Parsha Chayei Sarah
Genesis 23:1
– 25:18
Please Pray this
Prayer before reading
In the name of Yahushua
Our Messiyah,
I pray for the Spirit of
Understanding
The Spirit pf Knowledge and
The Spirit of Wisdom
As I read through this
Parasha
That the Truth of the Torah
may
Come forth. Amen
Parsha Sarah is a narrative on the life
of Sarah, the mother of a nation. An essential concept of Judaism, it does not
reject the past like Christianity, nor does it forget what is to come.
The narrative up for discussion, begins
with the death of Sarah and her husband‘s intense desire to give her a proper
burial, one worthy of her greatness. We see Abraham looking ahead, turning to
the responsibility of finding a suitable wife for his son Isaac.
Here is,
I.
Abraham a mourner for the death of Sarah verse 1, 2.
II.
Abraham a purchaser of a burying-place for Sarah.
1.
The purchase humbly proposed by Abraham verse 3, 4.
2.
Fairly treated of, and agreed to, with a great deal of mutual civility and
respect verse 5–16.
3.
The purchase-money paid verse 16.
4.
The premises conveyed and secured to Abraham verse 17, 18, 20.
5.
Sarah’s funeral verse 19.
Genesis 23:1
Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years
of the life of Sarah. - The number of
cycle she endures before accomplishing all that she had to accomplish was 127
years or cycle. These cycles span three periods in her life, as it does for us
today. Ur of the Caldeese where she start her
journey, Param Haram the mid way journey to perfection, and finally Canaan the promise land.
Genesis 23:2 So Sarah
died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron ) in the land of Canaan
Genesis 23:3 Then
Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, -
Genesis 23:4 “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you.
Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of
my sight. - A Hebrew is always a
foreigner and a visitor in this life. We are created in the image of our
Creator, therefore this world is not our home just a temporary dwelling place.
Abraham had to plead
and negotiate with the Hittites to sell him a burial place plot after some many
promise that he would be given this land. When someone is promise that
something will be given to them it does not mean it will be free. It mean that
he will posses it one day weather by working for it, conquering it, or
inheriting it. Here is a principle worth our obedient; freeness is never a good
idea. It will never be appreciated.
Abraham emphasized
the dual role that ever Hebrew or believer must play. On one hand, he is a
resident of his country, and as such he must work and pray for its welfare, as
Jeremiah 29:7 urges his people on the threshold to do. On the other hand, the
Hebrew in this world is always an alien, for his allegiance is to the Kingdom of Heavens
A believer must
always be ready to be a lonely alien, resisting the carnal culture that
surrounds him, maintaining his set apart responsibility.
Genesis 23:5 And the sons of
Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, -
Genesis 23:6 “Hear us, my lord: You are
a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places.
None of us will withhold from you his burial place, that you may bury your
dead.” - The Hittites the world will always treat the believers with the utmost
respect. Compare to Abraham modest description of himself as only an alien and
a resident, they address him as prince among men. So respectful will we be,
that they will offered to surrender to us even personal real estate for burial
purposes.
Genesis 23:7 Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself
to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. -
Genesis 23:8 And he
spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my
sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, - as believers our dealing with the world should be
done in the fruit of the Spirit. Bowing before Heth does not signify lordship
over, but a sign of humility by Abraham. As believers we must carefully
scrutinize our reaction to the world, making sure that when we deal with them
in business, it is as if the world is doing us a favor.
Genesis 23:9 “that
he may give me the cave
of Machpelah
Genesis 23:10 Now Ephron dwelt among the
sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the presence of the
sons of Heth, all who entered at the gate of his city, saying, - The present which Ephron made to Abraham of his
field: The field give I thee, verse. 10 - 11. Abraham thought he must be
entreated to sell it; but, upon the first mention of it, without entreaty,
Ephron freely gives it. Some men have more generosity than they are thought to
have. Abraham, no doubt, had taken all occasions to oblige his neighbours, and
do them any service that lay in his power; and now they return his kindness:
for he that watereth shall be watered also himself. If those that profess religion adorn their
profession by eminent civility and serviceableness to all, they shall find it
will rebound to their own comfort and advantage, as well as to the glory of YAHVEH.
Genesis 23:11“No, my lord, hear
me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the
presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!- A mature believer may consider himself bless when he
participate in business. You need not purchase it the entire land, Ephron was
implying that he would be honored to give the entire field as a gift.
Genesis 23:12 Then
Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land; 13and he
spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will
give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me
and I will bury my dead there.- Even if
the world is will to give to us anything at no cost, it is our responsibility
to pay the full price.
Genesis 23:14 And
Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, -
Genesis 23:15“My lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred
shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.” – The
price of the land fixed by Ephron but not insisted on: The land is worth
four hundred shekels of silver (about fifty pounds of our money), but
what is that between me and thee? He
would rather oblige his friend than have so much money in his pocket. Herein
Ephron discovers,
1. A great contempt
of worldly wealth. "What is that between me and thee? It is a small
matter, not worth speaking of.’’ Many a one would have said, "It is a deal
of money; it will go far in a child’s portion.’’ But Ephron says, "What is
that?’’ It is an excellent thing for
people to have low and mean thoughts of all the wealth of this world; it is
that which is not, and in the abundance of which a man’s life does not consist,
Lu. 12:15.
2. Great courtesy,
and obligingness to his friend and neighbour. Ephron was not jealous of Abraham
as a resident foreigner, nor envious at him as a man likely to thrive and grow
rich. He bore him no ill-will for his singularity in religion, but was much
kinder to him than most people now-a-days are to their own brothers: What is
that between me and thee? No little
thing should occasion demurs and differences between true friends. When we are
tempted to be hot in resenting affronts, high in demanding our rights, or hard
in denying a kindness, we should answer the temptation with this question:
"What is that between me and my friend?’’
Genesis 23:16 And
Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which
he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of
silver, currency of the merchants.
- In every negotiation, it should be
done in the presence of other, and payment should be done immediately. If one
does not have the funds to purchase land a believer should not attempt to
purchase any land by mortgage.
Genesis
23:17
So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre,
the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the
field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded - Ephron honestly and fairly makes him a good title to
the land. The field, with all its appurtenances, is conveyed to Abraham and his
heirs for ever, in open court, not by writing (it does not appear that writing
was then used), but by such a public solemn declaration before witnesses as was
sufficient to pass it. As that which is
bought must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold must be honestly paid
for, so that which is sold must be honestly delivered and secured.
Abraham,
thereupon, takes possession, and buries Sarah in the cave or vault (whether
framed by nature or art is not certain) which was in the purchased field. It is
probable that Abraham had buried servants out of his family since he came to
Canaan, but the graves of the common people (2 Ki. 23:6) might suffice for
them; now that Sarah was dead a peculiar place must be found for her remains.
It is worth noting,
(1.)
That a burying-place was the first spot of ground Abraham possessed in Canaan . When we are entering into the world it is good to
think of our going out of it; for, as soon as we are born, we begin to die.
(2.)
That it was the only piece of land he ever possessed, though the country was
all his own in reversion. Those that have least of this earth find a grave in
it. Abraham provided, not cities, as Cain and Nimrod, but a sepulchre,
Genesis
23:18
to Abraham as a possession in the
presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city. -
To be a constant memorandum of death to
himself and his posterity, that he and they might learn to die daily. This
sepulchre is said to be at the end of the field verse 9; for, whatever
our possessions are, there is a sepulchre at the end of them.
Genesis
23:19
And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of
Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron ) in the
land of Canaan
Genesis
23:20 So
the field and the cave that is in it were deeded to Abraham by the sons of Heth
as property for a burial place. - In our spiritual life, we will not always possess
the land all at one. Abraham was given the fist piece of land that he required.
The rest will be given to him as the need is required.
Chapter
24
Abraham was in the final stages of His
magnificent life. Like all good Hebrew father, it is his responsibility to find
his son Isaac the heir to his kingdom, a wife. As our Heavenly Father EL YAHVEH,
responsibility is to find a bride for His Son El Yahushua.
Genesis 24:1 Now
Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and YAHVEH had blessed Abraham in all
things. - Three things we may observe here
concerning Abraham: - The care he took
of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of
it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his
ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, ch. 11:14, 18, 22, 24. Abraham
believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not
make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to
think of it now:-
1. That he himself was
likely to leave the world quickly, for he was old, and well-stricken in age,
and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died;
and,
2. That he had a good
estate to leave behind him, for the Lord had blessed him in all things;
and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety
befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham’s pious care concerning his son was,
(1.) That he should not
marry a daughter of Canaan , but one of his
kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness,
and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would
not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul,
or at least a blot to his name.
(2.) That yet he should
not leave the land
of Canaan
Genesis 24:2
So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all
that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, - The charge he gave to a good servant, probably
Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and
his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair,
and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that
country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this steward of
his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a
great deal of care and solemnity.
1. The servant must be
bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his
relations. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own satisfaction and for the
engagement of his servant to all possible care and diligence in this matter.
Therefore YAHVEH swears HIS servants to their work, that, having sworn, they
may perform it. Honor is here done to the eternal Elohim; for HE it is that is
sworn by, to whom alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honor is
done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of putting his
hand under his thigh. Swearing being an ordinance not peculiar to the
church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the
appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn.
2. He must be clear of
this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not prevail. This proviso
the servant prudently inserted verse 5, putting the case that the woman would
not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception, verse 8. Oaths are to be
taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be rightly understood
and limited, because it is a snare to devour that which is holy, and, after
vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before.
Genesis 24:3“and
I will make you swear by YAHVEH,
the Elohim of Heavens and the Elohim of the earth, that you will not take a
wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; Abraham now took upon himself to provide for the
future by finding a wife for his son. Abraham now turns to his ancestral home,
to his wife family. He chooses his trusted servant Eliezer who was the Rosh
Yeshivad of Abraham’s household, the one who taught the disciples and who
exemplified Abraham’s way of life. Like most matchmaker such a person had the
statues and understand to be worthy to choose a mate. Do not take a wife from
among the Canaanites who were idol worshipers. Idolatry is an intellectual
perversion of spiritual matters, and as such it can be remedied, but a lack of
morality, ethics and modesty affects a person’s entire nature, and disqualified
a woman from being the mate of a mature believer.
Genesis
24:4“but you shall go to my country and to my
family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”- This Sheliak, an Apostle, a
sent one, was sent to his people to seek among the young virgins who would be
qualified to be chosen a bride for his Masters Son. This is exactly why we have
a church a body to create mature believer who will be invited to the wedding
feast of the Lamb. These are divine principle.
Genesis 24:5 And the
servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to
this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?” - Notice the
response to the command to go find a wife. Suppose the woman, the church is not
willing to follow him”Messiyah” back to the promise land? Notice careful what
Abraham answer is.
Genesis 24:6 But
Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there. Abraham was playing the role of our EL YAHVEH, the
Heavenly Father of Yahushua.
Genesis 24:7“The
EL YAHVEH of Heavens, who took me
from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and
swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ He will send His
angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. - The confidence he put in a good YAHVEH, who, he
doubts not, will give his servant success in this undertaking. He remembers
that YAHVEH had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his nativity, by the
effectual call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but he will succeed him
in his care not to bring his son thither again.
He remembers also the
promise YAHVEH had made and confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence infers that YAHVEH would
own him in his endeavours to match his son, not among those devoted nations,
but to one that was fit to be the mother of such a seed. "Fear not
therefore; he shall send his angel before thee to make thy way prosperous.’’
1. Those that carefully
keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the principles of their
religion in their designs and undertakings, have good reason to expect
prosperity and success in them. YAHVEH will cause that to issue in our comfort
in which we sincerely aim at his glory.
2. YAH’s promises, and
our own experiences, are sufficient to encourage our dependence upon YAHVEH,
and our expectations from him, in all the affairs of this life.
3. YAH’s angels are
ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but for the
guidance, of the heirs of promise, Heb. 1:14. "He shall send his angel
before thee, and then thou wilt speed well.’’
Genesis 24:8“And
if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this
oath; only do not take my son back there.”-
Genesis 24:9 So the servant put his hand under the
thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.- Eliezer
did not doubt that he could find a suitable mate who would not consent to be
Isaac wife. He was afraid that she might refuse to leave her family to go with
him. Therefore, the emphasis that Isaac was on no account would he be permitted
to leave the land that EL YAHVEH had promise to his descendant.
Genesis 24:10
Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all
his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to
the city of Nahor. - In order to influence
the parent to allow their daughter to be the wife of Isaac. Eliezer had to
prove that Isaac was surely capable of providing the necessity of life. The bride
price was never to purchase the woman; it was to show that the man was able to
sustain the new wife.
Genesis 24:11-14
And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at
evening time, the time when women go out to draw water. Then he said, “O YAHVEH
EL of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to
my master Abraham. “Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the
daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. “Now let it be
that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may
drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her
be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know
that You have shown kindness to my master.- Eliezer was not interested in the wealthy or even
famous or one who is the fashion model of the community; He preferred a woman
of modest means, the kind that would go draw water for herself, no having a
servant. One with this type of personality would a woman one could easily
molded to follow Torah.
Parents, in the
development of your daughter these are the quality you should instilled in
them; making it easer, for her to find a mature believer for a husband.
Likewise, in the development of a son, make sure he become a mature believer
before taking a wife. When the father sees that his son is mature enough to
take a wife; it is his responsibility alone to seek a wife for his son. These
are all Torah principles; we need to start implemented in the life of the
Hebrew or the believing community.
Genesis 24:15 And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold,
Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s
brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. - Your
Heavenly Father already knows the personality and the character of those who
are His. When we are on our way to find that elusive wife, He is on the other
hand making preparation for them to meet. Today, men and women choose mate
based on their own rationalization and not on Torah principle.
Genesis 24:16 Now the
young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And
she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. - We know she was a virgin, it was repeated that know
man had know her. This is one of the key in choosing a wife, a person who the
new husband can establish a blood covenant with. Unlike the other girls at the
well, who wasted their time in idle chatter wondering who might choose them as
a wife! Rebecca did her task quickly and without hesitation. This is the
character of a woman who would have no problem conforming to the will of her
husband, who is a follower of Torah.
Genesis 24:17 And the
servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your
pitcher.- A true servant of EL YAHVEH, when you see the
potential in a individual, run quickly to her, do not linger, less the
opportunity is lose. Who we are inside will always come out in our demeanor.
Young Ladies be careful how you respond to the request to show kindness or any
of the fruits of the Spirit, when it is in our power to do so. We do not know
if we are been kind to a prospective ambassador of rich, powerful, mature
husband.
Genesis 24:18 So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down
to her hand, and gave him a drink. - The
fruit of the Spirit was oozing out of Rebecca, her words “drink my lord”
showing respect; her action “she quickly let water bucket down” showing
Kindness. Kindness was an instinct.
Genesis 24:19 And when she had finished giving him a
drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have
finished drinking.”- It is good to take all opportunities of showing a
humble, courteous, charitable, disposition, because, some time or other, it may
turn more to our honor and benefit than we think of; some hereby have
entertained angels, and Rebekah hereby, quite beyond her expectation at this
time, was brought into the line of Christ and the covenant. There may be a
great deal of obliging kindness in that which costs but little: our Saviour has
promised a reward for a cup of cold water, Mt. 10:42.
Genesis 24:20 Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to
the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. - Rebecca continues to show her true nature; notice
she was now showing faithfulness and long suffering. Drawing water for ten
Camel is about fifty gallons of water, no easy task for a young lady. Yet she
did it faithfully.
Genesis
24:21 And the man, wondering at her, remained
silent so as to know whether YAHVEH had made his journey prosperous or not. - Even though
all the signs were there, Eliezar stood quietly to see if this was really
happening. His next hurdle was to see if she was a descendant of Abraham
family.
Genesis 24:22
So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a
golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists
weighing ten shekels of gold,- He acknowledges YAHVEH in a particular thanksgiving.
He first paid his respects to Rebekah, in gratitude for her civility, obliging
her with such ornaments and attire as a maid, especially a bride, cannot forget
(Jer. 2:32), which yet, we should think, ill suited the pitcher of water;
but the ear-rings and bracelets she sometimes wore did not make her think
herself above the labours of a virtuous woman (Prov. 31:13), who works
willingly with her hands; nor the services of a child, who, while under
age, differs nothing from a servant, Gal. 9:1. Having done this, he turns
his wonder verse 21) into worshipping: Blessed be E: YAHVEH of my master
Abraham, verse 26, 27. Observe here,
(1.) He had prayed for
good speed verse 12, and now that he had sped well he gives thanks. Note, What
we win by prayer we must wear with praise; for mercies in answer to prayer lay
us under particular obligations.
(1.)
He had as yet
but a comfortable prospect of mercy, and was not certain what the issue might
prove; yet he gives thanks. When YAH’s favours are coming towards us we must
meet them with our praises.
Genesis 24:23 and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in
your father’s house for us to lodge?- So confident was Eliezer that
he lavishes her with gifts even before asking her who she was. The gift, which
he had prepared beforehand, alluded to the destiny of her future offspring. The
beak is a half shekel, which symbolized the amount that every Hebrew would
contribute to the Sanctuary every year: the two bracelets the two Tablets
containing the Law; and their weight of ten shekels the Ten Commandment.
Even before receiving an
answer about her family’s identity, Eliezer asked if he could lodge with them
for the night. Apparently he was so impressed with Rebecca’s character that he
was eager to see, the kind of family that produce such an adorable woman.
Genesis 24:24 So she
said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to
Nahor.”
Genesis 24:25 Moreover she said
to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.” - She had just
made Eliezer day, not only was she all that and more but she fulfilled the
requirement. When our Lord and Savor send His servants to receive His five wise
Virgins; will we be one of them. Will he be so overtaken by our character that
he asks who is your Husband, who is your Pastor, where is your congregation. In
essence take me to your leader. In keeping with her previous display of giving
more than Eliezer asked of her, she responded to his request for personal
lodging by saying that she would provide for his camels as well.
Genesis 24:26 Then
the man bowed down his head and worshiped YAHVEH. 27And he said,
“Blessed be YAHVEH EL YAHVEH of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His
mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, YAHVEH led
me to the house of my master’s brethren.” - Eliezer’s
expression of gratitude revealed his own stature as Abraham’s chief disciple
and the master of his household. Everything that had happen so far, he ascribed
to the grace of EL YAHVEH. He made it clear that it was not in his merit that
he was there; he came for the sake of his master Abraham. In his prayer Eliezer
mention mercy and truth, it is important for the two to come together. Mercy
alone can be harmful, because it can cause someone to given in to the wishes of
the one they love, even in cases where it is wrong. Therefore, truth must
regulate mercy to prevent it from abuses. Although he was Abraham servant, far
away from home, EL YAHVEH has guided him and brought Eliezer directly to his
objective. This is another principle worth considering; he who starts a good
work is faithful to complete it.
Genesis 24:28-31
So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things. Now
Rebecca had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the
well. So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his
sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebecca, saying,
“Thus the man spoke to me,” that he went to the man. And there he stood by the
camels at the well. And he said, “Come in, O blessed of YAHVEH! Why do you
stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.” Torah now introduces us to Rebecca’s family, where
it seems that her father might not be alive; therefore the eldest son Laban was
the eldest male in the clan. From the profound influence Laban exercised in the
household it would appear that he was either the only son or the eldest.
However, Laban’s character in this story is basically straightforward and
honorable, since there is nothing up to this point that suggests otherwise.
Genesis 24:32 Then
the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and
feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who
were with him. It is customary in
those days to muzzle the livestock whenever they were away from home,
preventing them from grazing in other people’s fields. This is another
principle worthy of consideration; when we are away from home, we need to be very
careful on what we feed. All good Shepard would muzzle there flock against
false teaching they may developed in a foreign land.
Genesis
24:33-39 Food was set before him to eat,
but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.” And he said,
“Speak on.” So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. “YAHVEH has blessed
my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and
herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. “And
Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he
has given all that he has. “Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not
take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I
dwell; ‘but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife
for my son.’ “And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me. ’- Since Eliezer
still did not know if the girl would consent to follow him to Canaan ,
he resolved not to eat until the matter was settled beyond a doubt.
Eliezer allowed Laban to
provide for his camel and the servants who accompanied him, but he refused to
eat anything himself until he had completed his mission by securing the
family’s consent for the union. Eliezer repeated the whole story in order to
convince them that EL YAHVEH willed this union, thus delicately suggesting that
it was not in their power to prevent it.
Eliezer began by saying
that to him was given the greatest mark of distinction t hat a human being
could claim: A servant of Abraham am I. Therefore he establish his credentials
as a Elohim-fearing man of integrity, for no one could be a disciple of Abraham
without being touched by his greatness and his high moral caliber. With feeling
and enthusiasm, Eliezer went on to tell his hosts about Abraham’s
miracle-filled life, summarizing Abraham’s life, and accomplishment.
Eliezer said he was only
there because of the oath; there is no shortage of women in my country, but his
Master rejected them. This method of an oath was also to explain why he could
not eat with them until his task was complete. Since he had taken an oath, he
had to set everything aside until he had fulfilled his commitment. We see here
the implementation of another divine principle; do not be sidetrack in our
commitment to reach maturity.
Genesis 24:40“But
he said to me, ‘YAHVEH, before
whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall
take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house. The spiritual implication here is that, as
Eliezer is seek a bride for Isaac, so is the ministers of the Gospel are also
seeking a mature bride for our Lord Messiyah. 41‘You will
be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not
give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’ Those who do go out and preach the Besorah
(good new) will be cleared from any responsibility if the people they are
preaching to refuse to accept the invitation
Genesis 24:42“And this
day I came to the well and said, ‘YAHVEH your Elohim of my master Abraham, if
You will now prosper the way in which I go, - Here is another divine
principle. When we as minister of the Gospel go out to preach, we must always
ask our Lord to make our way prosperous.
Genesis 24:43‘behold, I stand by the well of water;
and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I
say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,”
Genesis 24:44‘and she says to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your
camels also,”let her be the woman whom YAHVEH has appointed for my master’s son.’ - Eliezer
is a type and shadow of a true minister of the Good News, who stood by the
Word, and when the young woman came to Torah study, he ask her for a word for
himself. Without delay she draw from what was inside of herself and minister
unto the stranger and his associates. On the spot he prayed secretly for her to
be the companion for his master. Any person who continuously goes to the well,
and is unable to feed others from what her or she have gleaned, disqualified
themselves from been chosen as the wise virgin.
Genesis 24:45“But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there
was Rebecca, coming out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to
the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ 46“And
she made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink,
and I will give your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels
a drink also. – Our actions as believers should always be visible
Torah. The desire of a mature believer will always be answered before he even
finishes praying. Some time we might wonder why of prayers are not been
answered, just check our statue with Our Creator. We also see in Rebecca the
seed of potential greatness, which is promptness covered with generosity.
Genesis 24:47“Then
I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of
Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the nose ring on her
nose and the bracelets on her wrists. 48“And I bowed my head and
worshiped YAHVEH, and blessed YAHVEH
EL YAHVEH of my master Abraham, who had led me in the way of truth to take the
daughter of my master’s brother for his son.
Genesis 24:49“Now if you will
deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may
turn to the right hand or to the left.” - Eliezer intimated that she
was indeed the woman who EL YAHVEH had designated, and he was merely seeking
their consent to conclude the matter. Eliezer require that they dealt kindly;
it is an intention to do something that is not obligated while truth means to
give permanence to the kindness.
The kindness would be to
Abraham, in that they would yield to his wishes by sending Rebecca, because it
was for her benefit that she marries Isaac.
Genesis 24:50 Then
Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from YAHVEH; we cannot speak to you either bad or
good. - Rebecca family’s response is the
best evidence of Eliezer’s success in having carried out his mission. Since the
matter is obviously EL YAHVEH’s wish, they had no objection. This is also a
revelation of the principle of choosing a wife.
Genesis 24:51“Here is
Rebecca before you; take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife,
as YAHVEH has spoken.” - No
where in this did we hear about EL YAHVEH speak. However, EL YAHVEH speaks
through His control of events, and the entire sequence of the narrative shows
that He wanted Rebecca to become Isaac’s wife. It is not the church that
determines the legitimacy of a marriage, as they did in the 11th
century; it is the Divine matchmaking, along with the bride price.
Genesis 24:52 And it
came to pass, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, that he worshiped YAHVEH, bowing himself to the earth. - Once
Eliezer had proven his loyalty and accomplished his mission, EL YAHVEH called
him a servant of His beloved Abraham. As ministers of the Good News, when we
have produced a mature bride for El Yahushua, we too will be called Servant of EL
YAHVEH.
Genesis 24:53
Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and
clothing, and gave them to Rebecca. He also gave precious things to her brother
and to her mother. - Now that the family had agreed to the match, Eliezer acted as Isaac’s
agent to take Rebecca, and the gifts served the function of the bride price.
The earlier gift that was given to Rebecca was an example of the betrothal, for
it was not permitted to take a young lady without her family consent.
Genesis
24:54
And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night.
Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my EL YAHVEH’s
wish, master. – This is the first example
of wedding feasts in Torah; they got together and eat and drink all night.
Genesis 24:55 But
her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a year, at
least ten months; after that she may go.- This was a period of time
generally given to a young bride to be, to prepare her for marriage.
Ostensibly, therefore, Laban and his mother were making a customary and
reasonable request. Since everything has gone smoothly and EL YAHVEH had
granted him favor, it is obvious Eliezer wanted to return with the good news.
Genesis 24:56 And he
said to them, “Do not hinder me, since YAHVEH has prospered my way; send me
away so that I may go to my master.” 57So they said, “We will call
the young woman and ask her personally.” From this we learn that young lady should be given in marriage only
with her consent.
Genesis 24:58 Then
they called Rebecca and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said,
“I will go.”- Hereupon she is sent away with Abraham’s servant;
not, we may suppose, the very next day after, but very quickly: her friends see
that she has a good heart on it, and so they dismiss her, With suitable
attendants her nurse verse 59, her damsels. It seems, then, that
when she went to the well for water it was not because she had not servants at
command, but because she took a pleasure in works of humble industry. Now that
she was going among strangers, it was fit she should take those with her with
whom she was acquainted. Here is nothing said of her portion. Her personal
merits were a portion in her, she needed none with her, nor did that ever come
into the treaty of marriage.
Genesis 24:59So
they sent away Rebecca their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and
his men. 60And they blessed Rebecca and said to her:
“Our
sister, may you become
The
mother of thousands of ten thousands;
And may
your descendants possess
The gates of those who hate
them.”
With
hearty good wishes: They blessed Rebekah. When our relations are
entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to recommend them to the
blessing and grace of YAHVEH. Now that she was going to be a wife, they prayed
that she might be a mother both of a numerous and of a victorious progeny.
Perhaps Abraham’s servant had told them of the promise YAHVEH had lately made
to his master, which it is likely, Abraham acquainted his household with, that YAHVEH
would multiply his seed as the stars of heaven, and that they should possess
the gate of their enemies (ch. 22:17), to which promise they had an eye in
this blessing, Be thou the mother of that seed.
Genesis 24:61 Then
Rebecca and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man.
So the servant took Rebecca and departed. 62Now Isaac came from the
way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. – Isaac
was well employed when he met Rebekah: He went out to meditate, or pray,
in the field, at the even-tide. Some think he expected the return of his
servants about this time, and went out on purpose to meet them. But, it should
seem, he went out on another errand, to take the advantage of a silent evening
and a solitary field for meditation and prayer, those divine exercises by which
we converse with YAHVEH and our own hearts.
1. Holy souls love
retirement. It will do us good to be often left alone, walking alone and
sitting alone; and, if we have the art of improving solitude, we shall find we
are never less alone than when alone.
2. Meditation and prayer
ought to be both our business and our delight when we are alone; while we have
a YAHVEH, a Messiyah, and a heaven, to acquaint ourselves with, and to secure
our interest in, we need not want matter either for meditation or prayer,
which, if they go together, will mutually befriend each other.
3. Our walks in the field
are then truly pleasant when in them we apply ourselves to meditation and
prayer. We there have a free and open prospect of the heavens above us and the
earth around us, and the host and riches of both, by the view of which we
should be led to the contemplation of the Maker and owner of all.
1.
The exercises
of devotion should be the refreshment and entertainment of the evening, to
relieve us from the fatigue occasioned by the care and business of the day, and
to prepare us for the repose and sleep of the night.
Genesis 24:63
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted
his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming.- Merciful
providences are then doubly comfortable when they find us well employed and in
the way of our duty. Some think Isaac was now praying for good success in this
affair that was depending, and meditating upon that which was proper to
encourage his hope in YAHVEH concerning it; and now, when he sets himself, as
it were, upon his watch-tower, to see what YAHVEH would answer him, as the
prophet (Hab. 2:1), he sees the camels coming. Sometimes YAHVEH sends in
the mercy prayed for immediately, Acts 12:12.
Genesis 24:64
Then Rebecca lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from
her camel; - Rebekah behaved herself very
becomingly, when she met Isaac: understanding who he was, she alighted off
her camel.
Genesis 24:65 for she had said to the servant,
“Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my
master.” So she took a veil and covered herself. – and took a veil, and covered herself , in token of humility,
modesty, and subjection. She did not reproach Isaac for not coming
himself to fetch her, or, at least, to meet her a day’s journey or two, did not
complain of the tediousness of her journey, or the difficulty of leaving her
relations, to come into a strange place; but, having seen Providence going
before her in the affair, she accommodates herself with cheerfulness to her new
relation. Those that by faith are espoused to Messiyah, and would be presented
as chaste virgins to him, must, in conformity to his example, humble
themselves, as Rebekah, who alighted when she saw Isaac on foot, and must put
themselves into subjection to him who is their head (Eph. 5:24), as Rebekah,
signifying it by the veil she put on, 1 Co. 11:10.
Genesis 24:66 And the
servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. –
Genesis 24:67 Then
Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebecca and she
became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s
death. - This passage describes the
meeting and marriage between Isaac and Rebecca. It is quite touching for it
reflects the basic premise of a Hebrew wedding. It begin with the Man walking
back home from praying at a place that recalled EL YAHVEH’s mercy to the
previous generation, for Hebrew cleave to their past and look towards the
future and the Elohim who guided them.
The meeting of Isaac and
Rebecca was finally accomplished; she displayed the personal modesty that has
always been one of her glory as a Hebrew woman. When Rebecca recognizes that it
was her master coming towards her, she modestly dismounts from her Camel in
order to meet him face to face. If she had stayed on her Camel if would
signified that she wanted to be over him. Something today’s women need to
remember.
Finally, Isaac brought
her back to his mother’s tent, the seat of the Matriarch of the family, where
he consummates the union. When did they get married? Who was the presiding
Rabbi? Who was the bridesmaids? I forgot we are not talking about Christianity.
Chapter
25
As is customary in the
Torah, when a person come to the end of their spiritual development and their
influence in the lives of other are complete; He may lived for many more years
as is this final chapter in Abraham’s life.
Abraham was at the age of
140 when he found a wife for his son; the history of the development of the
Hebrew people is now transferred to the next generation. The Torah now
summarizes the rest of Abraham’s life, saying merely that he remarried,
provided for his children by his second wife, before he was laid to rest at the
age of 175 by his sons Ishmael and Isaac.
Since Ishmael had no part
in the ongoing story of the Hebrew people, the Torah merely mention the list of
his offspring; then it takes up the story of Isaac. All of this is to say, that
the Torah is not a history book; if it were, there would surely be many more
events of interest that might be recorded. But since it is the story of the
development of EL YAHVEH chosen People, any events central to this primary
theme are extraneous.
Genesis 25:1
Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2And she
bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3Jokshan
begot Sheba
The disposition which
Abraham made of his estate, verse 5,6. After the birth of these sons, he set
his house in order, with prudence and justice.
1. He made Isaac his
heir, as he was bound to do, in justice to Sarah his first and principal wife,
and to Rebekah who married Isaac upon the assurance of it, ch. 24:36. In all
this, which he settled upon Isaac, are perhaps included the promise of the land of Canaan
2. He gave portions to
the rest of his children, both to Ishmael, though at first he was sent away
empty, and to his sons by Keturah. It was justice to provide for them; parents
that do not imitate him in this are worse than infidels. It was prudence to
settle them in places distant from Isaac, that they might not pretend to divide
the inheritance with him, nor be in any way a care or expense to him.
He did this while he yet
lived, lest it should not be done, or not so well done, afterwards. Note, in
many cases it is wisdom for men to make their own hands their executors, and
what they find to do to do it while they live, as far as they can. These sons
of the concubines were sent into the country that lay east from Canaan , and their posterity were called the children of
the east, famous for their numbers, Jdg. 6:5, 33. Their great increase was the
fruit of the promise made to Abraham, that YAHVEH would multiply his seed. YAHVEH,
in dispensing his blessings, does as Abraham did; common blessings he gives to
the children in the outer court, as to the sons of the bondwoman, but
covenant-blessings he reserves for the heirs of promise. All that he has is
theirs, for they are his Isaacs, from whom the rest shall be forever separated.
Genesis 25:7 This
is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and
seventy-five years.- The age and death of
Abraham. He lived 175 years, just 100 years after he came to Canaan ;
so long he was a sojourner in a strange country. Though he lived long and lived
well, though he did good and could ill be spared, yet he died at last. Observe
how his death is here described.
1. He gave up his
Spirit. Hes life was not extorted from him, but he cheerfully resigned it;
into the hands of the Father of spirits he committed his spirit.
2. He died in a good
old age, an old man; so YAHVEH had promised him. His death was his
discharge from the burdens of his age: an old man would not so live
always. It was also the crown of the glory of his old age.
3. He was full of
years, or full of life (as it might be supplied), including all the
conveniences and comforts of life. He did not live till the world was weary of
him, but till he was weary of the world; he had had enough of it, and desired
no more. I have lived long enough. A good man, though he should not die
old, dies full of days, satisfied with living here, and longing to live in a
better place.
4. He was gathered to
his people. His body was gathered to the congregation of the dead, and his
soul to the congregation of the blessed. Death gathers us to our people. Those
that are our people while we live, whether the people of YAHVEH or the children
of this world, are the people to whom death will gather us.
Genesis 25:8 Then
Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of
years, and was gathered to his people.
- His burial. Here is nothing
recorded of the pomp or ceremony of his funeral; only we are told,
Who buried him: His
sons Isaac and Ishmael. It was the last office of respect they had to pay
to their good father. Some distance there had formerly been between Isaac and
Ishmael; but it seems either that Abraham had himself brought them together
while he lived, or at least that his death reconciled them.
Where they buried him: in
his own burying-place, which he had purchased, and in which he had buried
Sarah. Those that in life have been very dear to each other may not only
innocently, but laudably, desire to be buried together, that in their deaths
they may not be divided, and in token of their hopes of rising together.
The Key in all of this
verse, is that he was gath
Genesis 25:9 And his
sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before
Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, - The age and death of Abraham. He lived 175 years,
just 100 years after he came to Canaan ; so
long he was a sojourner in a strange country. Though he lived long and lived
well, though he did well his journey to perfection was achieved; yet he died at
last. Observe how his death is described.
One, He gave up the
ghost. His life was not extorted from him, but he cheerfully resigned it; into
the hands of the Father of spirits he committed his spirit.
Two, He died in a good
old age, an old man; so YAHVEH had promised him. His death was his discharge
from the burdens of his age: an old man would not so live always. It was also
the crown of the glory of his old age.
Three, He was full of
years, or full of life (as it might be supplied), including all the
conveniences and comforts of life. He did not live till the world was weary of
him, but till he was weary of the world; he had had enough of it, and desired
no more. I have lived long enough. A good man, though he should not die old,
dies full of days, satisfied with living here, and longing to live in a better
place.
Four, He was gathered to
his people. His body was gathered to the congregation of the dead, and his soul
to the congregation of the blessed. Death gathers us to our inheritance. Those
that are our people while we live, whether the people of the Kingdom or the
children of this world, are the people to whom death will gather us.
Genesis 25:10 The field which Abraham purchased from
the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. - Here is nothing recorded of the pomp or ceremony of
his funeral; only we are told, - Who
buried him: His sons Isaac and Ishmael. It was the last office of respect they
had to pay to their good father. Some distance there had formerly been between
Isaac and Ishmael; but it seems either that Abraham had himself brought them
together while he lived, or at least that his death reconciled them. Where they
buried him: in his own burying-place, which he had purchased, and in which he
had buried Sarah. Note, Those that in life have been very dear to each other
may not only innocently, but laudably, desire to be buried together, that in
their deaths they may not be divided, and in token of their hopes of rising
together.
Genesis 25:11 And it
came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that YAHVEH blessed his son Isaac.
And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi. His burial. - Immediately after the account of Abraham’s death,
Moses begins the story of Isaac, and tells us where he dwelt and how remarkably
YAHVEH blessed him. The blessing of Abraham did not die with him, but survived
to all the children of the promise. But he presently digresses from the story
of Isaac, to give a short account of Ishmael, forasmuch as he also was a son of
Abraham, and YAHVEH had made some promises concerning him, which it was
requisite we should know the accomplishment of. Observe here what is said,
concerning his children.
Genesis 25:12 Now
this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian,
Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. 13And these were the names of
the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The
firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14Mishma,
Dumah, Massa, - And some very good
expositors have taken notice of the signification of those three names which
are put together, as containing good advice to us all, Mishma, Dumah, and
Massa, that is, hear, keep silence, and bear; we have them together in the same
order, Jam. 1:19, Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Genesis 25:15 Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and
Kedemah. 16These were the sons of Ishmael and these were their
names, by their towns and their settlements, twelve princes according to their
nations. Concerning his children.
- He
had twelve sons, twelve princes they are called, heads of families,
which in process of time became nations, distinct tribes, numerous and very
considerable. They peopled a very large continent, that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia .
The names of his twelve sons are recorded. Midian and Kedar we often read of in
scripture. The posterity of Ishmael had not only tents in the fields, wherein
they grew rich in times of peace; but they had towns and castles, wherein they
fortified themselves in time of war.
Genesis 25:17 These were the years of the life
of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven years; and he breathed his last and
died, and was gathered to his people. - Many that are strangers to
the covenants of promise are yet blessed with outward prosperity for the sake
of their godly ancestors. Wealth and riches shall be in their house. Concerning himself! Here is an account of his
age: He lived 137 years which is recorded to show the efficacy of Abraham’s
prayer for him (ch. 17:18), O that Ishmael might live before thee! Here is also
an account of his death; he too was gathered to his people; but it is not said
that he was full of days, though he lived to so great an age: he was not so
weary of the world, nor so willing to leave it, as his good father was. Those
words, he fell in the presence of all his brethren, whether they mean, as we
take them, he died, or, as others, his lot fell, are designed to show the
fulfilling of that word to Hagar (ch. 16:12), He shall dwell in the presence of
all his brethren, that is, he shall flourish and be eminent among them, and
shall hold his own to the last. Or he died with his friends about him, which is
comfortable.
Genesis 25:18(They
dwelt from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt
as you go toward Assyria .) He died in the
presence of all his brethren
In this chapter we learn
about:
I. David declining in his health verse
1-4.
II. Adonijah aspiring to
the kingdom, and treating his party, in order to it verse 5–10).
III. Nathan and Bathsheba
contriving to secure the succession to Solomon, and prevailing for an order
from David for the purpose verse 11–31.
I King 1:1 Now King
David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not
get warm. - David, as recorded in the
foregoing chapter, had, by the great mercy of YAHVEH, escaped the sword of the
destroying angel. But our deliverances from or through diseases and dangers are
but reprieves; if the candle be not blown out, it will burn out of itself. We
have David here sinking under the infirmities of old age, and brought by them
to the gates of the grave.
He that cometh up out
of the pit shall fall into the snare; and, one way or other, we must
needs die. 1. It would have troubled one to see David so infirm. He as old,
and his natural heat so wasted that no clothes could keep him warm. David had
been a valiant active man and a man of business, and very vehement had the
flame always been in his breast; and yet now his blood is chilled and
stagnated, he is confined to his bed, and there can get no heat.
He was now seventy years
old. Many, at that age, are as lively and fit for business as ever; but David
was now chastised for his former sins, especially that in the matter of Uriah,
and felt from his former toils and the hardships he had gone through in his
youth, which then he made nothing of, but was now the worse for.
Let not the strong man
glory in his strength, which may
soon be weakened by sickness, or at last will be weakened by old age. Let young
people remember their Creator in the days of their youth, before these
evil days come. What our hand finds to do for YAHVEH, and our souls, and our
generation, let us do with all our might, because the night comes, the night of
old age, in which no man can work; and, when our strength has gone, it will be
a comfort to remember that we used it well.
I King 1:2 Therefore
his servants said to him, “Let a young woman, a virgin, be sought for our lord
the king, and let her stand before the king, and let her care for him; and let
her lie in your bosom, that our lord the king may be warm.” – It would have troubled one to see his physicians so
weak and unskillful that they knew no other way of relieving him than by
outward applications. No cordials, no spirits, but. They covered him with
clothes, which, where there is any inward heat, will keep it in, and so
increase it; but, where it is not, they have none to communicate, no, not royal
clothing. Elihu makes it a difficulty to understand how our garments are
warm upon us (Job 37:17); but, if YAHVEH deny his blessing, men clothe
themselves, and there is none warm (Hag. 1:6), David here was not.
They brought a
virgin young woman to David, that she might stimulate him Physically. This
might encourage him out of his depression. Proverbs 30:19 The
way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship
in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. David
was in a vegetative state, he was cold all day long, something had to be done
to warm up the King.
No where is Torah did
it ever state that there was an age limit between a man and a woman. Today we
place such man made limits on relationship, and we forget the greater purpose
of man and woman, that is to provide righteous children for the Kingdom.
I King 1:3 So they
sought for a lovely young woman throughout all the territory of Yisrael
I King 1:4 The
young woman was very lovely; and she cared for the king, and served him; but
the king did not know her.- The young lady
was given to David as a wife, but he never consummate the relationship. Notice
there was no wedding, however, I believe that the Bride Price was paid. She
cared for him, even though she was far younger that the King was. Today David
would be called a dirt old man, and older man with a beautiful young woman?
I King 1:5 Then
Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; and he
prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. - David
had much affliction in his children. Amnon and Absalom had both been his grief;
the one his first-born, the other his third, 2 Sa. 3:2, 3. His second, whom he
had by Abigail, we will suppose he had comfort in; his fourth was Adonijah (2
Sa. 3:4); he was one of those that were born in Hebron; we have heard nothing
of him till now, and here we are told that he was a comely person, and that he
was next in age, and (as it proved) next in temper to Absalom, verse 6. And,
further, that in his father’s eyes he had been a jewel but was now a thorn.
He, in return, made a
fool of his father. Because he was old, and confined to his bed, he thought no
notice was to be taken of him, and therefore exalted himself, and said, I
will be king. Children that are indulged learn to be proud and ambitious,
which is the ruin of a great many young people.
The way to keep them
humble is to keep them under. Observe Adonijah’s insolence.
1. He looked upon the
days of mourning for his father to be at hand, and therefore he prepared to
succeed him, though he knew that by the designation both of YAHVEH and David
Solomon was to be the man; for public notice had been given of it by David himself,
and the succession settled, as it were by act of parliament, in pursuance of
YAH’s appointment, 1 Chr. 22:9; 23:1. This entail Adonijah attempted by force
to cut off, in contempt both of God and his father. Thus is the kingdom of Messiyah
2. He looked upon his
father as superannuated and good for nothing, and therefore he entered
immediately upon the possession of the throne. He cannot wait till his father’s
head be laid low, but it must now be said, Adonijah reigns verse 18,
and, Elohim save king Adonijah, verse 25. His father is not fit to
govern, for he is old and past ruling, nor Solomon, for he is young, and not
yet able to rule; and therefore Adonijah will take the government upon him. It
argues a very base and wicked mind for children to insult over their parents
because of the infirmities of their age.
I King 1:6 (And
his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, “Why have you done so?”
He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.) - His
father had made a fondling of him. He had not displeased him at any time. It is
not said that he never displeased his father; it is probably that he had done
so frequently, and his father was secretly troubled at his misconduct and
lamented it before YAHVEH. But his father had not discipline him, by crossing
him in his humors, denying him any thing he had a mind to, or by calling him to
an account as to what he had done and where he had been, or by keeping him to
his book or his business, or reproving him for what he saw or heard of that he
did amiss; he never said to him, Why hast thou done so?
Because he saw it was
uneasy to him, and he could not bear it without fretting. It was the son’s
fault that he was displeased at reproof and took it for affront, whereby he
lost the benefit of it; and it was the father’s fault that, because he saw it
displeased him, he did not reprove him; and now he justly smarted for indulging
him. Those who honor their sons more than YAHVEH, as those do who keep them not
under good discipline, thereby forfeit the honor they might expect from their
sons.
I King 1:7 Then
he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and
they followed and helped Adonijah.
- In pursuance of this ambitious
project,
He got a great retinue
verse 5, chariots and horsemen, both for state and strength, to wait on
him, and to fight for him.
He made great alliance
with no less than Joab, the general of the army, and Abiathar the high priest.
That he should validate his court to those who by their influence in church and
camp were capable of doing him great service is not strange; but we may well
wonder by what arts they could be drawn to follow him and help him. They were
old men, who had been faithful to David in the most difficult and troublesome
of his times, men of sense and experience, who, one would think, would not
easily be wheedled. They could not propose any advantage to themselves by
supporting Adonijah, for they were both at the top of their preferment and
stood fast in it.
I King 1:8 But
Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei,
and the mighty men who belonged to David were not with Adonijah.- They could not be ignorant of the entail of the
crown upon Solomon, which it was not in their power to cut off, and therefore
it was their interest to oblige him. But YAHVEH, in this matter, left them to
themselves, perhaps to correct them for some former misconduct with a scourge
of their own making. We are told who those were that were of such approved
fidelity to David that Adonijah had not the confidence so much as to propose
his project to them Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan.
I King 1:9 And Adonijah
sacrificed sheep and oxen and fattened cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which
is by En Rogel; he also invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the
men of Judah, the king’s servants.
- He prepared a great entertainment at
En-rogel, not far from Yerushalayim; his guests were the king’s sons, and the
king’s servants, whom he feasted and caressed to bring them over to his
party.
I King 1:10 But he
did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or Solomon his
brother. - but Solomon was not invited, either because he
despised him or because he despaired of him. Such as serve their own belly, and
will be in the interest of those that will feast them what side so ever they
are of, are an easy prey to seducers, Rom. 16:18. Some think that Adonijah slew
these sheep and oxen, even fat ones, for sacrifice, and that it was a religious
feast he made, beginning his usurpation with a show of devotion, as Absalom
under the color of a vow (2 Sa. 15:7), which he might do the more plausibly
when he had the high priest himself on his side. It is a pity that any occasion
should ever be given to say, In the name of the Lord begins all evil,
and that all religious exercises should be made to patronize all religious
practices.
I King 1:11 So
Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not heard
that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not
know it? - We have here the effectual endeavors that were used
by Nathan and Bathsheba to obtain from David a ratification of Solomon’s
succession, for the crushing of Adonijah’s usurpation.
1. David knew not what
was going on. Disobedient children think that they are well enough off if they
can but keep their good old parents ignorant of their bad courses; but a bird
of the air will carry the voice.
2. Bathsheba lived
retired, and knew nothing of it either, till Nathan informed her. Many get very
comfortably through this world that know little how the world goes.
3. Solomon, it is likely,
knew of it, but was as a deaf man that heard not. Though he had years, and
wisdom above his years, yet we do not find that he stirred to oppose Adonijah,
but quietly composed himself and left it to YAHVEH and his friends to order the
matter. Hence David, in his Psalm for Solomon, observes that while men, in
pursuit of the world, in vain rise early and sit up late, YAHVEH giveth his
beloved (his Jedidiahs) sleep, in giving them to be easy, and
to gain their point without agitation, Ps. 127:1, 2. How then is the design
brought about?
Nathan the prophet alarms
Bathsheba by acquainting her with the case, and puts her in a way to get an
order from the king for the confirming of Solomon’s title. He was concerned,
because he knew YAH’s mind, and David’s and Israel’s interest; it was by him
that YAHVEH had named Solomon Jedidiah (2 Sa. 12:25), and therefore he
could not sit still and see the throne usurped, which he knew was Solomon’s
right by the will of him from whom promotion cometh. When crowns were disposed
of by immediate direction from heaven, no marvel that prophets were so much
interested and employed in that matter; but now that common providence rules
the affairs of the kingdom of men (Dan. 4:32) the subordinate agency must be
left to common persons, and let not prophets intermeddle in them, but keep to
the affairs of the kingdom of Heaven among men.
Nathan applied to
Bathsheba, as one that had the greatest concern for Solomon, and could have the
freest access to David. He informed her of Adonijah’s attempt, and that it was
not with David’s consent or knowledge. He suggested to her that not only
Solomon was in danger of losing the crown, but that he and she too were in
danger of losing their lives if Adonijah prevailed. A humble spirit may be
indifferent to a crown, and may be content, notwithstanding the prospect of it,
to sit down short of the possession of it. But the law of self-preservation,
and the sixth commandment, obliges us to use all possible endeavors to secure
our own life and the life of others.
I King 1:12“Come, please, let me now give you advice, that you
may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. - Now,
says Nathan, let me give thee counsel how to save thy own life and the life
of thy son. Such as this is the counsel that Messiyah’s ministers give us
in his name, to give all diligence, not only that no man take our crown
(Rev. 3:11), but that we save our lives, even the lives of our souls.
I King 1:13“Go
immediately to King David and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord, O king, swear
to your maidservant, saying, “Assuredly your son Solomon shall reign after me,
and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ -
He directs her to go to the king, to remind him of his word and oath, that
Solomon should be his successor; and to ask him in the most humble manner, Why
doth Adonijah reign? He thought David was not so cold but this would warm
him. Conscience, as well as a sense of honor, would put life into him upon such
an occasion as this; and he promised verse 24 that, while she was reasoning
with the king in this matter, he would come in and second her, as if he came
accidentally, which perhaps the king might look upon as a special providence
(and he was one that took notice of such evidences, 1 Sa. 25:32, 33), or, at
least, it would help to awaken him so much the more.
I King 1:14“Then, while
you are still talking there with the king, I also will come in after you and
confirm your words.” - Bathsheba, according to Nathan’s advice and
direction, loses no time, but immediately makes her application to the king, on
the same errand on which Esther came to king Ahasuerus, to intercede for her
life.
I King 1:15 So
Bathsheba went into the chamber to the king. (Now the king was very old, and
Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.) - She needed not wait for a
call as Esther did, she knew she should be welcome at any time; but it is
remarked that when she visited the king Abishag was ministering to him.
I King 1:16 And
Bathsheba bowed and did homage to the king. Then the king said, “What is your
wish?” - Bathsheba
took no displeasure either at him or her for it, also that she bowed and did
obeisance to the king in token of her respect to him both as her prince and
as her husband; such a genuine daughter was she of Sarah, who obeyed Abraham,
calling him lord.
I King 1:17 Then
she said to him, “My lord, you swore by YAHVEH your EL to your maidservant,
saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on
my throne.’ - Those that would find favor with superiors mush show
them reverence, and be dutiful to those whom they expect to be kind to them.
Her address to the king, on this occasion, is very discreet. She reminded him
of his promise made to her and confirmed with a solemn oath, that Solomon
should succeed him. She knew how fast this would hold such a conscientious man
as David was.
I King 1:18“So now, look!
Adonijah has become king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know about it. - She
informed him of Adonijah’s attempt, which he was ignorant of: "Adonijah
reigns, in competition with thee for the present and in contradiction to thy
promise for the future. The fault is not yours, for you did not know; but now
that you know it you will, in pursuance of thy promise, take care to suppress
this usurpation.
I King 1:19“He
has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited
all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the
army; but Solomon your servant he has not invited. - She told him who were Adonijah’s guests, and who were in his interest,
and added, but "Solomon thy servant has he not called, which
plainly shows he looks upon him as his rival, and aims to undermine him. It is
not an oversight, but contempt of the act of settlement, that Solomon is
neglected.
I King 1:20“And as for
you, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell
them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. - She pleads that it is very much in his power
to obviate this mischief: The eyes of all Yisrael are upon thee, not only
as a king, for we cannot suppose it the prerogative of any prince to
bequeath his subjects by will (as if they were his goods and chattels) to whom
he pleases, but as a prophet. All Yisrael knew that David was not only
himself the anointed of the EL of Jacob, but that the Spirit of YAHVEH
spoke by him (2 Sa. 23:1, 2), and therefore waiting for and depending upon
a divine designation, in a matter of such importance, David’s word would be an
oracle and a law to them; this therefore (says Bathsheba) they expect, and it
will end the controversy and effectually quash all Adonijah’s pretensions. A
divine sentence is in the lips of the king. Whatever power, interest, or
influence, men have, they ought to improve it to the utmost for the preserving
and advancing of the kingdom of the Messiah, of which Solomon’s kingdom was a
type.
I King 1:21“Otherwise it
will happen, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, that I and my son
Solomon will be counted as offenders.” - She suggested the imminent
peril which she and her son would be in if this matter was not settled in
David’s life-time. "If Adonijah prevail, as he is likely to do (having
Joab the general and Abiathar the priest on his side) unless speedily
suppressed, Solomon and all his friends will be looked upon as traitors and
dealt with accordingly.’’ Usurpers are most cruel. If Adonijah had got into the
throne, he would not have dealt so fairly with Solomon as Solomon did with him.
I King 1:22 And
just then, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet also
came in. - Nathan
the prophet, according to his promise, seasonably stepped in, and seconded her,
while she was speaking, before the king had given his answer, lest. if he had
heard Bathsheba’s representation only, his answer should be dilatory and only
that he would consider of it: but out of the mouth of two witnesses, two such
witnesses, the word would be established, and he would immediately give
positive orders. The king is told that Nathan the prophet has come, and he is
sure to be always welcome to the king, especially when either he is not well or
has any great affair upon his thoughts; for, in either case, a prophet will be,
in a particular manner, serviceable to him.
I King 1:23 So
they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in
before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. -
Nathan knows he must render honor to whom honor is due, and therefore pays the
king the same respect now that he finds him sick in bed as he would have done
if he had found him in his throne: He bowed himself with his face to the
ground. He deals a little more plainly with the king than Bathsheba had
done. In this his character would support him, and the present languor of the
king’s spirits made it necessary that they should be roused.
I King 1:24And
Nathan said, “My lord, O king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me,
and he shall sit on my throne’? -
He makes David sensible how much he was
concerned to clear himself from having a hand in it: Hast thou said,
Adonijah shall reign after me?
I King 1:25“For he has gone
down today, and has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance,
and has invited all the king’s sons, and the commanders of the army, and
Abiathar the priest; and look! They are eating and drinking before him; and
they say, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
- He makes the same representation of
Adonijah’s attempt as Bathsheba had made verse 25, 26, adding that his party
had already got to such a height of assurance as to shout, YAHVEH save king
Adonijah, as if king David were already dead, taking notice also that they
had not invited him to their feast (Me thy servant has he not called),
thereby intimating that they resolved not to consult either YAHVEH or David in
the matter, for Nathan was intimately acquainted with the mind of both.
Rebellious people will always used the name of the Creator to justify their
rebellion.
I King 1:26“But he has
not invited me—me your servant—nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah the son of
Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon. –
The Adonijah is a form of Lucifer, who
wanted to seize power for himself. Lucifer went around the Universe seeking the
other Angels to support his Liberation movement. He promise them liberty, their
own dominion. Much like Adonijah who got the Chief of staff of the Army and the
High Priest to support him, such is the spirit of rebellion.
I King 1:27“Has this
thing been done by my lord the king, and you have not told your servant who
should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” - "Is
this thing done by my lord the king? If it were, he is not so faithful
either to YAH’s word or to his own as we all took him to be; if it were not, it
is high time that we witness against the usurpation, and declare Solomon his
successor.
If it be, why is not
Nathan made acquainted with it, who is not only in general, the king’s
confidant, but is particularly concerned in this matter, having been employed
to notify to David the mind of YAHVEH concerning the succession; but, if my
lord the king knows nothing of the matter (as certainly he does not), what
daring insolence are Adonijah and his party guilty of!’’ Thus he endeavored to
incense David against them that he might act the more vigorously for the
support of Solomon’s interest. Good men would do their duty if they were
reminded of it, and put upon it, and told what occasion there is for them to
appear; and those who are their remembrances do them a real kin. That what a
good wife is! Notice Bathsheba, never brough up the young wife that the King
just took! What do you think a wife today would do? Maybe take half his money
and leave!
I King 1:28 Then King David answered and said, “Call
Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the
king. - David, hereupon, made a solemn declaration of his
firm adherence to his former resolution, that Solomon should be his successor.
Bathsheba is called in, and to her, as acting for and on behalf of her son; the
king gives these fresh assurances.
I King 1:29 And the king took an oath and said, “As YAHVEH lives, who has
redeemed my life from every distress, - He repeats his former
promise and oath, owns that he had sworn unto her by YAHVEH the EL of
Yisrael.
I King 1:30“just as I
swore to you by YAHVEH the EL of Yisrael, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son
shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ so I
certainly will do this day.” - He repeats
his former promise and oath, owns that he had sworn unto her by YAHVEH EL of
Yisrael that Solomon would reign after him. Though he is old, and his
memory begins to fail him, yet he remembers this. Note, An oath is so sacred a
thing that the obligations of it cannot be broken, and so solemn a thing that
the impressions of it, one would think, cannot be forgotten.
He ratifies it with
another, because the occasion called for it: As YAAHWEH liveth, that hath
redeemed my soul out of all distress, even so will I certainly do this day,
without dispute, without delay. His form of swearing seems to be what he commonly
used on solemn occasions, for we find it, 2 Sa. 4:9. And it carries in it a
grateful acknowledgment of the goodness of YAHVEH to him, in bringing him
safely through the many difficulties and hardships which had lain in his way,
and which he now makes mention of to the glory of YAHVEH (as Jacob, when he lay
a dying, Gen. 48:16), thus setting to his seal, from his own experience, that
that was true which the Spirit of the Lord spoke by him. Ps. 34:22, YAHVEH
redeemed the soul of his servants. Dying saints ought to be witnesses for YAHVEH,
and speak of him as they have found. Perhaps he speaks thus, on this occasion,
for the encouragement of his son and successor to trust in YAHVEH in the
distresses he also might meet with.
I King 1:31 Then
Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and paid homage to the king, and
said, “Let my lord King David live forever!” - Bathsheba receives these assurances,
1. With great
complaisance to the king’s person; she did reverence to him; while Adonijah and
his party affronted him.
2. With hearty good
wishes for the king’s health; let him live. So far was she from thinking
that he lived too long that she prayed he might live for ever, if it were
possible, to adorn the crown he wore and to be a blessing to his people. We
should earnestly desire the prolonging of useful lives, however it may be the
postponing of any advantages of our own.
Mathew 8:19
Then a certain scribe came and said
to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” – We have here
Messiyah’s managing of two different tempers, one quick and eager, the other
dull and heavy; and his instructions are adapted to each of them, and designed
for our use.
Mathew 8:20And Yahushua said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the
Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” - How Messiyah tried his forwardness, whether it were sincere or not. He
let him know that this Son of man, whom he is so eager to follow, has
not where to lay his head. Now from this account of Messiyah’s deep
poverty, we observe,
[1.] That it is strange
in itself, that the Son of YAHVEH, when he came into the world, should put
himself into such a very low condition, as to want the convenience of a certain
resting-place, which the meanest of the creatures have. If he would take our
nature upon him, one would think, he should have taken it in its best
estate and circumstances: no, he takes it in its worst. See here,
First, How well provided for the inferior creatures are: The
foxes have holes; though they are not only not useful, but hurtful, to man,
yet God provides holes for them in which they are earthed: man endeavors to
destroy them, but thus they are sheltered; their holes are their castles. The
birds of the air, though they take no care for themselves, yet are taken
care of, and have nests (Ps. 104:17); nests in the field; some of
them nests in the house; in YAH’s courts, Ps. 84:3. Secondly, How
poorly Messiyah Yahushua was provided for. it may encourage us to trust YAHVEH
for necessaries, that the beasts and birds have such good provision; and may
comfort us, if we want necessaries, that our Master did so before us. Our Messiyah Yahushua, when he was here in
the world, submitted to the disgraces and distresses of extreme poverty; for
our sakes he became poor, very poor.
He had not a settlement,
had not a place of repose, not a house of his own, to put his head in, not a
pillow of his own, to lay his head on. He and his disciples lived upon the
charity of well-disposed people that ministered to him of their substance Lu.
8:2. Christ submitted to this, not only that he might in all respects humble
himself, and fulfill the scriptures, which spoke of him as poor and needy,
but that he might show us the vanity of worldly wealth, and teach us to look
upon it with a holy contempt; that he might purchase better things for us, and
so make us rich, 2 Co. 8:9.
Mathew 8:21Then
another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” - Here
is another that was too slow in performing. Delay in execution is as
bad, on the one hand, as precipitancy in resolution is on the other hand; when
we have taken time to consider, and then have determined, let it never be said,
we left that to be done to-morrow, which we could do to-day. This candidate for
the ministry was one of Messiyah’s disciples already, a follower of him at
large. Clemens Alexandrinus tells us, from an ancient tradition, that this was
Philip; he seems to be better qualified and disposed than the former; because
not so confident and presumptuous: a bold, eager, over-forward temper is not
the most promising in religion; sometimes the last are first, and the first
last. Now observe here,
Let
the dead, spiritually bury the
dead corporally; let worldly offices be left to worldly people; do not thou
encumber thyself with them. Burying the dead, and especially a dead father, is
a good work, but it is not thy work at this time: it may be done as well by
others, that are not called and qualified, as thou art, to be employed for
Christ; thou hast something else to do, and must not defer that.’’ Note, Piety
to God must be preferred before piety to parents, though that is a great and
needful part of our religion. The Nazarites, under the law, were not to mourn
for their own parents, because they were holy to YAHVEH (Num. 6:6-8);
nor was the high priest to defile himself for the dead, no, not for his
own father, Lev. 21:11, 12. And Messiyah requires of those who would follow
him, that they hate father and mother (Lu. 14:26); love them less than YAHVEH;
we must comparatively neglect and disesteem our nearest relations, when they
come in competition with Messiyah, and either our doing for Him, or our
suffering for Him.
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