And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Ver. 21. And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife.] He did it constantly and instantly, as the word עתר signifies; he multiplied prayer, which (as those arrows of deliverance, 2Ki 13:19) must be often iterated, ere the mercy can be obtained.
And the Lord was entreated of him.] Though it were long first, even full twenty years. God knows how to commend his mercies to us, and therefore holds us long in suspense. Cito data, vilescunt. Manna, lightly come by, was as lightly set by.