Verse 1. Abram went up out of Egypt-into the south.] Probably the south of Canaan, as In leaving Egypt he is said to come from the south, ver. 3, for the southern part of the promisedland lay north-east of Egypt.
Verses 1-4 - Abram was very rich: he was very heavy, so the Hebrew word is; for riches are a burden; and they that will be rich, do but load themselve with thick clay, Hab 2:6. There is a burden of care in getting richesfear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them sorrow in losing them, and a burden of account at last to be given u about them. Yet God in his providence sometimes makes good men ric men, and thus God's blessing made Abramrich without sorrow, Pr 10:22 Though it is hard for a rich man to get to heaven, yet in some cases it may be, Mr 10:23, 24. Nay, outward prosperity, if well managed, is a ornament to piety, and an opportunity for doing more good. Abra removed to Bethel. His altar was gone, so that he could not offe sacrifice; but he called on the name of the Lord. You may as soon fin a living man without breath as one of God's people without prayer.
