Annotations on the Pentateuch - Psalms - Song of Songs
Vers. 10. and Sarah] as is shown in Gen. 23. 19. [unspec 10] Afterwards Isaac and Jacob with their wives, were buried there also, Gen. 49. 29. 31.
Vers. 11. blessed Isaac] so applying and confirming [unspec 11] to him, the promises made to Abraham, Gen. 12. 2. and 14. 19. and 17. 19. and so Isaac commended to Jacob, the blessing of Abraham, Gen. 28. 3. 4. and by this blessing, the righteousness of faith is implied, to Abraham's seed, Galat. 3. 8. 9. &c. Beer-lachai-roi] in Greek, the well of vision; in Chaldee, the well at which the Angel of life appeared: this place of Isaac's seating, is not without mystery: see Gen. 16. 14. and 24. 62.
Vers. 12. generations] a rehearsal of Ishmael's offspring; [unspec 12] as Gen. 5. 1. And here, the fulfilling of God's promise is seen, made in Gen. 16. 10. 12. and 17. 20. and how he that was borne after the flesh, and cast out of Abraham's house, Gal. 4. 23. 30 was multiplied before Isaac the child and heir of the promise. See the like of Esau, Gen. 36. 43.
Vers. 13. Nebajoth] he and his brethren seated [unspec 13] in Arabia, Isaiah 20. 13. 14. 16. Ezek. 27. 21. where people's and places retained the footsteps of their names: they gave themselves to shepherdy, as appeareth, Isaiah 60. 7. Ier. 49. 29. And here are twelve sons reckoned, which were Princes of their tribes, as was promised in Gen. 17. 20. answerable in number to the twelve sons of Jacob, heads of the twelve tribes of Israel; but these Ishmaelites are a generation before them, as Ishmael himself was borne before Isaac. For, that is first which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual, 1 Corinth. 15. 46.
Vers. 16. castles,] or, villages: dwelling houses so [unspec 16] named of being fair and high built in a row or order. In Greek habitations, as in Act. 1. 20. from Psal. 69.
Vers. 17. 137 years] So he lived not so long as his [unspec 17] father Abraham, or his brother Isaac, or as did Jacob; though he lived till a great old age. And this mention of the term of his life, and gathering to his fathers, (as was spoken before of Abraham, v. 8.) and the burying of his father with his brother, verse. 9. may be some probability of Ishmael's repentance, and dying in the faith of Abraham: for unless it be he, no reprobate hath his whole life time recorded in holy Scripture. Or if Ishmael died wicked; then by his fathers to whom he was gathered, are meant the souls of wicked men before him: which are spirits in prison, 1 Pet. 3. 19.
Vers. 18. they] that is, Ishmael's sons dwelt. In [unspec 18] Greek, he dwelt. Shur] a place in the wilderness: see Gen. 16. 7. The Chaldee there and here calleth it Chagra. did he fall] meaning either, that his lot did befall him, so to dwell, or that he so died, as the word fall sometime signifieth, Psal. 82. 7. Gen. 14. 10. But the Greek here translateth it, he dwelt: so also doth the Chaldee paraphrast, & so the plain text was before, in the promise, Gen. 16 12. and to make to fall, is to divide by lot an inheritance to dwell in, Ios. 23. 4. Psal. 78. 55.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Here beginneth the sixth Section of the Law, called The generations of Isaac. See Gen. 6. 9.
Vers. 19. the generations] that is, the history of the [unspec 19] offspring of Isaac; and things that befell unto him, as Gen. 2. 1. and 5. 1. and 6. 9.
Vers. 20. old] Hebr. son of forty year, so v. 26. [unspec 20] see Gen. 5. 32. the Syrian] the Hebrew name is Aramite: which the holy Ghost in Greek calleth Syrian, Luke 4. 27. See Gen. 10. 22. Padan Aram] the same that Aram Naharajim, Gen. 24. 10 for the Greek turneth them both, Mesopotamia of Syria. Aram is Syria, Gen. 24. 10. and 10. 22. Padan in the Syrian tongue is a pair or couple, and the country of Aram lying between a couple of rivers, is so named Padan Aram: and sometime only Padan, as Gen. 48. 7.
Vers. 21. for] or, directly-for, (as the force of the [unspec 21] Hebrew word implieth) and before his wife: so it seemeth to be some solemn prayer which they made together directly for this matter: having lived twenty years together without any child, and Isaac wexen old, into the 60 year of his life, ver. 26. God exercising his faith hereby, as he had done Abraham's, Gen. 15. 2. The Jews have a tradition, that Isaac went with his wife to mount Morijah, to the place where he had been bound, (Gen. 22. 9.) and prayed there: Pirke R. Eliezer, ch. 32.
Vers. 22. struggled-together] or, bruised themselves, [unspec 22] by struggling: which did presage the contrariety that should be between these two brothers: and so between the children of God, & of this world. if so, &c.] an imperfect speech, which in her passion she uttered: the Greek translateth it, if it shall so be with me, why (is) this unto me? why have I conceived, if I must feel such things? to inquire] or seek, either by private prayer, or by asking some Prophet. The Yerushalmi Targum taketh it in this last sense, and saith, she went to the School of Sem the great: Howbeit Sem was dead about ten years before this: but by Abraham, or Heber, the great Patriarch, then living, she might well inquire of God. Others, (as R. Eliezer, Perek 32.) take it to be meant of her praying unto God.
Vers. 23. Two nations] that is, fathers of two nations, and divers people's: Edomites and Israelites. [unspec 23] the greater] to weet, in dignity, which came naturally by the first birthright: or, the elder. The Hebrew Rab, (whereof great men and masters are called Rabbies, John 1. 39. Mat. 23. 8.) signifieth a superior in dignity. The holy Ghost in Greek translateth it, the greater, Rom. 9. 12. Hereby Esau and his posterity are meant. shall serve] as came to pass carnally, when the Aedomites (of Esau) became servants to David, and to the Israelites which were of Jacob, 2 Sam. 8. 14. and spiritually, when Jacob got of Esau the first birthright, and bereaved him of the blessing, Gen. 25. 33. and 27. 29. For servitude came in with a curse, and figureth reprobation, Gen. 9. 25. John 8. 34. 35. Gal. 4. 30. 31. Therefore from hence the Prophet teacheth, that God loved Jacob, and hated Esau, Mal. 1. 2. 3. and the Apostle gathereth the doctrine of God's election and reprobation, saying, when Rebekka had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac, the children being not yet borne, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, the greater shall serve the lesser, as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated, Rom. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Vers. 25. red] a sign of the choleric, cruel, [unspec 25] and bloody disposition, found in Esau himself, and in his posterity, Gen. 27. 40. 41. Obad. 1. 10. Ezek. 25. 12. So the cruel persecuting Dragon was of red color, Rev. 12. 3. The Hebrew Doctors say, Esau the wicked, was drawn after the works of judgment, mystically signified in these words, And by thy sword shalt thou live, Gen. 27. 40. and therefore he was red: R. Menachem Rakenat. on Gen. 25. And in Bresith rabbah they note, how he was red, and his meat was red, Gen. 25. 30. end his land was red, (as in Gen. 32. 3.) &c. And he that takes vengeance on him is red; and in red clothing, Song 5. 10. Isaiah 63. 1. 2. all over] Hebr. all of him like a mantle of hair; which the Greek translateth, like a rough hide. This also signified his strong, fierce, and crafty nature: For hair is a sign of natural strength; and nature being corrupted, hairinesse denoteth the power of corruption; therefore when Lepers were purified, all their hair was to be shaven off, Lev. 14. 8. So the Hebrews say, that his hayrinesse signified the strength of uncleanness, which came out of him: R. Menachem, on Gen. 25. Esau] by interpretation, Made, or Perfected: as being of a more strong and perfect constitution natural, then other children: rather like a man then a babe.
Vers. 26. the heel] or foot sole; as if he would have [unspec 26] pulled back his brother from the birth, and have been before him: or at least, for to overthrow him. Which as God by their former struggling in her body, and now by this behavior did signify: so the Prophet mentioneth it after to Jacob's children, how he thus strove for the grace of the first birthright, which they by sin suffered themselves to be deprived of, Hos. 12. 2. 3. This manner of birth, that Jacob's hand held his brother by the heel, was also extraordinarily strange, and perilous for the life both of mother and child. See the like after, in Gen. 38. 28. he called] that is, everyone called: as in verse. 25. it is written, they called: or, he was called; so verse. 30. See the notes on Gen. 16. 14. Jacob] that signifieth one that should hold by the foot, or overthrow his brother.
Vers. 27. a cunning huntsman] Hebr. a man knowing [unspec 27] hunting. of the field] ranging the fields for to hunt beasts. Of a disposition much like Ishmael's, Gen. 16. 12. or Nimrods, Gen. 10. 9. perfect] of a religious, honest, plain and simple disposition, without guile or wickedness: as the Greek translateth, vnfeighned. See Gen. 6. 9. dwelling] or, sitting in tents: that is, either keeping home, (as Judge. 5. 24.) or being with the sheepfolds as an heirder: for shepherds kept in tents, Gen. 4. 20. Esa. 38. 12. and such was Jacob's trade and his children's, Gen. 46. 34. Besides, that dwelling in tents, signified his pilgrimage in the land, Heb. 11. 9. Hereupon Jacob's tents, are used for the state of the commonwealth of Israel, Num. 24. 5. Mal. 2. 12. The Greek here translateth, dwelling in house: but the Chaldee saith, A minister of the house of doctrine: as giving himself to religious study and scholarship. So other of the Hebrew Doctors; as in Pirkei R. Eliezer, ch. 32. it is said, After the children were grown, the one walked in the way of life, the other walked in the way of death. Jacob our father walked in the way of life, for he dwelt in tents, and studied the law, all his days; but Esau the wicked, walked in the way of death, to kill Jacob, Gen. 27. 41.
Vers. 28. in his mouth] or, for his mouth; namely, [unspec 28] his meat, as the Greek explaineth it: that is, because he delighted to eat of Esau's venison. This love for carnal respect continued contrary to the Oracle of God, but it was disappointed, Genes. 27. 4. 33.
Vers. 29. pottage] or broth: Hebr. sod a seething. [unspec 29] faint] with weariness; as the word implieth. This signified Esau's vain employment of his time and strength: whereas they that wait on the Lord spiritually, faint not, Isaiah 40. 30. 31. but the righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: Pro. 13. 25.
Vers. 30. Let me cast] or, let me have a draught; [unspec 30] the Greek and Chaldee translate it taste. It is a word not used but in this place. red] which in Hebrew is Adom: whereupon his name was called Aedom. The doubling of the word red, and omitting the word pottage, noteth Esau's hast and greediness, increased also by the color. he called] or, his name was called Aedom, that is, Red: for he was ruddy when he was borne, verse. 25. and now longing for red broth, and selling his birthright for it, this name was given him, as a brand-mark of his greediness and profaneness.
Vers. 31. this day] or, even now: the Hebr. Cajom, [unspec 31] As today, is often used for hajom, this day, as the Greek here interpreteth it, and in verse. 23. following. So 1 Sam. 2. 16. and 9. 13. 27. 2 Chron. 18. 4. And the Hebrew word for As, is often a very affirmation: see Gen. 27. 12. firstbirthright] The dignity whereof the Law showeth to be great, in that all the first-borne were peculiarly consecrated and given unto God, Exod. 22. 29. were next in honor to their parents, Gen. 49. 3. had a double portion of their fathers goods, Deut. 21. 17. succeeded them in the government of the family, or kingdom: 2 Chron. 21. 3. and administration of the priesthood, and service of God, Num. 8. 14.—17. Therefore the first-borne is used for one that is loved, and dear to his father, Ex. 4. 22. and higher then his brethren, Psal. 89. 28. and figured Christ, Rom. 8. 29. and true Christians heirs of the kingdom of heaven, Heb. 12. 23. This honor Jacob strove to have at his birth; but missing then, he seeketh now, and obtaineth it. The Greek translateth it plurally, firstbirthrights; and so doth the Apostle in Heb. 12. 16.
Vers. 32. going to die] that is, ready, or in danger to [unspec 32] die: which may be meant, both in respect of his present hunger, which could not (as he profanely thought) be satisfied with the title of his birth-right: and of his daily danger to be killed by the wild beasts, in the field where he hunted. wherefore serveth] or, what profiteth? as if he should say, nothing at all.
Vers. 33. Swear] to confirm the bargain, (Heb. [unspec 33] 6. 16.) and to make it irrevocable, (Psalm. 110. 4. and 15. 4.) So by oath he renounced his birthright before God, whose name is therefore used in oaths; Deut. 6. 13. he sold] It is recorded in the Jews canon laws, that the first-borne who selloth the portion of his birthright, even before it be parted; his sale standeth in force: because the firstborn hath part in the birthright, before the parting thereof: Maimonides, Treat. of Inheritances, ch. 3. S. 6.
Vers. 34. of lentiles] a kind of pulse much like to [unspec 34] vetches, or small pease; and but course food, so vile an exchange did Esau make of his heavenly dignity: that not without cause doth the holy Ghost call him a profane person; who for one meals meat, sold his first birthrights, Heb. 12. 16. It is a tradition of the Hebrew Doctors, that Lentiles were wont to be eaten of men, in their sorrow and mourning: and that Jacob did feed upon Lentiles, in mourning and sorrow, for that the kingdom, and dominion, and first-birthright was Esau's. Whereupon they also gather, that the sons of Esau should not fall, until the Remainder of Jacob come, and give to the sons of Esau, food of lentiles, with mourning and sorrow, and take from them the dominion, kingdom, and firstbirthright, which Jacob bought of him by oath. Pirkei R. Eliezer, ch. 35. eat and drink] This seemeth to intimate not only a satisfying of his hunger, but a carnal secure despising of his honor now sold: as in 1 Cor. 15. 32. let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die. went away] without showing any remorse or sorrow, for his profane bargain. despised] unto this the Yerushalmi Paraphrast addeth, that he also despised his portion in the world to come; and denied the resurrection of the dead. Thus the Jews esteemed his fact most irreligious and profane: as the Apostle also doth, Heb. 12. 16.
CHAP. XXVI.
1. Isaac because of famine goeth to Gerar; 2, God biddeth him, not go into Egypt, but dwell in the land; and promiseth him the blessings of Abraham. 7, Isaac denieth his wife, 9, Abimelech therefore reproveth him. 12, He groweth rich. 18, He diggeth three wels, Esek, Sitnah, and Rechoboth. 23, Abimelech maketh a covenant with him at Beersheba. 34, Esau's wives.
ANd there was a famine, in the land; [unspec 1] besides the first famine, which was in the days of Abraham: and Isaac went unto Abimelech King of the Philistines unto Gerar. And Jehovah, appeared unto [unspec 2] him; and said, Go not down into Egypt: dwell in the land which I shall say unto thee. Sojourne in this land; and I will be with [unspec 3] thee, and will bless thee: for to thee and to thy seed, will I give all these lands; and I will stablish the oath, which I sware unto Abraham thy father. And I will multiply thy [unspec 4] seed, as the stars of the heavens: and will give unto thy seed, all these lands: and in thy seed, all nations of the earth shall bless themselves. Because that Abraham obeyed [unspec 5] my voice: and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws. And Isaac dwelt, in Gerar. And the men of [unspec 6] [unspec 7] the place, asked of his wife; and he said, she is my sister: for he feared to say my wife, left the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she was of a good countenance. And it was, when the days had been [unspec 8] prolonged by him there; that Abimelech King of the Philistines, looked out through a window: and saw, and behold Isaac was sporting, with Rebekah his wife. And Abimelech [unspec 9] called Isaac, and said, Behold surely she is thy wife; and how saidest thou, she is my sister? And Isaac said unto him; Because I said, lest I die for her. And Abimelech [unspec 10] said; what is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lain with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought upon us guiltiness. And Abimelech [unspec 11] commanded all the people, saying: he that toucheth this man, or his wife, dying he shall be put to death. And Isaac sowed, in [unspec 12] that land; and found in that year, an hundred measures: and Jehovah blessed him. And the man waxed-great; and went going-on, [unspec 13] and waxing-great; until he was waxed-great, exceedingly. And he had possession [unspec 14] of flocks, and possession of herds, and much husbandry: and the Philistines envied him. And all the wells which his fathers [unspec 15] servants had digged, in the days of Abraham his father: the Philistines stopped them, and filled them with dust. And Abimelech [unspec 16] said, unto Isaac: Go from us, for thou art very-much mightier then we. And Isaac [unspec 17] went from thence: and pitched in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac returned, [unspec 18] and digged the wels of water; which they had digged, in the days of Abraham his father, and the Philistines had stopped them, after the death of Abraham: and he called their names, according to the names that his father had called them. And Isaac's [unspec 19] servants digged in the valley: and found there a well of living waters. And the herdmen [unspec 20] of Gerar did strive with the herdmen of Isaac, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well, Esek; because they contended with him. And they digged [unspec 21] another well; and they strove also for it: and he called the name of it, Sitnah. And [unspec 22] he removed from thence, and digged another well; and they strove not for it: and he called the name of it, Rechoboth; and he said, for now Jehovah hath made-room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. And [unspec 23] [unspec 24] he went-up from thence, to Beersheba. And Jehovah appeared unto him, the same night; and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee; and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed, for my servant Abraham's sake. And he built [unspec 25] there an altar, and called on the name of Jehovah; and stretched-out there, his tent: and there Isaac's servants digged a well. And [unspec 26] Abimelech went unto him, from Gerar: and Achuzzath his friend, and Phicol, the Prince of his army. And Isaac said unto [unspec 27] them; wherefore come ye unto me: and ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? And they said, Seeing we have seen, that Jehovah [unspec 28] is with thee; and we said, Let there now be an oath-of-execration betwixt us, betwixt us and thee; and let us strike a covenant with thee. If thou shalt do unto us [unspec 29] evil, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee, but-only good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou now, the blessed of Jehovah. And he made unto them [unspec 30] a banquet; and they did eat and drink. And they rose early in the morning, and [unspec 31] sware ech- man to his brother: and Isaac sent them away, and they went from him, in peace. And it was, the same day; that [unspec 32] Isaac's servants came, and shown unto him, concerning the well which they had digged: & they said unto him, we have found water. And he called it, Shibeah: therefore the name [unspec 33] of the City, is Beer-sheba, unto this day.
And Esau was forty years old; and he [unspec 34] took a wife, Judith; the daughter of Beeri, a Chethite: and Basemath, the daughter of Elon, a Chethite. And they were, a bitterness [unspec 35] of spirit: to Isaac, and to Rebekah.
Annotations.
FIrst famine] whereof see Gen. 12. 10. Abimelech] [unspec 1] of whom see Gen. 20. 1. 2. &c. which history is to be compared with this.
Vers. 2. Egypt] as Abraham did, Gen. 12. 10. [unspec 2] and whither it seemeth Isaac was purposing to go.
Vers. 3. this land] of Canaan, the land of promise, and figure of the place of heavenly rest; see the [unspec 3] notes on Gen. 12. 5. So by David he exhorteth, Dwell in the land, and feed on faith, Psalm. 37. 3. See Gen. 37. 1. I will be] the Chaldee expoundeth it, my word shall be an help unto thee: so in verse. 24. and 28. these lands] or countries, possessed by so many nations, Gen. 15. 19. 20. 21. so Psalm. 105. 44. The Greek translateth singularly, land; and so was the promise made to Abraham, Gen. 13. 15. and 15. 18. and 17. 8. see the notes there. stablish the oath] that is, perform the promises: sworn, Gen. 22. 16. 17.
Vers. 4. stars] that is, innumerable: see Genes. [unspec 4] 15. 5. seed] meaning Christ: Gal. 3. 16. 8. bless themselves] or as the Greek translateth, shall be blessed, see Gen. 22. 18.
Vers. 5. charge] Hebr. keeping, or observation: that is, ordinances to be kept. So in Lev. 8. 35. and 22. 9. [unspec 5] Deut. 11. 1. laws] for this word, elsewhere the Scripture saith, judgments, Deut. 11. 1. and 5. 1. 31. and 6. 1. 20. and 7. 11. and 8. 11. &c. and under these three particulars, the whole charge or custody forespoken of, is comprehended; as afterward by Moses God gave the ten commandments, or moral precepts, Exod. 20. Judgments, or judicial laws for punishing transgressors, Exod. 21. &c. and Statutes, or rules, ordinances and decrees for the service of God, Lev. 3. 17. and 6. 18. 22. Exod. 12. 24. & 27. 31. & 29. 9. & 30. 21. Al which Abraham observed, and is commended of God therefore.
Vers. 7. my sister] He imitateth his father Abraham's practice, Gen. 12. 11. 12. 13. and 20. 2. [unspec 7] kill me] Moses expresseth this as Isaac's own words of himself. The Greek translateth it, should kill him: so elsewhere that version changeth the person, for more easy order of speech, and understanding to the reader. See Psal. 144. 12. good countenance] elsewhere it is fair of countenance, (or visage) Gen. 12. 11. so the Greek turneth it here: and before, good is used for fair, or goodly, Gen. 24. 16.
V. 8. by him] or to him: that is, when he had been, [unspec 8] a long time there. sporting] or laughing, playing, rejoicing: it is the word whereof Isaac himself had his name, Gen. 17. 17. 19. and 21. 6. Solomon saith, Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, &c. Prov. 5. 18. 19
Vers. 10. might lightly] or, had almost lain. [unspec 10] guiltiness] a sin making us guilty of punishment, a shameful crime: named in Hebrew Asham: the Greek translateth it Ignorance: and so Paul calleth the sins of the people Ignorances, or ignorant trespasses, Heb. 9. 7. rightly so gathered from Levite. 4. 22. See the further explication of this word, there. Abimelech by this word Asham, meaneth both the sin and the punishment for the same; as in the law, Asham, is both the Guilty-sin, and the Sacrifice for the same, Lev. 5. 5. 6.
Vers. 11. toucheth] that is, hurteth, or injureth: [unspec 11] so in verse. 29. and in Ios. 9. 19. Ruth 2. 9. Job 1. 11. Psal. 105. 15. Zach. 2. 8. or] Hebr. and: which is often used for or, as is observed on Gen. 13. 8. dying] that is, he shall surely be put to death: as Gē. 2. 17
Vers. 12. 100 measures] that is, as the Chaldee [unspec 12] explaineth it, a hundred for one when he measured it: or an hundred, may mean many: as an hundred fold, Matth. 19. 29. is elsewhere called manifold more, Luke 18. 23. The word Shegnarim, signifieth public measures, such as were used at the gates of cities, which were full and large. And this increase, (which is the most that our Savior speaketh of in Matth. 13. 23.) showeth the fruitfulness of the land of Canaan when God blessed it; and figured the bountiful reward which the godly sha l find of their labors, in the heavenly country, which we seek, Gal. 6. 7. 8. 9. Heb. 11. 14. 16. The fruitfulness of Canaan, signified also the graces of the Gospel, Ezek. 34. 27. Zac. 8. 12. Ps. 67. 7. blessed him] & his blessing maketh rich, Pro. 10. 22. Job 42. 12. This the next words of Isaac do also confirm.
Vers. 14. possession] or cattle: so Gen. 47. 17. [unspec 14] husbandry] so also the Greek turneth it georgia. It implieth all manner work and service belonging to a family; and so servants, and tillage of all sorts. The like is said of Job, Job 1. 3. envied] had an envious zeal and emulation. So Solomon saw how all labor and rightness of work, brought envy to a man from his neighbor, Eccles. 4. 4.
Vers. 15. with dust] or earth, as the Greek translateth. [unspec 15] This also they enviously did against their oath before, Gen. 21. 30. 31. And this injury was great, because of scarcity of waters there, Gen. 21. 25. It figured out the corrupting of the clear doctrines of the gospel, by earthly glosses and traditions of Antichristians. Psal. 65. 10. and 84. 7. Song 4. 15. Num. 21. 16. 18. John 4. 10. 14.
Vers. 17. pitched] to weer, his tents: or, encamped. [unspec 16] A word used for pitching of camps or armies, Exod. 14. 9. and 15. 27. &c. applied first here to Isaac's family, afterwards to Jacob's, Gen. 33. 18. and so to his posterity. And betokeneth a residing, or quiet sitting: opposed to removing, or journeying, Num. 1. 50. 51. 52. and 9. 17. 18. The Chaldee translateth it dwelled.
Vers. 18. returned and digged] that is, as the Greek [unspec 18] explaineth it, again digged. Figuring the restoring of the ancient truth, out of corruption: as v. 15. their names] so renewing the ancient good names (that carried, as seemeth, the memorial of God's graces) which the wicked had defaced: as on the contrary, the idolatrous names of places, on which the heathens had set the memorial of false gods and superstition, were by the Israelites changed, when they came into their possession, Num. 32. 38. for the very names of idols, are not to be heard out of our mouths, Exod. 23. 13. Psal. 16. 4.
Vers. 19. the valley] of Gerar, as the Greek yersion [unspec 19] doth express. living] that is, as the Chaldee here translateth, springing waters. Waters that spring or run, are for their continual motion, called living, Levite. 14. 5. 50. and 15. 13. Num. 19. 17. Song 4. 15. For life consisteth in continual motion. The Greek keepeth the Hebrew phrase: and so in the New Testament, where living waters, signify heavenly graces, John 4. 10. 11. 14. and 7. 38. Rev. 21. 6. and 22 1.
Vers. 20. ours] or (belonging) to us: the Greek [unspec 20] changeth the person, saying that the water was theirs. So ver. 7. Ezek] that is, Contention, or wrongful strife: Wrangling, the Greek translateth, Injurie, because they injuried him.
Vers. 21. Sitnah] that is, Hatred, or Spitefulnesse. [unspec 21] Of this the devil hath his name, Satan.
Vers. 22. Rechoboth] that is, Roomths; or large spaces. [unspec 22] Compare Psalm. 4. 2. in distress thou hast made roomth for me.
Vers. 24. fear not] for the opposition of the Philistines, [unspec 24] and other afflictions that are incident unto thee. So God comforted Abraham, Gen. 15 1.
Vers. 25. called on] the Chaldee saith, prayed: so did Abraham his father, Gen. 12. 7. 8. and 13. 4. 18. [unspec 25] 〈◊〉 stretched out] that is, set up, or pitched his tent, as the Greek explaineth it, which was with spreading and stretching out the curtains and cords unto stakes, Esa. 33. 20.
Vers. 26. Achuzzath his friend] or, aretinue of his [unspec 26] friends: and so the Chaldee translateth it, a company of his friends: but the Greek takes it for a proper name, Ochozath; and his friend, the Greek calleth nymphagogos, which is the companion (or leader) of the bridegroom; like that in Judge. 14. 20. which the Greek there translateth as this here. Prince] that is, Chief captain: in Greek, the Chief leader of the army, as in Gen. 21. 22. with which this history is to be compared. Isaac's ways pleasing the Lord; he made his enemies to be at peace with him: as Prov. 16. 7.
Vers. 28. Seeing &c.] that is, we have evidently [unspec 28] seen. Jehovah] the Chaldee expounds it, the word of the Lord is thine help. an oath-of-execration] in Greek, a curse? that is, an oath wishing a curse to the breaker of it: as Gen. 24. 41. The Chaldee paraphraseth thus, Let the oath now be confirmed, which was between our fathers; and between us and thee. strike] Hebr. 〈◊〉 foe Gen. 15. 18.
Vers. 29. If thou shalt] understand, Taking a curse [unspec 29] [unspec 21] upon thee, if thou shalt: meaning, that thou shalt not (or wi 〈…〉 ) do evil, as the Greek explaineth it. See Gen 21. 23. touched] that is, hurt, as v. 11. blessed] see Gen. 24. 31. An imperfect speech, as if he should say, O thou blessed of the Lord, do thou likewise deal with us: or, as thou art now blessed of the Lord, so swear unto us by him. The Greek translateth, and now thou art the blessed of the Lord.
Vers. 30. a banquet] used when men made covenants [unspec 30] together, Gen. 31. 54.
Vers. 31. man to his brother] that is, one to another: [unspec 31] the Greek saith, man to his neighbor.
Vers. 33. Shibeah] in Greek Horkos; in English, [unspec 33] Oath. Beersheba] that is, the well of the oath: as the Greek also interprets it. This name was given before, Gen. 21. 31. It seemeth in tract of time the name was forgotten, the rather because the well then digged by Abraham, (verse. 30.) was by the Philistines stopped, Gen. 26. 15. and they would therefore have no such monument: but Isaac now reneweth the name. Or here the city is named Beersheba; there the place, Gen. 21. 3. that is, the whole region.
Vers. 34. old] Hebr. son. This also was the age [unspec 34] of his father Isaac when he married, Gen. 25. 20. Judith] one of the daughters of the Canaanites, called by another name, Gen. 36. 2. see the annotations there. This fact was contrary to Abraham's charge, Gen. 24. 3. and his father Isaac's, as is likely by verse. 35. and Gen. 28. 2. 6. 8. a Chethite] in Greek, an Evite: see Gen. 36. 2. These were of the worst sort of people in the land, Ezek. 16. 3.
Vers. 35. a bitterness of spirit] that is, a grief of [unspec 35] mind, through their bitter provocation and rebellious carriage: so that they were irked of their life by reason of them, Gen. 27. 46. Or, of a rebellious spirit, resisting their parents. This latter the Greek followeth, calling them Contentious with Isaac and Rebekah: and the Chaldee saith, they were rebellious and stubborn against the word of Isaac and Rebekah: unto which the Yerushalmi Targum addeth, that they served (God) with strange service (that is, idolatry) and received not the instruction either of Isaac or of Rebekah. See Gen. 27. 46.
CHAP. XXVII.
1, Isaac sendeth Esau for venison, purposing to eat, and bless him before his death. 5, Rebekah instructeth Jacob to obtain the blessing. 15, Jacob under the person of Esau, obtaineth it. 30, Esau bringeth venison. 33. Isaac trembleth. 34, Esau complaineth, and by importunity obtaineth a blessing. 41, He threateneth to kill Jacob. 42, Rebekah disappointeth it.
ANd it was, when Isaac was old, and [unspec 1] his eyes were dim, that he could not see: then called he Esau, his elder son, and said unto him, my son; and he said unto him, Behold here am I. And he said, [unspec 2] Behold now I am old: I know not the day of my death. And now, take I pray thee thy wepons, [unspec 3] thy quiver and thy bow: and go out to the field; and hunt for me venison. And [unspec 4] make for me savoury-meats, such as I love; and bring it to me, that I may eat: that my soul may bless thee before I die. And Rebekah [unspec 5] heard, when Isaac spake to Esau his son: and Esau went to the field, to hunt for venison, for to bring it. And Rebekah said [unspec 6] unto Jacob her son, saying: Behold I heard thy father speaking unto Esau thy brother, saying. Bring me venison, and make for me [unspec 7] savoury-meats, that I may eat: and I will bless thee, before Jehovah, before my death. And now my son, obey my voice: according [unspec 8] [unspec 9] to that I do command thee. Go now, unto the flock, and take to me from thence, two good kids of the goats: and I will make them savoury-meats, for thy father, such as he loveth. And thou shalt bring them to thy [unspec 10] father, that he may eat: for that he may bless thee; before his death. And Jacob [unspec 11] said, to Rebekah his mother: Behold Esau my brother, is a hairy man; and I, a smooth man. If so be, my father shall feel me, then [unspec 12] shall I be in his eyes, as a deceiver: and I shall bring upon me, a curse, and not a blessing. And his mother said unto him; Upon me be [unspec 13] thy curse, my son; Only obey my voice, and go, take them unto me. And he went [unspec 14] and took, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury-meats, such as his father loved. And Rebekah took the [unspec 15] desirable garments, of Esau her elder son; which were with her in the house: and put them upon Jacob, her younger son. And [unspec 16] the skinns of the kids of the goats, she put upon his hands: and upon the smooth of his neck. And she gave the savoury-meats, and [unspec 17] the bread, which she had made, into the hand of Jacob her son. And he came unto [unspec 18] his father, and said, my father: and he said, Behold here I am; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am [unspec 19] Esau thy firstborn; I have done even as thou spakest unto me: Arise I pray thee, sit, and eat of my venison; that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac said, unto his son; How is [unspec 20] this that thou hast so soon found it, my son? And he said, because Jehovah thy God, brought it to pass, before me. And Isaac [unspec 21] said unto Jacob; Come near, I pray thee, and let me feel thee my son: whether thou be the same, my son Esau, or not. And Jacob [unspec 22] went-near, unto Isaac his father, and he felt him: and he said, the voice is the voice of Jacob; and the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because [unspec 23] his hands were, as the hands of Esau his brother, hairy: and he blessed him. And [unspec 24] he said, art thou the same, my son Esau? And he said, I. And he said, Bring-near [unspec 25] unto me, and I will eat of my sons venison, that my soul may bless thee: and he brought it near to him, and he did eat; and he brought unto him wine, and he drank. And Isaac his father, said unto him: Come [unspec 26] [unspec 27] near now and kiss me, my son. And he came near, and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him: and said, See, the smell of my son; is as the smell of a field, the which Jehovah hath blessed. And God give unto thee, of the [unspec 28] dew of the heavens, and of the fatnesses of the earth: and multitude of corn, and of new-wine. Let people's serve thee, and nations [unspec 29] bow-down themselves unto thee; be thou a master to thy brethren, and let thy mothers sons bow-down-themselves unto thee: Cursed be everyone of them that curse thee, and blessed be everyone of them that bless thee. And it was, when as Isaac [unspec 30] had made an end of blessing Jacob; and it was, that Jacob was but going gone out, from the presence of Isaac his father: that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. And he also made savoury meats, & brought [unspec 31] them to his father: and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his sons venison; that thy soul may bless me. And [unspec 32] Isaac his father said unto him, who art thou? and he said, I am thy son thy first borne, Esau. And Isaac trembled, with a very vehement [unspec 33] great trembling & said, Who where is he that hath hunted venison, & brought it unto me, & I have eaten of all, ere thou camest, and have blessed him: yea and he shall be blessed. When Esau heard the words of his [unspec 34] father; then cried-he-out, with an outcry, great and bitter, very vehemently: and said unto his father, Bless me, me also, my father. And he said, Thy brother came, with [unspec 35] [unspec 36] guile: and he hath taken thy blessing. And he said, Is it because his name was called Jacob; for he hath supplanted me, these two-times; he took my first-birthright, and behold now, he hath taken my blessing: and he said, hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? And Isaac answered, and said unto Esau; [unspec 37] Loe I have appointed him to be a master over thee; and all his brethren have I given to him, for servants; and with corn and new wine have I sustained him: and unto thee now, what shall I do, my son? And Esau [unspec 38] said unto his father, Hast thou but that one blessing, my father; bless me, me also, my father: and Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. And Isaac his father answered, and said [unspec 39] unto him: Behold, of the fatnesses of the earth, shall thy dwelling be; and of the dew of the heavens from above. And by thy [unspec 40] sword shalt thou live; and thy Brother shalt thou serve: and it shall be, when thou shalt get-the-dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. And Esau, hated [unspec 41] Jacob; for the blessing with which his father had blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are nigh; and I will kill Jacob my brother. And the words of Esau, her elder son, were [unspec 42] told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob, her younger son; and said unto him; Behold Esau thy Brother, comforteth him-self as touching thee, to kill thee. And now [unspec 43] my son, obey my voice: and arise flee thou unto Laban my Brother, to Charran. And [unspec 44] tarry with him, a few days: until the hot-wrath of thy Brother, turn away. Until [unspec 45] the anger of thy Brother turn-away from thee; and he forget, that which thou hast done to him; and I will send, and take thee from thence: why should I be bereaved, even of you both, in one day? And Rebekah [unspec 46] said unto Isaac: I am irked of my life, because of the daughters of Cheth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Cheth like these, of the daughters of the land; wherefore have I life?
Annotations.
THat he could not see] Hebr. from seeing: which [unspec 1] phrase the Apostle turneth in Greek, not to see, Rom. 11. 10. from Psal. 69. 24. Upon this occasion. God's works were shown in Isaac, (as John. 9. 3.) for in his blindness he gave Jacob the blessing, which he would not so have done, if he had seen: verse. 23. elder] in Heb ew, greater, to weet, of age, or by birth; as the Greek translateth Elder: and lesser for younger: v. 15. see Gen. 10. 21.
Vers. 2. my death] the Greek saith, my end: yet [unspec 2] lived he after this, above forty years, Genes. 35. 28. 29.
Vers. 3. Venison] Hebr. hunting: whereof venison hath the name, as being gotten by hunting. So [unspec 3] v. 5. 19. &c.
Vers. 4. that I may] or, and I will eat: so in v. 7. and 10. These two phrases are used indifferently: [unspec 4] as, that ye be not judged, Matth. 7. r. which another Evangelist saith, and ye shall not be judged, Luke 6. 37. See also Gen. 12. 12. that my soul] or, to the end my soul: that is; I myself: as after in v. 7. it is repeated. Isaac being to give the blessing in faith, Heb. 11. 20. would eat savoury meat, and drink wine, ver. 25. to stir up and cheare his spirit, that he might be the more fit instrument of the spirit of God. For sorrow, anger, and other such passions, do distemper the mind: which may be mitigated by outward means, as wine maketh men to forget their misery, Prov. 31. 6. 7. and music allayeth anger: wherefore Elisha the Prophet, when he was moved against King Jehoram, called for a musitian, who when he played, the hand of the Lord came upon the Prophet, 2 King. 3. 14. 15. bless thee] as the Priests with authority blessed and put the name of God upon the people, Gen. 14. 19. Num. 6. 23. 27. So the Patriarchs derived the blessing before their death, unto their children, (or someone of them) as an inheritance by testament: wherefore Paul speaketh of inheriting the blessing, Heb. 12. 17. which also was of great authority and strength, as being done by the Spirit of God; and in faith, and before the Lord, as verse. 7. See Gen. 28. 3. 4. and 48. 15. 16. 20. and 49. 25. 26. 28. Heb. 11. 20. 21. and 12. 17. Esau, (who had his name of Doing) is here promised the blessing upon his deeds; as the law also promiseth blessing and life to the doers thereof, Rom. 10. 5. but Jacob got the blessing by faith, as do all the faithful, Gal. 3. 9.
Vers. 7. before Jehovah] that is, in his presence, [unspec 7] by his power and authority, and forever, (the like phrase is of cursing, 1 Sam. 26. 19.) And being done before his death, it was with the more power, case, reverence, and as by his last will and testament. So Deut. 33. 1.
Vers. 12. if so be] or, Peradventure my father will [unspec 12] feel me, and I shall be, &c. The Greek translateth it, Me pote, which word Paul useth, 2 Tim. 2. 25. in like sense; If so be, (or If peradventure) God will give them repentance. as a deceiver] or, as one that causeth to err: the Greek translateth it, a despiser, the Chaldee, a mocker. Or we may English it, a very deceiver: for in the Hebrew, as, is often a sure affirmation, Neh. 7. 2. and so the Greek answering thereto, John 1. 14. a curse] not feared without cause, for cursed is he that maketh the blind to err in way, Deut. 27. 18. and deceitfulness in all God's works, maketh men liable to the curse, Ier. 48. 10. Mal. 1. 14.
Vers. 13. upon me thy curse] a speech of her faith, [unspec 13] to encourage him, (though it may be mixed with infirmity of carriage:) for it seemeth she relied on the oracle of God, in Gen. 25. 23. the greater shall serve the less: which oracle, Isaac might understand not of the persons of Esau and Jacob, but of the nations and people's, their posterity; and therefore thought it his duty to give the blessing of the first birthright unto Esau, to whom by nature it belonged, and which might not be changed for affection, as the Law after provideth, in Deut. 21. 15. 16. 17. But Rebekah understood it of these very persons also; and therefore attempted this strange and perilous way, to procure the blessing unto Jacob. A like different meaning of that oracle, is gathered by men at this day. The Chaldee paraphraseth thus, It was said unto me by prophesy, that curses shall not come upon thee, but blessings.
Vers. 15. desirable garments] Hebr. garments of desire, that is, good, sweet, precious: the Greek translateth [unspec 15] it, a goodly robe, (or fair stole, which was a long garment that great men used to wear, Luke 20. 46. and 15. 22. The Priests after in the law had holy garments, to minister in, Exo. 28. 2. 3. 4. which the Greek there also calleth a holy robe or stole. Whether the first borne before the law had such to minister in, is not certain; but probable, by this example. For had they been common garments, why did not Esau himself, or his wives keep them? but being in likelihood holy robes, received from their ancestors; the mother of the family kept them in sweet chests, from moths and the like; whereupon it is said in verse 27. Isaac smelled the smell of his garments. These might well figure out those robes of innocence and righteousness, wherewith the saints are clothed, Rev. 7. 9. 14. and 19. 8. and 3. 18. The like mystery also is in the kids skins following: see Gen. 3. 21.
Vers. 19. firstborn] This though it were not so properly (and cannot in that respect be excused,) [unspec 19] yet was it true in mystery; and spiritually; as John the Baptist was Elias, Matt. 11. 14. and we gentiles, are the Circumcision, Phil. 3. 3. Rom. 2. 28. and the children of promise are counted for the seed, Rom. 9. 8. Gal. 4. 28.
Vers. 20. brought it to pass] or, made it to meet [unspec 20] [unspec \2] (or occur) in Greek, delivered it: in Chaldee prepared it. See 24. 12.
Vers. 22. and the hands] or, but the hands: the Yerushalmi Targum saith, the feeling of the hands. [unspec 22] of a field] the Greek addeth, of a full (or plenteous) field: which with herbs, flowers and fruits, giveth a fragrant smell. Compare Song. 2. 13. and 4. 12. 13. 14. and 7. 11. 12. 13. The Yerushalmi Targum applieth this to the smell of the perfume of good spicies, that should after be offered in the mount of the house of the sanctuary.
Vers. 28. And God give] or will give, it is both a [unspec 28] prayer and a prophesy: the word And noteth the passion of the mind: for so it is often used to signify vehement affections, of desire, joy, indignation, or the like. See Gen. 47. 15. Psal. 2. 6. Act. 23. 3. Mark. 10. 26. 2 Cor. 2. 2. Sometime it is omitted quite; as 2 Sam. 24. 3. and the Lord thy God add. for which, in 1 Chron. 21. 3. is written, the Lord add: leaving out and, dew] which as it is the means to make the field fruitful, so • an it not be given but by God, Ier. 14. 22. and the with holding of it, is a curse, 2 Sam. 1. 21. It spiritually signifieth the doctrine and graces of the gospel, and spirit of Christ upon men. Deut. 32. 2. Isaiah 45. 8. and 26. 10. Hos. 14. 6. 7. Psal. 133. 3. A like blessing is in Deut. 33. 13. 28. fatnesses] that is, sundry sorts and plenty of fat things: whereby is meant the best of everything, (see Gen. 4. 4. and 49. 20. Isaiah 30. 23.) and spiritual graces, Isaiah 25. 6. The land of Cahaan, (the figure of all blessedness,) is called therefore the fat land, Neh. 9. 25. 35. corn and new nine.] which as they are the stay and comfort of man's life, Psal. 104. 15. so they also signify heavenly blessings that God sendeth upon his people, Psal. 65. 10. 14. Zach. 9. 17. A like blessing Moses uttered, Deut. 33. 28.
Vers. 29. nations,] the Greek translateth it, [unspec 29] Princes: the Chaldee Kingdoms. The Yerushalmi Targum applieth these people's, nations, brethren, and mothers sons: to the sons of Esau, of Ishmael, Keturah and of Laban. As servitude implieth a spiritual curse, Gen. 9. 25. so this sovereignty, is a spiritual blessing, Rev. 2. 26. 27. a master] or, a sovereign, a Lord, or governor: named of prevailing. Herein was implied a part of the first birth-right, 1 Chron. 5. 2. Psal. 89. 28. everyone, &c.] Hebrew thy cursers, cursed be be, that is, everyone of them: for a word singular, joined with a plural, noteth exactly all and everyone. Compare this with Gen. 12. 3. Numb. 24. 9.
Vers. 30. and it was] or, it was I say: the doubling [unspec 30] of this, maketh the matter the more remarkable, touching God's providence herein. going gone:] that is, newly gone, or scarce gone out.
Vers. 33. trembled] or, was terrified; as the Greek [unspec 33] and Chaldee translate, was astonished: it signifieth an exceeding fear with trembling, as Exod. 19. 16. 18. Gen 42 28. who where] a trembling passionate speech: or, who then is he? he shall be] So the gifts of God (which are without repentance Rom. 11. 29) are stablished to Jacob here, and after more advisedly, in Gen. 28. 1.—4.
Vers. 35. with guile] the Chaldee saith, with wisdom: [unspec 35] but the word it usually taken in the evil part, and so Isaac seemeth to intend it. The Scripture also seemeth hereby to blame the indirect means which Jacob used: for none should do evil, that good may come, no not though through man's lie, the truth of God doth more abound, unto his glory; Rom. 3. 7. 8.
Vers. 36. Is it because] or understand, hath he [unspec 36] done this because? meaning surely he hath. Therefore the Greek translateth it, Rightly was his name called Iskob, and the Chaldee, Fitly: was called] Hebrew he called, meaning everyone: See Gen. 16. 14. for he hath] or, that he hath supplanted: where the Hebrew Iaakbeni, supplanted me, is Esau's interpretation of Jacob's name, as signifying a supplanter or overthrower with the foot, and so a deceiver: So Ier. 9. 4. he took] thus Esau layeth the fault on his brother, for taking that which himself profanely sold, Ge. 25. 33. He. 12. 16. my blessing] but that followed the first birth-right, which being sold, the blessing was lost also: as the Apostle inferreth upon it, that afterward when Esau would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected, Heb. 12. 16. 17.
Vers. 37. appointed] or put; that is, made, as the [unspec 37] Greek translateth it. sustained] the Greek translateth strengthened: See Psal. 104. 15.
Vers. 38. and wept] yet found he no place of repentance, though he sought it with tears, Heb. 12. [unspec 38] 17. For because when God calleth, men do refuse: when they call upon him, he will not answer; Prov. 1. 24. 28.
Vers. 39. fatnesses] that is, fat and fertile places: [unspec 39] which were upon mount Seir. Gen. 36. 6. 8. and this was unto Esau, a gift of God, Ios. 24. 4. Therefore this also is a blessing, which Isaac by faith uttered concerning things that were to come, unto Esau, as before unto Jacob: Heb. 11. 20. How be it, the chief, spiritual, and hereditary blessing was before given to Jacob only, and Esau willing to inherit it, was rejected, Heb. 12. 17. and the oracles here following confirm the same.
Vers. 40. And by] or, But by thy sword: that is, [unspec 40] with wars and troubles, shalt thou defend thy state and country; and not enjoy peace as Jacob, Deut. 33. 27. 28. The sword is opposed unto peace, Mat. 10. 34. and living by the sword, meaneth the continuance of that trouble some state; as life, is opposed to momentary troubles, Psal. 30. 6. Contrariwise in Christ's Kingdom, the swords are beaten into plow-shares, Isaiah 2. 4. thou serve] namely, in thy posterity: for Esau in his person served not Jacob, but his children in David's days, 2 Sa. 8. 14. So before, that was spoken as to Abraham, which was properly accomplished to and in his seed, Gen. 12. 3. and 22. 18. and 15. 7. 18. shalt get the dominion,] or shalt get strength: and that shall be, when Jacob shall for his sins, lose the dominion; as came to pass in the days of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat who did evil in the eyes of the Lord, 2 King. 8. 16. 18. 20. So both the Chaldee paraphrases say, when his sons shall transgress the words of the law, thou shalt remove his yoke (the yoke of their servitude) from off thy neck. Otherwise (as the Hebrew word sometime signifieth to mourn, or be cast down with sorrow, Psal. 55. 3.) it may be interpreted, when thou shalt mourn, to weet, for that hard servitude. his yoke] the yoke of servitude, as the Yerushalmi Targum explayneth it. So yoke also signifieth in Levite. 26. 13. Isaiah 9. 4. and 10. 17. Ier. 27. 8. 11. And Esau broke the yoke, when Edom rebelled from under the hand of Judah, and made a King over themselves, 2 King. 8. 20. 22.
Vers. 41. hated] with an inward spiteful hatred, as the word signifieth, which showeth his former [unspec 41] tears to proceed not from true repentance. And in hating his brother for the blessing: he shown himself to be of that wicked one, as was Kain, 1 John. 3. 12. 15. This hatred continued also in his posterity, against Jacob, Obad. v. 10. 11. &c. for my father] the Hebrew phrase, as also the Greek is, of my father; but the meaning is for my fathers death, as the like speeches otherwhere manifest, Ezek. 24. 17. Ier. 6. 26. and at burials they used to mourn seven days, Gen. 50. 10. The Greek translateth; Let the days of my fathers mourning be nigh, that I may kill Jacob my brother: so making it a wish for his fathers speedy death; and the Hebrew also will bear that translation; yea his words are such, as may imply, not a stay till his fathers death, but that he would with the first opportunity kill Jacob, and so his father would soon die with sorrow. Thus meaning, he would be a double parricide. And Rebekah with the first, sent Jacob away, to prevent danger.
Vers. 42. comforteth himself] in respect of his loss [unspec 42] of the blessing, with this purpose and hope to kill thee. So the comfort of the wicked, is grounded on evil. The Greek translateth, he threateneth thee, and the Chaldee, he layeth wait for thee.
Vers. 43. flee thou] or, flee for thyself: and for thy [unspec 43] safety. Here the blessing, brought speedy persecution and exile upon Jacob, which his mother counseled him in faith to undergo, rather then for his life, to make accord with Esau, and to forgo his first birthright now obtained.
Vers. 44 a few days] these fell out to be twenty [unspec 44] years: as the sequel of the history showeth, Gen. 31. 38. and Rebekah saw him no more, as the Hebrew Doctors gather, by the time of her death, which they think was before Jacob came again. See the notes on Gen. 35. 8.
Vers. 45. why should I be] the Greek turneth it, [unspec 45] lest I be bereaved: and she speaketh of the loss of them both, for that Esau for his murder, was also to be killed, by the law in Gen. 9. 6. or if man had not punished him, God might have cursed and cast him out, as he did Kain, Gen. 4. 11. 16. of Cheth] the Greek saith, daughters of the sons of Cheth, the Chethites, whom Esau had married, Gen. 26. 34. 35. This grief, she took for an occasion also, to get Isaac's consent, unto Jacob's departure. of the land] that is, of the inhabitants of the land, whether Chethites, or any other of the Canaanites: see Gen. 11. 1. wherefore have I] that is, what good will my life do me? meaning, none at all.
CHAP. XXVIII.
1, Isaac blesseth Jacob, and sendeth him to Padan Aram for a wife, 9, Esau seeing it, marrieth Machalath, the daughter of Ishmael. 10, Jacob by the way hath a dream and vision of a ladder, 13, God appearing, promiseth to bless him, and bring him home again. 16, Jacob awaking, and moved with reverence of the place, annointeth a stone set up for a pillar, and nameth the place Bethel, 20, and maketh a vow to honor God there, when he shall return in peace.
ANd Isaac called Jacob, and blessed [unspec 1] him: and commanded him, and said unto him; Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise go to [unspec 2] Padan Aram, to the house of Bethuel, thy mothers father: and take to thee a wife, from thence; of the daughters of Laban, thy mothers brother. And God Almighty, [unspec 3] bless thee; and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee: and be thou an assembly of people's. And he give to thee, the blessing of Abraham, [unspec 4] to thee, and to thy seed with thee: that thou mayest inherit the land of thy sojournings, which God gave unto Abraham. And Isaac sent-away Jacob, and he went to [unspec 5] Padan Aram: unto Laban son of Bethuel, the Syrian; the brother of Rebekah, mother of Jacob and Esau. And Esau saw, that Isaac [unspec 6] had blessed Jacob; and sent him to Padan Aram, to take unto him a wife from thence: when he blessed him, and commanded him, saying; thou shalt not take a wife, of the daughters of Canaan. And Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother: and was gone to [unspec 7] Padan Aram. And Esau saw, that the daughters of Canaan were evil in the eyes of Isaac [unspec 8] his father. Then went Esau, unto Ishmael: [unspec 9] and took Machalath daughter of Ishmael, son of Abraham, the sister of Nebajoth, unto his wives, to him to wife.
And Jacob went-forth, from Beersheba: [unspec 10] [unspec 11] and went to Charran. And he lighted upon a place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was gone-down; and he took of the stones of the place, and put for his pillows: and lay-down, in that place. And he dreamed, [unspec 12] and behold a ladder set-up on the earth, and the head of it, reaching to the heavens: and behold the Angels of God, ascending and descending on it. And behold Jehovah was standing above it, and said; I Jehovah the [unspec 13] God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land, that which thou liest upon, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed. And thy [unspec 14] seed shall be, as the dust of the earth; and thou shalt spread-abroad, to the sea, and to the East, and to the North and to the south: and blessed shall be in thee, all families of the earth, and in thy seed. And behold I will be [unspec 15] with thee, and will keep thee, in all (the way) that thou shalt go, and will return thee again, unto this land: for I will not leave thee, until that I have done, that which I have spoken unto thee. And Jacob awaked, [unspec 16] out of his sleep; and he said. Surely Jehovah is, in this place: and I, knew it not. And he [unspec 17] feared, and said; how fearful, is this place? this is no other, but the house of God; and this is the gate of heavens. And Jacob rose-up-early [unspec 18] in the morning; and took the stone, that he had put for his pillows; and set it▪ for a pillar: and he poured oil, upon the head thereof. And he called the name of that place, Bethel: but Luz was the name of the [unspec 19] city, at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying: If God, will be with me; and will [unspec 20] keep me, in this way, which I am going; and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on. And I return in peace, unto my [unspec 21] fathers house: and Jehovah shall be to me a God. And this stone, which I have set for a [unspec 22] pillar; shall be, the house of God: and of all, that thou shalt give to me; I will tithing givethe-tenth unto thee.
Annotations.
BLessed him] God hereby confirmed Jacob's [unspec 1] faith, against doubts and fears, both of things past and to come, while his father now wittingly and willingly blesseth him, and comforteth him against future troubles, that might befall him in his pilgrimage. The Hebrew Doctors say. Better is the end of a thing, then the beginning thereof, (Eccles. 7, 8.) the first blessings where with Isaac blessed Jacob, were of the dew of heaven, and corn of the earth. Gen. 27. 28. the after blessings, were blessings that had an eternal foundation, and had no end of them, either in this world, or in the world to come: as it is written, And God almighty bless thee, (Gen. 28. 3. 4. and addeth moreover unto him, the blessing of Abraham. Pirkei R. Eliezer. ch. 35.
Vers. 2 Padan Aram] or Mesopotamia, as the [unspec 2] Greek turneth it: so verse. 5. 6. &c. see the notes on Gen. 25. 20. a wife,] The like care Abraham took, to provide a wife for Isaac, Gen. 24. But there, servants were sent with camels, and store of good things: here the son himself is sent on foot in poor estate, with his staff, Gen. 32. 10. to serve for a wife, Hos. 12. 12. So great was the trial of Jacob's faith in this his pilgrimage, greater then all his fathers: and upon his inheriting of the blessing, there followed presently great afflictions.
Vers. 3. Almighty] or, All-sufficient; see Gen. 17. 1. [unspec 3] an assembly] or, church, congregation, company, that is, a multitude of people's, as, Ezek. 23, 24. I he Greek translateth it synagogues (or assemblies) of nations, and the Chaldee, an assembly of tribes: respecting the twelve tribes that came of Jacob: Exod. 24. 4. This blessing, God promised at Bethel to perform unto Jacob, Gen. 48. 3. 4. and 35. 11.
Vers. 4. bessing of Abraham] which chiefly consisted [unspec 4] in redemption frō the curse of the law, by forgiveness of sins, and receiving the promise of the Spirit (of the adoption of children, and Sanctification) through faith in Christ, Gal. 3. 13. 14. 9. 29. Rom. 4. 7. 8. 13. &c. Here Jacob is made heir of the blessing: so are all true Christians, 1 Pet. 3. 9. of thy sojournings] wherein thou art a sojourner and pilgrim, the land of Canaan. see Gen. 17. 8. gave to Abraham] to weet, by promise: of this gift, see Gen. 12. 7. and 13. 15. and 15. 7. 18. and 17. 8.
Vers. 5. Syrian] so the Greek usually translateth [unspec 5] it, which the new testament followeth, Luk. 4. 27. The Hebrew is, the Aramite: see Gen 10. 22.
Vers. 8. evil] that is, displeasing, grievous: so [unspec 8] Gen. 48. 17. on the contrary, good, is for pleasing, Gen. 16. 6. 8.
Vers. 9. Ishmael] that is, Ishmael's family, or the Is [unspec 9] maelites: for Ishmael himself was now dead, Gen. 25. 17. See the notes on Gen. 19. 37. Machalath] called also Basemath, Gen. 36. 3. he took her, (being of his kindred,) to please his father; though neither according to God's will, nor his fathers. So the wicked would seem to amend one evil, by running into another. of Nabajoth] that is, of the same mother that Nebajoth (Ishmael's eldest son) was. unto his] that is, besides and unto the two Canaanitish wives which he already had Gen. 26. 34. so now he had three wives.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Here beginneth the seventh section of Moses law, whereof see the annotations on Gen. 6. 9. Which section when it is less absolute, the Hebr. call Parasha, a distinction; and signify it by a threefold P: but when it is more full and absolute, they name it Seder, an Order, and denote it by a threefold S as in this place.
Vers. 10. Charan] of which place, see Gen. 11. [unspec 10] 31. It was distant from Beersheba, almost 500 English miles. And Jacob was now about 77. years of age, when he undertook this pilgrimage, as may be gathered by the history following, and by Gen. 47. 9. Of which journey, the prophet after speaketh, how Jacob fled into the land of Syria, and Israel served for a wise, Hos. 12. 12. So the afflictions of the fathers, are examples unto the children in all ages, even whatsoever is written: Rom. 4. 23. 24. and 15. 4. 1 Cor. 10. 11. Of Jacob's age, the Rabbin's also say, Seventy and seven years old was Jacob, when he departed from his fathers house, Pirkei R. Eliezer. ch. 35.
Vers. 11. he lighted upon,] or happened, met with, by [unspec 11] God's providence, not of his own purpose or choice; who would have gone further, ha dnot night prevented him: and made no reckoning of this place, above any other. It was about 48 English miles distant from Beersheba, whence Jacob came: and from Jerusalem 8. miles northward. pillows] or head bolster: so in 1 Sam. 26. 7. The Greek translateth, at his head. As this pillow of Jacob, showeth his hard distress for the present in body: so God's appearing and word here revealed, manifesteth the comforts and refreshing of the spirit, which the faithful have in their afflictions and pilgrimage. Hos. 12. 4. Gen. 35. 7. 2 Cor. 1. 5. See after, on verse. 18.
Vers. 12. dreamed] a divine dream, such as in [unspec 12] times past God used to speak unto men by, Job 33. 14. 15. Dan. 7. 1. and so he usually spake unto the Prophets, as it is said, If there be a Prophet among you, I Jehovah, will make myself known unto him in a vision, will speak unto him in a dream: Num. 12. 6. See the notes on Gen. 15. 12. ladder,] representing Christ, the son of man, on whom the Angels of God, ascend and descend, John. 1. 51. applied now in special to Jacob, and his journey, as followeth in verse 13. 15. The Hebrew Doctors say; The things made known to a Prophet by prophetical vision, were made known unto him by way of parable: and immediately, the interpretation of the parable, was written in his heart, and he knew what it was. As the Ladder which Jacob our father saw, and the Angels ascending and descending on it. And that was a parable of the (four) monarchies. Maimonides in Misn. in Iesud. hatorah, ch. 7. S. 3. Other Rabbin's also apply this vision to the monarchies in Daniel; but our Savior is the best interpreter, John 1. 51. on the earth] signifying Christ's human nature, and conversing with men, John 16. 28. and 17. 4. the heavens] signifying Christ's heavenly nature, and mediation for men with God, Heb. 8. 1. and 9. 24. By whom all things are reconciled unto God, and both the things in earth, and things in heaven, are set at peace through the blood of his cross, Col. 1. 20. He is the way, no man cometh to the Father, but by him: John. 14. 6. ascending, &c.] that is, looking with desire into the mysteries of Christ, 1 Pet. 1. 12. ministering unto him, and through him unto his people, Mark. 1. 13. Heb. 1. 14. and now in special, guarding Jacob from all perils in his journey: Gen. 32. 1. 2.
Vers. 13. Jehovah] whose providence and grace [unspec 13] is towards his in Christ. The Chaldee translateth it, the glory of the Lord. God of Abraham, &c.] See Gen. 17. 7. He is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city, Heb. 11. 16. Hereby also the resurrection of the dead, was taught unto Jacob; God calling himself no less the God of Abraham (now dead to the world) then of Isaac now living: for Abraham also was alive unto him, Luk 20. 37. 38. to thy seed] that is, as the Chaldee expounds it, to thy sons: when as yet he had no child, (as is noted of Abraham, Acts 7. 5.) nor wife. Here God confirmeth to Jacob, the blessing of Abraham, which his father Isaac had bequeathed unto him, before in v. 3. 4. And as the former, so this promise also was spiritual, to be accomplished by Christ in whom (under the name of David) God promiseth, that his people should dwell in the land, that he gave unto Jacob his servant, Ezek. 37. 24. 25. So the ladder which Jacob saw, should be for him (besides this earthly voyage) to climb by, unto his heavenly country, and inheritance eternal; Heb. 11. 14. 16. and 9. 15. So after, in Gen. 35. 11. 12.
Vers. 14. the dust] that is, innumerable: see Gen. [unspec 14] 13. 16. and 32. 12. So Balaam said, who can count the dust of Jacob Numb. 23. 20. In Gen. 32. 12. for dust, is said sand of the sea. The Chaldee here translateth, thy sons shall be multiplied as dust. spread-abroad] Heb. breakeforth: that is, greatly increase and suddenly spread abroad. So the word is also used in Exod. 1. 12. Gen. 30. 30. 43. 1 Chron. 4. 38. The Greek translateth it, enlarge; the Chaldee, prevail. It is a Prophesy of the spreading of the Church, through all parts of the world. the sea] that is, as the Chaldee expounds it, the west: see Gen. 12. 8. all families] So the promise unto Jacob, pertaineth also to us, who may say with the Prophet, God found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us: Hos. 12. 4. And it implieth the blessing of eternal life. and in thy seed] that is, Christ: see Gen. 22. 18. and 12. 3. And, may here be taken for That is to say; for it explaineth the former promise. See the notes on Gen. 13. 15.
Vers. 15. I will be with thee] The like promise God made at his return, Gen. 31. 3. which Jacob [unspec 15] understood thus, I will do thee good, Gen. 32. 9. The Chaldee translateth it, my word shall be thy help. See Exod. 33, 15. 16. Mat. 28. 20. Gen. 46. 4. all the way] so the Greek expresseth the word way, here wanting; expressed also elsewhere in the Hebrew, Gen. 35. 3. And here the vision of the Ladder, (Christ,) is applied to his present case & journey: for God giving his Son, doeth with him give all things also, Ro. 8. 32. & godliness hath the promise of the life present, and that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4. 8. not leave thee,] This taught Jacob to repose confidence in God, being content with things present: the like is spoken to us all, Heb. 13. 5.
Vers. 16. Jehovah is] The Chaldee paraphraseth, [unspec 16] the glory of the Lord dwelleth in this place.
Vers. 17. this is, &c.] The Chaldee addeth, this is no common (or private) place, but a place wherein [unspec 17] God taketh pleasure, and over against this place, is the gate of heaven. This place represented the Church of Christ, called the house of God, 1 Tim. 3. 15. which oftentimes is, where men are not aware of it, Rev. 12. 6. John 1. 46. where the Ladder Christ standeth, Matt. 18. 20. Rev. 14. 1. and where his servants see and serve him, Rev. 22. 3. 4. Unto which (as to the gate of heaven) the Lord bringeth such as shall be saved, to walk in the light of it; Acts 2. 47. Rev. 21. 24.
Vers. 18. the stone] either stone, is here put for [unspec 18] stones, (as in Gen. 3. 2. tree, for trees,) or, that before in ver. 11. of the stones; is meant some one of them: sec Gen. 46. 23. a pillar] or statue, that is, a monument or title erected and standing up: This was here for a religious sign, as altars also were, Isaiah 19. 19. and Jacob did the like afterward, Gen. 35. 14. But when the Law was given by Moses, no pillars might anymore be set up, Lev. 26. 1. Hos. 10. 1. but all such as the heathens had erected, were to be broken down; Deut. 7. 5. and 12. 3. There were also pillars for civil monuments, Gen. 35. 20. 2 Sam. 18. 18. oil] to anoint and consecrate it for holy use: as after in the law, there was an anointing oil, for to sanctify the tabernacle, altar, laver, and all other things used in God's service, Exod. 40. 9. 10. 11. &c. So after Jacob poured both a drink offering, and oil upon his pillar, Gen. 35. 14. Which oil, represented the anointing of the Holy Ghost upon Christ and his people, Psal. 45. 8. 1 John 2. 20. 27. both which are also compared unto living stones, 1 Pet. 2. 4. 5. And the Hebrew Doctors commenting upon this place, in Bresith rabbah, do make this stone to signify the Messias.
Vers. 19. Bethel] that is by interpretation, The [unspec 19] house of God, as verse 17. and so the Greek here also translateth it. And upon this ancient religious use of this place, which God himself approved of, Gen. 35. 1. it seemeth Jeroboam set up there the monument of his strange worship, which turned to him to sin, 1 King. 12. 28. 29. 30. wherefore the Prophets changed the name from Beth-el, God's house, to beth-aven, the house of iniquity, (or of anidol) Hos. 4. 15. Of Luz see Gen. 30. 37.
Vers. 20. Uowed] that is, promised to God: for a vow, is an holy or religious promise, made therefore [unspec 20] with prayers, as this place showeth, and Psal. 61. 6. Judge. 11. 30. 31. and paid with thanksgiving, Psal. 65 2. and 66. 13. 14. See more in the law of vows, Lev. 27. and the annotations there. If God,] that is prayerwise, O that God would be with me; and in way of promise, When God shall have been with me, &c. For, a vow, implieth both prayer and promise, as before is noted. And the Hebrew Im, that is, If, is used in prayers, as is noted on Gen. 24. 42. if thou be, &c. It signifieth also, when, as in 1 Sam. 15. 17. Therefore one Prophet saith, If a man shall sin, 2 Chron. 6. 22. another (relating the same) saith, When a man. So the Evangelists, one writeth, If thine eye be single, Matt. 6. 21. another, when thine eye is single, Luke 11. 34. with me] this respecteth the first part of that promise of God in v. 15. keep me] as the second part of God's promise was, v. 15. give me bread, &c.] this respecteth the fourth thing promised in ver. 15. I will not leave thee, which taught him contentation, Heb. 13. 5. and Jacob void of covetousness, desireth but food and raiment; wherewith we all should likewise be content, 1 Tim. 6. 8.
Vers. 21. return] this respecteth the third part [unspec 21] of God's promise, in ver. 15. So Jacob's vow, was grounded in all points, upon the word and promise given him: to teach us how to vow, and pray unto the Lord. and Jehovah] or then Jehovah: for this may be the first part of Jacob's vow or promise again to God, whom he would in faith and reverence constantly profess to be his God, that is, author of his welfare and salvation. And this respecteth God's spiritual worship. Though it may also be meant on God's part, as are the former branches, and respect the promises made in v. 13. and 14.
Vers. 22. the house of God] that is, a place of God's [unspec 22] worship; as the Chaldee expoundeth, whereupon I will serve before the Lord. This Jacob after performed, when he built there an altar, Gen 35. 7. And this respected God's outward service. tithing give] that is, surely give the tenth. A sign also of homage and subjection unto God: which therefore was given to the priests of the Lord; see Gen. 14. 20. and the law for tithes, in Lev. 27. Numb. 18. Deut. 14. 22. 23. &c.
CHAP. XXIX.
1, Jacob cometh to the well of Charan. 9, He taketh acquaintance of Rachel. 13, Laban entertaineth him. 18 Jacob covenanteth for Rachel to be his wife. 23, Laban deceiveth him with Leah. 28, He marrieth also Rachel, and served for her seven years more. 32, Leah beareth Reuben. 33, Simeon, 34, Levi, 35, Judah.
ANd Jacob, lifted up his feet, and went, to [unspec 1] the land of the sons of the East, And he saw, and behold a well in the field; and loe [unspec 2] there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well, they watered the flocks: and a great stone, was upon the wels mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered, and they rolled the stone from the wells mouth, [unspec 3] and watered the sheep: and they put the stone again, upon the wells mouth in his place. And Jacob said unto them; my brethren, whence be ye? and they said of [unspec 4] Charan are we. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nachor? and [unspec 5] they said, we know him. And he said to [unspec 6] them, Is there peace to him? and they said Peace; and behold, Rachel his daughter, is coming with the sheep. And he said, [unspec 7] loe yet, the day is great, it is not time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go feed. And they [unspec 8] said, we cannot, until all the flocks, be gathered together; and they roll the stone, frm the wells mouth: then water we the sheep. He yet was speaking with them; and Rachel came, with the sheep which were her fathers: [unspec 9] for she fed them. And it was, when Jacob [unspec 10] saw Rachel; the daughter of Laban his mothers brother; and the sheep of Laban, his mothers brother: that Jacob went near; and rolled the stone, from the wells mouth, and watered the sheep of Laban his mothers brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel: and lifted [unspec 11] [unspec 12] up his voice, and wept. And Jacob told Rachel, that he was her fathers brother; and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. And it was, when Laban heard, the tidings of Jacob his sisters son; [unspec 13] that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, & kissed him, & brought him in, to his house: and he told Laban, all these words. And [unspec 14] Laban said unto him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh: and he abode with him, a month of days. And Laban said unto [unspec 15] Jacob; Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be? And Laban [unspec 16] had two daughters: the name of the elder, was Leah; and the name of the younger, Rachel. And the eyes of Leah, were tender: [unspec 17] and Rachel was fair in form, and fair in countenance. And Jacob loved Rachel: and said, I will serve thee seven years, for [unspec 18] Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, then [unspec 19] that I should give her to another man: abide thou with me. And Jacob served for Rachel, [unspec 20] seven years: and they were in his eyes, as a few days, because he loved her. And Jacob [unspec 21] said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled: that I may go in unto her. And Laban gathered-together, all [unspec 22] the men of the place, and made a banquet. And it was in the evening, that he took Leah [unspec 23] his daughter: and brought her in, unto him: and he went in, unto her. And Laban gave to [unspec 24] her, Zilpah his handmaid: for a handmaid, to Leah his daughter. And it was in the morning, [unspec 25] that loe it was Leah: and he said unto Laban, what is this thou hast done unto me? Did not I serve with thee, for Rachel? and wherefore hast thou beguiled me? And Laban [unspec 26] said, It may not be so done, in our place: to give the younger, before the first-borne. Fulfill thou the seven of this; and there shall [unspec 27] be given unto thee, this also; for the service which thou shalt serve with me, yet seven other years. And Jacob did so, and fulfied [unspec 28] the seven of this: and he gave unto him Rachel his daughter for a wife unto him. And [unspec 29] Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, Bilhah his handmaid: for a handmaid to her. And [unspec 30] he went in also unto Rachel; and he loved also Rachel, more then Leah: and served with him, yet seven other years. And Jehovah [unspec 31] saw, that Leah was hated; and he opened her womb: and Rachel, was barren. And Leah [unspec 32] conceived, and bare a son; and she called his name Reuben: for she said, for Jehovah hath seen my affliction; for now, my husband will love me. And she conceived again, and [unspec 33] bare a son; and she said, because Jehovah hath heard that I was hated; he hath therefore given me, this also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare [unspec 34] a son; and said, now this time my husband will be joined unto me, because I have borne unto him, three sons: therefore she called his name, Levi. And she conceived again, and [unspec 35] bare a son; and she said, this time, I will confess Jehovah; therefore, she called his name Judah: and she stayed from bearing.
Annotations.
LIfted up] that is, went lightly and cheerfully [unspec 1] on his long journey, being comforted by the vision and oracle of God, received at Bethel. See a much like phrase, in Psal. 74. 3. sons of the East] that is, the eastern people, in Mesopotamia, which lay eastward from Canaan. So in Job 1. 3. The Greek omitteth the word sons, and translateth the east countries. From the east God had raised up Abraham the (man of) righteousness, Isaiah 41. 2. Gen. 12. 1. & thither now Jacob his nephew fleeth, there to serve for a wife, Hos. 12. 12. wherein the mystery of Christ and his Church, was figured: Eph. 5. 32. 2 Cor. 11. 2.
Vers. 2. a well] at a well in the field, Abraham's [unspec 2] servant met with Rebekah Isaac's wife, Gen. 24. 11. 15. So here Jacob meeteth with Rachel his wife. A much like thing befell unto Moses, Exod. 2. 15. 16. 21. And Christ sitting on Jacob's Well (in Samaria) preached there of the living waters of his Gospel and spirit, which who so drinketh, they shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life, John 4. 6.—14. and 7. 38. 39. lying] This the Gr. translateth resting. The two works of shepherds to their flocks, are feeding, and causing them to lie down, or to rest; both which Christ performeth to his people, Song, 1. 6. Ezek. 34. 15. Psal. 23. 1. 2.
Vers. 3. the stone] wherewith the well was closed [unspec 3] and sealed up, to keep the waters safe and pure: and which the shepherds must remove to water the sheep. A figure of the Pastors duty, in opening the mysteries of the Scripture, that men may with joy draw waters out of the wells of salvation, Esa. 12. 3. The three flocks here mentioned, are by the Hebrew Doctors (in Bresith rabbah upon this place,) applied to the whole body of the Church, Priests, Levites, and the other Israelites.
Vers. 6. Is there peace] that is, welfare & prosperity. [unspec 6] This was the manner, in those places of saluting, or asking of ones welfare; as in Gen. 43. 27. 28. 1 Sam. 25. 5. 6. 2 Sam. 20. 9. The Greek translateth is he in health?
Vers. 7. is great] that is, much day yet remaineth; or [unspec 7] it is high day. He exhorteth to use the time, whiles it remained, for the good of their sheep: and not to take them so soon from their pasture.
Vers. 8. cannot] that is, are not able, the stone is so [unspec 8] great: or, may not, by right, till all come together. In this latter sense, the word is used, Gen. 34. 14. and 43. 32. and 44. 26. and other where.
Ver. 9. she fed them] or, she was shepherdesse. In Gr. [unspec 6] she fed her fathers sheep. It seemeth, men used to employ their daughters in such works, Exod. 2. 16. (whereupon Christ's spouse is compared to a shepherdesse, Song. 1. 7. 8.) unless it were laid upon her through her fathers covetousness, as some think.
Ver. 10. rolled the stone] either, with the help of [unspec 10] the shepherds; or, by extraordinary strength of his own. This latter, some Rabbin's hold, saying, Jacob's steps were not straitened (as Prov. 4. 12) neither did his strength fail, but as a mighty strong man, he rolled the stone from the wells mouth, &c. and the shepherds saw it, and wondered all, and were not able to role away the stone, but Jacob rolled it away himself alone. Pirkei R. Eliezer, chap. 36
Vers. 11. lifted-up] that is, with a loud voice wept: [unspec 11] the Greek translateth, cried with his voice & wept. It argued his great affection, and passion of mind for her sake; as the like was after in Joseph, Gen. 43 30. and 45. 2. 14. 15. Such things God setteth down particularly and often, (though they may seem of small moment, to show how he is delighted in the actions of his children, whom the world contemneth.
Verse 13. the tidings] or, the hearsay: in Hebrew, [unspec 13] the hearing: figuratively put for the word (or matter) heard. The Apostles in Greek sometime keep the phrase; as, who hath believed our hearing? Rom. 10. 16. that is, our report, preaching, or word preached. Sometime they explain one another, with other words; as, his hearing spread abroad, Mark. 1. 28. for which in Luk. 4. 37. is written, his fame (or sound, •• choe.) words] or things, to weet, about his journey, and the causes of it, as is before specified. For else, it might seem strange unto him, that Isaac's son should come in that poor sort alone: whereas Abraham's servant came richly, with other men accompanying him: Gen. 24. 10. 32. 53.
Vers. 14. my bone] that is, my kinsman, as the [unspec 14] Chaldee explayneth it. The Greek saith, of my bones. See the like phrase, in Judge. 9. 2. 1 Chro. 11. 1. 2 Sam. 19. 12. 13. of days] that is, a whole month: as a year of days. 2 Sam. 14. 28. is a whole year. See the notes on Gen. 4. 3.
Vers. 15. brother] that is, kinsman: see Gen. [unspec 15] 13. 8. shouldest thou?] The Greek explaineth it, thou shalt not. See Gen. 18. 17.
Vers. 16. elder] Hebrew, greater: meaning in [unspec 16] age: and so the younger, is the lesser. See Gen. 27. 1. By interpretation, Leah signifieth Labourious, or Painfull: and Rachel an Ewe or Sheep.
Vers. 17. tender] as the Greek translateth, infirm, [unspec 17] or weak: but the Chaldee translateth fair. Targum Yerushalmi addeth, that they were tender with weeping and praying. inform] that is, in proportion of body, or personage: as the next in countenance, or visage, is for beauty of color. Both together, make perfect beauty. The like is said of Esther, Esth. 2. 7. and of Joseph, Gen. 39. 6. The Hebrew Doctors mystically apply this to the Church, the fairness in the congregation of Israel, when it was guiltless from the power of uncleanness: as it is said, (in Song. 4. 7.) Thou art all fair my love, there is no spot in thee. R. Menachem, on Gen. 29.
Verse. 20. served] These things are set down [unspec 20] to show Laban's churlishness, & Jacob's meekness, poverty, patience, and hard condition in this life; which the Prophet after rehearseth, how Jacob fled into Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife, kept (sheep:) Hos. 12. 12. For whereas men used of their substance to give, dowries, Gen. 34. 12. Exod. 22. 7. Jacob having nothing to give, out of his poverty, (Gen. 32. 10.) giveth his service to his uncle for a wife, which service was hard unto him, Gen. 31. 40. 41. as David, instead of a dowry, gave 100 foreskins of the Philistines, whom he killed with great peril of his own life; 1 Sam. 18. 23. 25. 27. These things of Jacob, may also (as the former of Abraham & Isaac) be mystically applied to Christ, whose spouse and Church, is beautiful, Song. 4. 1. 7. Ephes. 5. 25. 27. & hath made him to serve with her sins, & wearied him, with her iniquities, Isaiah 43. 24. were in his eyes] that is, seemed unto him. loved her] & love suffereth, hopeth, and endureth all things, 1. Cor. 13. 7. much water cannot quench it, neither can the floods drown it: Song. 8. 7. See Gen. 24. 67.
Vers. 21. are fulfulled] or, are full, complete: The [unspec 21] Chaldee addeth, the days of my service are fulfilled: meaning the seven years covenanted, v. 18. Some take it to mean full, in respect of his age: and that he was married at the first; before the 7. years were expired. But in Pirkei R. Eliezer, cha, 36. it is said; Jacob began to serve for a wife 7. years: after 7. years he made a banquet, & a rejoicing 7. days, & had Leah &c. & added 7. days banquet more, & received Rachel, go in] into the chamber, (as Judge. 15. 1.) that she may be to me as my wife. See Gen. 6. 4. The Bride, usually had a privy chamber (or closet) whereinto she entered at the marriage day, Joel 2. 16. Whereupon, among the Jews, the coming together in marriage, is called the assembling into the privy-chamber, Maimonides in treat. of Wives, ch. 10. S. 1.
Vers. 22. a banquet] named in Hebr: of drinking, as [unspec 22] is noted on Gen. 19. 3. such we cal a Bride-ale. The Greek translateth it a marriage: hereupon the word marriage is used for a banquet, or feast, in Luk. 14. 8. and so the Syriac there translateth it.
Ver. 23. Leah] in Greek, Leia. A notable example [unspec 23] of perfidy in Laban, so to deal with his own sisters son. And by reason that women at such times were veiled, (as in other like cases may be seen, Gen. 38. 15. 16) Jacob could not discern the fraud.
Ver. 24. Zilpah] in Greek Zelpha. hand maid] [unspec 24] or, bondwoman, servant, see Gen. 16. 1.
V. 25. the morning] Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the Day shall declare it, 1. Cor. 3. 13. [unspec 25] They that do evil, know not the light; & the morning is to them, even as the shadow of death, Job 24. 16. 17. Therefore is this fact observed to be done in the evening, and discovered in the morning. beguiled me] The Chaldee saith, lied unto me? These things as they show the evil mind and carriage of Laban, both in this his fact, and the excuse following: so may they be considered as a chastisement of God upon Jacob, who had by guile (though with a better mind) gotten the blessing, Gen. 27. 35. For even the righteous are recompensed in the earth, Prov. 11. 31. and with what measure men mete, it shall be measured to them again, Mat. 7. 2. But how great an affliction was this unto Jacob: to be beguiled of his Love, and deflyed with another, whom in respect of her he hated? ver. 30. 31. For, love is strong as death, Song. 8. 6.
Ver. 27. the seven of this] or the week, that is, the seven days banquet of this Leah, and so confirm [unspec 27] the marriage with her; and then we will give thee the other. A week hath the name in Hebrew, of seven days; as with us, it is called a seven night. And the marriage feast, used to continue seven days, as appeareth by Judge. 14. 10. 12. And it is a canon among the Jews, that whosoever marrieth a maid, shall rejoice with her 7. days not doing any work, but eating, drinking, and making merry. And so, if he marry a woman not a maid, 3. days. And if he take more wives together he must rejoice with every of them; her convenient time of joy: Maimonides, treat. of Wives ch. 10. S. 12. 13. Thus Laban provided, that Jacob by voluntary consent to this marriage with Leah, should not be able afterward to put her away. The Jerusalem Chaldee paraphrase, plainly applieth this to the seven days banquet for Leah. And that it cannot be meant of seven years, before he should mary Rachel: the birth of their children, and life of Jacob after in the Historry, do manifest, Gen. 47. 9. and 41. 46. and 30. 24. there shall be given] to we et, by me; as the Greek translateth, I will give. The Hebrew also may signify, we will give: that is, I and my friends. this also] meaning Rachel: ver. 28. So to make him amends, he urgeth upon him, another marriage incestuous. Which how ever Jacob accepted; and it may, by the special motion of God's spirit, (as Samsons marriage with the Philistian woman, was of the Lord, Judge. 14. 4.) yet ordinarily the fact cannot be cleared, nor may be imitated. Though in mystery, the churches of Jews and Gentiles, may by these two sisters be implied: as the two Testaments were in Abram's wives, Gen. 16. Gal. 4. shalt serve] So covetousness of gain by Jacob's service, made him thus to offer: and Jacob in yielding to this, is a mirror of patience.
Ver. 31. hated] not simply but in comparison of [unspec 31] Leah; that is, less loved, as the former verse showeth. So in Deut. 21. 15. also in Mat. 6. 24. and Luk. 14. 26. And herein Leah was chastised of God, for consenting to the sin, with her father. opened her womb] that is, made her to bear children: the contrary was in Gen. 20. 18. The Chaldee translateth, gave her conception.
Ver. 32. Reuben] that is, Son of-seeing (or of him [unspec 32] that seeth) meaning her affliction, as the next words do explain: or, See ye the Son. So in Pirkei R. Eliezer, chap. 36. it is said; God saw Leah's tribulation, and gave her conception, and consolation to her soul; and she bare a man-child of a goodly form; and said, see the son, which God hath given me.
Vers. 33 Simeon] written in Greek by the Evangelists, [unspec 33] Simeon, 2 Pet. 1. 1. and Simon, Mat. 10. 2. by interpretation Hearing, or son of hearing, that Leah was hated.
Vers. 34. he called] or, (not noting any person,) [unspec 34] his name was called: See Gen. 16. 14. Levi] that is, Ioyned: the reason of the name here, was of her husbands joining unto her: after, the Levites were joined unto the Priests in the ministry and service of God, as Numb. 18. 2. 4.
Vers. 35. this time] or now, to weet again, as the [unspec 35] Greek addeth. confess] that is, openly praise and celebrate, in solemn manner. This here applied to the Lord, is after applied to Judah himself, Gen. 49. 8. Judah] or Iehudah; in Greek, Judas: by interpretation, A Confessor, or the son of Confession, or of Praise. Of him, all the sons of Jacob, are called Jews, Esth. 3. 6. Mat. 27. 37. and he is a true Jew, whose praise is of God, Rom. 2. 29. stayed] or, stood still, that is, left off bearing, for a while • afterward she had more increase, Gen. 30. 17. And thus God dispensed his blessings, where least love of man was shown: which redounded to his further glory by Leah's thankfulness.
CHAP. XXX.
1. Rachel in grief for her barrenness, giveth Bilhah her maid unto Jacob. 5. Bilhah beareth Dan and Naphtali. 9. Leah giveth him Zilpah her maid, who beareth Gad and Asher. 14. Reuben findeth Mandrakes, with which Leah hireth her husband of Rachel. 17. Leah beareth Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. 22. Rachel beareth Joseph. 25. Jacob desireth to depart. 27. Laban stayeth him, on a new covenant. 37. Jacob's policy, whereby he became rich.
ANd Rachel saw, that she did not bearechildren unto Jacob; and Rachel envied [unspec 1] her sister: and she said unto Jacob, Give me sons; or else, I die. And Jacob's anger was kindled, against Rachel: and he said, [unspec 2] am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee, the fruit of the womb? And she said; Behold my handmaid Bilhah, go [unspec 3] in unto her: and she shall bear, upon my knees; and I also, shall be built by her. And she gave unto him, Bilhah her handmayd, to wife: and Jacob went in, unto [unspec 4] her. And Bilhah conceived, and bare unto [unspec 5] [unspec 6] Jacob, a son. And Rachel said, God hath judged me; and hath also heard my voice, and hath given unto me a son: therefore, called she his name, Dan. And Bilhah, Rachel's [unspec 7] hand maid, conceived again; and bare, a second son, unto Jacob. And Rachel said, wrestlings of God, have I wrestled with my sister, I have also prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. And Leah saw, that she [unspec 9] had stayed from bearing: and she took, Zilpah her handmaid; and gave her unto Jacob, to wife. And Zilpah, Leah's handmayd, [unspec 11] [unspec 18] did bear unto Jacob, a son. And Leah said; With a troupe: and she called his name, Gad. And Zilpah, Leah's hand-maid, [unspec 12] did bear, a second son, unto Jacob. And Leah said, With my blessedness, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she [unspec 13] called his name, Aser.
And Reuben went, in the days of wheat harvest; and found Mandrakes, in the field; [unspec 14] and brought them, unto his mother Leah: and Rachel said unto Leah; Give me I pray thee, of thy sons Mandrakes. And [unspec 15] she said unto her; Is it a small- matter, that thou hast taken my husband; and wouldest thou take, my sons Mandrakes also? And Rachel said, therefore he shall lie with thee to night, for thy sons Mandrakes. And Jacob [unspec 16] came out of the field, in the evening; and Leah went-out to meet him; & she said, thou shalt come in unto me; for hiring I have hired thee, with my sons Mandrakes: And he lay with her that night. And God heard [unspec 17] Leah: and she conceived, and bare unto Jacob, the fifth son. And Leah said, God hath [unspec 18] given me my hire, for that I gave my hand-maid, to my husband: and she called his name, Issachar. And Leah conceived again: [unspec 19] [unspec 20] and she bare the sixth son unto Jacob. And Leah said, God hath endowed me with a good dowry: now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne unto him six sons; and she called his name, Zebulun. And afterward, she bare a daughter: and she [unspec 21] [unspec 22] called her name, Dinah. And God remembered Rachel: and God heard her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and [unspec 23] bare a son: and said, God hath gathered away, my reproach. And she called his name, [unspec 24] Joseph; saying: Jehovah will add to me, another son. And it was, when Rachel had [unspec 25] borne Joseph: that Jacob said unto Laban; Send me away, and let me go; unto my place, and to my land. Give me my wives [unspec 26] and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest, my service which I have served thee. And Laban [unspec 27] said unto him; I pray thee if I have found grace, in thine eyes: I have learnedby-experience, that Jehovah hath blessed me, for thy sake. And he said, Expresly name [unspec 28] [unspec 29] thy wages unto me, and I will give it. And he said unto him; Thou knowest, how I have served thee: and how thy cattle hath been, with me. For it was little, which thou haddest [unspec 30] before me, and it is increased to a multitude; and Jehovah hath blessed thee, at my foot: and now, when shall I also do, for my own house? And he said, what shall I give [unspec 31] unto thee? And Jacob said, thou shalt not give unto me anything; if thou wilt do for me this thing, I will turn again, I will feed thy flock, I will keep them. I will [unspec 32] pass through all thy flock, today; remoueing from thence, every lamb speckled and spotted; and every brown lamb, among the sheep; and the spotted and speckled, among the goats: and it shall be my wages. And my [unspec 33] justice shall answer for me, in time to come; when it shall come for my wages, before thy face: every-one that is not speckled and spotted amongst the goats, and brown amongst the sheep; that (shall be counted) stolen, with me. And Laban said, behold; I would, [unspec 34] [unspec 35] it might be according to thy word. And he removed in that day, the he-goats that were ring-straked and spotted; and all the she goats, that were speckled and spotted; every-one that had some white in it, and every brown one, amongst the sheep: and he gave- them, into the hand of his sons. And [unspec 36] he set three days way, betwixt him self and Jacob: and Jacob, fed the rest of Laban's flocks. And Jacob took unto him, the rods [unspec 37] of green white-poplar, and of nut-tree and of plantane-tree; and pilled in them white strakes, with making bare the white, which was on the rods. And he set, the rods which [unspec 38] he had pilled; in the gutters, in the troughs of waters. when the flocks came to drink, before the flocks; that they might conceive, when they came to drink. And the flocks [unspec 39] conceived, before the rods: and the flocks brought forth, ring straked, speckled, and spotted-ones. And the lambs, Jacob separated, [unspec 40] and gave the faces of the cattle, toward the ring-straked, and all the brown, among the cattle of Laban: and he put his own flocks by themselves-alone; and put them not, unto Laban's cattle. And it was, whensoever [unspec 41] the lusty cattle conceived, then Jacob put the rods before the eyes of the cattle, in the gutters: that they might conceive among the rods. And when the cattle were [unspec 42] feeble, he put them not: so the feeble, were Laban's; and the lusty, Jacob's. And the man increased, most exceedingly: and he had [unspec 43] many flocks, and women-servants, and men-servants, and camels, and asses.
Annotations.
ENvied,] One word in the original, is for envy. zeal, and jealousy; taken sometime in the good [unspec 1] part, sometime in the evil, as in this place. It is a stronger affection then wrath or anger, Pro. 27. 4. & a work of the flesh, Gal. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 3. sons] some son, or child. or else I die] or, and if not, I am a dead woman. The like phrase was before in Gen. 20. 3. Through fretfulnes & impatience, she should kill her self; fought envy is the rottenness of the bones, Prov. 14. 30. whereas she ought to have sought unto the Lord, as did Isaac, Gen. 25. 21.
Ver. 2. in God's stead] who only can give children: 1 Sa. 2. 5. 6. Ps. 113. 9. & 127. 3. So the Chaldee paraphraseth, [unspec 2] Askest thou (sons) of me? shouldest thou not not ask thē of the Lord? fruit] that is, as the Chaldee expoundeth, the child of thy bowels. So all child • ē are called the fruit of the womb, Deut. 7. 13. Ps. 127. 3 even Christ himself, according to the flesh, Lu 1. 42
Ver. 3. and she shall] or, that she may bear. upon my knees] meaning, children that might be brought up [unspec 3] & nused on her knees, as her own; so Gen. 50. 23. Hereupon she calleth Bilhahs children, hers: v. 6. shall be built] that is, shall have children, as the Gr. translateth. See Gen. 16. 2. where the like was spoken by Sarah.
V. 4. to wife] or, for a wife. The like is said of Agar, [unspec 4] who yet was but a secondary wife, or concubine: see Gen. 16. 3. & 22. 23. So this Bilhah (or Balla, as the Greek writeth her,) is called a concubine, Gen. 35. 22. The like is to be minded for Zilpah, in verse. 9.
Ver. 6. judged] This word, when it respecteth the [unspec 6] godly, sometime meaneth chastisement, and affliction for sin, 1. Cor. 11. 32. sometime deliverance out of their affliction, as 1 Sa. 24. 15. 2 Sam. 18. 19. Both may be implied here. heard my voice,] received my prayer, saith the Chaldee paraphrase: so in v. 17. and 22. By this it appeareth that faith & virtues, were mixed together with the infirmities of these holy persons. So after in v. 17. Dan] that is by interpretation, Iudging: so named of God's judging, that is, helping, & delivering her. Afterward his name is applied to the Iudging, that should be among his children, Gen. 49. 16.
V. 8 Wrastlings of God] that is, divine & vehement [unspec 8] wrestlings, very great and earnest endeavors both with God in prayer, and by all other means that she could; as wrestling is a writhing & turning every way to prevail by might or slight. The name of God, is added to things for excellency sake: see Gē. 23. 6. The Greek translateth it, God hath holpen me, & I have been compared with my sister; the Chaldee addeth, God hath received my request; when I supplicated in my prayer, I desired that I might have a son, as my sister; and it is granted me. Naphtali] or as the Greek writeth it, Nephthal • im: Rev. 7. 6. by interpretation, Wrastler, or, son of My wrestling.
Vers. 11. with a troop] or, a troupe is come: for here [unspec 11] is a double reading, in the Hebrew margin it is written ba Gad, a troupe is come, which in the text is one word bagad, that is, in (or with) a troop: so after in v. 13. beasri, in (or with) my blessedness. And so the Greek translates it, In, or with; but the Chaldee turneth it is come. Gad signifieth a troop, or band of men, and to this interpretation Jacob after doth allude, Gen. 49. 19. How be it the Greek translates it, with good luck (or fortune) Fortunately. And in Arabic, the planet Jupiter, is called Gad. Gad] that is, a troop or host: after the Greek, Luck, or fortune. This word is used in Esa. 65. 11. that prepare a table for the troop: there the Chaldee translateth it Idols: for it meaneth the host of heaven, or planets.
Ver. 13. with my blessedness] or In my happiness: that [unspec 13] is, as the Greek explaineth it, O blessed (or happy) am I: meaning that this child was both with her felicity. The Chaldee translateth it, I have praise (or commendation.) daughters] that is, as the Greek translateth it, women: so in Prov. 31. 29. Song. 6. 8. And the Chaldee, women will praise me. call me blessed] or count me happy. This phrase the Virgin Mary useth, Luk. 1. 48. see also Song. 6. 8. Aser] or Asher, that is, Blessed, happy: or making blessed.
Vers. 14 Mandrakes] in Hebrew Dudaim, which [unspec 14] signifieth lovely or amiable: the Greek translateth them apples of Mandragoras, (or Mandrake-apples:) the Chaldee also calleth them Iabrochin, that is, Mandrakes, which name is borrowed from the Arabic. They were such things as gave a smell, Song. 7. 13. Whether they were those that we now call Mandrakes, is uncertain. The name is not found in Scripture, but in this history, and in Song 7. 13. there the Chaldee paraphrase calls it Balsa.
Vers. 15. Is it small] the Greek translateth, Is it [unspec 15] not enough? These contentions were not merely carnal, but partly also for desire of God's ordinary blessing, in propagation; and chiefly for the increase of the Church, and obtaining the promised seed for salvation.
Vers. 17. heard Leah] the Chaldee saith, received [unspec 17] her prayer: so verse 6 and 22. God's providence and goodness is here admirable, that he should regard, and in his book record such things as these; about childish works, and women's contentions for their husband: unto which notwithstanding the Lord abase • h himself, (passing by the heroical acts of the world,) and preacheth his grace, (in the midst of all human infirmities;) to those that in faith do call upon him.
V. 18 Issachar] • he G • e ke addeth the interpretation, [unspec 18] Issachar, that is; Hire. It is written with the letters Issaschar, but by the vowels Issachar, one S not pronounced, which is not usual. Sachar signify • h Hire or wage: whereof he had the name. But in that she counteth her son a reward from God, for giving her maid to her husband; it seemeth to be her error.
Vers. 20. endowed] or, given me a good gift, as the [unspec 20] Greek translateth. Zebulun] o • , as the holy Ghost writeth it in Greek Zebulon; that is by interpretation, Dwelling.
Vers. 21. Dinah] that is, Judgment; in Greek [unspec 21] Deina.
Vers. 22. remembered] that is, shown care, and help: [unspec 22] for Gen 8. 1. The Chaldee translateth, the remembrance of Rachel came before God, and he received her prayer. So in 1 Sam. 1. 19. 20. the Lord remembered Hannah. opened] that is, as the Chaldee expoundeth it, gave her conception. So in Gen. 29. 31.
Vers. 23. gathered] or taken away my reproach, [unspec 32] meaning her barrenness; which was a reproach among men, Luke 1. 25. 1 Sam. 1. 6. Isaiah 4. 1.
Vers. 24. Joseph] that is, He will add: or, adding. [unspec 24] Sometime he is written Iehoseph, as in Psal. 81. 6. and so it was graven on Aaron's Brestplate, Exod. 28. The like is in the writing of other names, as Jonathan, 1 Chron. 10. 2. or Iehonathan, 1 Sam. 31. 2. Joash, 2 Chron. 24. 1. or Jehoash, 2 King. 12. 1. and sundry the like. will add] or prayerwise, be add to me. The performance hereof, see in Gen. 〈◊〉 . 17. Hereby her saith appeareth. The Hebrew 〈…〉 ors observe, that she said not other sons, for she know that there should be but twelve tribes; and she 〈…〉 yed that the some son might be of her: R. Menachem on Gen. 30.
Vers. 25. to my land] or country, meaning Canaan, [unspec 25] •• om •• ed to him, Gen. 28. 13. whither by faith he would return, and dwell in it, expecting the blessing of God, as Gen. 26. 3. Heb. 11. 9. So in Ier. 51. 9.
Vers. 27. grace] or, favor in thy eyes: an imperfect [unspec 27] speech meaning. tarry I pray thee See the notes before on Gen. 11. 4. and 13. 9. and 23 13.
Verse 28. Expresly-name] or, Nominate plainly, appoint: [unspec 28] The Greek saith, distinguish; that is, distinctly name.
Vers. 30. before me] that is, before my coming: [unspec 30] so Gen. 32. 3. and 46. 28. increased] Hebrew, broken forth: that is, increased, and spread-abroad suddenly: so verse. 43. and Gen. 28. 14. The Greek here translateth it, increased. at my foot] that is, since my coming, and by my travel and service. So the foot is used to signify laborious service, Deut. 11. 10. and the coming or presence of any, Hab. 3. 5 The Chaldee translateth it as before in verse. 27. for my sake. do] that is, provide, labor, prepare, &c. for my own family? which he that doth not, is worse then an Infidel, 1 Tim. 5. 8. The Greek translateth, make myself and house?
Vers. 31. anything] that is, any certain wage, or [unspec 31] stinted hire, of Laban's gift. He chose rather to depend on God's providence. will turn again, will feed, &c.] that is, as the Greek explaineth it, I will again feed thy sheep, and keep them.
Vers. 32. removing] or, remove thou: and so the [unspec 32] Greek translateth, separate thou. it shall be] meaning, fu • h should be his wage, namely, all that were borne so party coloured after that time. And this choice depended upon God's blessing: for naturally the cattle would bring forth others like themselves, and so Jacob's part should be few. But by God's extraordinary providence, it fell out otherwisee; see Gen. 31. 10. 12.
Vers. 33. my justice] that is, a just reward of my [unspec 33] labors from the hand of God, on whom I depend, and just dealing in me, who shall be seen to keep nothing but my own. answer sor] or testify for (or with me.) The contrary is in Isaiah 59. 12. our sins answer, (or testify) against us. Answering is for witnessing in Exod. 20. 16. in time to come] that is, hereafter shortly: the Hebrew phrase is, in day tomorrow: but tomorrow is often used for hereafter, or time to come, Exod. 13. 14. Deut. 6. 20. Ios. 4. 6. Mat. 6. 34. as yesterday, is for time past, Gen. 31. 2. when it shall come] or, for it shall come; or, when thou shalt come (to look) on my wages. The Greek translateth, for my wages is before thee.
Vers. 34. I would, it might be] or, I wish it, let it be: [unspec 34] for the distinction seemeth to afford this sense. The Greek omitting the former, saith only, Let it be.
Vers. 36. way] that is, journey: so Gen. 31. 23. [unspec 39] and often in the Scripture.
Vers. 37. rods] Heb. rod: as tree, for trees, Gen. [unspec 37] 3. 2. green] that is, m • ist: opposed to dry; and is not meant of color. It may also be referred to the rods. nut tree] in Hebrew Luz: some think it to be the hazell, others the almond tree: the Hebrew and Greek are both general, for any nut tree: and the word is not found for a tree, but in this one place. Elsewhere Luz, is the City Bethel, so named as seemeth of nut trees growing there, Gen. 28. 19. as elsewhere Jericho is called the City of Palme trees, 2 Chron. 28. 15. platane tree] or, plain tree: thus both the Greek and Chaldee do interpret the Hebrew name gnarmon: some think it to be the chesnut tree. It was a fair tree, as appeareth by Ez k. 31 8.
Ver. 38. conceive] Heb. be in heat; whereby conception [unspec 38] or engendering is meant, as the Greek plainly translateth. And these things Jacob did by the oracle of God, as appeareth by Gen. 31. 9. 10. 11. 12 by reason whereof, it was no more unlawful for him to do thus, then for his children to rob the Egyptians, Ex. 12. 35. 36. It was in recompense of his sore labors, Gen. 31. 38 40. and had not God provided this way for his recompense, Laban would have sent Jacob away empty, Gen. 31. 42.
Vers. 39. ring-straked] with a round strake, or ring [unspec 39] about their legs, as if they were tied about. The Greek saith white: so in Gen. 31. 8.
Vers. 40. the lambs] which were so spotted and particoloured. verse. 39. gave] that is, set, or [unspec 40] turned the faces of the sheep towards them, that by seeing them, they might conceive the like: as they did before, by seeing the pilled rods in the troughs.
Vers. 41. lusty] or strong. The Hebrew word signifieth bound together; which may be understood [unspec 41] both of their bodies well-set and trust together, and of their conspiring together the male and female for engendering. Which was at the beginning of the year, and therefore the Chaldee translateth it, the forward (or first borne.)
Vers. 42. feeble] or lateward, as the Chaldee also [unspec 42] translateth it, or engendered late. It hath the signification of covering: and it may be understood, when they were thick covered with wool, as towards the end of summer, when they are not so strong for generation.
Vers. 43. increased] Hebrew brake forth: as v. 30. [unspec 43] Gen. 28. 14. The Greek here translateth it, wexed rich. exceedingly] or vehemently: doubling the word to enlarge the sense, as in Gen. 7. 19. Thus even in outward blessings, God kept his promise to Jacob, Gen. 28, 15. and delivered him from covetous Laban's injuries, Gen. 31. 7. 42. enriched him with his substance, Gen. 31. 9. as elsewhere the Lord promiseth, that his people shall rob those that robbed them, and spoil those that spoiled them: Ezek. 39. 10. Of the things in this chapter, and other the like, the Hebrew Doctors give this commendation. Marvelous mysteries are in the histories of the holy law: that none is able to tell the praise of the excellency thereof, and of the hid things of the same, yea even then, when histories are found in the Law, which may be thought unnecessary and unprofitable. And when we read in the law, we bless (God) for the histories; by which he hath planted eternal life amongst us, as by the ten Commandments, (Exod. 20.) For when a man removeth the veil of blindness from off his face, he shall find in that work, a mountain of spices and of frankincense: neither hath the eye seen, ô God, besides thee: (Esa. 64. 4.) R. Menachem, on Gen. 30.
CHAP. XXXI.
1, Laban and his sons, envy Jacob's prosperity. 3, God biddeth him return into Canaan. 4, He acquainteth his wives herewith, complaining of their fathers hard dealing. 14, They agree to go with him, 17, so they all flee secretly, 19, Rachel stealeth her fathers images. 22, Laban pursueth after him, 26, and complaineth of the wrong; 33 and searcheth for his images, 34, but Rachel in policy hideth them. 36, Jacob chideth with Laban, for abusing and hard usage of him. 43, Laban would make a covenant, 45, which Jacob assenteth unto, and it is confirmed by a sign, an oath, and a banquet; 55, so they part in peace.
ANd he heard, the words of Laban's [unspec 1] sons, saying; Jacob hath taken, all that was our fathers: and of that which was our fathers, hath he made all this glory. And Jacob saw, the face of Laban; [unspec 2] and behold it was not with him, as in former days. And Jehovah said unto Jacob; Return, [unspec 3] unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred: and I will be with thee. And Jacob [unspec 4] sent, and called Rachel and Leah: to the field unto his flock. And he said unto them, I see [unspec 5] your fathers face, that it is not toward me, as in former days: and the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know, that withal [unspec 6] my able-power, I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, & changed [unspec 7] my wages, ten times: but God hath not given him, to do me evil. If he said thus, [unspec 8] The speckled shall be thy wages; then bare all the cattle, speckled: and if he said thus, the ring-straked shall be thy wages; then bare all the cattle, ring-straked. And God, hath taken [unspec 9] away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. And it was, in the time that the [unspec 10] cattle conceived; that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream: and behold the he-goats which leaped-up on the cattle, were ring-straked, speckled and grisled. And the [unspec 11] Angel of God said unto me in a dream; Jacob: and I said, Loe here I am. And he said, [unspec 12] Lift-up now thine eyes, and see, all the he-goats, that leap up on the cattle; are ring-straked, speckled and grisled: for I have seenall that Laban doeth unto thee. I am the God [unspec 13] of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, where thou vowedst unto me, a vow: now, arise go out from this land, & return unto the land of thy kindred. And Rachel & Leah [unspec 14] answered, and said unto him: Is there yet for us, any portion or inheritance, in our fathers house? Are we not counted of him, strangers? [unspec 15] for he hath sold us: and eating he hath eaten up also, our money. For all the riches, [unspec 16] which God hath taken-away from our father; that belongeth to us, and to our sons: and now, all that God hath said unto thee, do thou. And Jacob arose, and took up [unspec 17] [unspec 18] his sons, and his wives, upon camels. And he led away all his cattle, and all his substance which he had gathered; the cattle of his getting which he had gathered in Padan Aram: for to come unto Isaac his father, in the land of Canaan. And Laban was [unspec 19] gone to sheare his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the Teraphims, that were her fathers. And Jacob stale from the heart of Laban the [unspec 20] Syrian: in that he told him not, that he fled. And he fled himself, and all that he had; and [unspec 21] he rose up, and passed over the river: and set his face toward mount Gilead. And it [unspec 22] it was told Laban, in the third day; that Jacob was fled. And he took his brethren [unspec 23] with him, and followed after him, seven days way: and overtook him, in mount Gilead. And God came to Laban the Syrian, [unspec 24] in a dream by night: and he said unto him; Take thou heed, lest thou speak with Jacob from good to bad. And Laban overtook [unspec 25] Iakok: and Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount; and Laban pitched with his brethren in mount Gilead. And Laban said, to [unspec 26] Jacob; what hast thou done, that thou hast stolen-away from my heart: and hast led-away my daughters, as captives with the sword? Wherefore didst thou flee secretly, [unspec 27] and steal-away from me: and didst not tell me? that I might have sent thee away, with mirth and with songs, with timbrell and with harp. And hast not suffered me to kiss my [unspec 28] sons, and my daughters: now, thou hast done-foolishly in so doing. It is in the power [unspec 29] of my hand to do you evil: but the God of your father said unto me yesternight, saying; Take thou heed, that thou speak not with Jacob from good to bad. And now, going thou wouldest be gone, because [unspec 30] longing thou longedst after thy fathers house: wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? And Jacob answered, and said to Laban: because [unspec 31] I feared; for I said, lest thou take-byforce thy daughters from me. With whom [unspec 32] thou shalt find thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren, discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee: and Jacob knew not, that Rachel had stolen them. And Laban entered into the tent of Jacob, [unspec 33] and into the tent of Leah, and into the tent of the two handmaids, and he found them not: and he went out from the tent of Leah, and entered into the tent of Rachel. And Rachel [unspec 34] had taken the Teraphims, and put them in the camels furniture; and sat upon them: and Laban felt all the tent, and found them not. And she said to her father, Let it not be [unspec 35] displeasing in the eyes of my Lord, that I cannot rise-up before thee, for the custom of women is upon me: and he searched, and found not the Teraphims. And Jacob was [unspec 36] wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban; what is my trespass, what is my sin, that thou hast hotlypursued after me? Whereas thou hast felt all [unspec 37] my stuff, what hast thou found of all the stuff of my house? set it here, before my brethren and thy brethren: and let them debate between us two. This twenty years [unspec 38] have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast-their-young: and the rams of thy flock, I have not eaten. The [unspec 39] torn, I brought not unto thee; I made-itgood; of my hand, didst thou require it: the stolen by day, or stolen by night. I was [unspec 40] in the day, the heat did consume me, and the frost in the night: and my sleep fled from mine eyes. This was my twenty year, in thy [unspec 41] house: I have served thee fourteen years, for thy two daughters; and six years, for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages, ten times. Except the God of my father, [unspec 42] the God of Abraham, & the Fear of Isaac, had been with me; surely now, thou hadst sent me away empty: my affliction and the labor of my hands, God hath seen, and rebuked thee yesternight. And Laban answered, [unspec 43] and said unto Jacob; These daughters are my daughters, and these sons my sons, and these cattle my cattle; and all that thou seest, it belongs to me: and to my daughters, what shall I do to these this day; or to their sons, which they have borne? Now therefore, [unspec 44] come let us strike a covenant, I & thou: and let it be for a witness, between me and thee. And Jacob took a stone: and set it [unspec 45] [unspec 46] up, for a pillar. And Jacob said to his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap; and they did eat there, upon the heap. And Laban called it, Iegarsahadutha: [unspec 47] [unspec 48] and Jacob called it Gal-eed. And Laban said, This heap is a witness, between me and thee, this day: therefore he called the name of it Gal-eed. And Mizpah, for [unspec 49] he said; Jehovah watch, between me and thee: when we shall be hid, each man from his neighbor. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, [unspec 50] and if thou shalt take wives besides my daughters, no man is with us: see, God is witness, between me and thee. And Laban [unspec 51] said to Jacob; Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast between me and thee. This heap be witness, and the [unspec 52] pillar be witness: that I will not pass over this heap unto thee; and that thou shalt not pass over this heap, and this pillar unto me, for evil. The God of Abraham, and the [unspec 53] God of Nachor, they judge between us; the God of their father: and Jacob sware, by the Fear of his father Isaac. And Jacob slew a [unspec 54] slaughter (of beasts,) in the mount; and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread and tarried all night in the mount. And Laban rose early in the morning, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and bless sed them: and Laban went, and returned, unto his place.
Annotations.
HE] that is, as the Greek expresseth, Jacob [unspec 1] heard. made all this glory] that is, (as the Chaldee expoundeth it) get all these riches; for, thereupon glory ariseth; as riches and glory are join • d together, in Prov. 3. 16. and 8. 18. Eccles. 6. 2. Glory (or honor) hath the name of weightiness, (as Paul mentioneth the weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.) and Abraham was said to be weighty, when he was rich, Gen. 13. 2. And in Isaiah 61. 6. glory, is in Greek translated riches.
Vers. 2. face] or countenance, wherein favor or [unspec 2] displeasure is easily discerned: the Chaldee saith, the look of his face. as in former days] or, as in time past: the Hebrew phrase is, as yesterday, and the day before: which two days past, are used for all times before; even as today, is for the time present, Psal. 95. 7. and tomorrow for all time to come, Gen. 30 33. So after here in verse. 5. Exod. 4. 10. and 5 7. 14. and often in the Scripture.
Vers. 3. of thy fathers] the land of Canaan, given [unspec 3] by promise to Abraham and to Isaac, Gen. 13. 15. and 26. 3. be with thee] that is, do thee good, Gen. 32. 9. the Chaldee translateth, my word shall be for thy help. See Gen. 28. 15.
Vers. 4. unto his flock] the Greek expounds it, [unspec 4] where the flocks were.
Vers. 5. with me] to bid me depart, verse. 13. or, as the Chaldee explaineth it, his word hath been [unspec 5] my help.
Vers. 7 ten times] in his six years service; ten [unspec 7] here may be put for many times; so in Job 19. 3. given] that is, suffered. See Gen. 20. 6.
Vers. 9. God hath] so it was not by Jacob's fraud, as his brethren unjustly calumniated him, verse. 1. [unspec 9] neither used he that art of putting rods into the troughs (Gen. 30. 37.) but by God's direction.
Vers. 10. a dream] sent of God, as Gen. 28. 12. [unspec 10] he-goats] and rams, as the Greek expressly addeth. By this he was taught, that the generation of cattle in that manner, was by the instinct of God, for to enrich Jacob. grisled] or hail-spotted, that is, having many white spots like haylestones; for so the Hebrew and Chaldee words import. The Greek expounds it, sprinkled as with ashes. It may be also to signify, that this was God's work, as the hail falleth from heaven. Such was the color of certain horses, that Zacharias saw in a vision, Zach. 6. 3.
Vers. 11. Angel] called in verse 13. the God of [unspec 11] Bethel: that is, Christ. So after, Gen. 48. 16. The Hebrew Doctors also name this Angel, Michael: • irkei R. Eliez. c. 36.
Vers. 12. he-goats] the Greek again addeth, and rams. cattle] or flock, which the Greek [unspec 12] translateth sheep and goats, the Hebrew comprehendeth both, as Levite. 1. 10.
Vers. 13. the God] Heb. El Beth-el, that is, the [unspec 13] God of the house of God: which the Chaldee expoundeth thus, the God which appeared unto thee in Beth-el: the G • eeke, thy God, which appeared unto thee in God's place. God here manifest th • that he accepted the service which Jacob used in consecrating Bethel, Gen. 28. 18. 19 22. and was mindful of his promises there made, verse. 15. kindred] or nativity, generation, as the Greek translateth; adding moreover, and I will be with thee, as was in verse 3.
Vers. 14 for us] or, to us: these words may imply, [unspec 14] both that they had no hope of benefit from their father; and that they had no mind any longer to continue with him, out to depart. Compare 1 King. 12. 16. and the law, in Gen. 2. 24. Laban is set forth in this history, as a picture of a man covetous, envious, injurious, unthankful, and unnatural; besides his idolatry and hypocrisy. By such a miser, was Jacob's faith and patience exercised twenty years.
Vers. 15. of him] or to him: meaning that he had [unspec 15] dealt with them as strangers, rather then as children. sold us] for fourteen years service by thee our husband. eating he hath eaten] that is, quite eaten up, and consumed: or greedily eaten. Or questionwise, should he eat? that is, consume us quite? For by often changing Jacob's wages, he sought to have enriched himself, with the extreme poverty of his daughters, money] Hebr. silver: used here generally for their price, which he had turned to his own profit: or figuratively, the meats and commodities bought with such money as was due to them for their husband service: besides their own portions.
Vers. 16. riches] the Greek addeth, and glory, [unspec 16] as verse 1.
Vers. 18. substance] or, gathered-goods: see Gen. [unspec 18] 12. 5. Thus also Jacob's children went with all their goods out of Egypt, Exod. 10. 26. Padan Aram] that is, as the Greek hath it, Mesopotamia.
Vers. 19. Teraphims] the Greek here translateth [unspec 19] them Idols; the Chaldee, Images: Laban calleth them his gods verse. 30. and that they were images or representations used in divine worship, other Scriptures also do confirm, Judge. 17. 5. and 18. 14. 17. 20 Hos. 3. 4. and it seemeth that idolaters consulted with their gods by them, and had oracles, Ezek. 21 21. Zach. 10. 2. therefore the Chaldee and Greek in Hos. 3. 4. translate it, declarers, or manifesters, to weet, of hidden things. They were greatly displeasing to the true God, 1 Sam. 15. 23. and therefore were by the godly, rooted out, 2 King. 23. 24. Sometime the Greek version keepeth the original name Theraphein, Judge. 17. and of it, the Heathen Greeks framed the word Therapeuein, for to signify the service or worship of their gods; and using to consult with such, for recovery of their health, (as Ahazjah did with Beelzebub, 2 King. 1. 2.) they applied the Greek word Therapeuin, for to heal o • cure diseases. An ancient Rabine saith, What were those Teraphims? They killed a man that was a first borne (son,) and took off his head, and salted it with salt and with oil, and wrote upon a plate of gold, the name of an unclean spirit, and put it under the tongue thereof; and set it up on a wall, and lighted candles before it, and bowed themselves down unto it, and it spake unto them; as it is written, (in Zach. 10. 2.) the Teraphims have spoken vanity. Pirkei R. Eliezer ch. 36. It is more likely, they were Images in the shape of men, as may be gathered by 1 Sam. 19. 13. 16.
Vers. 20. stale from the heart] that is, stale (or [unspec 20] conveyed away himself) without the knowledge or consent of Laban. For the heart is the seat of knowledge and understanding, Eccles. 7. 25. Prov. 7. 7. So the Greek here for stale, translateth hid: and the Chaldee saith, Jacob concealed it from Laban. The word from, is here to be understood, as afterward in verse. 26. & 27. where this speech is opened: and sometime the Scripture it self supplieth this and the like wants; as in 2 Chron. 6. 33. hear thou from the heavens: whereas the same speech being written in 1 King. 8. 43. the word from is wanting. Otherwise, to steal the heart, meaneth pri •• lie to draw the heart and affection unto one, as in 2 Sam. 15. 6. Or, if here we so read it, stale the heart of Laban, the meaning is, he carried away, and deceived him of that which his heart did expect and affect, namely more wealth by Jacob's service, &c. And so it is a Syriac phrase, not much differing from that in 2 Cor. 12. 16. I caught you with guile, where the Syriac translateth, I stale you with guile. And stealing is used for carrying away, Job 21. 18.
Vers. 21. the river] Euphrates (as the Chaldee [unspec 21] explains it,) which was between Chaldea and Canaan: Ios. 24. 2. 3. set his face] that is, his affections and actions, without declining to any other way. Therefore the Greek translateth it hormesen, which signifieth an earnest (violent) running thitherward. The like phrase is in Ier. 50. 5. Luke 9 51. 53. Gilead] in Greek, Galaad. It was a goodly mountain adjoining next to Lebanon, beneath which mount, was a fertile country called also the land of Gilead, Ier. 22. 6. Deut. 34. 1. They were stored with balm, myrrh, and other spicerie, Gen. 37. 25. Ier. 8. 22. were very good for feeding of cattle, and were afterwards taken from the Amorites, and given partly to the sons of Reuben, and Gad, and partly to the sons of Manasseh for inheritance; Song 4. 1. Numb. 32. 1. 39. Ier. 50. 19. Deut. 3. 12. 13. 15. 16. There was also a man of this name, one of Jacob's posterity: Num. 26. 29.
Vers. 22. the third day] his flock being 3. days journey from Jacob's, Gen. 30. 36. [unspec 22]
Vers. 23. brethren] that is, kinsfolk: see Gen. 13. 8. [unspec 23] way] that is, journey: so Gen. 30. 36. Laban pursueth Jacob gone out from his servitude: so Pharaoh pursueth his children, for the like cause, Exod. 14. 5. 6.—9.
Vers. 24. God came] The Chaldee saith, word came from the face of God. Compare Gen. 20. 3. [unspec 24] Take thou heed] or, Keep thyself, as the Greek translateth. It was a rebuke unto Laban: verse 42. from good to bad] the Greek saith only, that thou speak not bad words. The Hebrew phrase seemeth to mean, either good or bad: as in the like, Gen. 14. 23. and also in this very phrase, 2 Sam. 13. 22. And to speak neither good nor bad, is meant respectively to that end for which Laban pursued him; as to carry Jacob back again into his servitude. So after in verse 29. This was the Lord's hook in Laban's nostrils, to carry him back the same way he came, as in verse 55. & Esa. 37. 29.
Vers. 26. from my heart] secretly, and unawares [unspec 26] to me: the Chaldee saith, concealed it from me: as verse 20. captives] or prisoners. But they went voluntary, verse 16. and belonged to Jacob, rather then to Laban; Gen. 2. 24.
Vers. 27. secretly flee] Hebr. keep thee secret in fleeing. [unspec 27] from me] this openeth the former speech of stealing away from his heart. The Chaldee here again translateth, didst conceal it from me. timbrel] or tabret, in Hebr. named Toph, of the sound which it maketh, when it is beaten on with the hand? It was an instrument of joy, Esa. 24. 8. used by Jacob's daughters when they went out of the Egyptians service, Exod. 15. 20. which Laban here speaketh of, though it may be he meant no such thing.
Vers. 28. to kiss] and so to bid farewell. For kissing [unspec 28] was used both at the meeting, and at the parting of friends, Ex. 4. 27. Gen. 29. 21. & 31. 55. Ruth 1. 14.
Vers. 29. It is] or It was: but the Greek translateth [unspec 29] it of the time present; And now my hand is able. A vain boast, like Pilate's, John. 19. 10. 11.
Verse 30. going &c.] that is, thou wouldst needs [unspec 30] be gone. longing] that is, thou greatly longedst, or desiredst. my gods] that is, Teraphims, verse. 19. images by which he worshipped God. For so figuratively the Scripture useth to call those things God's, which represent God and his presence unto men: as Exod. 32. 4. 1 King. 12. 28. And the word God's is spoken of one image, Exod. 32. 8. and is the same that God, Neh. 9. 18. So Teraphim, though a word of the plural number, yet is used also for one Image, 1 Sam. 19. 13. 16. The Chaldee here translateth it, my Fear, that is, my God whom I fear, as in verse 53. This complaint of Laban that his God's were stolen, showeth the vanity of such Idolatry, Ier. 10. 5. 11. 15. Judge. 6. 31. and 18. 24. So God also did execution upon the gods of Egypt, when Jacob's sons departed thence, Numb. 33. 4. Exod. 12. 12. and threateneth the like after, Ier. 43. 12. 13. Esa. 19. 1.
Vers. 32. not live] a severe judgment, uttered unawares, [unspec 32] for he knew not that Rachel had stolen them: yet the Hebrew Doctors note, that Jacob said, whosoever hath stolen the Teraphims, he shall die before his time; and that which cometh out of the mouth of a just man, is us if it came out of the mouth of an Angel, and Rachel travelled in childbirth, and died, Gen. 35. 16. 18. Pirkei R. Eliez. ch. 36.
Vers. 34. furniture] or, saddle: the Greek word [unspec 34] also meaneth such stuff as the Camel was loden with. felt] that is, searched; So verse. 37.
Vers. 35. displeasing] or wrathful, grievous: see [unspec 35] Gen. 4. 5. The Greek translateth, take it not ill, (or grievously.) my Lord] so in words she honored her father, as Sarah with like title, did her husband: see Gen. 18. 12. rise up] to do thee honor; in gesture, as Lev. 19. 32. custom] Hebr. way of women; meaning her natural disease, such as women used to be put apart for; Lev. 15. 19.
Vers. 36. trespass] or, disloyal-iniquity; the Greek [unspec 36] translateth it injury, (or unrighteous-deed: and it is in degree greater then sins; as Job 34. 37. he addeth trespass to his sin.
Vers. 37. debate] or dispute, argue and discuss the thing; and consequently judge, and lay the blame [unspec 37] where it is due.
Vers. 38. not eaten] as is the manner of evil [unspec 38] shepherds, Ezek. 34. 2. 3. &c.
Vers. 39. The torn] to weet, with wild beasts, as the Greek explaineth it. I made it good] [unspec 39] or, I paid for it; as the Greek translateth. The Hebrew word signifieth to expiate, or satisfy as-for-sin, as if he should say, I put away the sin by satisfaction: so spoken, because Laban imputed it to Jacob for a fault, though indeed it was not. thou require] which he could not do without injury: for God's law showeth, that that which is torn of beasts, should not be made good by him that kept it, Exod. 22. 10. 13.
Vers. 40. consume] or, eat: The Greek translateth, burnt with heat. fled] The Greek saith, [unspec 40] departed. Care of his flock, kept his eyes that they could not sleep. The duty of good shepherds, is hereby signified, Luke 2. 8. Hebr. 13. 17. the contrary is in the evil, Esa. 56. 10. This relation setteth forth Jacob's misery while he dwelt in Syria, and kept sheep; not only once noted by the Prophet, Hos. 12. 12. but continually remembered unto God by Jacob's children, who bringing their first fruits, did everyone confess, A Syrian ready to perish, was my father: Deut. 26. 5.
Vers. 42. the Fear] or Dread; that is, the GOD whom Isaac feared; as also after in verse 53. So the [unspec 42] Chaldee expresseth it, he whom Isaac feared So Jacob himself explaineth it, Gen. 32. 9. and in Psal. 76. 12. God is absolutely called the Fear, as unto whom all fear and dread is due, Esa. 8. 12. 13. with me] or for me, and on my side: see the like speech in Psal. 124. 1. 2. &c. hands] Hebr. palms: a part being put for the whole. Though hereby secret and unknown labor, may be implied. thee] This word the Greek also addeth, the sense requiring it. The holy Ghost often supplieth the want of such words, as, I believed not the words, 1 King. 10. 7. that is, their words, 2 Chron. 9. 6. And, to provoke, 2 King. 21. 6. that is, to provoke him. 2 Chron. 33. 6. So, the heel, Psal. 41. 10. is translated, his heel, John. 13. 18. And by the Evangelists, into the garner, Mat. 3. 12. that is, into his garner, Luke 8. 17. and sundry the like. See before, Gen. 2. 19.
Vers. 43. and to my daughters] that is, and as for [unspec 43] my daughters, what shall I do to them? The pawses in the Hebrew, yield this sense: but the Greek referreth it to the former, it is mine and my daughters.
Vers. 44. therefore] Hebr. and now; which the Greek also translateth, Now therefore. The Hebrew [unspec 44] sometime useth one of these for another: as, and he called, 2 Sam. 5. 9. which another Prophet saith, therefore they called, 1 Chron. 11. 7.
Vers. 45. a pillar] a moniment of the covenant, [unspec 45] which Jacob consented to make.
Vers. 46. did eat] after the covenant had been [unspec 46] made, verse 54.
Vers. 47. Iegar sahadutha] these are Syriac [unspec 47] words, signifying, The heap of witness, as the Greek turneth them. So Laban named it in his own language. Gal-eed] This is Hebrew, and signifieth also, The heap a witness; as the Greek translateth it. So Jacob named it in his holy language: and thus the children of them both, by the name, might remember the league here made. And hereupon it seemeth, the mount and country adjoining, was called, Galaad, or Gilead.
Vers. 48. heap] in Hebrew Gal. a witness] [unspec 48] in Hebr. Ed: which together make Galeed.
Vers. 49. Mizpah] that is by interpretation, a [unspec 49] Watch-tower, or place of Espying. The place had these names figuratively, as being a sign of God's witness to, and watch over the covenant now made. watch] or espy: it showeth a reason of the former name. hid] that is, absent, out of the sight one of another. The Greek translateth, because we depart one from another.
Vers. 50. If thou shalt] we may understand, Swearing, or, Wishing a curse to thyself, if, &c. Or, That [unspec 50] thou shalt not. See the notes on Gen. 24. 38. and 14. 23. is] or, be witness: and consequently a punisher of the evil. For the men that were present, were not meet-witnesses, because they were kinsfolks: v. 23.
Vers. 52. that I, will not] this manner of speaking [unspec 52] is earnest, and deliberate; as is meet in making covenants. It may also be properly interpreted, If I, to weet, shall pass over this place, I will not pass over to thee for evil: and, if thou, to weet, shalt pass over, &c. But If in Hebr. is sometime used for That; and so the Greek, Act. 26. 23. unto thee] meaning, for evil; as in the latter branch is expressed.
Vers. 53. God] or God's. their father] that [unspec 53] was Tharah, and he served strange gods, Ios. 24. 2. So Laban sweareth by idols. the fear] that is, the God feared: as v. 42. So Jacob sware by the true God only; as is commanded, Deut. 6. 13.
Vers. 54. slew a slaughter] for a feast; and so they [unspec 54] used at making of covenants, Gen. 26. 30. Vsually the word is applied to slaying of sacrifices: but the general meaning, seemeth most proper here. So in 1 King. 1. 9. Numb. 22. 40. bread] this word is often used generally for all food: (see Gen. 21. 14.) and sometime for flesh: Lev. 3. 11. and 21. 6. Numb. 28. 2.
Vers. 55. blessed them] Thus God over-ruled [unspec 55] Laban's cruel mind, as he turned Balaam's curse into a blessing, Deut. 23. 5.
CHAP. XXXII.
1. Jacob meeteth an host of Angels. 3, He sendeth a message to Esau. 6, Hearing of Esau's coming, he is afraid, 9, and prayeth for deliverance. 13, He sendeth a present to Esau. 24, He wrestleth with an Angel, and will have a blessing of him. 28, Thereupon his name is called Israel; 30, the place is called Peniel; 31, and Jacob halteth.
ANd Jacob went on his way: and the [unspec 1] [unspec 2] Angels of God, met him. And Jacob said, when he saw them; This is God's host: and he called the name of that place, Machanaim.
AND IAKOB SENT messengers, [unspec 3] before him; to Esau, his brother: unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom. And he commanded them, saying; Thus shall ye [unspec 4] say, to my Lord, to Esau: thus saith thy servant Jacob; I have sojourned with Laban; and tarried, until now. And I have, oxen and asses; flocks, and men-servants and women-servants: [unspec 5] and I have sent, to tell my Lord; to find grace in thine eyes. And the messengers [unspec 6] returned unto Jacob, saying: we came to thy brother, to Esau; and also he is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. And Jacob feared greatly, and was distressed: and he divided the people [unspec 7] that was with him; and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies. And he said; if Esau come to the one [unspec 8] company, and smite it: yet the company that is left, shall escape. And Jacob said; ô [unspec 9] God, of my Father Abraham; and God, of my Father Isaac: Jehovah, that saydst unto me, Return unto thy land, and to thy kindred, and I will do thee good. I am less [unspec 10] then all the mercies, and then all the truth, which thou hast done unto thy servant: for with my staff, I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two companies. Deliver [unspec 11] me I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I, fear him, lest he will come and smite me; the mother with the sons. And thou saidst, doing [unspec 12] good, I will do thee good: and will put thy seed, as the sand of the sea; which shall not be numbered, for multitude. And he [unspec 13] lodged there, the same night: and took of that which came into his hand, a present, for Esau his brother. Two hundred she-goats, [unspec 14] and twenty he-goats: two hundred ewes, and twenty rams. Thirty milch camels, [unspec 15] and their young-ones: forty she-bullocks, and ten he-bullocks, twenty she-asses, and ten he asse-colts. And he gave them, into [unspec 16] the hand of his servants; every herd by it self alone: and said unto his servants, pass over before me; and put a space between herd and herd. And he commanded the first, [unspec 17] saying; when Esau my brother shall meet thee, and shall ask thee saying; whose art thou, and whither goest thou; and whose are these before thee? Then thou shalt say, [unspec 18] (they be) thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent to my Lord, to Esau: and behold he also, is behind us. And he commanded [unspec 19] also the second, and the third, and all that went after the herds, saying: according to this speech, shall ye speak unto Esau; when you find him. And ye shall say also, Behold [unspec 20] thy servant Jacob, is behind us: for he said, I will appease his face, with the present that goeth before me; and afterward, I will see his face; peradventure, he will accept my face. And the present passed-over, before [unspec 21] his face: and himself, lodged that night, in the company. And he rose up that night, [unspec 22] and took his two wives, and his two hand-maids; and his eleven children: and he passed over the foord Iabbok. And he [unspec 23] took them, and caused them to pass over the brook: and caused to pass over, that which he had. And Jacob was left, him-self [unspec 24] alone: and there wrestled a man with him, until the rising-up of the morning. And he saw that he prevailed not against [unspec 25] him; and he touched the hollow of his thigh: and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, [unspec 26] let me go; for the morning riseth-up: and he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, [unspec 27] [unspec 28] what is thy name? and he said, Jacob. And he said, thy name shall not be called anymore, Jacob; but Israel: for as-a-Princehast-thou-power with God, and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked, and [unspec 29] said, Tell me I pray thee thy name; and he said, wherefore is it, that thou askest for my name? And he blessed him there. And [unspec 30] Jacob called the name of the place, Peniel: for I have seen God face to face; and my soul is delivered. And the Sun arose unto [unspec 31] him, as he passed over Penuel: and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore, the sons [unspec 32] of Israel eat not, of the sinew that shrank; which is upon the hollow of the thigh; unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh; in the sinew that shrank.
Annotations.
ANgels] by interpretation Messengers, and so the word is used in the 3. verse. but these were heavenly spirits; of whom see the notes on Gen. 16. 7. By this vision, God confirmed Jacob's faith in him, who commanded his Angels to keep his people in all their ways, Psal. 91. 11. host] or campe, army; as in wars: for Angels are heavenly soldiers, Luk. 2. 13. horses and chariots of fire, 2 King. 9. 17. fighting for God's people against their enemies, Dan. 10. 20. Of them there are thousand thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, Dan. 7 10. and they are all sent forth, to minister for them who shall be heyrs of salvation, Heb. 1. 14. and they pitch a campe about them that fear God, Psal. 34. 8. The heathens retained the knowledge hereof, though corruptly; for the Greek Poet saith, there be thrice ten thousands of the immortal (Angels) of God, here upon the earth, keepers of mortal men, and observers of their works both just and unjust; they are clad with the air, and go abroad all over the earth. Hesiod. Oper. & Dies, l. 1. Machanaim] that is, two hosts (or camps:) either because the Angels appeared in two companies, for Jacob to go between them: or because there was one campe of Angels, and one of Jacob's family. About this place, there was a city afterwards called Machanaim, inhabited by the Priests of God, Ios. 21. 38. This also hath a spiritual application to the Church of God, in Song 6. 13.
Vers. 3. AND IAKOB] Here beginneth the eight section, or lecture of the law, called of the first [unspec 3] word Vajishlak, that is, And he sent. But it it not distinguished with great letters, as usually they are. See Gen. 6. 9. messengers] the same word which before was translated Angels, verse 1. Seir] a mountainy land possessed before by the Chorims, Gen. 14. 6. but Esau with his children destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead, Deut. 2. 22. Thither was Esau gone from the face of his brother Jacob. See Gen. 36. 6. 7. field] that is, as the Greek translateth it, country of Edom, that is, Esau. See Gen. 14. 7. & 25. 30.
Vers. 4. my Lord] by this title Jacob honored [unspec 4] and submitted to him as to his elder brother, Gen. 4. 7. 1 Pet. 3. 6. For Jacob's superiority foregiven in Gen. 27. 29. the time was not yet come, that it should be fulfilled. So David carried himself to Saul • 1 Sam. 24. 7. 9. &c.
Vers. 5. Oxen] Hebr. Ox and Ass, &c. singular [unspec 5] for plural: see Gen. 3. 2. to find] that is, that I may find, as Gen. 6. 19. The Greek translateth, that thy servant may find grace before thee.
Vers. 6. and 400. men] armed for war, as seemeth [unspec 6] by verse. 8. Here the ancient quarrel 20. years before (Gen. 27. 41.) was remembered, and Jacob's danger and trouble renewed. In Pirkei R. Eliezer, c. 37. it is said, Jacob's case, was; As if a man did flee from a Lion, and a Bear met him, (Amos 5. 19.) The Lion was Laban, that pursued after Jacob, to tear his soul: the Bear was Esau, which stood by the way, as a Bear robbed of her whelps, and came to slay the mother with the children. And the Lion hath shamefastness, but the Bear hath no shamefastness.
Vers. 7. companies] or camps: the word used before, [unspec 7] in verse 2.
Vers. 8. smite] that is slay (or kill) it: as Gen. 14. [unspec 8] 17. So after, verse. 11. shall escape] Hebr. shall be to escaping, or shall have evasion: the Greek saith, shall be saved.
Vers. 9. will do thee good] or, will deal well with [unspec 9] thee: thus Jacob understood the promise, I will be with thee: Gen. 31. 3. So after in verse. 12.
Vers. 10. less] to weet, in worth, that is, am unworthy [unspec 10] all (or any) of the mercies.