his Canaanitish friend. Adullam was not far from Ephrath, and, it is generally supposed, to the north of Hebron. Probably, Judah at this time left his father's house for some other residence.-Shuah was the name of Judah's wife's father, and not that of his wife (12).

16 And he turned unto her by the way and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee (for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law): and she said, What wilt thou give me that thou mayest come in unto me?

17 And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock: And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? 18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine Heb. the days were multiplied. | Heb. the door of eyes, or, of

124:67. 2 Sam. 13:39.

t

Enajim.

m 31:19. 1 Sam. 26:4-8,36. 2p 11,26.
Sam. 13:23-29.

n Josh.

15:10,57.

Judg. 14:1.

Timnah.

o Prov. 7:12. Jer. 3:2. Ez. 16:
25.

૧

Matt. 26:15. 1 Tim. 6:10.
Ez. 16:33.

Heb. a kid of the goats.

$ 24,25. Prov. 20:16. Luke 16:8. t Jer. 22:24. Luke 15:22.

a numerous posterity, made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of that Seed especially in whom all nations "should be blessed.'

V. 11. Perhaps Judah, being ignorant of the real cause of his sons' death, attributed it to some ill behavior of Tamar, and therefore secretV. 4, 5. Probably Judah was from homely determined not to marry Shelah to her. For when these two sons were born, and so his wife named them.-Chezib is supposed to have been the same as Achzib. (Josh. 15:44.)

V. 7. Er was "wicked in the sight of the LORD;" but perhaps not in the sight of man, from whom he concealed his crimes. The Lord, however, was so provoked at his secret sins, that he slew him.-Many premature deaths might probably be accounted for in the same manner, had we as impartial and well informed historians

to record them.

the present, however, he put the matter off, by intimating that his son was too young, and that he should wait some time longer before he allowed them to marry.

V. 14-16. Tamar could not think this a probable way of forwarding her marriage with Shelah; but perhaps she concluded that Judah never intended it. It is supposed, that, according to the custom of the times, she was considered as Shelah's wife, and could not be married to another in such circumstances. Some think, that she was ambitious of being brought into the line of Christ's ancestors, and of having children by some of Jacob's family; and perhaps some intimation had been given, that our Lord should spring from Judah: not expecting therefore to be married to Shelah, she saw no other way but the very criminal one which she adopted. If this was her motive, though it by no means excuses or palliates her conduct, she certainly obtained her end; for Christ was descended from her by this very incestuous intercourse!-Judah did not discover that she was his daughter-in-law, as she was veiled, and he took her for a harlot, because she sat by the way-side.

V. 17. Pledge.] Appabwv, Sept. which is ren

hand: and he gave it her, and came in|| unto her, and she conceived by him.

19 And she arose, and went away, and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.

X

20 And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.

21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way-side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place.

22 And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said that there was no harlot in this place.

+

23 And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and also behold, she is with child by whoredom: and Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

dered earnest in 2 Cor. 1:22. 5:5. Eph. 1:

14.

25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, By the man whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.

с

26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son; and he knew her again no more.

d

27 And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that behold twins were in her womb.

28 And it came to pass when she travailed, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.

29 And it came to pass as he drew back his hand, that behold his brother came out; and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

30 And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand; and his name was called Zarah. b 37:32. Ps. 50:21. Jer. 2:26. | Or, Wherefore hast thou made Rom. 2:16. 1 Cor. 4:5. Rev. this breach against thee? 1 Chr. 2: 4. 9:4.-Neh. 11:4.6. Perez. Matt. 1:3. Luke 3:33. Phares. That is, a breach.

20:12.

c 1 Sam. 24:17. 2 Sam. 24:17.
Ez. 16:52. Hab. 1:13. John
8:9. Rom. 3:19.

d 14.

e Job 34:31.32. 40:5. Matt. 3:8.
1 Pet. 4:2,3.

f46:12. Num. 26:20.

g 1 Chr. 9:6. Zerah. Matt. 1: 3. Zara.

cessive severity in the harsh sentence which he had uttered against her, and perhaps beV. 18. Signet, bracelets, and staff.] These ing truly penitent, he condemned himself more were probably of considerable value, and would than her: "and he knew her again no more." afford Tamar an opportunity of exposing Ju-Though he was yet young, it does not appear dab; yet he was so infatuated as to intrust them with a supposed harlot!

that he married again.-It cannot be supposed, that Tamar was after this married to Shelah; but probably she lived the rest of her days in widowhood.

V. 21. Where is the harlot?] By the answer returned to this question, we learn that these practices were neither so common, nor so shameless, among the Canaanites, as they are now in general among nominal Christians. V. 23. Lest we be shamed.] For the whore-part of the tribe of Judah, from whom the dom, and for the folly connected with it.

V. 24. Some suppose, that Judah only meant to brand Tamar with a mark of infamy. If he meant to burn her to death, though pregnant, it shews, not only that he considered her as betrothed to Shelah, and an adulteress; but also that he was actuated by excessive severity, and dislike to Tamar.-In those days, when a general civil government was not established through the country, but different tribes and families were ruled by their several heads; the injured party, if a principal person, seems to have been both accuser, judge, and frequently the executioner; as in the case of murder, the nearest relation was the avenger of blood.

V. 27-30. By a hard labor, Tamar was corrected for her crime. From these twins, the offspring of so much sin, descended the principal

whole nation are to this day called Jews, or Judeans; and who had little cause to boast that "they were not born of fornication."-Some make the singular circumstances of this birth emblematical of the Jews and Gentiles: the Jews, like Zarah, seemed marked for priority in the church of Christ, yet they drew back; and the Gentiles, like Pharez, have got the birthright: yet, in due time, the Jews shall again find admission, and share the same privileges.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-11.

What a melancholy view do these records give us of Jacob's family, of the trouble which V. 25. He who had been the adviser of the he had with his children, and of the state of resale of Joseph, and of sending his coat to Ja-ligion in the visible church of God!-Is this cob, with this taunting message, "Know now whether this be thy son's coat or no;" was at length taunted in a similar manner, "Discern, I pray thee, whose are these!" (Marg. Ref.)

V. 26. Judah had intentionally committed only fornication, while Tamar had been guilty of incest: yet, conscious of being the occasion of her crime by withholding Shelah, and of ex

"Judah, whom his brethren shall praise!" Rather let us praise God for his patience with him; and that "where sin had abounded, grace" as we have reason to conclude, "much more abounded" in his salvation.-The friendship of those, who flatter young persons, and assist them in gratifying their licentious inclinations, is often much valued, and their company courted and

4 And Joseph & found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake: and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in the house, and in the field.

6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat: and Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.

k

preferred before that of pious friends and rela- heedlessly continue in unrepented wickedness. tions: but it corrupts good manners and princi- Yet it is hopeful, when being put to shame beples, and makes bad ones worse. Though, all fore men produces conviction of guilt, humiliatthings considered, it is best for most men to ing confessions, and renunciation of the sin thus marry early in life; yet surely not when they exposed, never more to return to it.-But while are incapable of judging for themselves, and will we compassionate pious Jacob, thus wounded on not be counselled or directed by their parents every side by the misconduct of his family; let and friends; but are influenced by those who us admire the sovereign purpose and grace of fear not God, to form connexions with others of God, who, by all these events, was preparing for the same character. Indeed, parents themselves the manifestation of his Son in human nature. frequently lead their children into the mistakes Our Redeemer sprang from Judah by Tamar, and sins, of which they themselves have been and from Pharez: for his excellency was perguilty; and are instrumental in their ruin, tem-sonal; and, though himself sinless, it suited the poral and eternal.-The Scriptures sparingly hint at those vile practices, which, being done in secret, are a shame to be spoken of: this suffices to shew, that the Lord notices and abhors them, and will bring to light all the lasciviousness, of which it is to be feared multitudes are guilty in heart and life, who stand fair in the world's esteem. Then the secret history of every individual, who hath not truly repented, and washed away his sins in the blood of Christ, will be written with an impartial pen, and published to the world of men and angels: every mouth will be stopped; and God's righteousness, in the condemnation of sinners, manifested to the whole universe.

V. 12-30.

end of his appearance, for him to be "made in the likeness of sinful flesh."

NOTES.

CHAP. XXXIX. V. 2-6. Joseph was not only favored with the comforting presence of the Lord, and with seasons of peculiarly sweet communion with him; but he was so remarkably furnished with wisdom from above, and prospered in all his undertakings, that it was evident, even to Potiphar himself, that the Lord was with him, assisting and succeeding them. Thus, though a slave, he was had in reputation; and, being diligent in his business, he became a favorite with his master, who greatly countenanced and confided in him. Potiphar, no doubt, would hear Mirth, festivity, and vain company, furnish from Joseph, (who, it is evident, avowed his refuel to licentious inclinations, and opportunity ligion, and refused to join in idolatry,) many inflames the heart; then interest, credit, and things concerning JEHOVAH, the God whom he conscience are sacrificed, and the wisest of men worshipped: and finding all his affairs prospered, act as if bereft of common sense: for "wine and and that Joseph ascribed this to the Lord's spewhoredom take away the heart," and stupify the cial blessing, he might be convinced, (as Laban conscience. What need have we then to "watch had been concerning Jacob,) that the Lord and pray, that we enter not into temptation!" blessed him for Joseph's sake; indeed, it seems to Unthought of consequences will soon prove the have been evident to all concerned. Thus at folly of those, who give license to their lusts; length Potiphar, having full confidence in his inand they, who fear shame before men, more than tegrity, prudence, and good success, left all his condemnation before God, often find the very concerns to his management; and, without anxthing come upon them which they feared, not- iety, enjoyed his abundance. Considering Potiwithstanding all their care to prevent it.-In-phar's rank, it is not probable that Joseph was jurious suspicions and unjust treatment frequent- preferred to so important a station, till his abilily drive those to evil practices, who were not ty and fidelity had been fully proved. About previously disposed to them; but miserable and thirteen years elapsed, from the time when he infatuated beyond expression are they, who bar- was sold into Egypt, to that of his standing beter chastity, reputation, and even their souls, for fore Pharaoh. Some years he was confined in the paltry reward of sin. Nor are any more prison: but probably more elapsed during his hardened against compassion, or more disposed continuance in Potiphar's family, before his imto treat others with unrelenting severity, than prisonment; where he would have large opporthey who are most indulgent to themselves, andtunity of acquiring that kind of knowledge and VOL. I.

19

[145

9 There is none greater in this house than 1; neither hath he kept back any thing from me, but thee, because thou art his wife: P how then can I do this great wickedness, and 4 sin against God?

10 And it came to pass as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

[Practical Observations.]

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

8

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: " and he left

16:2. Job 31:1. Ps. 119:37. Ez.

23:5,6,12-16. Matt. 6:28. 2 Pet. 2:14. 1 John 2:16. m 2 Sam. 13:11. Prov. 7:13. Jer. 3:3.

n Prov. 1:10. 2:10,16-19. 6:20 -25,32,33. 7:25-27. 9:13-18. 22:14. 23:26-28.

o Neh. 6:11. Luke 12:48, 1 Cor. 4.2. Tit. 2:10.

p 20:3,6. Lev. 20:10. 2 Sam. 11: 27. Job 31:9-12. Jer. 5:8,9. 1 Cor. 6:9,10. Gal. 5:19-21.

Heb. 13:4. Rev. 21:8, 22:15.

his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us: he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice.

15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

16 And she laid up his garment by her until his lord came home.

a

17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me.

18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his gar ment with me, and fled out.

19 And it came to pass, when his mas terheard the words of his wife, which Neh. 5:15. Ps. 51:4. Jer. 28: she spake unto him, saying, After this

q Num. 32:23. 2 Sam. 12:13.

16. 50:7.

r Prov. 1:15. 5:8. 1 Cor. 6:18.
15:33. 1 Thes. 5:22. 2 Tim. 2:
22. 1 Pet. 2:11.

s Job 24:15. Jer. 23:24. Mal. 3:
b.

t Prov. 7:13. Ec. 7:26. Ez. 16:
30-34.

1 Sam. 15:27. Prov. 6:5.
Mark 14:51,52.

address, which his future elevated station required. Joseph's comeliness is spoken of, in the very terms before used in the original concerning his mother Rachel. (29:17.)

V. 7. Lie with me.] The disparity in rank betwixt Potiphar's wife and Joseph, and the observation of his modesty, as equal to his other virtues, probably made her despair of inveigling him by distant hints: and, considering how much it was his interest to oblige her, and how dangerous to give her offence, and hurried on by her criminal passions, she was not ashamed to address him in this impudent manner, not greatly fearing a repulse.

ashamed to mention to this adulterous woman:these were the topics on which he insisted; and had not her vile passions stupified and hardened her heart, surely she must have been reclaimed, or even converted to his God, and induced to embrace that religion, which he so adorned and recommended by his conduct!--While she assailed him day by day continually, no doubt Satan, as far as permitted, would paint to his imagination in lively colors the advantages of compliance, and the consequences of refusal: but all was in vain; for the grace of our Lord was suffi cient for him. And when he found her deaf to the remonstrances of duty, conscience, gratitude, honor, and the fear of God, and that he could not reclaim her, he avoided her company as much as possible; being distrustful of himself and fearful of being overcome, if he parleyed with the temptation.

V. 8-10. Attending to the circumstances before mentioned, and considering Joseph as a single man in the vigor of youth, the importunity with which he was assaulted, and the opportunity and privacy afforded him; we cannot too much admire this glorious victory of chastity, the V. 13-16. The base affection of this wicked power of divine grace displayed in it, and the ex- woman, being finally disappointed, was changed cellence of him who was hated of his brethren. for the most rancorous enmity; and she seems to Comparing his conduct with that of Judah, Reu- have exulted in the opportunity of being revengben, and the other sons of Jacob, it must be al-ed upon Joseph. When therefore the men came lowed, that he had justly the preference in his in, she addressed them in the affected language father's esteem.-Nor was this refusal more of rage and disdain; alluding to Potiphar, in Janworthy of admiration, than the manner of it. guage which seemed to charge him as accessary The calmness of his spirit, the force of his argu- to the indignity, which she pretended to have rements, the generosity and delicacy, as well as ceived. She called Joseph a Hebrew, in conpiety, of his sentiments, are most beautiful.-tempt of his original and religion: and added, His master's kindness to him, the honorable station which he held in his family, the peculiar relation in which his tempter stood to his generous benefactor, the greatness of the injustice and ingratitude to him;-but above all, the greatness of the wickedness in the sight of God, whose authority and displeasure he was not

that he left his garment with her; intimating, that when she called aloud for help, he hasted to escape; upon which seizing hold of his garment, she had in vain endeavored to retain him till they came to apprehend him.

V. 17. To mock me.] To insult and treat me in a base, unworthy manner.

V. 22. He was the doer of it.] Through the wisdom and fidelity which Joseph manifested, he soon acquired the confidence of the keeper of the prison; and though at first severely treated, (Note, Ps. 105:18.) yet he afterwards became both comfortable and useful. No doubt, the prisoners were used by him with singular humanity, and probably benefited by his pious counsels, excellent example, and winning benevolence.

V. 19, 20. Joseph did not attempt to speak in bargain; and, till imposed upon, he learned his his own defence: perhaps he was not permitted; value by experience, and treated him accordingor he might not be inclined, sensible it would be ly. Yet how little do many Christians underin vain. Doubtless, however, he would say, as stand the worth of such servants as fear Go David did, "Thou shalt answer for me, O LORD, who will always be most faithful, industrious, and my God." Potiphar was no doubt blamable, successful! But we must allow, on the other for so hastily crediting this accusation against a hand, that mere pretenders to religion, of charperson of approved excellence: yet, considering acter and conduct exactly the reverse of Joseph, the absolute authority which masters possessed occasion this prejudice, among those who cannot over the lives of their slaves, the vehement ran- or will not discriminate, between the humble cor of his accuser, that accuser his master's wife, Christian, and the noisy hypocrite.-When the and the baseness of the crime very plausibly laid Lord pleases he can easily give his servants fato his charge; it must be ascribed to a special vor, even among strangers, and no one was ever interposition of God, that he was not immediate-a loser by being kind to them. In general, they ly put to death. Instead of this, he was cast into who accommodate themselves to a low and lathe prison where the king's prisoners were con- borious situation, will get forward, and acquire fined: in which circumstance also the hand of confidence. But alas! prosperity draws on tempthe Lord should be noticed; for in any other tation: and personal accomplishments are often prison probably Pharaoh would never have heard snares to others, as well as to the possessor, who of him. has therefore no cause to glory in them; nor ought any one to envy or covet them. Through the force of human depravity, those amiable qualities, which should command esteem, attract the attention of the licentious eye, and excite the licentious passions; which, having acquired the ascendancy, scorn restraint and regard to modesty and decency. Thus "when lust is conceived, it bringeth forth sin;" and the infatuated wretch, rushing headlong to destruction, turns seducer, and becomes the factor for Satan, in tempting others to wickedness. Nor is any thing more to be dreaded than such a tempter, or more to be shunned than such temptations; so that if we do not mean to commit iniquity, we ought to "flee as a bird from the snare of the fowler, and as a roe from the hand of the hunt er." Let us not, however, rest satisfied with admiring Joseph, in the honorable victory which Our enemies may strip us of external distinc- he acquired; but let us consider him as a bright tions and ornaments, but wisdom and grace can- example proposed to our imitation, and an illusnot be taken from us: they may banish us from trious proof of the energy of divine grace our friends, relatives, and country; but they can- Trusting to that grace, we may hope to be more not deprive us of the presence of the Lord: they than conquerors, not only if exposed to the fiery may even exclude us from the benefits of com- trial of persecution, but even if assaulted in the mon providence, rob us of our liberty, and con- far more dangerous manner that Joseph was. fine us in dungeons; but they cannot shut us out But, would we stand stedfast in the day of trial, from the throne of grace, or bereave us of the we must have our minds armed with gratitude, blessings of salvation.-The ordinances of God justice, fear of God, faith, love, abhorrence of and the society of his people are very useful, evil, contempt of worldly pleasure or gain, and and, in some sense, almost necessary, to the life readiness for the cross: we must learn also to of faith and growth of grace, especially in young judge of every sin, and of licentious indulgences converts; so that parents and ministers are justly especially, not in that slight manner which the fearful lest their beloved children or people world does; but as enormous crimes, "for the should be secluded from them: but if, contrary sake of which the wrath of God cometh upon the to our inclination, we should be deprived of these children of disobedience." And, that importuniadvantages, His gracious presence can supply || ty may not prevail over us, nor secresy encourthe deficiency, and even make our souls like a age us, we should endeavor to have our minds watered garden, rendering us comfortable, re- habitually possessed, with a sense of our obliga spectable, prosperous, and useful.-Had Potiphar tions unto God, his all-seeing eye upon us, and purchased Joseph with half the substance of his the approaching discoveries of the day of judghouse, he would have made an advantageous || ment.

V. 23. Because the Lord, &c.] This was so evident that the keeper of the prison noticed it; and was influenced, perhaps even converted, by what he observed. Thus, in all respects, Joseph was a blessing. (12:2.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

V. 1-10.