Genesis 24
SIBGenesis 24:2
This form of swearing might import the subjection of Eliezer the servant, and that the Messiah should proceed from his master’s loins; ch. xlvii
Genesis 24:29
Ver. 3, 4. The Canaanites were mere Heathens devoted to destruction, and so very improper to be matched with Isaac; ch. xxvi. 34, 35. and xxvii
Genesis 24:40
Exod. xxxiv. 16. 2 Cor. vi. 14, 15; but Abraham’s friends in Mesopotamia worshipped the true God, though they also served their idols; ver. 31, 50. and xxxi. 19, 30. Ver. 5, 6. It was extremely proper that the servant should know the full meaning of the oath before he took it: Jer. iv. 2. Prov. xiii. 10.—God had ordered Abraham’s departure from Mesopotamia; it was therefore improper that either he or his son should return thither, where they would be tempted to a partial idolatry. Ver. 14. This token he asked, not from presumption or distrust, directed by the Spirit of God; Judg. vi. 17, 37, 39. and vii. 9—15. vi. 7. xiv. 8. xx. 7. and xii. 17. Is. vii. 11—14. and xxxviii. 7, 8, 20. iv. 2—9. Ver. 22. Jewels, and other precious ornaments, may be worn by us, they be suited to our station and ability, and be not abused as occa pride: and providing we principally attend to the inward adorning of and life with true holiness; 1 Pet. iii. 4. 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10. Ver. 27. God manifested his mercy to Abraham, in promising manner of blessings; and his truth, in performing these promises, present occasion; ch. xxxii. 10. Mic. vii. 20
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIV.—What a mercy is it to have at once a good servant, a good son, and a gracious God! A noble foundation these for truly happy success in our designs! In weighty cases, it may be proper to interpose an oath, but that carefully explained, solemnly administered, and judiciously taken. The marriages of true believers, on which the temporal and eternal happiness of multitudes may depend, should be formed with remarkable and religious attention; for an unconverted partner in life often proves a dreadful and a dangerous snare. Happy the families which have praying and pious members! In difficult cases, it is best to begin with prayer, if we wish to succeed. And it manifests no small prudence to look for, and follow, the direction of God’s providence; for the Lord kindly answers the prayers of faith, when put up in behalf of his dear favourites. In order to obtain a truly happy marriage, how much more efficacious are a single regard to the glory of God, and a dependance on his direction, than all the wanton dalliances, or false and fulsome flattery, in the world! In religious courtship, plain dealing is the best woning: and they who are most humble, kind, and industrious, in the house of their father, are likely to prove most amiable and useful in the house of their husband. In children’s marriages, parents ought to advise, but not to constrain. It is useful to commemorate past mercies, to encourage us in a present dependance on God’s care and kindness for future ones: and the more mercies we receive, the more we ought to praise and worship God. New relations need new prayers; for new joys on earth are connected with new griefs. But doubly sweet are the blessings of providence when we receive them with a devout temper of spirit. How useful for the soul is devout retirement! None will ever feel the want of company, who have learned, through the medium of sensible objects, to converse with God himself.—Alas, that so few deep-sworn servants of JEHOVAH should so little resemble Abraham’s, in their endeavours to woo a bride for his dear Son! How little fervent prayer, and accurate observation of his word and providence, they mingle with their work! How often their own temporal provisions lie nearer their heart than that sinners should be made willing in the day of his power! May God make them equally faithful, and equally successful!