“And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.”
Cross references: : 1 Chron. 1:32
“But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.”
To avoid the dissention that else might have come because of the heritage. For by the virtue of God’s word he had not only Isaac, but begat many more. Read Gen. 22:24 .
“Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.”
Hereby the ancients signified that man by death perished not wholly but as the souls of the godly lived after in perpetual joy, so the souls of the wicked [in] perpetual pain.
“And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.”
Which dwelt among the Arabians, and were separate from the blessed seed.
“And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. died: Heb. fell”
He meaneth that his lot fell to dwell among his brethren as the Angel promised, Gen. 16:12 . Or, his lot fell.
“And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.”
For that is the only refuge in all our miseries. Or, hurt one another. That is, with child, seeing one shall destroy another.
“And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.”
Hebrew, a man of the field . Or, simple and innocent.
“And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. he: Heb. venison was in his mouth”
Hebrew, venison in his mouth .
“And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? at: Heb. going to die”
The reprobate esteem not God’s benefits except they feel them presently, and therefore they prefer present pleasures.
“And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.”
Thus the wicked prefer their worldly commodities to God’s spiritual graces: but the children of God do the contrary. Heb. 12:16