Genesis 18:19

19. For I know him Rather, I have known him, in order that he may command, etc . The words I have known refer to the divine choice or election of Abraham . I have known, loved, favoured, called, Abraham for the purposes here named .

Command his children One of the most noticeable and beautiful things in the history of God’s chosen people is the family government and religious instruction maintained in the home and household. The parental authority was duly exercised, not in harsh, tyrannical, or provoking ways, but in godly discipline and order . The principles of justice and righteous judgment that is, rectitude in thought and action were instilled into all their hearts. To observe and practise these is to keep the way of the Lord; that is, God’s way for man to live and act. The parental and family discipline here extolled presents the following: 1) It is grounded in the divine favour. 2) It is authoritative and firm. 3) It affects the servants and dependents of the household as well as the children. 4) It is imbued with religious life and principle. 5) It exalts justice and righteous judgment. 6) It is perpetuated after the patriarch passes away, and it lives in his posterity. 7) It insures the fulfilment of the promises.