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I. THE LIGHT IN WHICH ABRAHAM APPEARS IN THIS PASSAGE; AND HOW HE WAS QUALIFIED FOR THE DUTY HERE ASCRIBED TO HIM.

1. A man of knowledge.

2. A man of piety.

3. A man of virtue.

4. A man of authority.

5. A man of fidelity.

6. A man of diligence.

II. THE NATURE OF THIS DUTY; OR HIS ENDEAVOURS FOR THE GOOD OF HIS FAMILY.

1. He not only prayed with and before his family, but interceded for them as a priest.

2. He was a prophet in his family.

3. He was a king in his house, and used authority.

III. HOW PLEASING IT WAS TO GOD, AND THE BLESSED CONSEQUENCES THEREOF TO ABRAHAM AND HIS FAMILY. Observe — The reason why God would hide nothing from Abraham. "For I know him," &c. Abraham was communicative of his knowledge, and improved it to the good of those under his care, and therefore God resolved to make communications to him. The way to the accomplishment of God's promises: "That the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him." Family-blessings arise from family religion; — temperance, frugality, industry, discretion — peace, quietness, love, harmony — the favour, protection, and care of God; His direction and aid — all necessaries (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33) — prosperity, as far as will be good for us, and our families.

(J. Benson, D. D.)

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KJV: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

WEB: For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him."