And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land
The land of promise
1.
The first feature which eminently marked out the land for the residence of God’s chosen nation is this: it unites, as no other does, the two indispensable conditions of central position and yet of isolation. To lie in the midst of the nations, at the focus and gathering place of those mighty and cultured empires, whose rivalries ruled the politics, as their example led the civilization of antiquity, yet at the same time be shut off from such contact with them as must of necessity prove injurious, seemed to be opposite requirements, very hard to be reconciled. To a curious extent they are reconciled in the land of promise.
2. Another characteristic which qualified Palestine to be a training ground for the Hebrews was this: that it combined to an unusual degree high agricultural fertility with exposure to sudden and severe disasters. In most years it could sustain a dense population of cultivators, supposing them to be industrious and frugal, without any excessive or grinding toil. Enough, not always for export, but for home consumption at least, its well-watered valleys and vine-clad hills could furnish in ordinary seasons. For comfortable sustenance, therefore, though not for wealth or luxury, such a nation of peasants was sufficiently provided within its own borders. It could dwell apart, yet experience no want. At the same time, the people were kept in close dependence for the fruits of harvest upon the bounty of Providence.
3. To these advantages for its special design, this perhaps ought to be added: that hardly any regions offer so few temptations to corrupt the complicity of their inhabitants, or better facilities for the defence of their liberties. (J. O. Dykes, D. D.)
There builded he an altar unto the Lord
Worship
I. THIS ALTAR WAS REARED ENTIRELY IN HONOUR OF GOD. No self-glorying In it.
II. ABRAHAM’S ACT EXPRESSED HIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FACT OF DIVINE GUIDANCE IN HIS PAST LIFE. He found it a joy to be under the leadership of God, and he built this altar to express his gratitude.
III. ABRAHAM’S ALTAR EXPRESSED HIS DEPENDENCE ON THE MERCY THAT COMES THROUGH A PROPITIATORY SACRIFICE.
IV. THIS ALTAR WAS VALUABLE IN GOD’S SIGHT, BECAUSE IT EXPRESSED ABRAHAM’S READINESS TO CONSECRATE HIMSELF ENTIRELY TO GOD.
V. THE RAISED ALTAR EXPRESSED THE PATRIARCH’S FAITH IN THE FULFILMENT OF THE DIVINE PROMISES. (F. Hastings.)
The altar at Sichem
1. The first thing Abraham does on his arrival is to acknowledge God. He recognizes Him as the One who has protected him.
2. We see in this erection of the altar an acknowledgment of God in time of prosperity.
3. That altar signified a grateful heart.
4. The altar was a token of Abram’s faith.
5. This altar was not the product of a spasmodic exertion, or something to meet a sudden emergency. It was the result of a fixed purpose, a fixed state of mind, a character.
6. Again, this altar suggests to us that “local worship” is important. God is not always to be thought of as the broad blaze of light, but rather like the pointed rays. It is when the rays are brought to a focus that the heat and fire are manifested. God is everywhere, but is in this place and that in a special sense. We need to localize God. There are spots specially holy. The closet, the family altar, the church--how sacred!
7. Finding this spirit in Abraham, we are not surprised that God manifested Himself to him. As we advance in holiness, we advance toward God, and communion is more easy. (I. Simmons, D. D.)
Outward signs of piety
Abram set up his altar along the line of his march. Blessed are they whose way is known by marks of worship. The altar is the highest seal of ownership. God will not lightly forsake His temple. This setting up of the altar shows that our spiritual life ought to be attested by outward sign and profession. Abram had the promise in his heart, yet he did not live a merely contemplative life; he was not lost in religious musings and prophesyings--he built his altar and set up his testimony in the midst of his people, and made them sharers of a common worship. (J. Parker, D. D.)