Genesis 35:27

Still he journeys on, for the pilgrimage is not over, although he is now in the land, his portion... He soon reaches Mamre, which is in Hebron (the "richness of communion"), Abraham's old resting-place. What toil and how many experiences it took before he was back at last in the place only unbelief had ever driven him from! And we? How much do most of us resemble him in this!

But the government of God did not allow Jacob to see his mother again on earth (see Gen. 35:27), though he did see his father. She said she would send for him at the right time and bring him home again. So she was as fully deprived of Jacob's presence as if she had lost him in death — the very thing she feared.

The Canaanite name, meaning 'city of Arba,' of the city afterwards called HEBRON.

Now Jacob, after varied ups and downs, comes to Isaac his father. It was at Mamre, or Hebron, once the city of the four. There was the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham and Sarah rested in hope of the resurrection. This was always the faith of God's elect. Like them, Isaac in due time fell asleep in faith. He never had the land, only its promise, and he was sure it would be fulfilled in Christ's day.

They bought this piece of ground, and they took great care over their burial there. Both things tell us of their faith in their own happy resurrection, and in the inheritance of the land that goes with it. It tells us that hope was in their souls as surely as faith... Again and again they show what they are by nature. They go wrong. They shift and scheme and at times play false with God through unbelief. They bring discipline and rebuke on themselves, and at times they are humbled before other people. But they never seem to doubt the blessed facts: the God of glory had adopted them and endowed them.

The name "Hebron" means "company," or "place of association," and a related sense of the word adds the idea of "charm." Despite much outward breakdown and failure, there is still an outstanding and unique joy in the company of those who truly love our Lord Jesus Christ.

After many years of wandering Jacob came to Hebron (Genesis 35:27). From there he sent Joseph to ask after the welfare of his brothers (Genesis 37:14). As we enjoy what Hebron speaks of, we surely want many of God's people to come into an appreciation of this precious fellowship.

And so this up-and-down history ends with Mamre and with Hebron. There Isaac now gives up his place to Jacob as the vessel of testimony for God on the earth. Only now is he ready to fill the place.