Genesis 25:21 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

1838 He prayed, as the Hebrew word signifies, instantly or fervently, frequently and continually, for near twenty years together; for so long, it was between their marriage and the first child. He was so much concerned, because not only his comfort, but the truth of God's promise, depended upon this mercy; and he knew very well that God's purpose and promise did not exclude, but require the use of all convenient means for their accomplishment. For his wife; or, in the presence of his wife; signifying that, besides their more secret devotions, they did oftentimes in a more solemn manner, and with united force, pray for this mercy wherein they were both equally concerned. Or, over against his wife, noting that each of them did severally and apart entreat God for this mercy, so that there was a concurrence, if not in place, yet in design and action. She was barren, as divers of those holy women that were progenitors of Christ have long been, that it might appear that that sacred stock was propagated more by the virtue of God's grace and promise than by the power of nature.