the means[1] of possessing it. Let us think[2] over the things which have taken place from the beginning. For what reason was our father Abraham blessed? was it not because he wrought righteousness and truth through faith?[3] Isaac, with perfect confidence, as if knowing what was to happen,[4] cheerfully yielded himself as a sacrifice.[5] Jacob, through reason[6] of his brother, went forth with humility from his own land, and came to Laban and served him; and there was given to him the sceptre of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Chap. xxxii.—We are justified not by our own works, but by faith.
Whosoever will candidly consider each particular, will recognise the greatness of the gifts which were given by him.[7] For from him[8] have sprung the priests and all the Levites who minister at the altar of God. From him also [was descended] our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.[9] From him [arose] kings, princes, and rulers of the race of Judah. Nor are his other tribes in small glory, inasmuch as God had promised, "Thy seed shall be as the stars of heaven."[10] All these, therefore, were highly honoured, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart;
- ↑ Literally, "what are the ways of His blessing."
- ↑ Literally, "unroll."
- ↑ Comp. James ii. 21.
- ↑ Some translate, "knowing what was to come."
- ↑ Gen. xxii.
- ↑ So Jacobson: Wotton reads, "fleeing from his brother."
- ↑ The meaning is here very doubtful. Some translate, "the gifts which were given to Jacob by Him," i.e. God.
- ↑ MS. αὐτῶν, referring to the gifts: we have followed the emendation αὐτοῦ, adopted by most editors. Some refer the word to God, and not Jacob.
- ↑ Comp. Rom. ix. 5.
- ↑ Gen. xxii. 17, xxviii. 4.
