35:22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and {h} lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
(h) This teaches that the fathers were not chosen for their merits, but only by God's mercies, whose election was not changed by their faults.
35:22 When Israel dwelt in that land - As if he were then absent from his family, which might be the unhappy occasion of these disorders. Though perhaps Bilhah was the greater criminal, yet Reuben's crime was so provoking that for it he lost his birth - right and blessing, Ge 49:4. And Israel heard it - No more is said, that is enough; he heard it with the utmost grief and shame, horror and displeasure.
35:21-29 What a sore affliction Reuben's sin was, is shown, and Israel heard it. No more is said, but that is enough. Reuben thought that his father would never hear of it; but those that promise themselves secrecy in sin, are generally disappointed. The age and death of Isaac are recorded, though he died not till after Joseph was sold into Egypt. Isaac lived about forty years after he had made his will, chap. 27:2. We shall not die an hour the sooner, but much the better, for timely setting our hearts and houses in order. Particular notice is taken of the agreement of Esau and Jacob at their father's funeral, to show how God had wonderfully changed Esau's mind. It is awful to behold relations, sometimes for a little of this world's goods, disputing over the graves of their friends, while they are near going to the grave themselves.
