Genesis 29

For, is any parent such a procreant cause of his child's being by generation, as not to be instrumental under God therein? How then are children said to be by the gift and blessing of God (Psalms 127:3; Genesis 29:31 & 30:22 & 33:5), and the want of children even in married pers…

These are the parts, I shall explain them branch by branch in the order propounded, with practical hints from each, which I shall handle in no fuller latitude than the present Text will allow. 1. The Saluter, and there his name Judas, called also Thaddeus (Matthew 10:3), and Leb…

Thus the kinsmen of Christ, are called his brethren: which the Helvidians not observing, thought they had been his natural brethren, by the virgin Mary: thus Abraham and Lot are called brethren (Genesis 13:8, 14), though Lot was but his brother's son (Genesis 14:12). Thus Jacob…

To keep up the exercise of brotherly love, God assures us, that all men are our brethren, because they are related to us by a common nature. Whenever I see a man, I must, of necessity, behold myself as in a mirror: for he is my bone and my flesh, (Genesis 29:14.) Now, though the…

And I should suppose that he still sent out the Dove the next day after the Sabbath, to see as it were, whether God had returned again to rest in the works of his hands. And (Genesis 29:27) a week is spoken of as a known account of days or time. Fulfill her week; that is, not a…

Leviathan is derived from Lavah, which signifies joined or coupled together; from where (to note it by the way) the word Levi, the name of the third son which Jacob had by Leah. She called his name Levi, For now, says she, will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne hi…

More particularly, by this may be set out the graces of the Spirit, compared to waters (John 7:38-39) and said to become a well of water in these that believe on Christ (John 4:14), for these graces of the Spirit, and his influence on them, does keep all things in the believer's…

Verse 3. Your two breasts are like two young Roes that are twins. The two breasts (which is the fifth part here commended) are spoken to in this third verse: They were spoken of (Song of Solomon 4:5) with the same commendation, and we conceive the same thing hinted there, is aim…

Among us, if the younger sister be married before the elder, the preeminence and precedency is given to the younger. The privileges and honors which are given to married persons, were questionless the ground of that custom which Laban mentions of his country; that the younger wa…

Isaac married the wife which his father provided (Genesis 24:67). Jacob both obeyed his father in going to Laban's house for a wife (Genesis 28:2), and also when he came to Laban asked his daughter of him (Genesis 29:18, etc.). Though Samson saw a daughter of the Philistines whi…

How willingly do apprentices pass over their apprenticeship in hope of a temporary freedom of an earthly city? Many years' service were but as a few days to Jacob because he liked his reward (Genesis 29:20). But behold here a greater reward, which we must needs like much better.

From such there may be hope of profit and benefit by their service. Laban made trial of Jacob a month before he covenanted for any long continuance (Genesis 29:14). 3. Take such especially as are of mean and poor estate, and know not how to maintain themselves but by service.

Sense and carnal confidence must have present satisfaction, but faith contents itself with promises. Love will not count it long: for seven years to Jacob seemed as a few days (Genesis 29:20). Sufferings for Christ would not be so tedious, where love prevails.

The less love you show to the Lord if you will break with him for a trifle, sets the honor of his great name, obedience to his holy law, contentment to his good Spirit at so low a rate, as that you will dare to jostle injuriously against all these for a very shadow, which in you…

The more fruit a Christian brings forth, the more will Christ love him. Now, says Leah, will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons (Genesis 29:34). When we bear much fruit, now will Christ's heart be joined to us.

(Hosea 10:13; Psalm 13:6; Psalm 31:7; Deuteronomy 12:10): you shall dwell safely, confidently; it places the soul under the Rock of Omnipotence. (7.) It is to roll yourself upon God, and is borrowed from heavy bodies (Joshua 10:18): Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave (Ge…

Titus 3:4, 5. Being justified , so the LXX. render the Hebrew particle ; without price, without merit, without cause; and sometimes it is used for without end, that is, what is done in vain; as is used by the apostle, Galatians 2:21. without price or reward, Genesis 29:15. Exodu…

The Scriptures they insisted on were all of them gathered together in the Epistle of Pope Hadrian, which was solemnly assented to by the whole Council. And they were these: God made man of the dust of the Earth after his own image (Genesis 1); Abel by his own choice offered a sa…