Bible Commentary

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, [his] coat of [many] colors that [was] on him; Verse 23. They stripped Joseph out of his coat] This probably was done that, if ever found, he might not be discerned to be a person … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:23”

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, [but] cast him into this pit that [is] in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 22. And Reuben said ] This and the next two verses are from E. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:22”

And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 21. Reuben ] Reuben’s name is probably here substituted by the Compiler (R) for that of Judah. Reuben speaks in Gen 37:22; and it is unlikely that two consecutive clauses would begin with Reuben speaking. Probably … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:21”

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 20. one of the pits) Cisterns, or tanks, are necessary in that country for the storage of water. Long droughts are … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:20”

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 19. this dreamer ] Heb. master of dreams. This and the following verse are from E. Joseph’s brethren speak derisively of this “master (Heb. baal) of dreams” (cf. Gen 49:23, “archers” = “masters of arrows”; 2Ki 1:8, “a hairy man” = “a master of hair”). … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:19”

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 18 36 (JE). Joseph is sold into Egypt The composite character of the narrative becomes at this point very evident. J ( Gen 37:21 ; Gen 37:25-28 b, 31 35) relates that Judah restrains … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:18”

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. 17. Dothan ] Familiar to us as the name of the city in which Elisha was beset by foes and divinely protected (2Ki 6:13-15). The modern … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:17”

And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks]. And he said, I seek my brethren,…. Whom, no doubt, he described to the man, and told him who they were, and to whom they belonged; or otherwise the man would have been at a loss to know … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:16”

And a certain man found him, and, behold, [he was] wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? 15. a certain man ] Evidently Joseph and his brethren were well known, and not unfavourably, in the region of Shechem. The lad’s wandering in uncertainty appeals to the reader’s sympathy. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:15”

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 14. the vale of Hebron ] The residence of Jacob; cf. Gen 35:27. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 37:14”