---
title: "Clarke"
description: "Verse Genesis 24:1. And Abraham was old — He was now about one hundred and forty years of age, and consequently Isaac was forty, being born when his fathe"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/genesis/24"
---

![Clarke](/images/commentaries/clarkes-commentary.jpg)

 The Clarke's Commentary
 
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Denomination: arminianism
 
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Verse [Genesis 24:1](../../../kjv/genesis/24/1). ***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 [Genesis 21:5](../../../kjv/genesis/21/5); [Genesis 25:20](../../../kjv/genesis/25/20).

Verse [Genesis 24:2](../../../kjv/genesis/24/2). ***Eldest servant*** — As this eldest servant is stated to have been the *ruler over all that he had*, it is very likely that Eliezer is meant. See [Genesis 15:2](../../../kjv/genesis/15/2); [Genesis 15:3](../../../kjv/genesis/15/3).
***Put, I pray thee, thy hand*** — [Genesis 24:9](../../../kjv/genesis/24/9).

Verse [Genesis 24:3](../../../kjv/genesis/24/3). ***I will make thee swear*** — [Genesis 24:9](../../../kjv/genesis/24/9); [Genesis 24:9](../../../kjv/genesis/24/9).
***Of the Canaanites*** — Because these had already been devoted to *slavery*, &c., and it would have been utterly inconsistent as well with prudence as with the design of God to have united the child and *heir* of the *promise* with one who was under a *curse*, though that curse might be considered to be only of a political nature. See the curse of Canaan, [Genesis 9:25](../../../kjv/genesis/9/25).

Verse [Genesis 24:4](../../../kjv/genesis/24/4). ***My country*** — Mesopotamia, called here Abraham's country, because it was the place where the family of Haran, his brother, had settled; and where himself had remained a considerable time with his father Terah. In this family, as well as in that of Nahor, the true religion had been in some sort preserved, though afterwards considerably corrupted; see [Genesis 31:19](../../../kjv/genesis/31/19).
***And take a wife unto my son*** — A young man in Bengal is precisely in the same circumstances as Isaac; he has nothing to do in the choice of a wife; parents employ *others* to seek wives for their sons. Those who leave their homes in search of employment always marry their children in their own country, and among their acquaintance at home; never among the people with whom they *reside*. In Asiatic countries this custom has prevailed from the infancy of the human race. See Ward's *Hindoo Customs*.

Verse [Genesis 24:5](../../../kjv/genesis/24/5). ***Peradventure the woman will not be willing*** — We may see, says Calmet, by this and other passages of Scripture, [Joshua 9:18](../../../kjv/joshua/9/18), what the sentiments of the ancients were relative to an *oath*. They believed they were bound precisely by *what was* *spoken*, and had no liberty to interpret the intentions of those to whom the oath was made.

Verse [Genesis 24:7](../../../kjv/genesis/24/7). ***The Lord God, c.*** — He expresses the strongest confidence in God, that the great designs for which he had brought him from his own kindred to propagate the true religion in the earth would be accomplished and that therefore, when earthly instruments failed, heavenly ones should be employed. *He shall* *send his angel*, probably meaning the Angel of the Covenant, of whom see [Genesis 15:7](../../../kjv/genesis/15/7).

Verse [Genesis 24:9](../../../kjv/genesis/24/9). ***Put his hand under the thigh of Abraham*** — This *form* of swearing has greatly puzzled the commentators; but it is useless to detail opinions which I neither believe myself, nor would wish my readers to credit. I believe the true sense is given in the *Targum* of *Jonathan ben Uzziel*, and that called the *Jerusalem* *Targum*. In the former it is said, *Put now thy hand* בגזית מהולתי bigzirath mehulathi, in sectione circumcisionis meoe; in the latter תחות ירך קימי *techoth yerech keyami, sub femore foederis* *mei*. When we put the circumstances mentioned in this and the third verse together, we shall find that they fully express the ancient method of binding by oath in such transactions as had a religious tendency. 1. The *rite* or *ceremony* used on the occasion: the person binding himself put his hand under the thigh of the person to whom he was to be bound; *i.e.*, he put his hand on the *part* that bore the mark of *circumcision*, the sign of God's covenant, which is tantamount to our *kissing the book*, or laying the hand upon the *New Testament* or *covenant* of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. The *form* of the *oath* itself: the person swore *by* *Jehovah, the God of heaven* and the *God of the earth*. Three essential attributes of God are here mentioned:
1. His *self-existence* and *eternity* in the name *Jehovah*.
2. His *dominion* of *glory* and blessedness in the kingdom of *heaven*.
3. His *providence* and *bounty* in the *earth*.
The meaning of the oath seems to be this: "As God is unchangeable in his nature and purposes, so shall I be in this engagement, under the penalty of forfeiting all expectation of temporal prosperity, the benefits of the mystical covenant, and future glory." An oath of this kind, taken at such a time, and on such an occasion, can never be deemed irreligious or profane. *Thou shalt swear by his name*- shalt acknowledge and bind thyself unto the *true God*, as the just Judge of thy motives and actions, is a command of the Most High; and such an oath as the above is at once (on such an occasion) both proper and rational. The person binding himself proposes for a *pattern* the *unchangeable* and *just* God; and as HE is the avenger of wrong and the punisher of falsehood, and has all power in the heavens and in the earth, so he can punish perjury by privation of spiritual and temporal blessings, by the loss of life, and by inflicting the perdition due to ungodly men, among whom liars and perjured persons occupy the most distinguished rank. Our ideas of delicacy may revolt from the *rite* used on this occasion; but, when the nature of the covenant is considered, of which *circumcision* was the *sign*, we shall at once perceive that this rite could not be used without producing sentiments of reverence and godly fear, as the contracting party must know that the God of this covenant was a consuming fire.

Verse [Genesis 24:10](../../../kjv/genesis/24/10). ***Took ten camels*** — It appears that Abraham had left the whole management of this business to the discretion of his servant, to take with him what *retinue* and what *dowry* he pleased; for it is added, *All the goods of his master were in his hand*; and in those times it was customary to *give* a dowry *for* a wife, and not to receive one *with* her.

Verse [Genesis 24:11](../../../kjv/genesis/24/11). ***He made his camels to kneel down*** — To rest themselves, or lie down, as the Septuagint has very properly expressed it, και εκοιμισε τας καμηλουσ.
***The time that women go out to draw water.*** — In Bengal it is the universal practice for the women to go to *pools* and *rivers* to fetch water. Companies of four, six, ten, or more, may be seen in every town daily going to fetch water, with the pitchers resting upon their sides; and, on their return from bathing, women frequently bring water home. - WARD.

Verse [Genesis 24:12](../../../kjv/genesis/24/12). ***And he said, O Lord God, c.*** — "The conduct of this servant," says Dr. Dodd, "appears no less pious than rational. By supplicating for a sign, he acknowledges God to be the great superintendent and director of the universe, and of that event in particular and at the same time, by asking a *natural* sign, such as betokened humanity, condescension, and other qualities which promised a discreet and virtuous wife, he puts his prayer upon such a discreet, rational footing, as to be a proper example for all to imitate who would not tempt the providence of God, by expecting extraordinary signs to be given them for the determination of cases which they are capable of deciding by a proper use of their rational faculties." This is all very good; but certainly the case referred to here is such a one as required especial direction from God; a case which no use of the rational faculties, without Divine influence, could be sufficient to determine. It is easy to run into extremes, and it is very natural so to do. In all things the assistance and blessing of God are necessary, even where human strength and wisdom have the fullest and freest sphere of action; but there are numberless cases, of infinite consequence to man, where his strength and prudence can be of little or no avail, and where the God of all grace must work all things according to the counsel of his own will. To expect the accomplishment of any good end, without a proper use of the means, is the most reprehensible enthusiasm; and to suppose that any good can be done or procured without the blessing and mercy of God, merely because proper means are used, is not less reprehensible. Plan, scheme, and labour like Eliezer, and then, by earnest faith and prayer, commit the whole to the direction and blessing of God.

Verse [Genesis 24:15](../../../kjv/genesis/24/15). ***Behold, Rebekah came out*** — How admirably had the providence of God adapted every circumstance to the necessity of the case, and so as in the most punctual manner to answer the prayer which his servant had offered up!

Verse [Genesis 24:19](../../../kjv/genesis/24/19). ***I will draw water for thy camels also*** — Had Rebekah done *no more* than Eliezer had prayed for, we might have supposed that she acted not as a free agent, but was *impelled* to it by the absolutely controlling power of God; but as she exceeds all that was requested, we see that it sprang from her native benevolence, and sets her conduct in the most amiable point of view.

Verse [Genesis 24:21](../../../kjv/genesis/24/21). ***The man, wondering at her*** — And he was so lost in wonder and astonishment at her simplicity, innocence, and benevolence, that he permitted this delicate female to draw water for *ten camels*, without ever attempting to afford her any kind of assistance! I know not which to admire most, the benevolence and condescension of Rebekah, or the cold and apparently stupid indifference of the servant of Abraham. Surely they are both of an uncommon cast.

Verse [Genesis 24:22](../../../kjv/genesis/24/22). ***The man took a golden ear-ring*** — נזם זהב *nezem zahab*. That this could not be an *ear-ring* is very probable from its being in the *singular* number. The margin calls it a *jewel for the* *forehead*; but it most likely means a *jewel for the nose*, or *nose-ring*, which is in universal use through all parts of Arabia and Persia, particularly among young women. They are generally worn in the left nostril. The word is very properly translated επιρρινον, an *ornament for the nose*, by Symmachus.
***Half a shekel*** — For the weight of a shekel, [Genesis 20:16](../../../kjv/genesis/20/16); [Genesis 20:16](../../../kjv/genesis/20/16).
***And two bracelets*** — ושני צמידים *usheney tsemidim*. As *tsemidim* comes from צמד *tsamad*, to *join* or *couple* *together*, it may very properly mean *bracelets*, or whatever may clasp round the arms or legs; for rings and ornaments are worn round both by females in India and Persia. The small part of the leg is generally decorated in this way, and so is the whole arm from the shoulder to the wrist. As these *tsemidim* were given to Rebekah *for her hands*, it sufficiently distinguishes them from a similar ornament used for the *ankles*.
In different parts of the sacred writings there are allusions to ornaments of various kinds still in use in different Asiatic countries. They are of seven different sorts.
1. for the *forehead*;
2. for the *nose*;
3. for the *ears*;
4. for the *arms*;
5. for the *fingers*;
6. for the *neck* and *breast*;
7. for the *ankles*.
See [Genesis 24:22](../../../kjv/genesis/24/22), [Genesis 24:47](../../../kjv/genesis/24/47); also [Ezekiel 16:12](../../../kjv/ezekiel/16/12); [Proverbs 11:22](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/22); [Isaiah 3:21](../../../kjv/isaiah/3/21); [Genesis 35:4](../../../kjv/genesis/35/4); [Exodus 32:2](../../../kjv/exodus/32/2), [Exodus 32:3](../../../kjv/exodus/32/3); [Job 42:11](../../../kjv/job/42/11); [Judges 8:24](../../../kjv/judges/8/24). The principal female ornaments are enumerated in the third chapter of Isaiah, which are very nearly the same that are in use in Persia and India to the present time.

Verse [Genesis 24:26](../../../kjv/genesis/24/26). ***Bowed down his head, and worshipped*** — Two acts of adoration are mentioned here;
1. Bowing the head, יקד *yikkod*; and
2. Prostration upon the earth, וישתחו *vaiyishtaehu*.
The bowing of the head was to Rebekah, to return her thanks for her kind invitation. The prostration was to Jehovah, in gratitude for the success with which he had favoured him.

Verse [Genesis 24:27](../../../kjv/genesis/24/27). ***The Lord led me*** — By desire of his master he went out on this journey; and as he acknowledged God in all his ways, the Lord directed all his steps.

Verse [Genesis 24:28](../../../kjv/genesis/24/28). ***Her mother's house*** — Some have conjectured from this that her father *Bethuel* was dead; and the person called *Bethuel*, [Genesis 24:50](../../../kjv/genesis/24/50), was a younger brother. This is possible, but the mother's house might be mentioned were even the father alive; for in Asiatic countries the women have apartments entirely separate from those of the men, in which their little children and grown-up daughters reside with them. This was probably the case here, though it is very likely that Bethuel was dead, as the whole business appears to be conducted by Rebekah's brothers.

Verse [Genesis 24:31](../../../kjv/genesis/24/31). ***Thou blessed of the Lord*** — Probably a usual mode of wishing prosperity, as he that is blessed of the Lord is worthy of all respect; for, enjoying the Divine favour, he is in possession of the sum of happiness.

Verse [Genesis 24:32](../../../kjv/genesis/24/32). ***Provender for the camels*** — These were the first objects of his care; for a good man is merciful to his beast.
***Water to wash his feet*** — Thus it thus appears that he had servants with him; and as the fatigues of the journey must have fallen as heavily upon them as upon himself, so we find no distinction made, but water is provided to wash their feet also.

Verse [Genesis 24:33](../../../kjv/genesis/24/33). ***I will not eat until I have told*** — In Hindoostan it is not unusual for a Brahmin to enter a house and sit down, and when meat is offered, refuse to eat till he has obtained the object of his errand. Here is a servant who had his master's interest more at heart than his own. He refuses to take even necessary refreshment till he knows whether he is likely to accomplish the object of his journey. Did not our blessed Lord allude to the conduct of Abraham's servant, [John 4:34](../../../kjv/john/4/34): *My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his* *work*?

Verse [Genesis 24:36](../../../kjv/genesis/24/36). ***Unto him hath he given all that he hath.*** — He has made Isaac his sole heir. These things appear to be spoken to show the relatives of Rebekah that his master's son was a proper match for her; for even in those primitive times there was regard had to the suitableness of station and rank in life, as well as of education, in order to render a match comfortable. Persons of dissimilar habits, as well as of dissimilar religious principles, are never likely to be very happy in a married life. Even the *poor* and the *rich* may better meet together in matrimonial alliances than the *religious* and the *profane*, the *well-bred* and the *vulgar*. A person may be unequally yoked in a great variety of ways: *Bear ye* *one another's burdens* is the command of God; but where there is unsuitableness in the dispositions, education, mental capacity, &c., of the persons, then *one side* is obliged to bear the whole burden, and endless dissatisfaction is the result. See at the end. *"See Clarke's note at*[Genesis 24:67](../../../kjv/genesis/24/67)*"*.

Verse [Genesis 24:42](../../../kjv/genesis/24/42). ***O Lord God of my master*** — As Abraham was the friend of God, Eliezer makes use of this to give weight and consequence to his petitions.

Verse [Genesis 24:43](../../../kjv/genesis/24/43). ***When the virgin*** — העלמה *haalmah*, from עלם *alam,* to hide, cover, or conceal; a pure virgin, a woman not *uncovered*, and in this respect still concealed from man. The same as בתולה *bethulah*, [Genesis 24:16](../../../kjv/genesis/24/16), which, from the explanation there given, incontestably means a *virgin* in the proper sense of the word-a young woman, not that is *covered* or *kept at home*, the common gloss, but who was not *uncovered* in the *delicate sense* in which the Scripture uses this word. See this interpretation vindicated on [Isaiah 7:14](../../../kjv/isaiah/7/14). [Isaiah 7:14](../../../kjv/isaiah/7/14).

Verse [Genesis 24:45](../../../kjv/genesis/24/45). ***Before I had done speaking in mine heart*** — So we find that the whole of this prayer, so circumstantially related [Genesis 24:12-14](../../../kjv/genesis/24/12-14), and again [Genesis 24:42-44](../../../kjv/genesis/24/42-44), was mental, and heard only by that God to whom it was directed. It would have been improper to have used *public* prayer on the occasion, as his servants could have felt no particular interest in the accomplishment of his petitions, because they were not concerned in them, having none of the responsibility of this mission.

Verse [Genesis 24:49](../../../kjv/genesis/24/49). ***That I may turn to the right hand or to the left*** — That is, That I may go elsewhere and seek a proper match for the son of my master. Some have imagined that Eliezer intimated by these expressions that if he did not succeed in obtaining Rebekah, he would go and seek for a wife either among the descendants of Ishmael or the descendants of Lot. This interpretation is fanciful.

Verse [Genesis 24:50](../../../kjv/genesis/24/50). ***Laban and Bethuel*** — These seem both to be *brothers*, of whom Laban was the eldest and chief; for the opinion of Josephus appears to be very correct, *viz*., that Bethuel, the father, had been some time dead. [Genesis 24:28](../../../kjv/genesis/24/28); [Genesis 24:28](../../../kjv/genesis/24/28).
***Bad or good*** — We can neither speak *for* nor against; it seems to be entirely the work of God, and we cordially submit: consult Rebekah; if she be willing, take her and go. [Genesis 24:58](../../../kjv/genesis/24/58); [Genesis 24:58](../../../kjv/genesis/24/58).

Verse 53. ***Jewels of silver, and jewels of gold*** — The word כלי *keley*, which we here translate *jewels* signifies properly *vessels* or *instruments*; and those presented by Eliezer might have been of various kinds. What he had given before, [Genesis 24:22](../../../kjv/genesis/24/22), was in token of *respect*, what he gave now appears to have been in the way of *dowry*.
***Precious things.*** — מגדנת *migdanoth*. This word is used to express *exquisite fruits* or *delicacies*, [Deuteronomy 33:13-16](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/33/13-16); *precious plants* or *flowers*, Cant. [Song of Solomon 4:16](../../../kjv/song-of-solomon/4/16); [Song of Solomon 7:13](../../../kjv/song-of-solomon/7/13). But it may mean *gifts* in general, though rather of an *inferior* kind to those mentioned above.

Verse 54. ***And they did eat and drink*** — When Eliezer had got a favourable answer, then he and his servants sat down to meat; this he had refused to do till he had told his message, [Genesis 24:33](../../../kjv/genesis/24/33).

Verse 55. ***Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least**********ten*** — The original is very abrupt and obscure, because we are not acquainted with the precise meaning of the *form of speech* which is here used; ימים או עשור *yamim o asor* DAYS or TEN, probably meaning a *year* or *ten months*, as the margin reads it, or a *week* or *ten* *days*. This latter is the most likely sense, as there would be no propriety after having given their consent that she should go, in detaining her for a *year* or *ten months*. In matters of simple phraseology, or in those which concern peculiar customs, the *Septuagint* translation, especially in the Pentateuch, where it is most accurate and pure, may be considered a legitimate judge; this translation renders the words ἡμερας ὡσει δεκα, *about ten* *days*. Houbigant contends strongly that instead of the words ימים או עשור *yamim o asor*, days or ten, we should read חדש ימים *chodesh yamim*, a month of days, i.e., a full month; without which emendation he asserts, *locus explicari non possit*, "the passage cannot be explained." This emendation is supported by the *Syriac* version, which reads here [Arabic] *yerach yomin*, a month of days, or a full month. The reader may adopt the *Syriac* or the *Septuagint*, as he judges best.

Verse 58. ***Wilt thou go with this man?*** — So it appears it was left *ultimately* to the choice of Rebekah whether she would accept the proposals now made to her, unless we suppose that the question meant, *Wilt thou go immediately*, or *stay with us a month longer*?
***She said, I will go.*** — It fully appears to be the will of God that it should be so, and I consent. This at once determined the whole business.

Verse 59. ***And her nurse*** — Whose name, we learn from [Genesis 35:8](../../../kjv/genesis/35/8), was *Deborah*, and who, as a second mother, was deemed proper to accompany Rebekah. This was a measure dictated by good sense and prudence. Rebekah had other female attendants. See [Genesis 24:61](../../../kjv/genesis/24/61).

Verse [Genesis 24:60](../../../kjv/genesis/24/60). ***Be thou the mother of thousands of millions*** — לאלפי רבבה *lealphey rebabah*, for thousands ten thousand, or *for myriads* *of thousands*, a large family being ever considered, in ancient times, as a proof of the peculiar blessing and favour of God. Similar addresses to a daughter, when she is going from her father's house to live with her husband, are very common among the *Hindoos*; such as, "Be thou the mother of a son," "Be thou the wife of a king," &c. See *Ward*.

Verse [Genesis 24:62](../../../kjv/genesis/24/62). ***And Isaac came*** — Concerning this *well* see [Genesis 16:13-14](../../../kjv/genesis/16/13-14), &c. As it appears from [Genesis 25:11](../../../kjv/genesis/25/11), that Isaac dwelt at the well *Lahai-roi*, it has been conjectured that he had now come on a visit to his aged father at Beersheba, where he waited in expectation of his bride.
***For he dwelt in the south country.*** — The southern part of the land of Canaan. See [Genesis 12:9](../../../kjv/genesis/12/9).

Verse [Genesis 24:63](../../../kjv/genesis/24/63). ***Isaac went out to meditate*** — לשוח *lasuach*, to bend down the body, or the mind, or both. He was probably in deep thought, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. What the subject of his meditation was it is useless to inquire; he was a pious man, and could not be *triflingly* employed.

Verse [Genesis 24:65](../../../kjv/genesis/24/65). ***She took a veil*** — הצעיף *hatstsaaif*. This is the first time this word occurs, and it is of doubtful signification; but most agree to render it a *veil* or a *cloak*. The former is the most likely, as it was generally used by women in the east as a sign of *chastity, modesty*, and *subjection*.

Verse [Genesis 24:67](../../../kjv/genesis/24/67). ***Sarah's tent*** — Sarah being dead, her tent became now appropriated to the use of Rebekah.
***And took Rebekah, c.*** — After what *form* this was done we are not told or whether there was any form used on the occasion, more than solemnly receiving her as the person whom God had chosen to be his wife; for it appears from [Genesis 24:66](../../../kjv/genesis/24/66) that the servant told him all the especial providential circumstances which had marked his journey. The primitive *form* of marriage we have already seen, [Genesis 2:23-24](../../../kjv/genesis/2/23-24), which, it is likely, as far as *form* was attended to, was that which was commonly used in all the patriarchal times.
IN this chapter we have an affecting and edifying display of that *providence* by which God disposes and governs the affairs of the universe, descending to the minutest particulars, and managing the great *whole* by directing and influencing all its *parts*. This *particular* or *especial* providence we see is not confined to work by *general laws*; it is wise and intelligent, for it is the mind, the will, and energy of God; it steps out of common ways, and takes particular directions, as endlessly varied human necessities may need, or the establishment and maintenance of godliness in the earth may require. What a history of providential occurrences, coming all in answer to the prayer and faith of a simple, humble individual, does this chapter exhibit!
As Abraham's servant has God's glory only in view in the errand on which he is going, he may well expect the Divine direction. See with what simplicity and confidence he prays to God! He even prescribes the way in which the Divine choice and approbation shall be made known; and God honours the purity of his motives and his pious faith, by giving him precisely the answer he wished. How honourable in the sight of God is *simplicity* of heart! It has nothing to fear, and all good to hope for; whereas a spirit warped by *self-interest* and *worldly views* is always *uncertain* and *agitated*, as it is ever seeking that from its *own counsels,* *projects*, and *schemes*, which should be sought in God alone. In every place the upright man meets with his God; his heart acknowledges his Maker, and his Maker acknowledges him; for such a one the whole economy of providence and grace is ever at work.
Abraham's solicitude to get a suitable wife for his son is worthy of the most serious regard. He was well aware that if Isaac formed a matrimonial alliance with the *Canaanites* it might be ruinous to his piety, and prevent the dissemination of the true religion; therefore he binds his most trusty servant by a solemn oath not to take a wife for his son from the daughters of Canaan, but from his own kindred, among whom the knowledge of the true God was best preserved. Others had different rays of the light of truth, but Abraham's family alone had THE *truth*; and to the descendants of this family were the promises made.
How careful should parents be to procure alliances for their children with those who fear God, as so much of the peace and comfort of the children, and the happiness of *their* posterity, depend on this circumstance! But alas! how many sacrifice the comfort and salvation of their offspring at the shrine of Mammon! If they can procure *rich husbands* and *wives* for their daughters and sons, then all, in their apprehension, is well. Marriages of this kind may be considered as mere *bargain* and *sale*; for there is scarcely ever any reference to God or eternity in them. The Divine institution of marriage is left out of sight; and the persons are united, not properly to *each other*, in the love, fear, and according to the ordinance of God, but they are wedded to so many *thousand pounds* sterling, and to so many *houses, fields*, c. Thus like goes to like, *metal* to *metal*, *earth* to *earth*. Marriages formed on such principles are mere *licensed adulteries*. Let such *contractors* hear these awful words of God: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" [James 4:4](../../../kjv/james/4/4). [Genesis 24:36](../../../kjv/genesis/24/36).
Although under the patriarchal dispensation parents had a kind of absolute authority over their children, and might dispose of them as they pleased in general cases, yet it appears that in matrimonial connections they were under no compulsion. The suitable person was pointed out and recommended but it does not appear that children were *forced*, against the whole tide of their affections, to take those persons who were the objects of the parent's choice. *Wilt thou go with this man*? was, in all likelihood, deemed essential to the completion of the contract; and by the answer, *I will go*, was the contract fully ratified. Thus the persons were ultimately left to their own choice, though the most prudent and proper means were no doubt used in order to direct and fix it. Whether this was precisely the plan followed in primitive times we cannot *absolutely* say: they were times of great *simplicity*; and probably connections on the mere principle of *affection*, independently of all other considerations, seldom existed. And it must be allowed that matches formed on the sole principle of *conveniency* might as well be formed by the parents as by any others; and in Asiatic countries it was generally so, for *there* the female seldom presumes to have a choice of her own.
In all cases of this kind the child should invariably consult the *experience* and *wisdom* of the parents; and the parents should ever pay much respect to the *feelings* of the child, nor oppose an alliance which may be in all other respects suitable, because there may be a lack of *property* on *one side* of the intended match. If parents would proceed in this way, God would pour his blessing on their seed, and his Spirit upon their offspring.

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