Verse 1

Psalms 112:7.

CONTENTS

The Patriarch's history is still continued through this Chapter. Here is the account of Jacob's meeting his brother Esau, and the effect of the interview: the affection displayed between the brothers; their amicable separation: Esau returns to Mount Seir, and Jacob pursues his journey to Canaan.

Verses 1-3

The passing over of Jacob, before his family, should remind us of Christ's unequalled love, in the moment of danger, amidst his disciples in the garden. John 18:8.

Verse 4

See what grace can accomplish! Read that Scripture, Proverbs 16:7.

Verse 5

Jacob had now about twelve children; and the eldest could not be much above fourteen years of age. A delightful little troop! But observe to whose mercy he refers all: Psalms 127:3.

Verse 6-7

Observe, Joseph is particularly noticed among the children.

Verse 8-9

It is one thing to have enough of this world's goods, and it is another to have the Lord himself for our portion. Genesis 27:39.

Verse 10-11

There is a difference in the expression of enough, in this verse, from the same expression in Genesis 33:9. Jacob's enough means, I have all. And so he had, according to Paul's explanation of covenant blessings. See 1 Corinthians 3:22-23; Philippians 4:18-19.

Verses 12-15

He who hath angels to convoy him, needs no other defense.

Verse 13

Isaiah 40:11.

Verse 16

Seir is still the returning place of everyone of the seed of Esau.

Verse 17

Succoth, so called from the booths erected there. Hebrews 11:9. Observe: this is not the Succoth mentioned in Exodus 13:20, but Judges 8:5.

Verse 18

See the account of this place, called Sychem, John 4:5; Acts 7:16, where Hamor is also called Emmor.

Verse 19

Observe: though Jacob by God's blessing was the proprietor in right of inheritance, yet not an inch of the land of Canaan had he in possession. Acts 7:5.

Verse 20

El-elohe-Israel, is God, the God of Israel; meaning God in a covenant way.

REFLECTIONS

How sweetly doth grace induce all the finer affections of the heart, and constrain all our angry passions into love! Lord, let thy grace enable us to put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ hath forgiven us, so also may we. And in the reading of this chapter, I would beg of God to bestow, both upon him that reads, and on him that writes, the grace of having a wise choice between the fulness of this earth's blessing, and the appointment of whatever the Lord sees fit in a covenant way. Dearest Jesus! while the Esaus of the present hour, are sending out into the highways to enquire of everyone they meet, who will show them any good; let but the light of thy countenance be lifted on my soul, and it will put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that corn and wine increase.