Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. And came to Beer-sheba] This place appears to be mentioned, not only because it was the way from Hebron, where Jacob resided, to Egypt, whither he was going, but because it was a consecrated place, a place where God had appeared to Abraham, chap. xxi. 33, and to Isaac, Genesis xxvi. 23, and where Jacob is encouraged to expect a manifestation of the same goodness: he chooses therefore to begin his journey with a visit to God's house; and as he was going into a strange land, he feels it right to renew his covenant with God by sacrifice. There is an old proverb which applies strongly to this case: ""Prayers and provender never hinder any man's journey. He who would travel safely must take God with him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - Even as to those events and undertakings which appear most joyful, we should seek counsel, assistance, and a blessing from the Lord Attending on his ordinances, and receiving the pledges of his covenan love, we expect his presence, and that peace which it confers. In all removals we should be reminded of our removal out of this world Nothing can encourage us to fear no evil when passing through the valley of the shadow of death, but the presence of Christ.
Original Hebrew ויסע5265 ישׂראל3478 וכל3605 אשׁר834 לו ויבא935 בארה שׁבע884 ויזבח2076 זבחים2077 לאלהי430 אביו1 יצחק׃3327
