Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:25
[Even] by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
25. Even by the God of thy father ] This verse continues the subject of the two previous clauses, the Divine source of help for Joseph. For “the God of thy father,” cf. Gen 31:5, Gen 50:17.
And by the Almighty ] Lit. “and with ( th = ‘with the help of,’ see Gen 4:2) the Almighty.” The Hebrew, however, for “by” is most probably due to an error in the transcription of one letter ( th for l). Read “and God Almighty.” “ l ” was read by LXX, Sam., and Syr. Pesh.
“Almighty,” i.e. Shaddai, see note on Gen 17:1, Gen 35:11.
who shall bless thee ] Rather a prayer, = “and may he bless thee.” The next words should be compared with the blessing of Joseph in Deu 33:13, “blessed of the Lord be his land; for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, &c.” Here three types of blessing are invoked, those of the sky, the waters, and the human race, as three sources of fruitfulness.
blessings of ] Either continuing the sentence, “May he bless thee with blessings,” or beginning a new sentence, “May there be to thee, &c.”
heaven above ] The blessings of rain and dew. Cf. Gen 27:28.
the deep that coucheth beneath ] Cf. the identical words of Deut. quoted above. For “the deep that coucheth beneath” (Lat. abyssi jacentis deorsum), see note on Gen 1:9. “The deep,” Heb. tehm (Gen 1:2), the great subterranean reservoir of water from which, according to Israelite ideas, the springs, fountains, and rivers welled up, and gave fertility to the soil.
the breasts ] For the converse of this blessing, see Hos 9:14. The fruitfulness of a family was deemed a proof of Divine blessing.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 25. The God of thy father] How frequently God is called the God of Jacob none needs be told who reads the Bible.
God All-sufficient] Instead of ETH Shaddai, THE Almighty or All-sufficient; I read El EL Shaddai, GOD All-sufficient; which is the reading of the Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, and Coptic, and of three reputable MSS. In the collections of Kennicott and De Rossi. The copies used by those ancient versions had evidently EL, God, and not eth, THE, a mistake produced in later times. On the word El Shaddai, See Clarke on Ge 17:1.
The blessing of the heavens from above] A generally pure, clear, serene sky, frequently dropping down fertilizing showers and dews, so as to make a very fruitful soil and salubrious atmosphere.
Blessings lying in the deep beneath] Whatever riches could be gained from the sea or rivers, from mines and minerals in the bowels of the earth, and from abundant springs in different parts of his inheritance. Our translation of this line is excessively obscure: Blessings of the deep that lieth under. What is it that lies under the deep: By connecting bircoth, blessings, with robetseth, lying, all ambiguity is avoided, and the text speaks a plain and consistent sense.
The blessings of the breasts and of the womb.] A numerous offspring, and an abundance of cattle. The progeny of Joseph, by Ephraim and Manasseh, amounted at the first census or enumeration (Num. i.) to 75,900 men, which exceeded the sum of any one tribe; Judah, the greatest of the others, amounting to no more than 74,600. Indeed, Ephraim and Manasseh had multiplied so greatly in the days of Joshua, that a common lot was not sufficient for them. See their complaint, Jos 17:14.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Here he explains and determines that doubtful expression from these, by adding even by (or rather from as this particle mem properly signifies, and was just now used)
the God of thy Father, i.e. who hath chosen and loved they father, and made a league with him, and blessed him with all manner of blessings.
Blessings of heaven above, i.e. the sweet and powerful influences of the heavenly bodies, and the dews and rains which fall from heaven, whereby the fruits of the earth are produced in great plenty. See Lev 26:4; Deu 28:12; 33:14.
blessing of the deep, i.e. of the great sea of waters both above the earth, and in the earth, whence come those springs and rivers by which the earth is moistened and made fruitful. See Gen 1:2 7:11; Deu 8:7.
Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb whereby both men and beasts shall be greatly multiplied, and abundantly supplied with all necessaries.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee,…. The same with the mighty God of Jacob, by whom his hands had been made strong, and he would be still helped, protected, and defended against his powerful enemies; and by whom Christ, the antitype, was helped as man and Mediator against his enemies, and to do all the work he engaged in; and by whom all the Lord’s people are helped to fight his battles with their spiritual enemies, to withstand temptations, exercise every grace, and do the will and work of God:
and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above; with those blessings which may be ascribed to the sun, moon, and stars, and their influences as means, and to the rain and dew which descend from thence; and as with such temporal blessings, so with spiritual ones in heavenly things in Christ:
blessings of the deep that lieth under; of rivers, fountains and springs that rise out of the earth from below, which water and make fruitful:
blessings of the breasts, and of the womb an increase of children, and of cattle, and those healthy, thriving, and prosperous, which are great temporal mercies; as are the word and ordinances spiritual ones, those breasts of consolation, which such that are born again partake of, and grow thereby.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
25. Even by the God of thy father. Again, he more fully affirms that Joseph had been delivered from death, and exalted to such great dignity, not by his own industry, but by the favor of God: and there is not the least doubt that he commends to all the pious, the mere goodness of God, lest they should arrogate anything to themselves, whether they may have escaped from dangers, or whether they may have risen to any rank of honor. By the God of thy father. In designating God by this title, he again traces whatever good Joseph has received, to the covenant, and to the fountain of gratuitous adoption; as if he had said, “Whereas thou hast proved the paternal care of God in helping thee, I desire that thou wouldst ascribe this to the covenant which God has made with me.” Meanwhile, (as we have said before,) he separates from all fictitious idols the God whom he transmits to his descendants to worship.
After he has declared, that Joseph should be blessed in every way, both as it respects his own life, and the number and preservation of his posterity; he affirms that the effect of this benediction is near and almost present, by saying, that he blessed Joseph more efficaciously than he himself had been blessed by his fathers. For although, from the beginning, God had been true to his promises, yet he frequently postponed the effect of them, as if he had been feeding Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with nothing but words. For, to what extent were the patriarchs multiplied in Egypt? Where was that immense seed which should equal the sands of the seashore and the stars of heaven? Therefore, not without reason, Jacob declares that the full time had arrived in which the result of his benediction, which had lain concealed, should emerge as from the deep. Now, this comparison ought to inspire us with much greater alacrity at the present time; for the abundant riches of the grace of God which have flowed to us in Christ, exceeds a hundredfold, any blessings which Joseph received and felt.
What is added respecting the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, some wish to refer to distance of place, some to perpetuity of time. Both senses suit very well; either that the felicity of Joseph should diffuse itself far and wide to the farthest mountains of the world; or that it should endure as long as the everlasting hills, which are the firmest portions of the earth, shall stand. The more certain and genuine sense, however, is to be gathered from the other passage, where Moses repeats this benediction; namely, that the fertility of the land would extend to the tops of the mountains; and these mountains are called perpetual, because they are most celebrated. He also declares that this blessing should be upon his head, lest Joseph might think that his good wishes were scattered to the winds; for by this word he intends to show, if I may so speak, that the blessing was substantial. At length he calls Joseph נזיר ( nazir) among his brethren, either because he was their crown, on account of the common glory which redounds from him to them all, or because, on account of the dignity by which he excels, he was separated from them all. (217) It may be understood in both senses. Yet we must know that this excellency was temporal, because Joseph, together with the others, was required to take his proper place, and to submit himself to the scepter of Judah.
(217) “The blessings of thy father have prevailed over the blessings of the eternal mountains,
And the desirable things of the everlasting hills. These shall be on the head of Joseph, And on his crown who was separated from his brethren.”
—
Dr. A. Clarke.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) Even by the God of thy father.In the Hebrew this follows directly upon the preceding clause: from the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel; from the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and from the Almighty, &c.
Blessings of heaven above are the rains and dew; those of the deep beneath are lakes, rivers, and springs; and those of the breasts and womb mean an abundant offspring both of men and cattle. (For the opposite curse see Hos. 9:14.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. The Almighty Hebrews Shaddai, who had appeared so often to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Comp. Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3. The blessings so variously enhanced by the terms of this verse and the following, indicate the glory of the birthright given to Joseph, and his future eminence and prosperity among the tribes.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 49:25. Who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven Jacob, having mentioned the wonderful effects of GOD’s providence towards Joseph himself in the preceding verses, rapidly passes on, without any perceptible stop, to the blessings which the same Providence reserved for his posterity; blessings of heaven; i.e.. a fertile soil, well watered with the rain and dew, and seasonable weather from above: blessings of the deep; i.e.. springs and rivers: metals and minerals too may be meant, and whatever else is contained in the bowels of the earth; for thus the word is used, Psa 71:20 and yet so as not to exclude the produce of its surface. These two blessings may mean, in general, a fine air and a rich soil. Blessings of the breads, and of the womb; i.e.. a numerous, thriving progeny; a vast increase, both of children and of cattle.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Gen 49:25
Ver. 25. Who shall help thee. ] God hath, God shall, – is an ordinary way of arguing; it is a demonstration of Scripture logic, as Psa 85:1-4 2Co 1:10 . Every former favour is a pledge of a future.
With blessings of heaven above, &c.
With blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the. Should be ‘El = GOD (with Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Syriac)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the God: Gen 28:13, Gen 28:21, Gen 35:3, Gen 43:23, Deu 8:17, Deu 28:12, Deu 33:1, Deu 33:13-17
the Almighty: Gen 17:1, Gen 35:11
with blessings: Deu 28:2-12, Deu 33:13, Psa 84:11, Psa 85:12, Mat 6:33, 1Co 3:21, 1Co 3:22, Eph 1:3, Phi 4:19, 1Ti 4:8
Reciprocal: Gen 1:28 – General Gen 22:17 – in blessing Gen 24:1 – blessed Gen 24:35 – the Lord Gen 50:17 – servants Deu 1:11 – and bless you Deu 28:4 – General Job 1:10 – thou hast blessed Rev 1:8 – the Almighty
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 49:25-26. Even by the God of thy father Jacob, who shall help thee
Our experiences of Gods power and goodness, in strengthening us hitherto, are encouragements still to hope for help from him. He that has helped us, will. And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee And he only blesseth indeed. Observe the blessings conferred on Joseph: 1st, Various and abundant blessings. Blessings of heaven above Rain in its season, and fair weather in its season; blessings of the deep that lies under This earth, or with subterraneous mines and springs. Blessings of the womb and the breasts are given when children are safely born and comfortably nursed. 2d, Eminent and transcendent blessings, which prevail above the blessings of my progenitors His father Isaac had but one blessing, and when he had given that to Jacob, he was at a loss for a blessing to bestow upon Esau; but Jacob had a blessing for each of his twelve sons, and now, at the latter end, a copious one for Joseph. 3d, Durable and extensive blessings: unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills Including all the products of the most fruitful hills, and lasting as long as they last. Of these blessings it is here said, they shall be So it is a promise; or, let them be, so it is a prayer, on the head of Joseph To which let them be a crown to adorn it, and a helmet to protect it.