Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 25

1 THen again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

After Sarahs death and Isaacs Marriage.

Not from any inordinate lust, which his age and eminent grace may sufficiently evince, but from a desire of more Children and of accomplishing Gods promise concerning the great multiplication of his seed.

A secondary Wife, or a Concubine, as she is called, ver. 6. and 1 Chron. 1. 32.

A distinct person from Hagar, as appears from ver. 6. and 12. and as it seems, of better quality, and younger, for Hagar was now eighty years old, and not likely to be a mother of six Children.

2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

Quest. How could Abraham, being now about one hundred years old, have so many Children, when his body was dead in his hundredth year? Answ. Because that renewed strength which was miraculously conferred upon him did still in a great measure remain in him, being not a temporary action, but a durable habit or power.

These persons were the heads of several people dwelling in Arabia and Syria, where we shall find evident footsteps of their names amongst antient Geographers, onely a little changed, which could not be avoided in their translation into another Language.

The Father of those Midianites, of whom we read, Gen. 36. 35. Iudg. 6. 2. Isa. 10. 26.

From whom Bildad seems to be descended, Iob 2. 11.

4 And the sons of Midian, Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah: all these were the Children of Keturah.

Of whom see Isa. 60. 6.

From whom some think Africa received its name.

5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

Which before he purposed and promised to give, Gen. 24. 36. And now actually gave.

Except that which is excepted in the following verse, and except the use and enjoyment of his estate during his own life.

6 But unto the sons of the concubines which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, (while he yet lived) east-ward unto the east-countrey.

Hagar and Keturah. Concubines are sometimes called Wives, as Gen. 16. 3. Iudg. 19. 1, 2, 3. 29. but their Children had no right to the inheritance. For though the Children of Iacobs Concubines did equally partake of the inheritance with the other Children, that was done by divine appointment and Iacobs voluntary act, and upon special reason, because of the vast inheritance promised and afterwards given to them, which made it no loss, but a great convenience and advantage to the Children of the chief Wives to have their half-brethren, the Sons of the Concubines, seated so near to them.

Partly that the intire possession of that Land might be reserved to the Children of Isaac; and partly lest nearness of relation joyned with cohabitation or neighbourhood should beget a great familiarity between them, whereby Isaacs seed were likely to be infected by their brethren, whose degeneration and Apostacy Abraham might easily foresee from the evil inclinations of their own hearts, and Gods exclusion of them from that Covenant of grace and life, which was the onely effectual remedy against that powerful and universal corruption

Into Arabia and other parts of Asia the greater, which were scituate east-ward from the Southern part of Canaan where Abraham now was, whence these people are oft called the Children of the East, as Iudg. 6. 3. and 7. 12. Iob 1. 3.

8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years , and was gathered to his people.

His soul was not required of him, as it was of that fool, Luk. 12. 20. not forced from him by sharp and violent diseases, but was quietly, easily, and chearfully yielded up by him into the hands of his merciful God and Father, as the word intimates.

Good both graciously, his hoary head being found in the way of righteousness, and naturally, free from the manifold infirmities and calamities of old age. Of which see Eccles. 12. 1. &c.

In the Hebrew it is onely, full, or satisfied; but you must understand with days or years, as the phrase is fully expressed Gen. 35. 29. 1 Chron. 23. 1. and 29. 28. Iob 42. 17. Ier. 6. 11. When he had lived as long as he desired, being in some sort weary of life and desirous to be dissolved: or full of all good, as the Chaldee renders it, satisfied, as it is said of Naphtali, Deut. 33. 23. with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord, upon himself, and upon his Children.

To his godly Progenitours, the former Patriarchs, to the Congregation of the just in heaven, Heb. 12. 23. in regard of his soul: For it cannot be meant of his body, which was not joyned with them in the place of burial, as the phrase is Isa. 14. 20. but buried in a strange Land, where onely Sarahs body lay. And it is observed, that this phrase is used of none but good men, of which the Jews were so fully perswaded, that from this very expression used concerning Ishmael here below, ver. 17. they infer his Repentance and Salvation. See this phrase Gen. 15. 15. and 49. 29. Numb. 20. 24. and 27. 13. Iudg. 2. 10.

Marginal references: Or, days. See Chap. 35. 29.

9 And his sons, Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre.

For Ishmael though banished from his Fathers house lived in a place not very far from him, and as no doubt he received many favours from his Father after his departure, which is implied here, ver. 6. though it be not mentioned elsewhere, so it is probable that he had a true respect and affection to his Father, which he here expresseth.

12 Now these are▪ the generations of Ishmael Abrahams son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarahs handmaid, bare unto Abraham.

Here recorded as an evidence of Gods faithfulness in fulfilling his promises made to Abraham, Gen. 16. 10. and 17. 20.

13 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael by their names, according to their generations, the first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth, and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam.

Of whom see Isa. 60. 7. From whom part of Arabia was called Nabathea.

Of whom see Psal. 120. 5. Isa. 21. 16. Ier. 49. 28. the Father of those called Cedraei or Cedareni in Arabia.

Marginal references: 1 Chron. 1. 29.

14 And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

From him Dumah, Isa. 21. 11. or Dumatha a place in Arabia, seems to have received its name. Others make him the Father of the Idumeans.

15 Hadar and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

He gave his name to the City and Countrey of Tema or Teman, Iob 2. 11. and 6. 19. Ier. 25. 23.

The Father of the Itureans, as may be gathered from 1 Chron. 5. 19.

Marginal references: Or, Hadad, 1 Chron. 1. 30.

18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest towards Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

His brethren surviving him and being his Neighbours, and therefore as they had conversation with him in the time of his Life, so now they did him honour at his death. But this translation and interpretation may seem improbable. 1. Because his death was related ver. 17. and would not be so presently repeated. 2. Because the foregoing words in this verse speak not of his death, but of his dwelling, to which these words do very well agree: For what we translated and he died, is commonly rendred and he fell, or it fell, and is most commonly used concerning a lot whereby mens portions are designed and divided, as Levit. 16. 9, 10. Numb. 33. 54. Ios. 16. 1. and so the sense may be, it fell, i. e. that Countrey fell to him and his, or, he lay, or was stretched out, or posted himself, as the Hebrew word is used, Iudg. 7. 12. i. e. he dwelt, in the presence of all his brethren; and so indeed his Country lay, between the Children of Keturah on the East, and the Children of Isaac and Israel on the West.

Marginal references: (i. e.) On that part or side of Egypt which leads to Assyria.; Heb. fell, 2 Sam. 21. 9.

20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram: the sister to Laban the Syrian.

Either of the Countrey of Syria, as it is called Hos. 12. 12. or rather, Padan of Syria, or, as the Septuagint and Chaldee render it, Mesopotamia of Syria: For that Padan is the proper name of a place may be gathered from Gen. 48. 7. and it is so called from its scituation between two Rivers, for Padan signifies a pair or two.

21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

He prayed, as the Hebrew word signifies, instantly or fervently, frequently and continually, for near twenty years together, for so long it was between their marriage and the first child: He was so much concerned because not onely his comfort, but the truth of Gods promise, depended upon this mercy: And he knew very well, that Gods purpose and promise did not exclude, but require, the use of all convenient means for their accomplishment.

Or, in the presence of his Wife, signifying, that, besides their more secret devotions, they did ofttimes in a more solemn manner, and with united force pray for this mercy wherein they were both equally concerned. Or, over against his wife, noting that each of them did severally and apart intreat God for this mercy, so that there was a concurrence, if not in place, yet in design and action.

As diverse of those holy women that were progenitours of Christ have long been, that it might appear that that sacred stock was propagated more by the vertue of Gods grace and promise, then by the power of nature.

Marginal references: Rom. 9. 10.

22 And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.

In a violent and extraordinary manner, which was likely to cause both pain and fear in her.

The sense may be either 1. If it be thus with me, that there be two Children contending and fighting within me, likely to destroy one the other, and both threatning my death, why did I desire and pray for this as a great mercy! Or, why is it thus with me! Why hath God dealt thus with me, to continue my life till it be a burthen to me, and to give me conception which is so painful and hazardous. Or rather 2. If God hath granted me my desire in the conception of a Child, what means this disturbance and conflict within me, which threatens me with the loss of the mercy before I enjoy it? For she seems not so much to murmur at it as to wonder and to enquire about it, as it here follows.

Either immediately by ardent prayers to God that he would reveal his mind to her herein; or mediately by her Father Abraham, who lived fifteen years after this time, ver. 7. or by some other godly Patriarch yet surviving, by whom God used to manifest his Will and Counsels to others, when he thought fit.

23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels: and the one people shall be stronger then the other people: and the elder shall serve the younger.

Either by inward inspiration, in a dream or vision; or by the ministery of an Angel or Prophet.

(i. e.) The Roots, Heads, or Parents of two distinct nations, one opposite to the other, the one blessed, the other accursed, namely the Israelites and Edomites.

Not onely separated from thee, but one separated or greatly differing from the other in their frame of body, temper of mind, course of life, profession and practise of Religion.

Or, the greater, namely Esau, who was, as older, so of a stronger constitution of Body, and of greater power and dignity in the World than Iacob, and Esaus posterity were great Princes for a long time, when Iacobs seed were strangers in Canaan, slaves in Egypt, and poor afflicted wanderers in the Wilderness. But saith he, Esau and his shall not always be stronger and mightier than Iacob and his posterity, the tables shall be turned, and the Children of Israel shall be uppermost and subdue the Edomites, which was literally accomplished in Davids time, 2 Sam. 8. 14. and afterwards 2 Chron. 25. 11, 12. and after that by the Maccabees, but much more eminently in a spiritual sense under the Gospel, when one of Iacobs Children, even Jesus Christ, shall obtain the dominion, and shall rule the Edomites no less then other Heathen nations with his iron rod, and make them serviceable one way or other to his Glory, and to the felicity of his true Israel.

Marginal references: Rom. 9. 12.

25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment: and they called his name Esau.

With red hair upon all the parts of his body. From him the Red Sea is supposed to receive its name, it being so called, as the Heathen writers tell us, from one who reigned in those parts and was called Erythras or Erythrus, which signifies red, the same with Edom or Esau.

(i. e.) Made or perfect, not properly a Child, but rather a man as soon as he was born, having that hair upon him which in others was an evidence of manhood.

Marginal references: Chap. 27. 11. 16. 23.

26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esaus heel, and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

(i. e.) Supplanter, or one that taketh hold of or trippeth up his brothers heels. See Gen. 27. 36.

Marginal references: Hosea 12. 3.

27 And the boys grew, and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field, and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

Of wild beasts, and afterwards an oppressour of men. Compare Gen. 10. 9. This course of Life was most agreeable to his complexion, fierce and violent.

One that delighted more in conversing abroad than at home, whose employment it was to pursue the Beasts through Fields and Woods and Mountains, who therefore chose an habitation fit for his purpose in mount Seir.

A sincere, honest, and plain-hearted man. Or a just and perfect man, as the word is used, Gen▪ 6. 9.

Quietly minding the management of his own domestick affairs, his Lands and Cattle, and giving no disturbance either to wild beasts or men.

Marginal references: Heb. a perfect, or, sincere.

28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison : but Rebekah loved Jacob .

Not simply nor chiefly because he pleased his palate, but because this was an evidence of his sons great respect and affection to him, that he would take such pains and incurre such hazards to which that course of Life exposed him that he might please and serve his Father.

Upon better grounds, both because of his more pious and meek temper, and because of the oracle and promise of God.

Marginal references: Heb. venison was in his mouth.

30 And Esau said to Jacob, feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage, for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom .

Red by the infusion of Lentiles, or Saffron, or some other things of that colour. The word is doubled in the Hebrew text to shew how vehemently he desired it.

Which signifies red, as he was at first so called from the colour of his hair, so now that name was confirmed and given to him afresh upon this occasion, q. d. He was rightly called Edom or red, not onely historically for his colour, but prophetically for this accident.

Marginal references: Heb. with that red, with that pottage.

31 And Jacob said, sell me this day thy birthright .

(i. e.) Speedily without delay. So this Hebrew word is used 1 Sam. 2. 16. and 9. 13, 27. 2 Chron. 18. 4.

The birth-right then had divers singular priviledges, as 1. Dignity and Authority over his Brethren, Gen. 4. 7. and 27. 29, 37. and 49. 3. 2. A double portion, Deut. 21. 17. 1 Chron. 5. 1. 3. A special blessing from his Father, Gen. 27. 4. 4. The Priesthood and chief Government of the affairs of the Church in his Fathers absence or sickness; and after his death, Numb. 8. 16, 17, &c. 5. The first-born was a special Type both of Christ, who was to be a first-born, and of the Church, which is called Gods first-born, as Exod. 4. 22. and of the great priviledges of the Church, particularly of Adoption and Eternal Life. See Heb. 12. 23. And therefore he is justly called profane, Heb. 12. 16. for slighting so sacred and glorious a priviledge. Quest. 1. Could the birth-right be lost? Answ. Yes. See Gen. 4. 7. and 1 Chron. 5. 1. Quest. 2. Did Iacob well in this matter? Answ. No, because he tempted his brother to an act of profaneness and folly, and so was guilty of his sin. And though God had designed and promised this priviledge to him, yet he should have waited till God had executed his promise in his own way, as David did till God gave him possession of Sauls Kingdom, and not have anticipated God and snatched it by an irregular act of his own, as Ieroboam did the Kingdom from Rehoboam.

32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die : and what profit shall this birth-right do to me ?

Not with Famine, which could not consist with Isaacs plentiful estate and house, but by the perpetual hazards to which his course of life exposed him in the pursuit of wild Beasts and contending with other men.

By which he plainly sheweth that his Care and Affections reached no further then the present Life.

Marginal references: Heb. going to die.

33 And Jacob said, swear to me this day , and he sware unto him, and he sold his birth-right unto Jacob.

Iacob acted subtilly in this affair, he knew that delays were dangerous, and Esaus consideration or second thoughts might have spoiled his bargain, and therefore herequires haste as in the sale, so in his Oath, wherein he addeth another sin, in hurrying his brother into an Oath by precipitation, which neither his brother should have taken, nor Iacob should have advised him to take, without mature advice.

Marginal references: Heb. 12. 16.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of Lentiles: and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way : thus Esau despised his birthright l.

Secure and impenitent, without any remorse for his ingratitude to God or the injury which he had done to himself and to all his posterity. Preferring the present and momentany satisfaction of his lust and appetite, before Gods and his Fathers blessing, and all the glorious priviledges of the Birth-right.