Chapter 15—The Marriage of Isaac
This chapter is based on
Genesis 24
.
Abraham had become an old man, and expected soon to die; yet one
act remained for him to do in securing the fulfillment of the promise
to his posterity. Isaac was the one divinely appointed to succeed him
as the keeper of the law of God and the father of the chosen people,
but he was yet unmarried. The inhabitants of Canaan were given to
idolatry, and God had forbidden intermarriage between His people
and them, knowing that such marriages would lead to apostasy. The
patriarch feared the effect of the corrupting influences surrounding
his son. Abraham’s habitual faith in God and submission to His will
were reflected in the character of Isaac; but the young man’s affections
were strong, and he was gentle and yielding in disposition. If united
with one who did not fear God, he would be in danger of sacrificing
principle for the sake of harmony. In the mind of Abraham the choice
of a wife for his son was a matter of grave importance; he was anxious
to have him marry one who would not lead him from God.
In ancient times marriage engagements were generally made by
the parents, and this was the custom among those who worshiped
God. None were required to marry those whom they could not love;
but in the bestowal of their affections the youth were guided by the
judgment of their experienced, God-fearing parents. It was regarded
as a dishonor to parents, and even a crime, to pursue a course contrary
to this.
Isaac, trusting to his father’s wisdom and affection, was satisfied to
commit the matter to him, believing also that God Himself would direct
in the choice made. The patriarch’s thoughts turned to his father’s
kindred in the land of Mesopotamia. Though not free from idolatry,
they cherished the knowledge and the worship of the true God. Isaac
must not leave Canaan to go to them, but it might be that among them
could be found one who would leave her home and unite with him in
maintaining the pure worship of the living God. Abraham committed
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