete veil consequences that actually ensned. If instead of that partial covering which with others we understand the pronoun left the eyes and so much of the face of Abraham himself, it will still leave exposed. This will certainly seem the the sense substantially the same; for most obvious illustration to one who, in the phrase'He is to thee a cover- in the towns which border on Arabia, ing of the eyes,' we still recognise an has at the same time seen the townsallusion to a veil, and take the purport women glide along the streets comto be, that he was the person in refer- pletely muffled up, while the Arab feence to whomn she was to cover her males go about with their eyes and eyes and face with a veil as a badge of great part of their faces exposed to his exclusive right to her subjection and view.'- Thus she weas reproved. wedded fealty. As a matter of course, Heb.:r~n. A clause of extreme she would then have a right to his pro- ambiguity, on which, if we were writection, to his guardian care, and thus ting merely for the learned, it would be 346 GENESIS. [B. C. 1898. 17 If So Abraham e prayed,r' Ai imelech, because of Sarah, unto God: and God healed Abimn —- h:aharn's wiie. elech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare CHAPTE I' - XXI. children. A/ND the LOR) a visited Sarah 18 For the LORD'had fast clo- a he had said, and the LORD sed up all the wombs of the house did unto Sarah b as he had spoken. e Job 42. 9, 10. f ch. 12. 17. a I Sam. 2. 21. b ch. 17. 19. & 18.10,14. Gal. 4. 23, 28. easy to heap up a vast diversity of con- the blessings of salvation, which will flicting interpretations. But as we aim infinitely overbalance any evils that especially at the benefit of common they may have suffered through omu readers, we shall, instead of encumber- means. ing our pages with an arrayof critical authorities, barely remark that we agree CHAPTER XXI. with Buxtorf in considering the original 1. And the Lord visited Sarahl. Heb word a substantive instead of a verb,; pakad; bestowed upon her the and that it is connected by the copula- promised mercy. Cllal.'The Lord retive 1 and with niD'I covering, so as membered Sarah.''Visiting' is attrib. to make the purport of Abimelech's uted to God in a two-fold sense; (1.1 language to be that he had given the That of showing mnercy, especially in money as the price of a veil and also the fulfilment of promises; as, Gen. as a means of reproof. 50. 24,' God will surely visit you, and 17. S'o Abraham prayed unto God, bring you out of this land.' Ruth 1. 6, and God healed Abimelech, &c. Abra-'That the Lord had visited his people ham by his prevarication had brought in giving them bread.' Luke 1. 68, distress on Abimelech and all his house-'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, hold. Being now humbled by the re- for he hath visited and redeemed his buke lie had received, he prayed to God people.' (2.) That of infictin.g judgfor the removal of thejudgments which maents or executing threatenings; as, he had been instrumental in procuring. Ex. 28. 5,' A jealous God, visiting the By this means, as far as in him lay, he iniquity of the fathers upon the chilcounteracted and reversed the mischief dren.' Ps. 89. 33,'Then will I visit that he had done. It is but seldom their transgressions with a rod.' Num. that we can cancel in any degree the 16. 29,' If these die the common death evil we have committed; but if any of all men, or if they be visited after the way whatever present itself, we should visitation of all men; then the Lord embrace it gladly and put forth our ut- hath not sent me.' As the Psalmist most endeavours to undo the injury we assures us that'children are an herimay have wrought. At all events, the tage of the Lord, and the fruit of the course adopted by Abraham is open to womb is his reward,' i. e. an heritage us all. We may pray for those whom from him and a reward given by him, we have injured. WVe may beg of God it is the dictate of a pious mind always to obliterate from their trinds any bad to refer such an event to the special impressions which either by word or visitation of heaven, notwithstanding it deed we may have made on them. And takes place in accordance with the opif we find in them a kind forgiving spir- eration of established physical laws. it, we should so much the more re- But in the present case there was an double our exertions to obtain for them additional reason for recognising such B. C. 1898.] CHAPTER XXI. 347 2 For Sarah cconceived, and unto him, whom Sarah bare to bare Abraham a son in his old him, e Isaac. age,'1 at the set tinle of which 4 And Abraham f circumcised God had spoken to him. his son Isaac, being eight days 3 And Abraham called the old, g as God had commanded name of his son that was born him. cActs7.8. Gal. 4.22. Heb. 11.11. dch. 17.21. ech. 17.19. fActs 7.8. gch. 17.10,12. a special putting forth of omnipotence. as individuals.'Heaven and earth Isaac was born of parents who were may pass away, but nmy wolid shall not both superannuated, so that the gift of pass away.' a child to them in their old age was a 2. For Sarah conceived, &c. This positive miracle.' Moses herein corn- is stated as explanatory of the manner mends the secret and unwonted power in which the divine veracity affirmed of God, which is superior to the law in the first verse was established. of nature; nor without good reason; God had promised that Sarah should for it concerns us greatly to know that conceive and bear a son, and she did mere gratuitous goodness reigns it thb thus conceive and bring forth; but it origin as well as in the progress of the does not necessarily follow that the church, and that children are born to time of her conceiving was subsequent God only in consequence of his good to the events related in the preceding pleasure. Hence it is that Abraham chapter. On the contrary, there is was not made a father till impotency every reason to believe that this took had befallen his body.' Calvin. — place some weeks or months before T7he Lord did unto Sara/h as he had (comp. ch. 17. 21), but it is mentioned epoken. This is an emphatic repetition, here without regard to date merely as in which the writer, as it were, takes a fllfilment of the promise. It is not hold of the reader by the hand and de- said where Isaac was born, nor are we tains him in order that he may more expressly informed whether Abraham deeply consider how exactly the divine availed himself of Abimelech's genefaithfulness had fulfilled, to the minu- rous invitation to remain in any part of test particular, the promise long before the land that might seem good to him, given. A similar language, and sug- ch. 20. 15, but as it appears from the gesting the same sentiments, occurs latter part of the chapter that he abode Josh. 21. 45, in reference to the poster- for a considerable time in Abirnelech's ity of Abraham being put in possession territories, though not at Gerar, the of the promised land;'The Lord gave probability is that Isaac was horn in them rest round about, according to all Beersheba, v. 31. that he sware unto their fathers-there 3. Abraham called the name of his failed not aught of any good thing son-Isaac. In obedience to the direcwhich the Lord had spoken unto the tion given him ch. 17. 19, on which see house of Israel; all came to pass.' Note. The name implies not so propThe same train of reflection also arises erly'laughter' in the abstract, as' one from the fact mentioned in the ensuing shall laugh,' or' there shall be laughverse that the child was born'at the ter,' i. e. joy. set time of which God had spoken to 4. Abraham circumcised his son him.' And such will be our language, Isaac, being eight days old. The pasooner or later, concerning all the good triarch here pursues his accustomed things promised to the church, or to us tenor of obedience by subjecting his 348 GENESIS. B. C. 1897. 5 And h Abraham wasanhun- 6'i[ And Sarah said, i God dred years old, when his son hath made me to laugh, so that Isaac was born unto him. all that hear k will laugh with me. h ch. 17. 1, 17. i Ps. 126. 2. Isai. 54. 1. Gal. 4. 27. child to the painful rite of circumcis- called upon to join with them in magion. Although as a parent and a man nifying the Lord,'who placeth the of humane feelings he must have desolate in families, and causeth the shrunk from lacerating the flesh of a barren woman to become a joyful tender infant, yet his supreme deference mother of children.' The joy of such to divine authority overcomes every an event can be better imagined than natural instinct, and he does to his described. The birth of a child is alnew-' orn child'as God had command- ways matter of unfeigned de ight, at ed hilm.' Nothing is of higher value least to the mother's heart; what then in the sight of God than an implicit must have been the solid, the heartfelt observanceof his positive precepts, and joy of Abrahamn and Sarah, on the a disposition to adhere with punctilious birth of a son, the progenitor according strictness to the letter of the command, to the flesh of the Saviour of the neither failing nor exceeding in the rule world, given by promise and raised up of duty. This is peculiarly important by miracle! in the matter of sacramental institu- 6. God hath made me to laugh, &c. tions, where, as we learn from the ex- Heb.' JDrY ci iU hath made to ample of the Papists, human perverse- rnme laughter; i. e. hath given me occaness is prone to fabricate new obser- sion of laughter, by which she mealns vances, and enforce them by promises simply rejoicing.'A woman advanand threatenings equally unknown to ced in years, under the same circuamthe Scriptures. Well would it be were stances, would make a similar observathey as much intent upon performing tion:'I am made to laugh.' But this what God has really enjoined. figure of speech is also used on any 5. And Abraham was an hundred wonderful occasion. Has a man gainyears old. After all delays and diffi- ed any thing he did not expect, he will culties the promised mercies of Heaven ask,'What is this? I am made to come at last. T'he child of hope, of laugh.' Has a person lost any thing prayer, of faith at length is born, and which the moment before be had in the previous years of patient wa.ting his hand, he says,'I am made to compensated an hundred fold. Moses laugh.' Has he obtained health, or again makes mention of Abraham's honour, or wealth, or a wife, or a child, advanced age in order the more forci- it is said,' He is made to laugh.''Ah, bly to excite the attention of the reader his mouth is now full of laeughter; his to the consideration of the miracle. mouth cannot contain all that laughWhat could afford a more illustrious ter." Roberts. Comp. Ps. 126. 1, 2. display of omnipotence than the fact, The expression carries an allusion to that after a childless union of more Isaac's name (pXt, yitzhak) and to than sixty years, they should now, the circumstance mentioned Gen. 17. when exhausted nature in its common 17-19, on which it was founded. It course forbade all hope of offspring, is a mode of speech which not only find themselves the parents of a smi- shows how sincerely she recognised ling babe! Well th. refole may the the propriety of Abraham's laughing reader of the wondrous narrative be on the occasion referred to, and how B. C. 1897.] CHAPTER XXI. 349 7 And she said, Who would great feast the same day that have said unto Abraham, that Isaac was weaned. Sarah should have given children 19'T And Sarah saw the son of suck? I for I have borne hint a Hagar m the Egyptian, nwhich son in his old age. she had borne unto Abraham, 8 And tile child grew, and was o mocking. weaned: and Abraham made a 1 ch. 18. 11, 12. m ch. 16. 1. n oh. 16. 15. o Gal. 4. 22. cordially she assents to the name primary idea of the verb is that of thence bestowed on the child, but inti- return, requital, restitution. How it mates also that God had made her, as came to be applied to the act of well as Abraham, to laugh; which was weaning a child it is difficult to say, in fact a virtual condemnation of her As it is in several instances employed former incredulity. We meet in the to denote the yielding or returning of prophets with some striking allusions fruits and flowers to the earth when to this incident where Sarah is con- fully ripened, Parkhurst suggests that sidered a symbol of the church. Thus, it is used in like manner of a mother or Is. 54. 1,'Sing, O barren, thou that nurse, who at the proper season drops didst not bear,' &c. Cornmp. Is. 51. 2, the child, as it were, from the breast 3. Gal. 4. 22-28.- ~ All that hearl and returns it to the father; thus mawill laugh with me. Will sympathize king out a striking resemblance bein my joy, and tender to me their con- tween the animal and vegetable world. gratulations. To this also, the prophet Adam Clark remarks that our verb to alludes, Is 66. 10.'Rejoice ye with Je- wean comes from the Anglo-Saxon rusalem, and be glad with her, all ye awendan, which signifies to convert, that love her; rejoice with joy with transfer, turn. from one thing to anher;' where the Jerusalem mentioned other; and hence to wean is to turn a is expressly said by the Apostle, Gal. child from the breast in order to receive 4. 22. 27, to be mystically shadowed another kind of nourishment. This is out by Sarah. perhaps a correct view of the import of 7. Who would have said, &c. It the English word, but when he says would have exceeded the bounds of be- that this is the exact import of the Hleb. lief; it could never have entered into 7:: gamnal in the text, the assertion the thoughts of a mortal. It is a vir- is stronger than the evidence will wartual acknowledgment that God's mer- rant. The etymology of the term, cies are as high above our thoughts, as however, is not a point of any great they are above our deserts. Yet the moment, as there can be no doubt of fact had been previously announced not its being here correctly rendered. At only to Abraham, but also to her, and what time children were weaned among she was bound to believe it, strange the ancients is a question that admits and incredible as it might appear. of much dispute.'Most oriental peoProbably she was now deeply abased ple,' says the editor of the Pictorial in her own eyes in view of her former Bible,'suckle their children much lonunbelief. The church expresses a sim- ger than is customary in Europe, and ilar admiration, Is. 49. 21,'Who hath the same custom may be traced in the begotten me these? —Behold I was left Bible. When Sarnuel was weaned, hle alone; these, where had they been?' was old enough to be left with Eli. for 8. The child grew and was weaned, the service of the tabernacle; in 2 (hron. &c. Heb. ~2~:n1 vayiggamtl. The 26. 16, nothing is assigned for the pro3(0 350 GENESIS. [B. C. 1897 vision of the children of priests and thy of notice that we find the Gr. word Levites until after three years of age, for playing (ratLovTa), which is here which renders it probable that they employed, occurring also, 2Samn. 2. 14were not weaned sooner; and in the 16, in the sense of fighting;'And Absecond book of Maccabees ch. 7. 27, a ner said to Joab, Let the young men mother says,'O my son, have pity arise and play (7ratLarwaav) before us,upon me that bare thee nine months in And they caught every one his fellow my womb, and gave thee suck three by the hand, and thrust his sword in years and nourished thee, and brought his fellow's side; so they fell down tothee up unto this age.' When the Per- gether.' On the whole there can be no sian ambassador was in England he doubt that the Heb. phrase implies a attributed to the custom of early wean- contemptuous and malignant treating the greater forwardness of our ment, a bitter and sarcastic jeering, sufchildren in mental acquirements than ficient to constitute a very grave ofthose of his own country; where mlale fence. This is clear from the language children are often kept to the breast till of Paul, i al. 4. 29, who says that Ishthree years of age, and never taken mael persecuted Isaac; and he is here from it till two years and two months. specially designated as'the son of Hagar The practice is nearly the same in other the Egyptian,' to in timate that the preAsiatic countries. In India the period dicted four hundred years' affliction of is precisely three years. But every- Abraham's seed by the Egyptians, where a girl is taken from the breast commenced at this time in the insults sooner than a boy: in Persia, at two and taunts of Ishmael, the son of an years; in India, within the first year. Egyptian woman.'The fact would When the child is weaned, the Persians seem to be, that Ishmael, now a grownmake' a great feast,' to which friends up lad of about sixteen or seventeen, and relations are invited, and of which andrl who up to the age of fourteen had the child also partakes, this being in expected to be the sole heir of his fafact his introduction to the customary ther, was not quite satisfied by being sufare of the country. The practice is petsededin theinheritanceby his youngthe same among the Hindoos.' er brother, whom he does not appear 9. Sarah saw the son of Ieagar the to have treated with all the consideraEgyptian-mocking. Heb. M:.) tion which Sarah required. Sarah, it?netzahek; a word in this connection is evident, had little confidence in the of rather dubious import. It is derived promise of a son which had been made from the same root with Isaac (rmt to Abraham; and probably, until the tzahJak) which signifies to laugh, and birth of Isaac, treated Isltnael as the here perhaps has the sense of laughing hope of Abraham's house, if not as her at, deriding. Both the Gr. and the own son. But the birth of isaac made Chal. render by the word' play'-' saw a great change in Ishmael's condition; the son of I-Tagar playing with Isaac;' and the change is quite conformable but by this can scarcely be understood with the usages which still prevail in the mere sportive gambols of children, the East, where the son of a female which would be too frivolous an occa- slave would certainly be superseded by sion for the adoption of such a harsh the son of a free woman, afterwards measure as Sarah proposed. We are born. Nay, this feeling goes further; rather to conceive of it as a Swanton for, leaving slaves out of the question, teazing, something which in its own in Persia, if a man has more than one nature was peculiarly calculated to irri- wife-and he may have four, all equaltate and vex; and it is not a little wor- ly his wives in the eye of the law —the B. C. 1892.] CHAPTER XXI. 1351 10 Wherefore she said unto be heir with my son, even with Abrahamn, P Cast out this bond- Isaac. woman, and her son: for the son 11 And the thing was very of this bond-woman shall not grievous in Abraham's sight, qbecause of his son. p Gal. 4. 30. ch. 25. 6. & 36. 6, 7, q ch. 17. 18. son of the wife whose family is of the rily involved the disinheriting of the son most distinction often obtains the pref- of the divorced woman, whose right of erenee over the others. Thus, the heirship flowed solely from his mother late king of Persia, Futteh Ali Shah, as a married mother. Such a step overlooked his eldest son (a sort of would, as a matter of course, require Persian Ishmael in character), and a separation of the parties, and viewed nominated to the inheritance of the in this light the affair was not of a throne his second son Abbas Meerza, character to subject Abraham justly to merely because the mother of the latter the charge of cruelty in sending away was a highly connected lady of his the Egyptian mother and her child. own tribe. The son of this Abbas In the nature of the case she could not Meerza is now lking of Persia.' Pict. remain, and Sarah be satisfied; so that Bible. From what follows it would a dismissal was unavoidable, and nothappear that Sarah had evidence that ing can be adduced from the narrative this rude and insolent conduct was in to show that it was not ordered with some measure abetted or countenanced as much kindness and generosity as by Hagar; hence the severity of her the circumnstances would admit. —Satreanment towards her. rah, though right in her judgment re10. She said unto Abraham, Cast specting the means of obtaining doout this woman and her son. Expel roestic peace, seems to have been too her from thy house and family, and precipitate, and too imperious in her preclude her son1 from any participation demands for the expulsion of Hagar in the inheritance. This is perhaps the and her son. The consequence was, most obvious sense of the words, yet that Abraham demurred about carryas the Heb. xa' geresh is in several ing it into execution. He indeed had instances applied to the act of divorcing different feelings from Sarah. Sarah's or repudiating a wife, Lev. 21. 7, 14.- regards were fixed exclusively on Isaac. 22. 13. Is 57. 20, we shall probably She did not consider Ishmael as a son, more correctly understand it here as but rather as an intruder and a rival. expressing Sarah's wish that Abraham But Abraham, being the father of both, would divorce Hagar, or at least per- felt a paternal affection towards each; form some kind of legal act by which nor was he indifferent towards Hagar, Ishmael might be excluded from all whom he considered and lived with as claim to the inheritance. This is a a legitimate wife. Perhaps too he susvery plausible view of the import of the pected that Sarah's proposal originated passage, for the mere fact of his re- in an irritation of temper, and that less maining at home would not of itself severe measures would in.a little time entitle him to the inheritance, nor satisfy her mind. As may well besupwould the mere.fact of his present ex- posed, he was exceedingly grieved at pulsion deprive him of such a title in the thought of proceeding to such excase it had existed. A formalor actual tremities, but finding her resolutely divorce was evidently the requisite bent upon it, he committed the matter measure, and such a measure necessa- to God, and sought direction from 352 GENESIS. [B. C. 1892. 12 ~i And God said unto Abra- that Sarah hath said unto thee. ham, Let it not be grievous in thy hearken unto her voice: for r in sight, because of the lad, and be- Isaac shall thy seed be called. cause of thy bond-woman; in all r Rom. 9. 7, 8. Heb. 11. 18. above. The result is stated in the en- gorized;' implying, not that the events suing verse. recorded were originally designed to 12. For in Isaac shall thy seed be shadow out certain other facts or truthsi called. JIeb. TY 15 NP- en m hbut merely that they are capable of bein Isaac shall seed be called to thee. ing so viewed, and really are so viewed, This is explained by the Apostle, Rom. by the sacred writer. (See Pierce's 9. 7, 8,'Neither because they are the Dissert. on Gal. 4th. in his work on the seed of Abraham are they all children, Epistles). But however this may be, but in Isaac shall thy seed be called; we-are clearly taught by the constructhat is, they which are the children of tion which the Apostle puts upon it the flesh, these are not the children of that the bond-woman represents the God:: but the children of the promise, Mosaic covenant entered into at Mount these are counted for the seed.' It is, Sinai, which brought forth children in therefore, a limitation of Abraham's a state of bondage; but Sarah, the free seed, emphatically so called, to the line woman, shadowed out the Christian of Isaac and his descendants,. to the covenant, which brings forth children exclusion of Ishmael. God does not in a state of liberty. The natural seed require Abraham to acquiesce in Sa- of the former represents all who are rah's proposal because he approved the born after the flesh; the spiritual seed spirit which prompted it, but because it of the latter, that is, the child of promaccorded with his counsel and his re- ise, represents those who are born afpeated declarations that all the bles- ter the Spirit. On this ground we sings of the covenant were to belong might have formed a reasonable conpre-eminently toIsaac.'We mustnot jecture, that every one who resembled refiuse to join in doing what God com- Ishmael would be hostile to those who mands, however, contrary it may be resembled Isaac. But the Scriptures to our natural feelings, nor on account supersede all conjecture on this point; of the suspicious motives of some with for they affirm, in reference to this very whom we are called to act.' Fuller.- history, that' as then he that was born But it is not sufficient to see in the inci- after the flesh persecuted him that was dent here related merely a domestic oc- born after the Spirit, even so it is now.' currence. There is a gospel mystery There is an innate contrariety between contained in it, and here as in multi the two classes; the same things are tudes of other passages we are indebt- grounds of offence to the carnal man in ed to the New Testament for the in- this day, as were in the days of Ishsight which wepossess into the tneanipg mael; and this our Lord has expressly of the Old Testament. The inspired confirmed by saying,'because ye are Apostle,. Gal. 4. 22-30, teaches us to not of the world, but I have chosen consider this whole history as an alle- you out of the world, therefore the gory; although it is contended by some world hateth you.' It appears, moreable critics that the words of Paul over, from the Apostle's interpretation (&arta carrvt aUXXqayP)eva) ought rather that we must be children of promise in to be rendered'which things are alle- order to belong to the church of Christ. goized,' or,' which things may be alle- The mere circumstance of having de B. C. 1892.] CHAPTER XXI. 353 31 And also of the son of the it unto Hagar, putting it on her bond-woman will I make s a na- shoulder, and the child, and tsent tion, because he is thy seed. her away: and she departed, and 14 And Abraham rose up early wandered in the wilderness of in the morning, and took bread, Beer-sheba. and a bottle of water, and gave s ver. 18. ch. 16. 10. & 17. 20. scended from Christian parents, or hav- rection recited above was given in the ing received the seal of the Christian night in a vision or dream. His'rising covenant, or making a profession of the early in the morning' in this and simiChristian faith, will not constitute us lar instances is a striking proof of the Christians, nor give us a title to share readiness and alacrity with which he in the heavenly inheritance.' The son made haste to obey the heavenly manof thebond-woman shall not be heir with date. To part with his son was no doubt the son of the free woman;' which is like rending away his own bowels, but in effect a sentence of expulsion passed being accustomed to obedience, he connot only on the unbelieving Jewish trols the paternal affection which he church, but on the whole collective could not extinguish. And here is unbody of natural and unconverted men, questionably one of the severest trials while it is an exclusive grant of heaven of faith and piety, when we are called and happiness to the children of prom- to subject to the will of God those prtise. Others may enjoy church privi- mary instincts of our nature which are leges and make religious professions, in themselves neither sinful nor harmbut they only who in this world ful. But the children of Abraham are rested on the promises as their one to prepare themselves for such ordeals. ground of hope and joy, shall experi- -' Bread' is probably here to be underence their accomplishment in the world stood, as elsewhere, as a general term to come. Doubtless it will be griev- for all kinds of eatables, of which we ous, so to speak, to our heavenly Fa- may suppose as large a quantity was ther to disinherit so many of his pro- provided as they could conveniently fessed children, for'he hateth putting carry; and so also of the water; so away,' and he swears that he' has that we know of no sufficient follndano pleasure in the death of- the sinner, tion for the remark of Hunter, that'we but would rather that he would turn are more surprised at the slender profrom his wickedness and live,' still the vision with which Hagar and Ishmael decree is gone forth and cannot be re- are dismissed, than at the dismission versed; we must be living members of itself.' It would indeed be surprising if Christ's church below, before we can the patriarch had loaded them with inherit his kingdom above. more provisions than they could carry, 13. Will I make a nation. Heb. and the text affords no evidence that he I=11t1M he'v will Isetor put him to a furnished them with any less.-If nation; i. e. a great nation, as the Gr. Bottle; i. e. sack. Heb. ~7l;_ hemalh. renders it,'I will make him for a great See Note on Josh. 9. 4.'There are nation.' This is but a renewal of the several Hebrew words which our transpromise made ch. 16. 10, and 17. 20, on la'ion equally renders'bottle,' but which see Notes. which are not only different froun each 14. And Abraham rose up early in other but all different from the idea the morning, and took, &c. From which the word'bottle' conveys to our which it is probable that the divine di- minds. We shall endeavour to dis30* 354 GENESIS. rB. C. 1892 crirninat, the different sorts as we pro'- in large or small parties, mounted oron ceed; but may here observe generally, foot, usually carry a kid-skin of water, that the people of Asia, west of tle or else a sort of bottle of prepared leathIndus, use the skins of animals, on a er, shaped something like a powderjourney, for carrying water and other flask. Hagar's bottle was doubtless a liquids, as well as, in general, other ar- kid-skin, slung across her back from tides of provision which they are obli- her shoulder. Some say it was a goatged to carry with them in their jour- skin; not being aware that a goat-skin neys across the deserts or thinily-inhab- of water is a good load for a man, and ited plains. The preference of such is what no one thinks of carrying on vessels is well grounded. Earthen or his back to any distance. Others conwooden vessels would soon be broken tend that the etymology of the word in the rough usage which all luggage and Egyptian usage (Hagar being an receives while conveyed on the backs Egyptian) require the bottle to be an of camels, horses, or mules: and if earthen vessel; but the etymology does metal were used, the contents wouldbe not imperatively demand this; and it boiled or baked by the glowing heat of is certain that no one ever does, or the sun. Besides, such skins exclude probably ever did, personally carry an the encroachments of ants, which earthen vessel of water in a journey swarm in those countries, and also ef- across a desert: what the Egyptians fectually guard against the admission or others did or do in fetching water of that fine impalpable dust or sand from wells or streams to their homes which forms so great an annoyance to is quite another thing.' Pict. Bible.travellers in Asia, defying all ordinary ~ And the child. So called, though not safeguards, and spoiling every neces- with the strictest propriety, as he was sary of life to which it gains access. now at least sixteen years of age, and The greater portability of such skins is old enough to be, if not a protector, at another advantage. The skins of kids least a useful attendant to Hagar. and goats are those used for ordinary Either'boy,''lad,' or' stripling' would purposes. The head being cut off; the answer better to the sense of the term carcase is extracted without opening (' yeled) in this place. Of course the belly, and the neck serves as the it is an entirely erroneous construction mouth of the vessel thus formed. The to suppose that Abraham put the child, thighs, which are suffered to remain, as well as the provisions, upon his serve as its handles, and also to give mother's shoulder. It was only the hold to the straps by which it is fasten- latter that she was -required thus to ed to the luggage or saddle of a mount- carry. The word'child' depends upon ed traveller; or by which, being thrown the foregoing' took' or'gave' and not across the shoulder (see text) and upon'putting.' Let the clause'putbreast, it is slung to the back of a ting it on her shoulder' be included in pedestrian. The heat of the climate, a parenthesis, and the sense is plain. and the scarcity of streams and wellsj, So Ex. 29. 3,'And thou shalt put tliem render it indispensable for all travellers (i. e. the unleavened cakes) into one to carry water with them. When a basket, and bring them in the basket party is large, and the prospect of a with the bullock and tile two rams;' fresh supply of water distant, large wherethe words'in the basket' must skins of the camel or ox, two of which be made parenthetical or we shall be are a good load for a camel, are used. obliged to understand that the bullock Goat-skins serve in ordinary circum- and the rams were put into the basket stances. Individual travellers, whether with the cakes.-IT And wanderes B. C. 1892.] CHAPTER XX1. 355 in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. Beer- I Dictionary, art.'Desert;' also Gesensheba signifies the' well of an oath,' ius on'12t.h On the proper deserts or' the well of seven,' so called after- see Note on v. 21. Whether this' wilwards on account of the covenant be- derness of Beer-sheba' was directly in tween Abraham and Abimelech (see the way to the place of her destination, v. 31). It was at the extrernity, to- or whether she went thither in consewards the desert, of the subsequent quence of having'wandered' or lost her kingdom of Abraham's descendants, way, it is not possible to determine. and the extent of which was prover- Nor is it certain that'wandered' here bially described by naming the two ex- is to be understood in any other sense treme towns, Dan and Beer-sheba (see than that of journeyed. It would seem, Note on ch. 14. 14.) It was twenty however, most probable that she demiles south of Hebron. The town af- parted with some definite place in view, terwards built there was given to the perhaps Egypt her native country. It tribe of Judah by Joshua (Josh. 15. 28); may absolve Abrahatn from the charge but the allotment of that tribe being of cruelty on this occasion, if we bear found disproportionately large, it was in mind not only that the transaction with other portions of Judah's inherit- was altogether in accordance with the ance, transferred to Simeon (Josh. 19. manners of those times, but also that it 2, 9). We know nothing about the was no difficult thing for any person to town; but it was occupied by a Roman find a livelihood in this early age of the garrison in the time of Eusebius and world. Those who had flocks found Jerome.'The wilderness of Beer- ground enough to spare in every counsheba,' probably denotes the desert try to maintain them; and creatures country beyond Beer-sheba, towards were so numerous, that a person who the Desert of Paran, to which Hagar had no flocks, might, in the wilderness and Ishmael proceeded after they had and in uncultivated places, kill enough recovered from the effects of thirst and of all; sorts' for his maintenance, withexhaustion. As, however, much per- out injuring any body: and accordingly plexity arises to the reader from the we find, that Ishmael chose to reside mention of an immense number of wil- in the wilderness, where he became an dernesses and deserts, we may observe archer. From the sequel it appears, that the word ~-12: snmidbar, rendered that Hagar met with no great difficulty sometimes' wilderness,' and some- in providing for herself and son; nor times' desert,' is of extensive applica- did Ishmlael fare any worse than was tion in Hebrew. It denotes not only common for the younger sons to do in the dry, barren, or sandy tracts to those days, when they were dismissed, which we should restrict the term in order to settle in different parts of'desert,' but generally all uncultivated the world. Jacob was dismissed in lands, mountainous tracts, pasture- the same manner by Isaac, without grounds, and the common lands for servants, or attendants. wood and pasturage near towns. Thus 15. And the water was spent, &c. there was scarcely a town without a Whatever were her original intentions,'desert' belonging to it, whence arises she was soon reduced to great distress. the frequent mention of deserts in the The bread might not be exhausted, very heart of that fertile country. This but the water was; and no spring beexplains the allusions: to the rich pas- ing to be found in this inhospitable tures, and even the beauty of the wil- place, she and Ishmael appear to have dernesses or deserts. See Ps. 64 13. walked about, till he, overcomeof thirst, Jer 9. 10. Joel 1. 20; and Calmet's could walk no longer. She supported S56 GENESIS. [B. C. 1892. 15 And the water ewas spent in I way off, as it were a bow-shot: the bottle, and she cast the child for she said, Let me not see the under one of the shrubs. death of the child. And she sat l(e And she went, and sat her over against him. and lifted up down over against him, a good her voice, and wept. him, it seems, as long as she could, but come old and lose their vegetation, the fearing lie would die in her arms, she sun, which constantly beams upon cast him under a shrub, just to screen them, burns and reduces them to ashes. him from the scorching sun, and went I have seen many of them entirely to a distance to spare her eyes the ag- burnt. The other smaller plants have onizing sight of his dissolution. The no sooner risen out of the earth than anguish of such a situation can be bet- they are dried up, and all take the colter imagined than described. In this our of straw, with the exception of the our temperate climate, surrounded as plant harrack;-this falls off before it is we are with perpetual verdure and withtl dry. Generally speaking, in a desert, every object that can delight the eye, there are few springs of water, some of we can scarcely conceive the horrors them at the distance of four, six, and encountered by the hapless traveller eight days' journey from one another: when crossing the trackless sands, and and not all of sweet water: on the exposed to all the ardours of a vertical contrary, it is generally salt or bitter; sun. The most recent as well as the so that if the thirsty traveller drinks of most graphic description of a desert, it, it increases his thirst, and he suffers which admirably illustrates the present more than before. But, when the capassage, is that given by the enterpri- lamity happens, that the next well, sing traveller, M. Belzoni, whose re- which is so anxiously sought for, is searches have contributed so much to found dry, the misery of such a situathe elucidation of the Sacred Writings. tion cannot be well described. The Speaking of a desert crossed by him in camels, which afford the only means Upper Egypt, on the western side of of escape, are so thirsty that they canthe Red Sea, and which is parallel with not proceed to another well: and, if the great desert traversed by the Is- the travellers kill them, to extract the raelites on the eastern side of that sea, little liquid which remains in their stomhe says,'It is difficult to form a cor- achs, they themselves cannot advance rect idea of a desert, without having any farther. The situation must be been in one: it is an endless plain of dreadfiul, and admits of no resource. sand and stones, sometimes intermixed Many perish victims of the most horriwith mountains of all sizes and heights, ble thirst. It is then that the value of without roads or shelter, without any a cup of water is really felt. He that sort of produce for food. The few has a zenzabia of it is the richest of all. scattered trees and shrubs of thorns, In such a case there is no distinction. that only appear when the rainy sea- If the master has none, the servant son leaves some moisture, barely serve will not give it to him; for very few to feed wild animals, and a few birds. are the instances where a man will volEvery thingisleft tonature; the wander- untarily lose his life to save that of ing inhabitants do not care to cultivate another, particularly in a caravan in even these few plants, and when there the desert, where people are strangers is no more of them in one place they to each other. What a situation for a go to another. When these trees be- man, though a rich one, perhaps the E. C. 1892.] CHAPTER XXI. 357 owner of all the caravans! He is dy- sometimes, perhaps generally, convey ing for a cup of water-no one gives it ing the idea of a somewhat rough and to him —he offers all he possesses-no.forcible projection, yet in this and sevone hears him-they are all dying- eral other instances has undoubtedly though by walking a few hours farther tile import of a gentle depositing, laythey might be saved. If the camels ing down, or suffering to repose. Thus are lying down, and cannot he made to Ps. 55. 22,'Cast (1i,) thy burden rise, no one has strength to walk; only upon the Lord;' i. e. cause or suffbr he that has a glass of that precious to lie. Jer. 38. 11,'Let them down liquor lives to walk a mile farther, and, (l:'iz t) by cords into the dungeon perhaps, dies too. If the voyages on to Jeremiah;' which expresses not a seas are dangerous, so are those in the violent but a gentle demission. deserts. At sea, the provisions very 16. Sat her down over against him, often fail; in the desert it is worse: at a good way of, &c. A more finished sea, storms are met with; in the desert picture of distress it would be difficult there cannot be a greater storm than to adduce. The bitter cries and flowto find a dry well: at sea, one meets ing tears of the afflicted mother, with with pirates-we escape-we surrender the groans of her famishing son, are -we die; in the desert they rob the heard, and seen, and felt in a manner traveller of all his property and water; as though we werepresent. Had there they let him live, perhaps, but what a been any ear to hear, any eye to pity, life!-to die the most barbarous and or any hand to help the sufferers, their agonizing death. In short, to be thirsty cries and tears might have been minin a desert, withoutl water, exposed to gled with hope; but as far as human the burning sun without shelter, and aid was concerned, their condition was no hopes of finding either, is the most apparently desperate. But in God the terrible situation that a mran can be fatherless and the friendless find mercy. placed in, and one of the greatest suf- Lost in the wilderness, outcast from ferings that a human being can sustain: society, ready to perish with hunger the eyes grow inflamed; the tongue and thirst, they meet with the notice of and lips swell; a hollow sound is heard Him who feeds the ravens, and within the ears, which brings on deafness, out whom not a sparrow falleth to the and the brains appear to grow thick ground.-For a vivid description of a and inflamed: all these feelings arise heart-rending scene of suffering in the from the want of a little water. If un- desert very nearly resembling this, see fortunately any one falls sick on the' Scripture Illustrations,' p. 29. - I road, there is no alternative; he must As it were a bow-shot.'This,' says endure the fatigue of travelling on a Mr. Roberts,'is a common figure of camel, which is troublesome even to speech in their ancient writings-' The healthy people, or he must be left be- distance of an arrow-so far as the hind on the sand, without any assist- arrow flies.' The common way of ance, and remain so till a slow death measuring a short distance is to say, come to relieve him. What horror!' It is a call off;' i. e. so far as a man's No one remains with him, not even his voice can reach.' How far is he off?' old and faithful servant; no one will'0, not more than three calls;' i.e. were stay and die with him; all pity his fate, three men stationed within the reach of but no one will be his companion.' each other's voices, the voice of the one (Belzouni's 2Narrat. pp. 341-343.) - farthest off would reach to that distance.' r She cast the child. Heb. l5/:n 17. God heard the voice of the lad. tashlek. The original term, though Although it is no where expressly said 358 GENESIS. [B. C. 1892 17 And u God heard the voice 19 And cGod opened her eyes, of the lad: and the angel of God and she saw a well of water: called to Hagar out of'heaven, and and she went, filled the bottle said unto her, What aileth thee, with water, and gave the lad drink. Hagar? Fear not; for God hath 20 And God ywas with the heard the voice of the lad where lad; and he grew, and dwelt in he is. the wilderness, z and became an 18 Arise, lift up the lad, and archer. hold hinm in thine hand: for' I will make hnim a great nation. x Num. 22. 31. 2 Kings 6. 17, 18, 2o. Luke 24. 16, 31. y ch. 28. 15. & 39. 2, 3, 21. z ch. u Ex. 3. 7. w ver. 13. 16. 12. that Ishmael put forth his voice either in 18. Hold him in thine hand. Heb. sobs or groans, yet it is very conceiva- in a11 ri, strengthen thin, ble that he did. Such a supposition, hand upon him. Assist and support however, is not necessarily required by himl; do not desert him, but afford evthe purport of the language. His suf- cry necessary aid. Thuls by a similar fering and perishing condition had in usage Is. 42. 6,'I the Lord have called itself a' voice' which called loudly upon thee in righteousness, and will hold the divine compassion, and which God thine hand (Heb. nn: jtrI awill could hear, even though we suppose tihe strengthen upon thine hand), and will lad to have been so overcome with keep thee.' Comp. Note on Josh. 1. 5. hunger, thirst, and weariness, as to be 19. God opened her eyes, and she incapable of any vocal utterance. A saw a well. Not that she had hitherto voice with the sacred writers is some- lacked the use of the outward organs of times equivalent to a meaning, scope, sight, but the well of water had up to or pasrport. Thus Ex. 4. 8,'If they this time escaped her notice, and its lowill not believe thee, nor hearken to cality was now unexpectedly made the voice of the first sign;' i. e. regard known to her. Thus of the disciples, the meaning or drift. Ps. 19. 3,'There Luke 24. 31,'And their eyes were is no speech nor language where their opened, and they knew him;' previous voice is not heard;' i. e. where their to which it is said,' their eves were purport is not intelligible. In like man- holden that they should not know him.' ner God may be said in this case to Thus too it is said Num. 22. 31, that have heard the voice of the lad in as' The Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, far as he regarded the import qf his and he saw the angel of the Lord condition, and pitied and purposed to standing in the way;' i. e. he was enarelieve him.-ff The Angel of God bled to see what he had not observed called, &c. That is, the uncreated An- before. By a like metaphorical idiom gel; the Angel-Jehovah; the same who to open or uncover the ear, (Heb.) appeared to Hagar on a former occa- 1 Sam. 9. 15. 2 Sam. 7. 27, is to dission. Gen. 16. 7. -~- God hath heard close something to any one. the voice of the lad where he is. Heb. 20. God was with the lad. That is, ~tl fal, in that where he is; prospered him; blessed l'im in tempoi. e. not merely in the place, but in the ral respects. It is a genuine oriental. condition, in w1hich he is; he hath phrase for favouring one and crowning heard hils voice in observing and cor- him with prosperity and success in passionating the afflictive circumastan- his undertaking. Chal.' And the Word ges to which he is reduced. of the Lord was for the help of the B. C. 1892.] CHAPTER xXL. 359 21 And he dwelt in the wilder- a took him a wife out of the land ness of Paran: and his mother of Egypt. a ch. 24. 4. child.' See Note on Josh. 3. 7.-~1 Now all the great external deserts menDwelt in the wilderness,; and became an tioned in the Bible form, collectively, archer. Not only an adept at the use the northern part of this great desertof the bow and arrow in hunting, but belt of Arabia. Let us then call this also employing this as his principal nortls-rn portion of the belt one desert. weapon on those occasions when, ac- It forms by far the widest portion of cording to the prediction, ch. 16. 12, the whole belt. For the sake of clearhis'hand began to be against every ness, we may take as its southern man, and every man's hand against boundary the thirtieth parallel of latihim.' The term unquestionably de- tude, from the head of the Red Sea (at notes warlike character and practices. Suez) to the head of the Persian Gulf, It is but another mode of saying that being a line measuring about seven he began to be dtstinguished for lawless hundred miles. On this line, as a base, predatory habits, as his descendants the desert extends northward in a trihave always been. His expulsion from angular figure, the eastern side of which his father's house, and the way of life is fornied by the Euphrates, and the into which it forced him, would natur- western by Egypt, Palestine, and Syrally tend to increase any inherent fero- ia; the triangle measuring, froln its city of temper he may have possessed, base to its apex, about three hundred and to form and fix that character and fifty miles. But these dimensions which was given of him by the Angel limit the proportions of the actual desbefore he was born. God brings his ert. which encroaches considerably in predictions to pass, not always, nor different parts beyond the limits which, generally, by miraculous means, but for the sake of a general view, we have by the operation and concurrence of assigned. This being understood, all natural causes. It would seem that the deserts of. the Scripture, except he gradually brought himself to bear, those in Canaan itself, or the peninsula and finally to prefer, that way of living of Sinai, are included within this great which had at first been obtruded upon desert. Indeed, the deserts of Sinai him by the strong hand of necessity; are but extensions of the same desert. and thus the prophecy entered upon its The principal extent of this desert, that incipient fulfilment. is, all that lies east or southeast of Ca21. in the wilderness of Paran. naan, is called by way of eminence,'This is one part of that great desert' The Desert.' The other deserts are (external to Canaan) which it will be crowded into the western corner of the useful to consider as a whole, to assist triangle, having Palestine and the Medin giving an idea of the connection of iterranean on the north, the peninsula such of its parts as are mentioned an- of Sinai on the south, Egypt on the der different names in the Scriptures. west, and on the east joining the great For this purpose we must figure the desert, of which it is but a portion. Arabian peninsula as an elevated table- This corner of the triangle contains' the land, encircled by a belt of flat, arid, wilderness of' Shur,'' the wilderness of and sandy ground. The only excep- Paran,''the wilderness of Zin' (not tion is on the southern coast, where a Sin), and' the wilderness of Edom.' wall of lofty and wild rocks forms an But tile two last do not appear to be.iclosing rampart to Arabia Felix. any other than different names for the S60 GENESIS. LB. C. 1892 22 7T And it came to pass at ihoet spalie unto Abraham, saying, that time, that b Abimelech and c God is with thee in all that thou Phichol the chief captain of his doest: b ch. 20. 2. & 26. 26. c ch. 26. 28. Wvhole or part of the wilderness of Pa- yet, in this matter, subject himself so ran. Thus, then, we reduce the des- entirely to the will of his mother. It erts of this part to two, Shur, and Pa- is a striking instance of the fixedness of ran. Shur is mentioned in the Note oriental customs. to ch. 16. 7. The desert of Paran, 22. It came to pass at that time, &c. which still retains its ancient name, ex- The mention of the present incident tends southward from Palestine into seems to be introduced here for the the peninsula of Sinai. It is bounded purpose of informing us how it was, on the west by the desert of Shur, and that after a roving and unsettled life of on the east by the gulf of Akaba and sixty years, Abraham was at length by the valley (El Ghor and El Araba) favoured with somewhat of a long periwhich extends between that gulf and od of rest. It was indeed the will of the Dead Sea. The reports of modern Heaven that his lot in the main, even travellers have only made us acquaint- to the close of life, should be that of a ed with the southern portion of this sojourner and a pilgrim, but in the desert; that is, the part which is in or country of Abimelech he is blessed for borders on the peninsula of Sinai. a longer time than usual, with a tranFrom the comparison of their accounts, quil abode. This was a well-timed it seems to be a dreary and desolate re- comfort, coming as it did not long after gion, with a soil sometimes sandy, and the banishment of Ishmael and Hagar, at other times calcareous, strewed with and affording him the opportunity to oose pebbles and flints. The uniform- devote himself more leisurely to the ty of its surface is broken by various rearing of that son in whom not only chains of hills, and by numerous ra- his own but the hopes of the world were vines and glens, as well as by the beds centered. In regard to the conduct of of winter torrents, in which, from the Abimelech on this occasion, we may inequality of the surface, the rain-water observe (1.) The motive which induced collects and gives birth to a vegetation this friendly request; he' saw that of low shrubs. Coloquintida grows God was with him.' Probably the abundantly in such situations, and is news of the extraordinary birth of Isaac collected by the Arabs for domestic and and of the various incidents which had medicinal uses.' Pict. Bible..f.~ His grown out of it, had reached the court mother took him a wife. The business of Abimelech and become a topic of of marriage in the East is generally conversation.'This,' he would permanaged by the parents, and more es- haps say to himself,'is a great man, pecially by the mother. She makes and a great family, and will become a the selections of partners for her chil- great nation; the blessing of heaven dren, and arranges all the prelimina- attends him. It is our wisdom thereries, except the settlement of the dow- fore to take the earliest opportunity to ry, which is left to the father. It put ourselves on good terms with him.' shews a peculiar deference to estab- In proposing this he was acting more fished usages that one living so wild for his interest than he was aware of, a life as Ishmael, one who was em- for God in blessing Abraham had promphatically a 30on of the desert, should ised to'bless them that blessed him, B. C. 1892.] CHAPTER XXI. 361 23 Now therefore d swear unto l itave done unto thee, thou shalt me here by God, that thou wilt do unto nle, and to the land not deal falsely with me, nor with wherein thou hast sojourned. my son, nor with my son's son: 24 And Abraham said, I will but according to the kindness that swear. d Josh. 2. 12. 1 Sam. 24. 21. and to curse them that cursed him.' In They seem to attach supernatural con. making a covenant, therefore, with sequences to such an act, and to believe Abraham he was virtually making a that the Almighty would resent hav.ng covenant with the God of Abraharn. his name made subservient to earthly (2.) The solemnity with which he wish- purposes. Their most solemn oath is, ed the friendship to be confirmed;'By God, and in God, and through'Swear unto me by God.' With this God.' Pict. Bible. request Abraham complied though we 23. That thou wilt not deal falsely cannot suppose that he needed to be with me, &c. Heb.'i t'nj R if sworn not to deal falsely; but as pos- thou shalt lie unto me. An elliptical terity was concerned, the more solemn mode of speech in which an imprecathe engagement the better. But why tion is to be understood; the complete should covenants, promises, oaths, be sentence standing somewhat thus,'It necessary in the commerce of human thou doest so, woe be unto thee,' or, life? It is, alas, for no other reason'The Lord will avenge the perjury.' than that men are false, treacherous, The sense therefore is,' Swear to me and perfidious. The manners and cus- here by God, who, if thou violatest this toms of past times only serve to con- compact, will avenge it, that according vince us, that in every age the corrup- to the kindness which I have showed tion of man has been so great upon the unto thee, thou shalt do unto me and earth, that ordinary obligations will my country.' Gr.'That thou wilt not not bind; that without the sanctions of wrong me.' Chal.'That thou wilt religion neither the sense of honour or not hurt me.' Mr. Bruce, the traveller, justice or interest will avail to preserve came to a place, called Shekh Ammer, men in a course of rigid integrity. No from the Arab Shekh, of which place other argument is necessary to prove he got a pledge that he should not be that our nature is depraved than the molested in his journey across the desnecessity of solemn appeals to the est to Cosseir. A number of people Deity, making'an oath for confirma- afterwards assembled at the house. tion an end of all strife.'-' Among the'The great people among them,' says Arabs of the present day, the name of the traveller,' came, and after joining God is heard in almost every sentence hands, repeated a kind of prayer, by they speak: and it is not seldom invo- which they declared themselves and ked to give weight to the most menda- their children. accursed if ever they liftcious assertions. But there is no peo- ed tip their hands against me in the tell, ple who, with more fearfulness and a field in the desert; or, in case that awe, shrink, even in a just matter, from I or mine should fly to them for refuge, appealing to that great Name in a sol- if they did not protect us at the risk ot emnly administered oath. Most Arabs their lives, their families, and their forwould much rather lose a small sum tunes, or, as they emphatically expressthan venture to swear in the name of ed it, to the death of the last male child God, however truly they might swear. I among them.' 31 362 GENESIS. [B. C. 1892. 25 And Abraham. reproved neither didst thou tell me, neither Abimelech because of a well of yet heard I of it, but to-day. water, which Abimelech's ser- 27 And Abraham took sheep vants e had violently taken away. and oxen, and gave them unto 26 And Abimelech said, I wot Abimelech: and both of them not who hath done this thing. f made a covenant. e ch. 26. 15, 18, 20, 21, 22. f ch. 26. 31. 25. Abraham reproved Abimelech, come earlier to my ears justice should &c. That is, argued and expostulated have been done before. This was unwith him. As they were now formally doubtedly the drift of Abimelech's reply, entering into closer terms of amity, it in which he fairly and fully exonerates was proper that if there were any cause himself from blame. The wrong had of complaint on either side, it should be not been done by him nor with his mentioned and adjusted, that nothing consent; it was the act of his servants, which was past, at least, might inter- that is, his officers, who perhaps had rupt their future harmony. Abraham pretended his authority for their unjust accordingly makes mention of a' well spoliation, than which nothing is more of water' which Abimelech's servants common among the minions and creahad violently taken away. In the hot tures of sovereignty. Suojects are and thirsty countries of the East, and wronged, oppressed, despoiled, and yet to a man whose substance consisted their grievances never reach the ears of much in cattle, a spring or well of wa- rulers, because the oppressors find it ter was of the utmost consequence; for their interest to bar access to all and to have it taken away by mere vio- voices but their own. Too often are lence, though it might be borne from not only the consciences, but the very an enemy, yet it was not to be over- senses of princes taken into the keeping looked, where there was professed of corrupt and unprincipled officials.friendship. Happily,however, thegood'Public characters cannot always be feelings and good sense of both parties accountable for the misdeeds of those prevented this offence from coming to who act under them, they had need an open rupture. - The moderation of take care, however, what sort of serthe patriarch appears plainly from the vants they employ, as while matters fact, that lie had hitherto borne patient- are munexplained, that which is wrong, ly with the grievance without attempt- is commonly placed to their account.' ing to right himself by force, although Ftller. it is perhaps to be inferred from the 27. Abraham took sheep and oxen, emphatic term'reproved' that he sup- and gave them unto Abimelech. That posed the wrong had been at least con- these animals were intended for sacrinived at by the king. When men are fice seems probable from the last clause disposed to peace, slight grounds of of the verse, which informs us that variance are easily overlooked; but they both made, or, as the Hebrew has where there is a disposition to quarrel, it, cut a covenant, i. e. made a coveit is easy to magnify the most petty nant by cutting the victims in pieces. neglect into a gross affront, and to But why the sheep and oxen are said make even an unmeaning look the oc- first to have been presented to Abimecasion of a breach. lech is not so clear, unless it were, that 26. I wot not, &c. This is the first Abraham designed to do him greater time I have heard of the affair; had it honour hv uiving him the animals to B.C. 1891.1 CEHAPT'IER XXI. 363 28 And Abraham set seven en ewe-lambs shalt thou take of ewe-lamdbs of the flock by them- mine hand that h they may be a selves. witness unto me that I have dig29 And Abimelech said unto ged this well. Abraham, g What mean these 31 Wherefore he i called that seven ewe-lambs, which thou hast place Beer-sheba; because there set by themselves? they sware both of them. 30 And he said, For these sevg ch. 33, 8. h ch. 31. 48, 52. i ch. 26. 33. offer beforetheLord. As if duly mind- are made among the Indians of our ful of his rank as a subject and desirous of continent, is a relic of this oriental cusshowing a proper respect to the king, tom. —ff That they may be a. witness, he seems to have studied to give him the &c. That is, thine acceptance of these precedency in the whole transaction. seven lambs shall be an acknowledg28-30. Abraham set seven, ewe-lamnbs ment on thy part that this well, which by tlhemselves, &c. Mr. Bruce, relating I have digged, belongs to me. the manner in which the compact be- 31. WTherefore he called th.at place fore mentioned (on v. 24); was made Beer-sheba. Or perhaps more correctly between his party and some shepherds to be understood impersonally,' one in Abyssinia says,' Medicines and ad- called,' i. e. the name of the place was vice being given on my part, faith and called, as the same phraseology eviprotection pledged on theirs, two bush- dently impiies elsewhere. See Note on els of wheat and sevecn sheep were car- Gen. 2. 20. Heb. -1:n Ct. the vwell ried down to the boat;' on which the of the oath, or, the well of the seven; Editor of the Pict. Bible remarks, that from the seven lambs above mentioned.'Although he seems to have received The Heb. word for swearing or taking this merely as a present, yet it is not an oath (Yadd shaba), comes from the unlikely that the Arabs intended it as same root with the word which signiaratification of the preceding covenant. fies seven, the reason of which some At any rate there is throughout consid- think to be that an oath was confirmed erable analogy between the covenant as by seven, that is, many, witnesses. of Abraham and Abimelech, and that The connection however between these of Bruce and the Arabs. The details two terms rests upon grounds difficult of the remarkable transactions between to be determined. As the original root Abraham and Abimelech which this for seven has the import of fulness, chapter contains will be considered satiety, satisfaction, it may be that it with the more interest when it is recol- is applied to an oath, as the completion lected that it affords the earliest record- or perfection, the sufficient security, of a ed instance of a treaty of peace. Its covenant, that which made it binding terms and forms seem to show that and satisfactory to each of the parties. such treaties were not then newly in- For a geographical account of Beervented. The inability of nations or sheba see on v. 14. —-11 There they tribes to maintain a continual hostility swear both of them. Heb. J1.YVi were with their neighbours must have ren- sworn. Swearing in Hebrew is always dered the necessity of such engage- expressed in a passive form of speech, ments apparent to the earliest genera- as if it were an act in which one is tions of mankind. It has beet sue- supposed not to engage voluntarily, Dut gested that the practice of giving and only as he is adjured, or has an oath receiving belts, pipes. &c. when treaties imposed unon him by another. 364 GENESIS. [B. C. 1891 32 Thus they made a covenant grove in Beer-sheba, and k called at Beer-sheba; then Abimelech there on the name of the LORD, rose up, and Phichol the chief I the everlasting God. captain of his host, and they re- 34 And Abraham sojourned in turned into the land of the Phil- the Philistines' land many days. istines. istines. ^ 1k ch. 4. 26. 1 Deut. 33. 27. Is. 40. 28. Rom. 33 11 And Abrahamr planted a 16. 26.'l'inm. 1. 17. 33. And Abraham planted a grove ted upon the correctness of our present in Beer-sheba. Gr.' Planted a field.' translation, which makes Abraham the Jerus. Targ.'Planted a paradise or planter of the grove. But it will be ohorchard.' The Heb. term dwn eshel is served, his name being in Italics, that supposed by Rosenmuller and others the original is indefinite, and we incline to signify the tamarisk-tree and to be to the opinion that it is one of those used here in a collective sense for a impersonal expressions alluded to above grove of tamarisks. Among the an- v. 31, and which are of such frequent cient versions some render it by oak or occurrence in the Hebrew Scriptures. oak-grove, and others, like the English, The writer's design, if we mistake not, simply a grove. It was probably de- was to say that in process of time, in signed in the first instance for the sha- consequence of the transaction above ding of his tent, and implied the hope recorded between Abraham and Abimof a peaceful, and the purpose of a pro- elech, a grove was planted on the spot. tracted, residence at that place. But which became a usual resort for relifrom the ensuing clause it would seem gious worship, a place of the same kind that it was employed also for religious with the Proseuche, i. e. oratories or purposes. The practice of using groves praying-places, which were afterwards and forests as places of worship seems so common among the Jews. It is to have been common among all na- perhaps some slight confirmation of tions. The deep silence and solitude this view of the passage that Abraham of forests render them peculiarly conge- is said v. 34, to have sojourned many nial to feelings connected with religious days in the Philistines' land; but Beerdevotion. As the abominations, how- sheba was not in the land of the Philever, that characterized idolatrous wor- istines, and why should his planting a ship might easily be concealed in groves, grove in Beer-sheba be connected at we find that the practice of offering all with his sojourning in another part sacrifices in such places was forbidden of Canaan? ILet the 33d verse be conby the Mosaic law, Deut. 16. 21. Ac- strued as we propose and included in cordingly during various reformations a parenthesis, and the narrative runs which occurred under the reign of pious free and unembarrassed. —T And callkings in Israel, they signalized their zeal ed on the name of the Lord. Heb. by cutting down the groves where the'1 B:i~ t FjiD kara beshemn Yehovah, people burnt incense toidols. It seems which Shuckford maintains should be to have been an object of peculiar inter- rendered'invoked in the name of the est in the Mosaic law, to render every Lord.' This however is not an unact of social worship a public transac- questionable construction, and it will be tion. No mysterious or secret rite, like sufficient to remark of the import of those of the Egyptians or Greeks, was the phrase here, as elsewhere, that it is allowed. Every religious act was per- equivalent to saying, that public worformed in the open view of the world. — ship in general was performed in this The above remarks have been predica- grove.