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when Abram was ninety years

• Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between 'Ka- AND and nine, the LORD appeared

desh and Bered.

15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

B. C.

h

1910] 16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare

Ishmael to Abram.

CHAP. XVII.

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old

d

b

to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram & fell on his face: and God

The Lord again ratifies the covenant with Abram; changes his talked with him, saying,

name to Abraham, and Sarai's to Sarah, and institutes circumcision, 1-15; he promises him a son by Sarah, accepts his prayer for Ishmael; and fixes the time for the birth of Isaac, 16-22. Abraham circumcises himself and the males of his family, 23-27.

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a 16:16.
b 12:1.

c 18:14. 28:3. 35:11. Ex. 6:3.
Num. 1:23. Job 11:7. Dan. 4:
35. Eph. 3:20. Phil. 4:13.
d 5:24. 6:9.

*Or, upright, or, sincere. Deut.
18:13. Job 1:1. Matt. 5:43.

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centre of their religion! The descendants of dear; and we ought not to allow any person inIshmael also lived as ravagers in the neighbor-juriously to treat those, who are entitled to our hood of the Israelites and Edomites, and other protection. But it is never safe or prudent to descendants of Abram, and yet were never quit our situation, under the influence of pride, subjugated by any of them. See Bp. Newton impatience, and resentment. A haughty spirit on the Prophecies. Diss. 1. indeed will disdain contradiction: but it is best to endure it, and to consider, that "yielding pacifieth great offences."

V. 7-16.

V. 13, 14. JEHOVAH spake to Hagar, and she called his name, "Thou God seest me:" yet we read of no other speaker, than the Angel.— Admiring the Lord's condescension and mercy, Important lessons of wisdom are couched unshe added, "Have I also here looked after him der the answer, which ought to be made to such that seeth me?" Have I, who am so unworthy, questions, as the Angel put to Hagar. Recol here, in this desert, at a distance from his ordi- lecting "who we are," would teach us our duty, 'nances, and out of the path of duty, been favor- and suggest motives for quietly attending to it. 'ed with such an encouraging appearance of Seriously inquiring in many cases, "whence we "the LORD!'-Accordingly, she called the name came," may shew us our sin and folly: and conof the place, The well of him that liveth and sidering, "whither we will go," may often disseeth me. She was now brought to a better cover our danger and misery, before it be too temper, returned home, and, probably, by prop- late; and prepare us to listen to the counsel of er behavior, pacified Sarah, and experienced him, who calls on us to repent of what we have better usage. done in pride and passion.-How free from fear and care, how conscientious in duty, how watchful against sin, and how resolute in resisting temptation should we be, if we always were suitably impressed with this thought, "Thou God seest me!" The good Lord, who always sees us, and despises not the meanest, but hears the affliction of the distressed, even before it vents itself in prayer, help us to realize his presence, to trust in his goodness, to submit to his will, and to all those whom he commands us to honor and obey for his sake; and with admiring, humble gratitude, to acknowledge his mercies to us, which are innumerable and unmerited, and often surprise us when we least expect them.

V. 15. Abram named his son Ishmael, having been informed by Hagar of what had taken place. (11.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-6.

In every relation and situation of life there is some trouble to bear; and the exercise of faith greatly consists in patiently submitting to it, waiting the Lord's time, and using those means, and those only, which he appoints and authorizes, for its removal. But unbelief is frequently shewn by impatience, and hastily using unhallowed means of obtaining those things, which we inordinately desire.-Very bad actions may be sanctioned by the example of very good men; they may appear plausible, be supported with some shew of reason, and be suggested by those who are justly dear to us. But we never have more cause to be upon our guard, than when "Satan thus transforms himself into an angel of light." Then especially we should appeal "to the law, and to the testimony:" "What hath God said?" Then indeed we should act with deliberation, be afraid of leaning to our own understanding, and seek counsel of the Lord by earnest prayer.-In Hagar's insolence, in Sarai's impatience, and in Abram's uneasiness; and also in Sarai's severity, and in Hagar's flight and distress, we see the effects of carnal projects, and of deviating from the original institution of marriage: and they who consent together in sin will generally be chastened together, and will often correct each other.-Anger and discord should indeed be shunned: yet even peace may be bought too

NOTES.

CHAP. XVII. V. 1-3. This appearance of the Lord to Abram, was nearly fourteen years after his marriage with Hagar: and, perhaps, this long trial of his faith implied a rebuke for his misconduct in that transaction.-The Lord, by revealing himself as "the Almighty," or the all-sufficient "God," most powerfully enforced the subsequent exhortation to Abram, "to walk before him," without being discouraged; and to "be perfect," or not to waver and decline, but to be constantly and entirely dependent on him, and devoted to him. Have recourse no more to unbelieving expedients: keep thou the path of uprightness; and leave me to fulfil my promise in the time and manner that seem good to me.' Fuller.-Abram, perceiving the special presence of God, fell on his face in humble adoration, and the Lord continued to speak to him in an audible voice.

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V. 4. The Lord thus engaged, that his cove- among them. Thus he was their God by externant, before confirmed, and now to be further nal relation, and they enjoyed vast advantages, ratified and sealed, should certainly be accom- in spiritual things, above all the rest of the plished, notwithstanding delays and difficulties. human race, till the coming of Christ. (Note, -This covenant was essentially different from Rom. 3:1,2.)-The word rendered everlasting, that made with Israel, as a nation, at mount must be understood according to the nature of Sinai: (Notes, Ex. 19:5. Gal. 3:) yet it was far the subject: when used about the things of this more than a personal engagement to Abram, present world or outward privileges, it means concerning a numerous posterity and the in- perpetual, and unalterable while the same state of heritance of Canaan, or even concerning his things continues: but when it relates to inward own salvation; though these were included, with spiritual blessings, or the concerns of a future all the peculiar advantages enjoyed by Israel state; it seems generally, if not always, stricttill the coming of Christ, and even to the end of ly to denote eternal duration. Thus JEHOVAH time. But, as the covenant, confirmed to Abram was a God to the Israelites, till the coming of with an oath, is fulfilled to all believers as his the Messiah, when, according to the whole tenor children; (Notes, Heb. 6:13-20.) it must have of prophecy, that state of things was to termibeen in substance the same as the Covenant of nate: yet the nation is still kept separate for Grace, of which Christ is the Mediator and gracious purposes, in remembrance of this coveSurety, and which was ratified with Abram, as nant. But of Abraham and all his spiritual "the father of the faithful.' In this view of the seed, God is the eternal Portion and Blessedsubject, the promised Seed was Christ, and ness. (Notes, Matt. 22:23-33. Heb. 11:13Christians in him, of whom Israel as a nation 16.) This covenant shall involve great blesswas a type; Canaan typified heaven; every ings to the world; yet, it was made with Abram. blessing was conferred on Abraham through || • . It made Abram the father of the church in "the righteousness of faith;" and all, who "are all future ages. All that the Christian world of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham." 'enjoys, or ever will enjoy, it is indebted for to V. 5, 6. (Marg. Ref.) The Ishmaelites, Mid-Abram and his Seed! ... A high honor this, to be ianites, and other nations, were descended from the stock, whence the Messiah should spring, Abraham by Hagar and Keturah; and the and on which the church of God should grow.' Edomites, as well as the Israelites, by Sarah. Fuller. All these nations were, for many ages, powerful and prosperous, and governed by princes of their own; and some of them are so to this day. Besides the kings of Israel, (or the ten tribes,) David and Solomon were renowned monarchs, and, with their descendants, formed an illustrious race of kings for almost five hundred years. -This is intimated by the change of his name, from ABRAM, a high father, to ABRAHAM, a father of a great multitude.

...

V. 9-12. Abraham was required to accede to the covenant, to profess his faith, and to give a proof of his ready acquiescence in the Lord's will, by submitting to circumcision; and he and all his posterity must observe this ordinance, as a pledge and mark of their being the worshippers and servants of JEHOVAH. Many nations have practised circumcision, and do so to this day; and even some not descended from Abraham, or related to him: yet it is highly probaV. 7, 8. Abraham chose the Lord for his ble, that this was the first introduction of this portion, and devoted himself to his service; singular observance.-Cutting off the fore-skin and the Lord answered his expectations by en- seems to have been intended as an intimation, raging to make him partaker of everlasting that a sinful nature is propagated with the hu felicity: and his posterity according to the flesh man species; and this depravity, called "the had his oracles committed to them, his prophets old man," must be put off, or mortified and desent to them, and his ordinances administered il stroyed, by believers. (Note, Eph. 4:20-24.) In

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and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

18 And Abraham said unto God, 'Oh, that Ishmael might live before thee!

19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly: twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

e 18:12. 21:6. Rom. 4:19,20. h 16:10-12. 25:12-18.
f Jer. 32:39. Acts 2:39.
i 21:10-12. 26.2-5. 46:1. 48
g 18:10-14. 21:2,3.
15. Ex. 2:24. 3:6.
2 Kings
Heb. 11:9.
4:16,17. Luke 1:13-20. Rom. k21:2. Job 14:13. Acts 1:7.
9:6-9. Gal. 4:28-31.

cised in heart will be separated for ever from the Lord and his people. Doubtless the parent would be chargeable with the guilt of his neglect, and not the child till grown up. (Note, Matt. 28:19,20.)

ham's family. (Marg. Ref.)

them the "heart is circumcised to love the LORD;" and rebellion and enmity are gradually destroyed out of it by sanctifying grace. This observance was the sacrament of regeneration, "the seal of the righteousness of faith;" (Note,|| Rom. 4:9-12.) for the circumcision of the heart V. 13. In your flesh.] The outward seal of is an inward seal, that the sinner is justified by the covenant would remain in the flesh of the righteousness of faith, as Abraham was.- Abraham, and Isaac, and their posterity, and Circumcision was a bloody and painful ordi- of all who were thus incorporated among them; nance: for the sanctification of the Spirit is for the use of circumcision, as a religious rite, vouchsafed to sinners through the blood of would distinguish them from other people. Christ; the mortification of sin is painful to the V. 15, 16. SARAI signifies my princess; SARAH, flesh; and, till the blood of Christ had been shed ||a princess, to others as well as to Abraham: once for all, the ordinances of God were gen-implying how honorable her name would be in erally attended with the shedding of blood; the whole church of God, as well as in Abra but none since that time have been so.-Not only Abraham and Isaac, and Abraham's posterity by Isaac, were circumcised; but his son Ishmael and his very bond-servants; for circum-tial cision sealed the covenant of God's giving, not only Canaan to Isaac's posterity, but heaven, through Christ, to the whole Church of God. The outward sign belonged to the professed people of God; but the inward seal of the Spirit is peculiar to those whom God knows, (and he alone can know them,) to be believers.-Infants were circumcised, because a part of the visible church, and because this was a proper profession of their parents' faith, and a pledge for the religious education of their children, thus early dedicated to God. Yet they must not be circumcised till the eighth day; and, under the law, even animals must not be presented to God before that age. (Ex. 22:30.) But, as many infants would die before the eighth day, this might intimate that the outward ordinance, though always the parents' duty, was not essential to salvation. Males only were capable of circumcision: but in Christ there is no more distinction between male or female, than between Jew and Gentile. The Gentile, who embraced the Jewish religion, was circumcised adult; but his future offspring at eight days old. The uncircumcised were ordered to be cut off (14): for the neglect of circumcision was in fact a rejection of the covenant; and the uncircum- ||

V. 17. When Abraham heard the words of God, he again prostrated himself in reverenworship, and laughed, in admiring faith and joyful gratitude. He himself was born when Terah was a hundred and thirty years old, as it is generally calculated; (Note, 11:26, 27.) but, in the course of the last hundred years, it seems to have become very uncommon, for men to have children at so advanced an age. He had been so long married to Sarah, and she was now so far advanced in years, continuing barren, that it seems he had given up all expectation of having seed by her; and, previously to this explicit declaration, thought that the promises would be fulfilled in Ishmael.

V. 18. Though Abraham "staggered not at the promise through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving glory to God;" yet, he seems to have had some struggle with unbelief, in which he came off victorious, through the repeated assurances which the Lord gave him.-This verse, however, may be interpreted as a natural and earnest desire that Ishmael might have a blessing also; and not be excluded from the favor of God, or separated from his worshippers, though the promised Seed was not to descend from him.

V. 19-21. It was the purpose of God, that Christ should descend from Isaac and his son

22 And He left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

23 ¶ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and m circumcised the flesh of their fore-skin, in the self-same day, as God had said unto him.

24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised

in the flesh of his fore-skin.

25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in

the flesh of his fore-skin.

26 In the self-same day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. 27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were P circumcised with him.

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CHAP. XVIII.

The Lord again appears to Abraham, who entertains angels, 1— 8. A son is promised to Sarah, at which she laughs, and her misconduct is rebuked, 9-16. The Lord discovers to Abraham his purpose of destroying Sodom, &c. 16-22; who earn estly intercedes for the inhabitants, 23–33.

A

a

in the plains of Mamre: and he ND the LORD appeared unto him

sat in the tent-door in the heat of the day.

2 And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent-door, and bowed himself toward the ground;

3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant.

4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread,

a 15:1. 17:1-3,22. 26:2. 48:3.
Ex. 4:1. 2 Chr. 1:7. Acts 7:2.
b 13:18. 14:13.

c 22. 19:1.

10. 2 Kings 2:15.

e 19:2. 24:32, 43:24. 1 Sam. 25: 41. Luke 7:44. John 13:5-15 1 Tim. 5:10.

d 23:7. 33:3-7. 44:14. Ruth 2: |f Judg. 6:18. 13:15.

duct; and to leave all in his hands, who is all-suf-
ficient and almighty; and who, for the purposes
of his own glory, often delays to interpose, till
expectation from every other quarter fails.-
But let us well consider, that the Lord's gra-
cious condescensions should excite our adoring
reverence, lest we forget who HE is, and what
we are! (Ps. 89:7. Heb. 12:28. Rev. 15:4.)
V. 9-27.

Jacob; in that family true religion was chiefly supported; to them Canaan, the type of heaven, was granted; and they represented the spiritual Seed of Abraham. Yet Ishmael and others, after this limitation, being at that time a part of the visible church, were commanded to be circumcised; and we are not authorized, from the circumstance of the covenant concerning the promised Seed being restricted to the line of Isaac, to determine that any of them finally Not only the doctrines of revelation, but the perished. (Notes, 16:10—12.)-Ishmael was the son of a bond-woman: how unlikely that his very seals of the new covenant, remind us that sons should be twelve princes, even when the atoning blood, and point to the promised Savwe are guilty and polluted, evince our need of twelve sons of Jacob were only shepherds!ior; they teach us to exercise faith in him; and His name Isaac.] Note, 21:3,4.

V. 22. Left off, &c.] The whole narration suggests the idea of a personal conference; and leaves no reasonable ground of doubt, whether he, who here calls himself "the ALMIGHTY GOD," was the same as afterwards in human nature said, "I and my Father are One;" and, "He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father." (Marg. Ref.)

V. 23-27. Abraham prepared every thing for immediate and exact obedience, in a painful appointment, against which many objections might have been urged, and which might seem even to counteract the accomplishment of the promise sealed by it: and this obedience was not peculiar to him, but was imitated by his household, who seem to have made no opposition; and we may conclude that many of them were partakers of his faith.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-8.

prove, that without regeneration, sanctification by his Spirit, and the mortification of our corrupt and sensual inclinations, we cannot bear a covenant-relation to him. Let us then remember, that the true "circumcision is that of the heart, by the Spirit;" that they are "the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no and that, both under the old and the new dispenconfidence in the flesh;" (Note, Phil. 3:1—7.) sation, many have had the external profession, the sacramental sign, and the outward seal, who were never "sealed by the holy Spirit of promise."-True faith evidences itself by prompt and unreserved obedience in the most difficult instances: and if our faith be of this kind, we may be confident that God is our God and everlasting Portion; that the everlasting covenant is confirmed to us, by the security vouchsafed to Abraham; and that he, who has given us a new heart, hath also "given us a new name, which no man knoweth, save he who receiveth it." (Note, Rev. 2.17. And while we thankfully embrace the pledges of his love, and make open profession of our faith; let us not forget to seek in earnest prayer, the same blessings for our children, our servants,

The Lord, from time to time, vouchsafes to his servants peculiar manifestations of his presence and favor, and seasons of special consolation: yet their daily walk with him must be maintained by that faith, which "sees Him who is invisible."With however long delays, and great discouragements, the faith of true be- and all connected with us. lievers may be tried, God will strengthen it: and they who walk before him, trust in him, and wait for him, shall never be ashamed.-It is our part to look to our own temper and conVOL. I.

11

NOTES.

CHAP. XVIII. V. 1, 2. It is here expressly said, that "JEHOVAH appeared to Abraham," or

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and comfort ye your hearts: after that ус shall pass on; for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So lo as thou hast said.

6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

7 And Abraham bran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

8 And he took butter and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, 1 and they did eat.

k

9 And they said unto him," Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, " in

the tent.

11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age: and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of

women.

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old, shall I have pleasure," my lord being old also?

13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not: for she was afraid. And he said, Nay, but thou didst laugh.

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[Practical Observations.]

16 ¶ And the men rose up from thence, and looked towards Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on

10 And He said, I will certainly return unto thee Paccording to the time of life: and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent-the way. door, which was behind him.

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r 17:24. Luke 1:7,36. Rom. 4:
18-21.

$ 31:35.

t 17:17. 21:6,7. Luke 1:18-20,
34,35. Heb. 11:11,12.

u Eph. 5:33. 1 Pet. 3:6.

v Num. 11:23. 2 Kings 7:1,2.
Jer. 32:17. Zech, 8:6. Matt. 3:
9. 19:26. Luke 1:37. Eph. 3:20.

Phil. 3:21. 4:13. Heb. 11:19.
x 10. Deut. 30:3. Ps. 90:13.
y 4:9. 12:13. Job 2:10. John 18:
17,25-27. 1 John 1:8.

z Ps. 44:21. Prov. 12:19. Mark
2:8. John 2:25. Rom. 3:19.
a Acts 21:5. Rom. 15:24. 3 John
6.

the simple, liberal, active, and obliging hospi
tality of the ancient patriarchs.-Butter.] We
'read of cheese in Homer, Euripides, Theocritus,
and others; yet they never mention butter: nor
hath Aristotle a word about it, though he hath
'sundry observations about cheese. For butter
'was not then known among the Greeks.' Bp.
Patrick.

was seen by him; and the manner of this appearance is afterwards related.-Abraham was waiting for an opportunity of exercising hospitality, by entertaining any weary traveller, who might need refreshment and a cooling shade; (for inns were not then to be met with,|| as among us;) and at that time three persons, appearing as men, presented themselves before him. It is generally agreed, that two of these V. 9-12. This attention to Abraham's conwere created angels; but many infer from the cerns would gradually shew him whom he had context, that the other was the eternal Son entertained. At first, they inquired after Sarah, visibly appearing as in human form. Indeed, who was in her tent and then one of them, JEthere is not the least intimation in the narrative HOVAH, (as it must appear to every plain readof any other appearance, except that of the er,) spake to Abraham respecting that promise three men whom Abraham entertained. If as his own, which had been given in the forethis were the only instance, in which language going chapter by the almighty God; and he exnaturally suited to warrant such a conclusion pressly engaged for its accomplishment! (Note, was used, it would not be proper to ground| 17:19-21.) But as this had been delayed, till much upon it: but passages frequently occur, it had become unprecedented, according to which seem incapable of any other construc-general observation; Sarah, who heard what tion, without having recourse to human tradition, in explaining the words of inspiration, even that very tradition which our Lord opposed; (Mark 7:9.) and thus implying that the simple narrative of the sacred historian was calculated to mislead the unlearned. (Note, 32:30. Marg. Ref.)

passed, "laughed within herself;" and spake words, not very dissimilar to those of Abraham in the preceding chapter. Yet the heartsearching God saw, that her's was the expression of unbelief; and his, of faith, admiration, and joy.-"According to the time of life," is supposed to mean the usual term of pregnancy. V. 3-8. Abraham addressed himself to one-It is observable, that from this very speech of the three, who appeared to have the preeminence; but, it is probable, he did not at first know his guests: for his bowing to them seems to have been rather a token of civil respect, as to persons who appeared venerable and honorable, than an act of religious adoration. (Marg. Ref. d.)-Washing the feet was customary and necessary in those hot climates where only sandals were worn; and the several particulars here related are suited to give us an idea of

of Sarah, the apostle Peter quotes her words concerning Abraham, in which she calls him, "My lord," as a commendable instance of her dutiful subjection to him! (1 Pet. 3:6.)

V. 13-15. Here the speaker is expressly called JEHOVAH.-By manifesting that he was acquainted with what Sarah did secretly, he shewed that he could accomplish his word, however contrary to the ordinary course of things. The conduct of Sarah shewed great

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