Bible Commentary

But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. 4. mischief ] See Gen 42:38. Jacob dares not part with Benjamin, for whom, both as his youngest child and as the surviving son of Rachel, he has special affection. On this trait the whole narrative turns, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 42:4”

And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. 3. ten brethren ] Jacob’s sons are here mentioned, not as heads of families, or as separate householders, but as the capable male members of a single family. The whole ten are needed, in order to carry back enough corn. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 42:3”

And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. 2. down thither ] Egypt being regarded as on the low ground, in comparison with Palestine; cf. Gen 12:10, Gen 13:1, Gen 43:4; Gen 43:15, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 42:2”

Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? 1 5. The Descent into Egypt 1. look one upon another ] In silence, as if desperate. Jacob’s words indicate the energy and resourcefulness of the old man, as compared with the helpless … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 42:1”

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands. 57. all countries ] Cf. Gen 41:52, as we should say, “the whole world.” This verse prepares us for the crisis in the Joseph narrative recorded in the following chapter. Fuente: The Cambridge … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:57”

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 56. all the storehouses ] The Hebrew text is in error: lit. “all that was in them.” The versions have supplied the right … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:56”

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. Verse 55. When all the land of Egypt was famished] As Pharaoh, by the advice of Joseph, had exacted a fifth part of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:55”

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 53 57. The Years of Famine 54. all lands ] Cf. Gen 41:57. The famine is represented as afflicting not only Egypt, but all … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:54”

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. Gen 41:53-57 Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians The seven years of famine I. JOSEPHS ADMINISTRATION. 1. It showed great prudence and skill. 2. It showed a spirit of dependence upon God. 3. It was the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:53”

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. 52. Ephraim ] For the Hebrew word to be fruitful, cf. Gen 28:3, Gen 35:11, Gen 48:4. There is a play on the resemblance in the sound of the name to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 41:52”