Verse 1. And Abraham was old] He was now about one hundred and forty years of age, and consequently Isaac was forty, being born when his father was one hundred years old. See chap. xxi. 5; xxv. 20.
Verses 1-9 - The effect of good example, good teaching, and the worship of God in family, will generally appear in the piety, faithfulness, prudence, an affection of the servants. To live in such families, or to have suc servants, both are blessings from God which should be highly valued and thankfully acknowledged. But no concern in life is of greate importance to ourselves, to others, or to the church of God, tha marriage. It therefore ought always to be undertaken with much care an prudence, especially with reference to the will of God, and with praye for his direction and blessing. Where good parents are not consulte and regarded, the blessing of God cannot be expected. Parents, in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Observe the charge Abraham gave to a good servant, one whose conduct, faithfulness and affection, to him and his family, he had long known. Observe also that Abraham remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his birth, by the call of his grace; and therefore doubts no but He will prosper his care, not to bring his son thither again. God will cause that to end in our comfort, in which we sincerely aim at his glory.
