Unto the place of Sichem— That is, to the place where Sichem, or Sychem, afterwards was: a frequent mode of expression in the writings of Moses. From this place Abram passed unto the plain of Moreh; which Mr. Mede, says Mr. Locke, following the LXX, will have to be the oak of Moreh, understanding by oak, a grove of oaks. But why the LXX only should be mentioned, I know not, when the Hebrew is also the same, אלון alon, an oak, and so rendered by most versions. See Genesis 35:4. Joshua 24:25-26. in which this oak is referred to. Moreh was situated near the two mounts Gerizim and Ebal.
And the Canaanite was then in the land— The sacred historian, with great propriety, here informs us, that the land promised to Abram, or that part of it through which he passed, was then possessed by the Canaanite, i.e.. the people in general so denominated, ch. Genesis 13:7. Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:22. for thus he magnifies more abundantly the patriarch's faith, which depended solely upon God's promise for the possession of a country inhabited by so strong and numerous a people.