Bible Commentary

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him: 23. The archers ] The simile changes. Joseph’s prosperity has attracted the attacks of jealous foes. He is beset by the archers. This verse used to be explained as containing a reference to the persecution of Joseph by his brethren. But, apart … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:23”

Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall: 22. Joseph ] The blessing of Joseph extends over Gen 49:22-26. Its subject matter falls into four divisions: (1) Joseph’s prosperity under the simile of a vine ( Gen 49:22); (2) his contest with bitter foes ( … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:22”

Naphtali [is] a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words. 21. Naphtali ] It is doubtful whether the simile applied to this tribe is that of “a hind” or “a terebinth tree.” The comparisons in the song are for the most part taken from animals, e.g. the lion of Judah, the ass of Issachar, the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:21”

Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties. 20. Out of Asher ] Almost certainly the marg. gives the right reading, Asher, his bread &c. The preposition rendered “out of” is the letter m, which is superfluous here, but is required for the pronoun “their,” in the words “their … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:20”

Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. 19. a troop ] Heb. gedud, “a marauding band.” shall press ] Heb. gad, to press. These words furnish a double play upon the name of the tribe Gad. Gad gedud yegudennu yagud ‘ekbm = “Gad, raiders shall raid him, but he … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:19”

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. 18. I have waited ] This parenthetical ejaculation of prayer is thought by many scholars to be a gloss. But all authorities contain the verse. There is no obvious reason for inserting such a gloss at this particular point. ( a) The ejaculation has by some been … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:18”

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. 17. shall be ] Rather, “let Dan become.” adder ] or, horned snake. The horned snake, or , is a small, dangerous, and venomous serpent. The simile is that of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:17”

Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 16. Dan ] In this and the following verse we have two independent oracles concerning the tribe of Dan. (1) Gen 49:16 deals with its position in Israel; (2) Gen 49:17, with its attitude towards its foes. judge ] For the play on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:16”

And he saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. 15. a resting place ] Better, as R.V. marg., rest. “Rest,” as opposed to the wandering life of nomads. Cf. Deu 12:9; Psa 95:11. pleasant ] Vulg. optima. LXX … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:15”

Issachar [is] a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 14. a strong ass ] Lit. “a bony ass,” as Aquila ; Lat. asinus fortis. Issachar is compared, not to the wild ass, high spirited and swift, but to the strong domestic beast of burden. The territory of Issachar included the southern part of Galilee … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 49:14”