whom the Hebrews took their rise, and who named Terah; after which he lived one hunwill be found the principal objects of the suc-dred and nineteen years; in all one hundred ceeding history. and forty-eight. About two years after the flood, at which time Shem was one hundred years old, he had a son named Arphaxad; after which time he lived five hundred years; so that the whole of his life was exactly six hundred years. Arphaxad, when thirty-five, had a son named Salah; after which he lived four hundred and three years; in all four hundred and thirty-eight. Salah, when thirty, had a son named Eber (from whom his descendants were called Hebrews), after which he lived four hundred and three years; in all four hundred and thirty-three. Eber, when thirty-four, had a son named Peleg, in whose time the earth came to be divided; after which he lived four hundred and thirty years, in all four hundred and sixty-four. Peleg, when thirty, had a son named Reu, after which he lived two hundred and nine years; in all two hundred and thirty-nine. Reu, when thirty-two, had a son named Serug; after which he lived two hundred and seven years; in all two hundred and thirty-nine. Serug, when thirty, had a son named Nahor; after which he lived two hundred years; in all two hundred and thirty. Nahor, when twenty-nine, had a son Terah was the father of the first great patriarch after Noah, namely, Abraham. ́ He had likewise two other sons, the one called Nahor, and the other Haran. The last of these, who was the eldest of the three, died before his father, at Ur,* in Chaldæa, the place of his nativity. He left behind him a son named Lot, and two daughters, the elder of whom, called Milchah, was espoused to her uncle Nahor, and the younger, named Sarai, was married to her uncle Abram. A universal depravity of human nature now displayed itself in all parts of the world, but more particularly in the city of Ur, where the practice of idolatry was carried to its utmost height. In consequence of this, Terah resolved to leave his abode, that he might no longer be an eye-witness of the iniquity of the people. Having formed this resolution, he quitted Ur, and taking with him his son Abram and his wife, together with his grandson Lot, set out with an intent of visiting the land of Canaan. In his journey he stopped at a place called Haran (or Charran), a city of Mesopotamia, where, being seized with a violent illness, he was compelled to make it the place of his residence. The violence of the disorder prevailing over the power of medicine, nature at length gave way, and Terah died at Haran, in the two hundred and fifth year of his age. CHAPTER IV. CALL OF ABRAHAM. MIGRATION. BIRTH OF ISHMAEL. Ar the close of the preceding chapter, we | the land of Canaan. It is here to be observed that Terah, the father of Abram, observed, that his conduct in this respect left his native place, in order to go into certainly arose from divine direction, the Almighty having thought proper to select | Lot, his wife Sarai, and the rest of his fam this family out of the rest of mankind, by ily, together with all his effects, he set out making Abram “Father of the faithful," or worshippers of the true God. It is evident that God had revealed himself to Abram, previous to his removal from Ur, as appears from the account of the inspired penman: "The Lord had said unto Abram, "* &c., Gen. xii. 1. He had commanded him to leave the country in which he resided, and to travel into another he should point out to him. He likewise promised to make him father of a mighty people, and in him to bless all the families on the earth. Abram, fully persuaded, in his own mind, of the truth of the divine promise (though he knew not the difficulties that might attend his removal, nor even the country in which he was to settle), immediately after the decease of his father, prepared himself to go to the land which God should appoint, and, by a strict attention to the divine commands, prove at once his faith and obedi ence. on his journey, which he prosecuted with all convenient expedition, till he came (by the divine guidance) into the land of Canaan. † Desirous of making some survey of the country, he stopped in the plain ‡ of Moreh, not far from the city of Sichem, then inhabited by the Canaanites. Here he erected an altar, in order to pay his devotions to God, who was so well pleased with his conduct, that he gave him fresh assurances of his favor and protection, and that, in process of time, the whole land in which he then dwelt should be possessed by his descendants. After staying some time in the plains of Moreh, Abram removed with his family into the more mountainous part of the country, situated between Bethel and Hai. Here he likewise erected an altar, that he might not be deficient in the discharge of that duty which he was conscious of owing to his great and omnipotent benefactor. From Bethel he proceeded farther to the south; but was interrupted in his progress theatre of the most extraordinary transactions which have ever taken place under the Divine gov. ernment upon earth. This is the country where the chief patriarchs walked with God where the theocracy of Israel was established where the prophets received most of their divine inspirations Accordingly, taking with him his nephew formerly so called, and is still a place of some consideration. Cartwright says, "The air of this city is very healthful, and the country fruitful It is built nearly four-square, the west side standing on the side of a rocky mountain, and the east part trendeth into a spacious valley, replenished with vineyards, orchards, and gardens. The walls where the temple of Jehovah was erected are very strong, furnished with great store of under his special direction where the incarnate artillery, and contain in circuit three English Son of God accomplished the work of human miles; and for the gallantness of its sight it was redemption-and where the apostles were miracuonce reckoned the metropolitical seat of Mesopo-lously endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, tamia." *In what manner God revealed himself to Abram, the sacred historian has not told us. It was probably by a voice from the Shechinah, or symbol of the Divine presence; for St. Stephen expressly says: "The God of Glory appeared unto him before he dwelt in Charran. Acts vii. 2. †This country fell to the lot of Caanan, the son of Ham, to which he gave his own name. Canaan was about 200 miles long, and nearly 80 broad, lying along the eastern border of the Mediterranean Sea. David and Solomon governed several provinces beyond the limits of Canaan, which enlarged their kingdom, 1 Kings, iv. 21-24. Canaan was bounded on the north by the mountains of Lebanon in Syria, on the east by Arabia Deserta, on the south by the wilderness of Arabia Petræa and Idumæa, and on the west by the land of the Philistines and the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the name of its first possessor, Canaan has been variously denominated as the Land of the Hebrews, Genesis xl. 15; Palestine, Exodus xv. 14; the Land of Promise, Hebrews xi. 9; the Land of Israel, Judah, Judæa, the Holy Land, Zechariah ii. 12. Canaan has been the to fulfil their commission as ambassadors for Christ to invite sinners of all nations into the kingdom of Messiah for the blessings of pardon, purity, and immortality, in the eternal glory of God. Canaan, in the times of David and Solomon, contained a population of about 5,000,000; but now it has only about 1,500,000 inhabitants. Since the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, it has been the scene of strange revolutions, especially during the crusades, profanely called holy wars; it now forms two wretched provinces, ACRE and DAMASCUS, under the miserable government of pachas, subject or tributary to the sultan of Turkey. The population consists of Turks, Syrians, Bedouin Arabs, Copts, Druses of Lebanon, Roman, Armenian, and Greek Christians, and Jews. The Septuagint and most other versions call it the Ouk of Moreh, from a large oak that grew on it; but our translation renders it plain. This city, after the ruin of Samaria by Salmanesar, was the capital of the Samaritans; and Josephus says it was still so in the time of Alexander the Great. It was situated ten miles from Shiloh, forty from Jerusalem, and fifty-two from Jericho. by a dreadful famine, which raged with great violence throughout the whole country. In consequence of this, he formed the resolution of going to Egypt, that being the only place where relief could be obtained under such calamities. * Being apprised of the natural libertinism of the Egyptians, Abram was exceeding anxious concerning his wife Sarai, fearing lest her extraordinary beauty might provoke their lascivious attention. Though she was at this time in the sixty-sixth year of her age, yet she still retained those personal † charms which, in that country, might endanger the life of him who should pass for her husband. After some deliberation, Abram concluded that the safest way would be for her to conceal her marriage; upon which, communicating his fears to Sarai, and she approving of his plan, it was mutually agreed between them, that wherever they took up their residence, instead of his wife, she should pass for his sister. were The apprehensions that Abram had formed soon verified, after his arrival in Egypt. The distinguished charms of his wife attracted the notice of several principal Egyptians, and she soon became the subject of popular conversation. The king, being informed of her beauty, was excited to gratify his curiosity by the sight of so amiable a stranger. Accordingly, Sarai was, by his order, conducted to court, and placed in the apartments allotted for his concubines. Here she remained several days, during which Abram (her supposed brother) was treated with great civility, and on her account (though the king had not yet seen her) complimented with many valuable. presents. A feeling mind may, in some degree, conceive the distress each party must naturally be susceptible of on this trying occasion. Sarai was a beautiful woman, in the power of a loose and vicious monarch, and *It appears from this circumstance, that Egypt had been formed into a kingdom soon after mankind were dispersed by the confusion of languages. Its first name was Mizraim, which signifies straightness, it being closed on the north by the Mediterranean sea, on the west and south by mountains, and on the east by the Red sea, or Indian Gulf. Nicolaus Damascus, a heathen author, says, that Abram went out of Chaldæa into Canaan, now called Judæa, but, in consequence of a great famine raging there, he removed to Egypt, in which were abundance of all kinds of provisions. destitute of all protection but from the hands of the Almighty. While her husband, who should be the only guardian of her person, dare not own her as his wife, lest the rage of lust and strength of power should deprive him of his existence. To relieve them from this distressed situation, the Almighty was pleased to interpose in their behalf and, in order to deter Pharaoh ‡ and his nobles from any dishonorable attempts on Sarai, he suddenly afflicted them with various diseases and bodily infirmities. Not being able to account for this singular circumstance, they at length suspected that it was occasioned by the confinement of Sarai, who, instead of being the sister of Abram, must certainly be his wife. In consequence of these suspicions, the king sent for Abram, and expostulated with him on his misconduct, in having spread a false report, which might have been attended with a breach on his wife's chastity. After saying this he ordered him. immediately to quit his kingdom, permitting him to take not only his own effects, but the presents that had been made him in consequence of his supposed sister. The famine in Canaan, which had occasicned Abram to go into Egypt, was hap pily ceased; so that his leaving the place was not only in conformity to the king's command, but agreeable to his own inclinations. Abram directed his course the same way he had come, and on his arrival at Bethel, where he had erected an altar, he offered on it a sacrifice of thanks to God for his happy escape from Egypt, and safe return into the land of Canaan. Abram and his nephew Lot had hitherto lived with great unanimity on the same spot; but their families and possessions be ing now greatly increased, inconveniences took place. They found themselves particularly distressed for want of provision for their cattle, which, probably, arose partly † It may appear somewhat strange that Sarai should have such personal charms at so advanced an age, but it must be remembered that as in those days they were longer lived than at present, so their charms were proportionably durable. What this king's name was, or indeed any of the Egyptian monarchs, cannot be ascertained. The name Pharaoh was a title of dignity common to all, in the same manner as that of Cæsar assumed by the Roman Emperors. from the late famine, and partly from the and condescension, that, though superior in great number of Canaanites, who possessed every respect to his nephew, he gave him the most fertile parts of the land. This his choice of settlement in that part of the want of pasture-ground occasioned frequent country he should best approve. "If," disputes between the herdsmen of Abram says he, thou wilt take the left hand, then and those of Lot; so that the former, fear- I will go to the right; or, if thou depart ing lest the contention which prevailed to the right hand, then I will go to the among the servants might end in a rupture between themselves, resolved, in a friendly This generous and friendly proposition manner, to propose a separation from Lot. was readily agreed to by Lot, who, after In doing this, such was his great prudence taking a view of the country, chose the left." plains near Sodom and Gomorrah, which, I were not only pleasant, but exceedingly ferbeing watered by the streams of Jordan, *tile. * This river, being the principal stream of Pal- sion to it is not so much to the river itself as to estine, has acquired a distinction much greater the plain or plains which it traversed (Gen. xiii. than its geographical importance could have 10). We must anticipate events slightly to be given. It is sometimes called "the river," by able to speak of the fords or passages of the Jorway of eminence, being in fact almost the only dan. There were fords over against Jericho, to stream of the country which continues to flow in which point the men of Jericho pursued the spies summer. The river rises about an hour and a (Josh. ii. 7; comp. Judg. iii. 28). Higher up, quarter's journey (say three or three miles and a perhaps over against Succoth, some way above quarter) north-east from Banias, the ancient Cas- where the little river Jabbok (Zerka) enters the area Philippi, in a plain near a hill called Tel-el- Jordan, were the fords or passages of Bethbarah kadi. It winds through scenery remarkable rath- (probably the Bethabara of the Gospel), where er for sameness and tameness than for bold out- Gideon lay in wait for the Midianites (Judg. vii. line. Its course is not much above 200 miles 24), and where the men of Gilead slew the from first to last from the roots of Anti-Lebanon Ephraimites (xii. 6). These fords undoubtedly to the head of the Dead Sea. Such is the river witnessed the first recorded passage of the Jordan of the "great plain " of Palestine the 'De- in the O. T. (Gen. xxxii. 10). And Jordan was scender" if not "the river of God" in the next crossed, over against Jericho, by Joshua the book of Psalms, at least that of His chosen peo- son of Nun, at the head of the descendants of the ple throughout their history. The earliest allu-twelve sons of him who signalized the first pas These matters being adjusted, Abram and Lot parted, the former continuing at Bethel, and the latter retiring to the spot he had chosen for his future residence. Some time after Lot's departure, the Almighty, ever mindful of his faithful servant Abram, again appeared to him in a vision, and not only renewed the promise he had before made, of enlarging his posterity, but, bidding him cast his eyes round the kingdom, confirmed the gift of all the land which he beheld, to him and his descendants. These divine assurances were acceptably received by Abram, who, desirous of seeing the different parts of the country promised to his posterity, removed from Bethel, and took up his residence in the plain of Mamre, at a small distance from Hebron. Here (as was his usual custom, wherever he pitched his tent) he erected an altar, in order to discharge his religious duties, by offering sacrifices to the Lord. In a short time after Abram had settled himself at Mamre, by the natural affability of his temper, and the respect shown him on that account, he acquired the intimacy and friendship of some of the most considerable Canaanites, particularly three, named Mamre, Aner, and Eschol; the former of whom was of such importance as to give name to the country in which he lived. This alliance was not only agreeable to Abram, but, in the course of time, proved infinitely serviceable, as will appear from the following circumstances. Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had for some years held five petty princes(of which number the king of Sodom was one) in a tributary subjection to him. Weary with this subjection, they at length determined to shake off the yoke they had so long borne; to effect which they confederated together, and, joining their respective forces, prepared themselves to march against their oppressor. The king of Elam, being informed of their intentions, resolved, if possible, to frustrate their designs. He accordingly raised a powerful army, and, in conjunction with three sage. (Josh. iv. 12 and 13). From their vicinity to Jerusalem the lower fords were much used; David, it is probable, passed over them in one instance to fight the Syrians (2 Sam. x. 17); and subsequently, when a fugitive himself, in his way to Mahanaim (xvii. 22) on the east bank. Thus there were two customary places, at which the other kings, his allies, immediately advanced to meet the enemy. The revolted kings, seeing him at a distance, took the field, with a firm resolution of trying the fate of a pitched battle. The place allotted for determining the dispute was the valley of Siddim, which was full of pits of bitumen, or soil of a clayey nature. For some time the victory appeared doubtful; but at length the five tributary kings were put to rout: one part of their army was entirely cut to pieces, and the other fled to the neighboring mountains, leaving their cities a prey to the conquerors. Lot, who happened at this time to reside in Sodom, was involved in the calamity of the city, being not only plundered of all his possessions, but carried away among the rest of the captives. One of the soldiers belonging to the vanquished, happening to make his escape, immediately hastened to Abram, to whom he related the particulars of the battle, and the hapless fate of his nephew. The faithful patriarch, anxious for Lot, determined to pursue the victors, and, if possible, not only rescue him, but the whole of the captives. He accordingly armed all his own servants, the number of whom amounted to three hundred and eighteen, and, accompanied by his three friends and associates, Mamre, Eschol, and Aner, set out in pursuit of the victors, whom, after a march of about seventy leagues, he overtook near Dan. Availing himself of the covert of the night, he put his forces into proper disposition, and immediately charged the enemy on all quarters. So sudden and vigorous an attack on an army fatigued with a late engagement, and revelling in the spoils of conquest, had the desired effect, for Abram, in a short time, obtained a complete victory. Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, was among many others, slain, and his whole army being routed, Abram's victorious party pursued them as far as Hobah, a small place situated near Damascus. The enemy, from the great consternation into which they had been thrown, by the suddenness of the attack, fled so precipitately, that they left behind them not only the captives, but likewise the booty Jordan was fordable, though there may have been more, particularly during the summer, which are not mentioned. And it must have been at one of these, if not at both, that baptism was afterwards administered by St. John, and by the disciples of our Lord. · Bib. Dictionary. A. B. |