A wilderness so called. Here it was that, Hagar found a sweet Bethel: see Genesis 16:1-16 throughout, well worth regarding. And how many of God's dear children have found the same wilderness dispensations laying a foundation for rich enjoyments! I verily believe that the family of Jesus would have lost some of their most precious seasons, had they lost some of their wilderness exercises. It was not without an eye to this that the Lord said, "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her." (Hosea 2:14) Indeed, the very word Shur, a wall, carries with it this idea. Reader, do not forget it if at any time Jesus brings you into Shur. He who brings you there will not leave you there, but will manifest himself to you there. Oh, how precious the faith that enables a soul to say, under all wilderness straits and difficulties, Thou God seest me! Oh, for all the family of Jesus to call such wildernesses Beer-lahai-roi—namely, the well of him that liveth and seeth me!