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EXPLANATIONS.

remembered Noah-not that God can forget as man forgets; but that His time for delivering Noah from the ark was now approaching. assuaged the surging billows became calm, and then settled, preparatory to flowing off the land.

fountains-referring probably to rivers which flow into the sea. rain, &c.-by which the fountains of the deep were supplied. a raven-this large well-known bird will feed on carrion till it is gorged. a dove a beautiful bird characterized for gentleness. This bird is swift o wing. not return-indulging its natural appetite, it probably fed on the carcases of some who had perished.

returned--in conformity with the domestic and familiar habits of that bird. olive-extensively cultivated in the East; its healing oil is emblematic of the divine placability; its branches are

dutiful their veneration and respect suffered no diminution though their father had erred. Heber-the Jews entertain the opinion that their name of Hebrews was derived from this ancestor of Abraham. CONTEMPORARY CHARACTERS. MESHECH-the sixth son of Japheth; supposed to have settled N.E. of Asia Minor, near the Black Sea. ARAM-the fifth son of Shem; said to have settled in Syria. CUSH-the eldest son of Ham, and the father of the Cushites or Ethiopians. MIZRAIM-the second son of Ham,

whose descendants peopled Egypt. CANAAN-the fourth or youngest son of Ham, and the father of the Canaanites. His eldest son, Sidon, is said to have founded the city of Sidon. JEBUS-the third son of Canaan, and the father of the Jebusites, a people who dwelt in Jerusalem.

emblems of peace. EBER, or HEBER-the great-grandson of Shem.

commanded, &c.-Noah waited patiently the Lord's time, notwithstanding the non-return of the dove. offered, &c.-this sacrifice was no doubt both a sin-offering and a thank-offering. While, &c.-the divine promise included: 1. The regular return of the seasonsseedtime, harvest, summer, and winter. 2. The necessary atmospheric changes of cold and heat, and 3. The regular alternations o day and night. a cloud-whose falling drops of rain refract the beams of the sun; thus causing the rainbow. mocked,&c.-"BecauseHam sinned against his father, therefore he shall be plagued in his children. Because Ham was an ill son to his father, therefore his sons shall be servants to his brethren. Who could ever yet show me a man undutiful to his parents who had prospered in himself or in his seed."-BP. HALL.

QUESTIONS.

How do you understand the phrase, God remembered Noah ? Explain the causes which led to the abatement of the flood.

What methods did Noah adopt for ascer

taining whether the flood was abated? Did Noah leave the ark on his own

responsibility? What were the characteristics of the

sacrifice offered by Noah? What blessings are included in the promise of God made to Noah ? What token or sign of God's faithfulness was then appointed? What error did Noah's cultivation of the vine lead to?

How did his son Ham act?
What were the prophetic announcements
of Noah when he came to himself?
Who was Eber, or Heber?
What is Shem called?

PRECEPTIVE LESSONS.

We learn from this history, that Noah and all the living creatures which were with him in the ark were remembered after God had destroyed the ungodly, in wrath he remembered mercy. We see also, that the sacrifice of thanksgiving is acceptable to God. The general providence of God is manifested in his promise respecting the earth and the return of the seasons, "filling our hearts with food and gladness." We also learn moderation and humility; for Noah, though "perfect in his generations," was once overcome with wine. Temptation is ever near us, but sin is disgraceful. Ham's undutiful conduct teaches us that we should not make a jest of sin, nor glory in the faults of others, but above all, it should show us the wickedness of filial impiety.

5. The Building of Babel. The Peopling of the Earth.

Genesis ix. 1-7; x.—xi. 25.

About one-hundred-and-thirteen years after the flood, many people having journeyed 'from "The East, settled on the plain of Shinar. And they said one to another, "Let us build us a city and 'a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, 'lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.""

They all spoke one language; but God said he would there confound their language, that they might not understand one another's speech. God wished them to be settled in different parts of the earth, therefore, to punish them, and to stop their work, he made them speak 'various languages. They were then dispersed according to the languages which they spoke, and they left off building the city. The name of the place was 'called "Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all people; and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

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The descendants of Shem3 dwelt in Armenia and The East. The descendants of Ham3 peopled Canaan, "Arabia, Egypt, and "Africa. The descendants of Japheth3 inhabited Western Asia and Europe. 'Nimrod, a grandson of Ham, built several cities in "Babylonia. He was the first king. Canaan, the son of Ham, had eleven sons, they lived in different parts of the land of Canaan, the eldest, Sidon, was the father of the Sidonians; the other sons of Canaan were the fathers of the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgasites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites.

GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

The East-the portions of the world thus spoken of in the Scriptures are generally those which lie east of Judea, particularly Mesopotamia, Armenia, and

Persia.

Shinar-an extensive and a fertile plain; it comprehended much of the country between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris.

Babel-'confusion,' the seat of the great confederacy of man, in the land of Shinar, to thwart the design of God-that mankind should fill the earth.

Armenia-an extensive country between the southern portion of the Caspian Sea, Syria, and Asia Minor. After the flood Noah dwelt in Armenia. Canaan-the country inhabited by the descendants of Canaan. It was a land of great fertility, "flowing with milk and honey." God promised Abram that his posterity should possess this land. Les. 6; hence it was called the land of Promise.

Arabia-a large country south and east of Canaan, and to the east of Egypt. It was partly peopled by Ham's descendants, and was afterwards inhabited by the descendants of Ishmael, its present occupiers.

Egypt-an ancient and a celebrated country, and kingdom of Africa. It is traversed by the river Nile from south to north.

Africa-one of the great divisions of the earth; known in Scripture as the "land of Ham."

Asia-the largest of the great divisions of the earth; the principal countries mentioned in the Old Testament, except Egypt, were in Asia. Western Asia is the portion known as Asia Minor.

Europe-the smallest division of the earth; its inhabitants are intelligent and

enterprising.

Babylonia-a great province of Assyria; the ancient name of this region was

Shinar.

EXPLANATIONS. journeyed, &c.-they pitched or struck their tents as they went, as the Arabs do to this day when traversing the desert. from The East-they probably first moved westward, and then falling on the Tigris

or Euphrates followed its course. settled, &c.-having resolved to change their nomadic wandering for a perma

nent residence in this fertile region. a city-an assemblage of houses intended for their ordinary residence. a tower-to which they might escape in times of danger.

reach unto heaven-a hyperbolical expression denoting great height. The tower of Belus in Babylon, was probably

this lofty pile, afterwards completed. a name-they no doubt contemplated making their city the seat of universal empire.

lest we be scattered-they madly thought of thwarting the design of God that mankind should replenish the earth. The Armenians have a tradition that Noah distributed the earth among his three sons, and in several of the Pagan myths this threefold division is traditionally preserved. The builders of

Babel despised Noah's command. one language-whether any of the numerous languages spoken at the present time is the original tongue cannot now be ascertained.

different parts-this would secure the cultivation of the earth, and the con

sequent comfort of its inhabitants. various languages-the languages and dialects of the earth now exceed 3,000. left off-after having given three years to the preparation of stones, mortar, and other materials, and twenty-two years to the erection of their city and tower. called, &c.-the mass of ruins on a lofty mound, called Birs Nimroud, a few miles distant from the other ruins of Babylon, are supposed to be the remains of the tower of Babel.

Nimrod-means 'rebel.' Probably he was the leader of those who attempted to build the tower of Babel.

first king-he overthrew the patriarchal and primitive mode of government, and established despotic and military rule; he aimed at conquest. Canaan-there is reason to believe that he shared in the crime of his father, who mocked Noah. Les. 4. CONTEMPORARY CHARACTERS. PELEG-means division.' He was the son of Eber. In his time the earth was divided, either by the scattering of the builders of Babel, or the dispersion of the descendants of Noah.

ASSHUR-the second son of Shem, but he was driven from Shinar by Nimrod; he was the founder of the Assyrian empire. NIMROD-a son of Cush; he invaded the land of Shinar, and established the Babylonian empire.

QUESTIONS. When was the first settlement made on the plain of Shinar? What do you understand by The East? Where was the plain of Shinar? What did the people begin to build? By what motives were the builders act

uated in this work?

What was God's purpose respecting the peopling of the earth? By what means did God accomplish his own purpose?

Why was the place called Babel?
In what countries were Shem's descend-
ants located?
Give me a few particulars of the countries

in which they were settled. In what countries were Ham's descendants settled? Mention some particulars of each of these countries? What countries were inhabited by Japheth's descendants? Tell me something respecting these countries. What can you tell me respecting Nimrod? Which of Canaan's sons was the father of the Sidonians?

Who was Peleg? Who was Asshur?

PRECEPTIVE LESSONS.

In all our undertakings let us be sure that we are acting according to God's will. God's blessing can only be reasonably expected when we follow out His instructions. The Babel builders prove to us the truthfulness of the Psalmist's assertion; "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." We see, from the confusion of tongues that language was the original gift of God, not only the aptitude to speak, but the knowledge of words fitted to express our thoughts. To Nimrod is to be traced the monarchical form of government. He conferred great benefits, as a "mighty hunter," for which he required great submission; hence he became a famous ruler. "It shall not be so among you," Jesus said to his disciples, "but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."

6. Family of Terah. The Call of Abram.

Genesis ix. 28, 29; xi. 10-xii. 9.

three sons, Abram, Nahor, and Terah lived at "Ur, in **Chaldea. He lived to be nine-hun

He gave

Terah a descendant of Shem3 had Haran. Haran was the father of Lot. Noah was alive when Terah lived in Chaldea. dred-and-fifty years old. He probably lived in Armenia after the flood, and died there. Soon after the 'death of Noah 'Abram was born. God 'called Abram to leave Chaldea and come into Canaan.5 Abram three great promises, saying, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee; and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name 'great; and thou shalt be a blessing; and I will 'bless them that bless thee, and 'curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall 'all families of the earth be blessed."

"Terah and his family first removed to "Haran, at which place Terah died. "So Abram 'departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him; and Abram was 'seventy-and-five years old when he departed out of Harán. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan: and into the land of Canaan they came."

"And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the LORD appeared unto Abram and said, Unto thy 'seed will I give this land and there 'builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of "Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and "Hai on the east and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and 'called upon the name of the LORD."

GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Ur-fire,' or 'light,' was a very ancient city in Chaldea.

Chaldea-a country of Mesopotamia; it is often used for Babylonia; (Les. 5.) and the Chaldeans and Babylonians are mentioned as the same people.

Haran-this name was given to the city by Haran, the father of Lot; it was situated in the north-western part of Mesopotamia.

Sichem, or Shechem-a very ancient city, situated in a valley between the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim.

Moreh-this place was in the vale of Shechem; upon, or near it, grew a remarkable oak tree which is mentioned in Genesis xxxv. 4; and Joshua xxiv. 25,26. Bethel-house of God,' was situated between Shechem and Jerusalem, about twelve miles distant from the latter place. It was called Bethel by Jacob after his vision of angels ascending and descending; (Les. 12.) it was at first called Luz. Hai or Ai-a city about nine miles from the place where Jericho afterwards stood.

EXPLANATIONS.

death of Noah-1998 years B.C. Abram was born-about the year of the world 2008, or B.C. 1996. called, &c.-the worship of the heavenly bodies was now spreading among the descendants of Shem, from which idolatry God called his servant Abram. Jos. xxiv. 2,3. Get thee, &c.-in every age of the world, God requires his professed servants to prefer the maintenance of his spiritual worship before all worldly advantages. a land, &c.-God's first command was indefinite as to Abram's future residence; nevertheless "he went out, not knowing whither he went." He walked by faith.

great nation-all the ancient patriarchs desired to be the heads of powerful tribes. bless thee-personally and relatively. great-illustrious not only in his own

days, but throughout all future ages. a blessing-a good man is not only an example to others, but also an instrument of good to them. bless them, &c.-our Lord has also said that they who give but a cup of cold water to God's followers shall not lose their reward.

curse, &c.-God regards all those who persecute the saints as enemies to

himself. Compare Matt. xxv. 45. all families...be blessed-because the Messiah, the Saviour of all men, should descend from him in the fulness of time. Acts iv. 12. Terah, &c.-he honoured the command of God to his son Abram, by accompanying him from Ur. departed-a further intimation was now made to Abram, pointing out Canaan as the country of his future pilgrimage. seventy-five years, &c.-at this time Shem was alive, and he lived till Isaac was about fifty years old. Shem was about one-hundred years old at the time of the flood, so that he might have communicated with Methuselah, who died in the year of the flood. As Adam lived till Methuselah was two-hundred-andforty-three years old, the original

revelation made to Adam might have been made known to Abraham through Methuselah and Shem, including a substance, &e.-their flocks of sheep, and period of 2008 years. goats, their saddled dromedaries and their baggage-camels, together with their servants, including shepherds and herdsmen with their children, some of them being slaves. descendants,

seed-meaning Abram's

builded... an altar-wherever we settle, though he had then no child. particularly in a country, where God is not known, our first duty should be to set up the worship of the True God. called, &c.-a term which implies the worship of God, and the profession of his name among men.

CONTEMPORARY CHARACTERS. TERAH-the head of a wealthy pastoral

family in the line of Heber.

HARAN-the eldest son of Terah, and the father of Lot, Milcah, and Iscah.(Sarah) NAHOR-the second son of Terah, he married Milcah and settled at Padan

aram, in Mesopotamia. LOT-the nephew of Abram who accompanied him from Chaldea. QUESTIONS. How many sons had Terah? Mention their names.

Of whom was Haran the father?
Where did Terah and his family live?
By what other name is Chaldea known?
What do you know of Nahor?
How long did Noah live?
[land?
What induced Abram to leave his father's
What three promises did God give him?
Whither did Terah and his family first
remove?
Who accompanied Abram when he de-
parted from Haran?

How old was Abram then?
To what place did Abram come?
Who appeared unto him?

How did Abram show his piety?
Whither did he next remove?
Why did Abram remove so frequently
from place to place?

PRECEPTIVE LESSONS.

Chaldea was both populous and idolatrous when Abram resided there, but he was separated from the people and their worship, by a precept and a promise from the Almighty God; "Get thee out," &c., was his call, and, "I will bless thee," &c., was God's promise. It was a call to leave ungodly society and pursuits; it was a promise to a childless man of a numerous posterity, and of making him a blessing to others. If we would imitate Abram's faith we must not neglect the worship of God. He was a sojourner in the land promised to his descendants, but wherever he spread his tent he

also built an altar.

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