Annotations on the Pentateuch - Psalms - Song of Songs

Annotations.

COrne-to-sell] or sale of corn: so the Hebrew [unspec 1] Sheber, (which is breaking,) is here translated in Greek, the selling of wheat: the Chaldee also so expresseth it. See Gen. 41 56. Jacob saw, that is, understood this, by the report of others; he heard it, verse. 2. So the people saw the voices, Exod. 18. 20. one on another] or, on yourselves: as negligent, or as men helpless, none knowing what to do. The Greek translateth, why are ye slothful: By the famine that came over all Egypt and Canaan, there was great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance: Act. 7. 11. In Abram's days, Canaan was vexed with famine, Gen. 12. 10. again in Isaac's time, Gen. 26. 1. and now in Jacob's. So God exercised the faith and patience of the Saints, in the common calamities of the world. The like was in Act. 11. 28.

Vers. 4. lest mischief] understand, I must take heed lest, &c. see Gen. 3. 22. For mischief, the [unspec 4] Chaldee putteth death: the word implieth it, and lesser evil also, as appeareth by Exod. 21. 22. 23. 24. The Greek calleth it, sickness.

Vers. 6. the ruler] he that had authority and power, in his hand; as the original word signifieth, [unspec 6] Eccles. 8. 8. 4. and David confirmeth, Psal. 105. 22. Of the Hebrew Shallet, and Shilton, is made in Arabike the name Sultan, a title whereby the chief rulers of Egypt and Babylon are still called. bowed down] so fulfilling the Oracle, in Gen. 37. 7. 8.

Vers. 7. made himself strange] in Greek, he was allenated from them. The Chaldee expounds it, [unspec 7] he bethought him what he should speak with them. with them] or, unto them: for the scripture useth these phrases indifferently, as speak not with us in the Jews language, 2 Kings 18. 26. or speak not unto us, Isaiah 36. 11. and, spake with him, 2 Chron. 10. 10. or, spake unto him, 1 King. 12. 10. and in Greek, as, he spake with them, Mark. 6. 50. or, he spake unto them, Mat. 14. 27.

Vers. 9. spies] The Hebrew hath the signification [unspec 9] of footing, or going from place to place. The Apostle in Greek translateth it spies, Heb. 11. 31. nakedues] that is, the naked, weak, or ruined places; as the Chaldee explaineth it. The Greek translateth it footsteps. Joseph dealeth with his brethren in sin, as God doth with his children: who often estrangeth himself from them, dealeth roughly, and counteth them unto him as his enemies, Job. 19. 11. and 13. 24.

Vers. 11. true] or upright, honest men. The Greek [unspec 11] saith, peaceable.

Vers. 13. is not] that is, he is dead: as the phrase [unspec 13] signifieth, Matt. 2. 16. 18. and so it is expounded in Gen. 44. 20.

Vers. 15. as Pharaoh liveth] a kind of asseveration [unspec 15] or swearing, (as the like phrase of God manifesteth, Ier. 5. 2.) which sometime is joined with the name of God, as 1 Sam. 20. 3. as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth: so 2 Kings 2. 2. 4. 6. 2 Sam. 15. 21. 1 Sam. 25. 26. And to swear by the kings-life, was a great oath in Egypt. The Greek translateth, by the health of Pharaoh. It may also be read as a wish; so Pharaoh live: and is likewise an earnest asseveration. if ye go] that is, ye shall not go; as the Greek explaineth it: see Gen. 14. 23. youngest] Hebrew, little: so after, in verse. 20. 32. 34.

Vers. 16. be ye in bonds] you shall be bound, or prisoners. [unspec 16] In Greek, be ye led-away, until your words be manifest, whether ye speak-truth or not.

Vers. 17. put them altogether] Hebrew, gathered [unspec 17] them. ward] or prison: called the house of ward (or custody) verse. 19. and so by the Chaldee here. Here God by tribulation, calleth the Patriarchs to repentarice for their sins: he chasteneth us for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness; Heb. 12. 10.

Vers. 18. the third day] of which number, divers [unspec 18] things are observed, on Gen. 22. 4.

Vers. 19. bring] to your families. corn] for [unspec 19] the famine: or, after the Hebrew phrase, the breaking of the famine; meaning corn: as Gen. 41. 56. The Chaldee saith, corn which wanteth in your houses.

Ver. 21. guilty] the Greek translateth in sin. [unspec 21] our brother] Joseph they mean, who besought them when they sold him into Egypt, Gen. 37. Thus by afflictions they are brought to acknowledge their sin committed about 13. years before, which their consciences did now accuse them of. So God saith, I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their guiltiness, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early: Hos. 5. 15. distress] or anguish, the Greek translateth, we despised the tribulation.

Vers. 22. is required] that is, God punisheth us [unspec 22] for killing our brother: as is threatened, Gen. 9. 5. After may years, the guilt of innocent blood could not be removed out of their hearts; but the memory is renewed upon this their trouble.

Verse 23. heard] that is, understood: as Gen. [unspec 23] 11. 7.

Vers. 24. weps] showing his love and natural affection, which yet he hid from his brethren, till they were thoroughly humbled. So God in men's afflictions often hideth himself, Isaiah 46. 15. Psal. 10. 1. yet in all their affliction, he is afflicted, Isaiah 63. 9. Simeon] who seemeth by this, to have been the chief procurer of Joseph's trouble; he was by nature, bold and fierce, as his fact against the Shechemites doth manifest; Gen. 34. 25. & 49. 7.

Vers. 25. vessels] meaning, their sacks. money] Hebr. their silvers. provision,] or food: the [unspec 25] Greek addeth, food enough. did he] or, as the Greek translateth, it was done, meaning by Joseph's servant. See the like phrases noted, on Gen. 2. 20. and 16. 14. The holy Ghost observeth this kindness of Joseph, who was far from revenge, and did good for evil. Thus we should do, Rom. 12. 17. 19. Mat. 5. 44.

Vers. 28. went forth] or, was gone, that is, failed them: or (as the Greek translateth) was astonied; [unspec 28] A like speech is in Song. 5. 6. My soul went forth, that is, failed: fainted. The Chaldee translateth, the knowledge of their heart departed. trembled] or, (as the Greek saith) were troubled: and so manifested it one to another, See Gen. 27. 33.

Vers. 30. took us] Hebrew, gave us: that is, esteemed and counted. Or used us; as the Greek [unspec 30] translateth, he put us in prison. A like phrase is in 1 Sam. 1. 16.

Verse 33. for the famine] understand from the 19. verse, corn for the famine. And so the Gr. expresseth [unspec 33] it here, as there. The Chaldee also saith, corn that wanteth in your houses. Such defects are often in scripture: as, he slew Goliath, 2 Sam. 21. 19. for, the brother of Goliath, as is expressed in 1 Chro. 20. 5.

Vers. 36. against me] or upon me, as a heavy burden, hastening my death. [unspec 36]

Vers. 37. my two sons] so the Greek translateth, and the Hebrew is elsewhere so used, Exod. [unspec 37] 18. 3. But it may also be Englished, two of my sons: he having four in all, Gen. 46. 9. This condition being unnatural and sinful, Jacob would not admit of: but continueth his purpose, not to let Benjamin go, ver. 38.

Vers. 38. himself alone] meaning of Rachel's [unspec 38] children, as is explained, Gen. 44. 20. 27. 28. and] or, if mischief; in Chaldee, death: see verse. 4. my gray hairs] Hebrew, my grainesse, or, hoarinesse: that is, me who am gray headed. unto hell] to the grave, or state of death. See Gen. 37. 35. Jacob in these doubts and fears, bewrayeth weakness of faith; which afterwards he overcometh, resting in the providence of God: and then Moses nameth him Israel, Gen. 43. 11.

Annotations.

BUy] Hebrew, break: so after, verse. 4. 20. &c. [unspec 1] See Gen. 41. 56.

Vers. 3. protesting] that is, did solemnly and earnestly [unspec 3] protest, even with oath, Gen. 42. 15. Of this phrase, see Gen. 2. 17. be] or, as the Greek translateth, unless your younger brother come with you.

Verse 7. asking] that is, straitly asked: see ver. 3. [unspec 7] They excuse themselves, as having not done it purposely, but of necessity; which they could not honestly avoid. tenor] Hebrew mouth of these words; that is, as the Greek translateth, according to this asking, of his. did we knowing know] that is, did (or could) we any way know; or certainly know?

Ver. 8. young-man] meaning Benjamin: who was [unspec 8] now above 30. years of age; being but seven years younger then Joseph.

Vers. 9. will I be a sinner] or sin; that is, be guilty, [unspec 9] as a violator of my faith; and subject to punishment according. So the word sinners, is used in 1 King. 1. 21. all days] of my life: or, forever:

Vers. 11. praise-worthy-fruit] Hebrew of the music [unspec 11] (or melody) of the land; meaning the best fruits most commendable, and for which songs of praise are given to God. So the Greek translateth it, fruits; and the Chaldee, that which is laudable. So a blessing is said to be in the cluster of grapes, Isaiah 65. 8. baulm] or rosen: see Gen. 37. 25. Therebint nuts] or, nuts of the turpentins tree. So the Greek translateth it, Terebinth. The word is not found elsewhere in holy scripture. By this present, Jacob thought to procure favor, as he did before, Gen. 32. 20 &c. for, a man's gift maketh room for him, & bringeth him before great men. Prov. 18. 16. So Kings, bring presents to Christ; Psal. 72. 10.

Verse 12. double money] because the famine continuing, [unspec 12] it was like, corn was dearer. an over-sight] or error, Greek, an ignorant act. Hereupon justice required, that the money should be restored.

Verse 14. if I be] or, when I be bereaved: a like [unspec 14] phrase is in Esth. 4. 16. if I perish, I perish. Both of them, seem to be a committing of themselves, and of the event of their actions unto God in faith: which if it fell out otherwise then they wished, they would patiently bear.

Vers. 16. him that was over] that is, his steward: so verse 19. and 44. 1. see Gen. 41. 40. a [unspec 16] slaughter.] as is wonnto be killed for a feast. So in Prov. 9. 2. 1 Sam. 25. 11. Gen. 31. 54.

Vers. 18. for the matter] or, because of the money, [unspec 18] as the Greek translateth. So gnal debar, signifieth because, or concerning, Exod. 8. 12. to roll] that he may roll; namely, the Lord of the land; by rolling, meaning violent oppression, as the Chaldee expoundeth it domintering, and the Greek false accusing, or, calumniation. See the like phrase in Job 30. 14. to fall] or to fell, that is, cast down himself; which the Chaldee translateth, seek an occasion against us. A guilty conscience made them fearful and suspicious. So God's works of grace, through our sin and ignorance, do occasion our fear; Judge. 13. 32. 23. Mat. 14. 25. 26. 27.

Vers. 20. Oh] or Unto me; understand, look, or let [unspec 20] thine eyes be; as the phrase is more fully expressed, in Job 6. 28. and 7. 8. The Greek and Chaldee translations make it here a word of entreating, We pray. So Gen. 44. 18. Exod. 4. 10. Judge. 6. 15. Ios. 7. 8.

Vers. 23. peace to you] that is, be of good comfort: [unspec 23] or, ye are in safety. Peace is here opposed to sear: so in Job 21. 9.

Vers. 25. against] or, until Joseph come. eat bread] the Greek explaineth it, dine there. [unspec 25]

Vers. 26. the present] Gr. the gifts which they had [unspec 26] in their hands, which being also from their father; now the sun, and eleven stars, do obeisance to Joseph; as he dreamed. Gen. 37. 10.

Vers. 27. of their peace] that is, of their welfare, [unspec 27] how they did, as the Greek translateth, how do ye? So after, is your father in health? See Gen. 37. 14. and 41. 16.

Vers. 30. made-hast] Gr. was troubled. did [unspec 30] yearn] or did burn, were kindled with natural affection. The Greek and Chaldee express it, by being turned. The like is in 1 King. 3. 26.

Vers. 32. an abomination] The Greek explaineth [unspec 32] the cause, for that every feeder of sheep was an abomination to the Egyptians: and Moses telleth the same, Gen. 46. 34. The Chaldee more plainly saith, because the Hebrews eat the cattle which the Egyptians worship. Compare this exposition with Exod. 8. 26.

Vers. 33. youngest] Hebr. least according to his littleness: [unspec 33] meaning of age, not of stature. at] or, looking upon his neighbor.

Vers. 34. unto them] understand, and sent unto [unspec 34] them. five times] or five parts: Hebr. five hands: which the Greek expoundeth five fold; the Chaldee five parts, (or portions.) so Gen. 47. 24. largely-drank] or drunk themselves-merry: were drunken, which word is used for large drinking, unto mirth, but with sobriety. Hag. 1. 6. John. 2. 10.

Annotations.

OVer his house] that is, his steward: see Gen. 43. 16. 19. The Chaldee calleth him, Provost [unspec 1] over the house. So in verse 4. food] that is, corn; as the Chaldee explains it: So in verse 25.

Vers. 2. youngest] Heb. least: meaning in age: so after. By this Joseph meant to try his brethren's love [unspec 2] to Benjamin, and to their father: whether they would assist him, in his utmost-peril. The hard measure which before they had offered unto Joseph himself, moved him hereunto.

Vers. 5. Is not this, &c.] Here the Greek translation addeth: Wherefore have ye stolen my silver cup? [unspec 5] Is not this, &c. would searching search] so the Chaldee here translateth it: or would learn by experience by it, that is, would try your truth and loyalty. So the word was used before, in Gen. 30. 27. The Hebrew Nachash (whereof the Serpent in that tongue hath his name, Gen. 3. 1.) signifieth first a diligent observation, trial or search, 1 King. 20. 33. Gen. 30. 27. secondly, a too curious search or finding out, by soothsaying or divination, which God's law forbiddeth, Deut. 18 10. And so the Greek translateth it here, and Targum Yerushalmi; as if Joseph could find out the theft, by divination, or, by consulting with the soothsayers of Egypt: or used the cup for such an art. So after in verse 15.

Vers. 7. such words] or, according to these words. far be it] or, be it a profane thing: see Gen. [unspec 7] 18. 25. such a thing] or, according to this word.

Vers. 8. silver] the Chaldee expounds it, vessels [unspec 8] of silver, or vessels of gold.

Vers. 10. blemelesse] or, clear, innocent, and so without punishment: the Greek saith pure. [unspec 10]

Vers. 13. rent their garments] for grief of heart. See Gen. 37. 29. 34. [unspec 13]

Vers. 16. iniquity] other sins, for which they [unspec 16] were under God's wrath: though in this they were innocent. This was the end, why God by Joseph brought this temptation upon them, that they might see their former sins, and repent. So the Prophet saith, By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin, Esa. 27. 9.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Here beginneth the eleventh section of the law, called Vajiggash, that is, And (Judah) came-near: see Gen. 6. 9.

Vers. 18. Oh] or, Have respect unto me: see Gen. [unspec 18] 43. 20. The Greek and Chaldee explain it, I pray thee my Lord. as Pharaoh] that is, of princely power and Majesty: so showing a reason why he besought him not to be angry: for the Kings wrath, is like the roaring of a Lyon: Prov. 19. 12.

Vers. 20. and a child] understand, he hath a child, [unspec 20] as the Greek explaineth it. of old age] that is, borne him, when he was old, see Gen. 37 3. the youngest] or, a little one.

Vers. 21. that I may set] or, and I will set my eye, [unspec 21] that is, be hold him. The Greek translateth, and I will have care of him. So, setting of the eye, sometime signifieth, as Ier. 40. 4. In this sense, it was a promise of princely clemency; that they might the more readily bring their brother.

Vers. 22. young-man] so called because he was the youngest of the brethren: yet was he at this time [unspec 22] married, and had ten sons. Gen. 46. 21. he] that is, the father would die.

Vers. 23. no more see] or, not add to see my face. [unspec 23] See Gen. 43. 3.

Vers. 28 is torn] or, tearing is torn: the Chaldee [unspec 28] saith killed: the Greek thus, ye said unto me that he was eaten of wild beasts: see Gen. 37. 33.

Vers. 29. mischief] in Chaldee, death. [unspec 29] gray-hairs] Hebr. graynesse, or, hoarinesse. So Gen. 42. 38. with evil] that is, with affliction and sorrow, as is explained, verse 31. So evils, are often used for afflictions, Deut. 31. 17. Psal. 88. 4. hell] or, the grave: so verse 31. See Gen. 37. 35.

Vers. 30. his soul] that is, the old man's life: see [unspec 30] Gen. 19. 17. and 37 21. bound up in his soul] that is, knit with the young-man's life. The Greek translateth, his soul hangeth on this man's soul, (or life.) This phrase signifieth entire love, as 1 Sam. 18. 1. So the Chaldee expresseth it, his soul is beloved unto him, as his own soul.

Vers. 31. is not] namely, with us, as the Chaldee [unspec 31] addeth.

Vers. 32. a sinner] and so guilty, and subject to punishment: see Gen. 43. 9. [unspec 32]

Vers. 33. instead of the young man] herein Judah showeth his faithfulness and love to his father, and [unspec 33] brother, in this necessity; upon which experiment Joseph presently manifesteth himself, Gen 45. 1. Judas being surety for his brother, is here an image of Christ (the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev. 5. 5.) who being surety for us, Heb. 7. 22. hereby have we perceived his love, that he laid down his life for us, therefore we ought also to lay down our lives for our brethren, 1 John. 3. 16.

Vers. 34. shall find] that is, shall come upon my [unspec 34] father. So finding is often used, 1 Chro. 10. 3. Psal. 116. 3. and 119. 113.

Annotations.

REfraine] or contain himself by force, from crying out and manifesting himself, as hitherto [unspec 1] he had done, Gen. 43. 31. This word, the Prophet applieth also unto God, who having long refrained himself in the afflictions of his people; will in the end for their deliverance, cry out like a travelling woman, &c. Esa. 42. 14.

Vers. 2. gave forth his voice] that is, cried-aloud, An Hebrew manner of speaking often used, as [unspec 2] Numb. 14. 1. 2 Chron. 24. 9. Psal. 46. 7. and 68. 34. and 77. 18. So the Greek, He sent forth his voice with weeping.

Vers. 3. suddenly troubled] or appalled, with fear, and hasty troubled thoughts. Occasioned by the [unspec 3] conscience of their former wickedness, and the beholding of Joseph's present glory. So when the spirit of grace shall be poured upon the Israelites, they shall see Jesus whom they have pierced; and shall mourn for him, &c. Zach. 12. 10. Rev. 1. 7.

Vers. 4. he whom] Hebr. me: which word either may be omitted, (as that observed on Gen. 5. 29.). [unspec 4] or expressed in English, he: added for vehemency sake, and to assure his brethren, that he was Joseph.

Vers. 5. anger] or displeasure, grief, as Gen. 4. 5. [unspec 5] that is, be not angry (or displeased) with yourselves. He would have them-moderate the sorrow for their sin, with consideration of God's providence, that turned it unto good. The Greek translateth, let it not seem bad unto you. Here Joseph is far from revenge, or insulting against his troubled brethren: so Christ prayed for his crucifiers, Luke 23. 34. and by his Apostles comforted them with hope of the blotting out of their sins, when the times of refreshing should come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3. 14. 15. 17: 18. 19.

Vers. 6. earing] that is, ploughing, or tillage of the [unspec 6] land: the Chaldee saith, sowing. This seemeth to be for lack of corn, which therefore in the last year, Joseph supplied: Gen. 47. 23.

Vers. 7. to put for you a remnant] that is, to preserve [unspec 7] for (or unto) you, a remainder, that you and yours might remain alive. The contrary whereof is in 2 Sam. 14. 7. The Greek translateth, that there might be left unto you a reminant. to preserve-life unto you] that is, to keep you and yours alive. Or, to preserve alive unto you: as the Greek turneth it, to nourish up of you a great remnant. by a great escaping] or, evasion; that is, by a great deliverance; or, (according to the Greek interpretation) by a great multitude-that-escape: having respect to the great multiplication of them in Egypt according to God's promise, Gen. 15. 13. 14. The Hebrew escaping or Evasion, is used for a company or remnant that escape danger, 2 Chron. 30. 6. Esa. 10. 20. (as captivity, is a company of captives, Numb. 21. 1. Deut. 21. 10.) and so the Greek here translateth it a remnant.

Vers. 8. but God] whose wisdom and providence [unspec 8] ruleth all, and his goodness turneth the evil actions of men, oftentimes to good events: therefore is this ascribed to GOD rather then to them, Gen. 50. 20. Psal. 105. 17. So Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles & the people of Israel, did against Jesus, whatsoever God's hand, and his counsel determined before to be done; Act. 4. 27. 28. put me for] or, as the Greek explaineth it, made me as a father; so acknowledging God to be his exalter, as he had been his afflicter. A father, is used for any teacher, guide, counceller, &c. Judge. 17. 10. 11.

Vers. 10. Goshen] in Greek Gesem: a province [unspec 10] in the land of Egypt, fat and fertile, good for to feed cattle, lying next to the land of Canaan: see Gen. 46. 28. 29. and 47. 1. 6. 27.

Vers. 11. impoverished] Greek, worn-out: that [unspec 11] is, perish with poverty. thy house] that is, household: in Greek, thy sons.

Vers. 12. my mouth] and not an interpreter, as [unspec 12] did before, Gen. 42. 23. for an interpreter is another man's mouth, Exod. 4. 16. The Chaldee saith; in your tongue I speak with you.

Vers. 14. wept] through joyful passion of mind. [unspec 14] See Gen. 29. 11.

Vers. 15. spake] being refreshed by his words, [unspec 15] from their-amazed fear, which keepeth men from speaking, Psal. 77. 5. By speaking may also be implied the confession of their sin, and fear for the same. So Moses spake, Exod. 19. 19. that is, acknowledged his fear and infirmity, Heb. 12. 21.

Vers. 16. the voice] that is, the fame, or rumour of [unspec 16] this thing. good in the eyes] that is, pleasing: they liked well of it. See Gen. 16. 6. The Greek here translateth, Pharaoh was glad.

Vers. 18. Your houses] that is, your households, as [unspec 18] v. 11. The Chaldee saith, the men of your houses: the Greek, your goods. the good] that is, the good things: the Greek addeth, of all the good things. So after in verse 20. and 23. the fat] the Chaldee translateth, the good; the Greek, the marrow: that is, the best fruits: see Gen. 27. 28.

Vers. 19 thou art commanded] thou (Joseph) hast authority from me and full power. The Greek expresseth [unspec 19] it thus: and thou command, thou these things, that they take wagons, &c. As Pharaoh here showeth himself bountiful and gracious to Jacob's house, for Joseph's sake: so God hath promised for Jesus sake: to make Kings the nursing fathers of Israel, Esa. 49. 1.—23.

Vers. 20. let it not spare] that is, not regard your [unspec 20] stuff (or vessels:) or, let it not be grieved, to leave your stuff behind you. The eye-sparing (or pitying) is a common phrase, see Deut. 7. 16. and 19. 13. 21. Ezek. 7. 4 9. and 16. 5. and 20. 17. &c.

Vers. 21. the mouth] that is, the commandments, [unspec 21] verse 19. or words, as the Greek explaineth it. So in Job 39. 30. Eccles. 8. 2. See Gen. 24. 57. provision] or food, as the Greek hath.

Vers. 22. changes of garments] robes, or upper garments, [unspec 22] which they used in those countries often to shift, putting off and on: as we do clokes or gowns. The Chaldee translateth them stoles (or robes:) and the Gr •• ere double stoles: & after to Benjamin changeable stoles. Such were wont to be given for honor, or reward, Judge. 14. 12. 19. So in Rev. 6. 11. white stoles, (or robes) are given to the souls under the altar. Also Rev. 7. 9. 14. shekels] or shillings: this word the Chaldee also addeth: see Gen. 20. 16.

Vers. 23. after this manner] as many robes and shekels, as he gave Benjamin: so the Greek translateth, [unspec 23] according to the same things. Or, as this that followeth: viz. ten asses, &c.

Vers. 24. be not stirred] or, make no stir: that is, as the Greek translateth, be not angry: the Chaldee [unspec 24] contend not; or, fall not out by the way, The word signifieth stirring with anger and rage, as Prov. 29. 9. 2 King. 19. 27. or with grief, as 2 Sam. 18. 33. This he spake, because some persuaded, and the rest (save Reuben) consented to the selling of him into Egypt: Gen. 37. that now, they should make no stir about these and the like things; and Rubens former words, in Gen. 42. 22. occasioned this charge.

Vers. 26. and that he] or, leaving out the word that, as superfluous, as the Greek translateth, and [unspec 26] he ruleth all Egypt. For in the Hebrew, words sometime are redundant, as is observed on Gen. 7. 17. and 17. 4. fainted] or, was weakened, with unbelief; that is, doubted of that they said: yet daunted with the news they brought. So the Chaldee interprets it doubting, or wavering; and the Greek, astonishment. For unbelief and doubting, weakeneth the heart, Rom. 4. 19. 20. Mat. 14. 31. See also Gen. 15. 6.

Vers. 27. revived] the Greek expresseth it by a [unspec 27] word (anezopurese) which signifieth the reviving or stirring-up of fire that is buried under ashes; which word Paul useth in 2 Tim. 1. 6. for stirring-up the gift of God. The Chaldee also here translateth, the holy spirit restod upon Jacob.

Vers. 28. enough] or much. The Greek translateth, [unspec 28] It is a great-thing to me, if my son. Joseph yet live: and the Chaldee faith, it is great joy unto me.

Annotations.

BEersheba] in Greek, The well of the eath, see Gen. 21. 14. 31. and 26. 33. this was the way [unspec 1] from Chebron in Canaan, towards Egypt: and a place where he and his fathers had received mercies from God. Gen. 21. 31. 33. and 26. 33. sacrificed] that is, killed beasts for sacrifice: so both giving thanks for the tidings of Joseph, and consulting with God about his going into Egypt; whither in former time, Isaac his father was forbidden to go, in time of famine, Gen. 26. 1. 2. 3. and whereof he now made some doubt, v. 3. For he knew the oracle, that his seed should be afflicted in Egypt, Gen, 15. 13. 14. and now he and his fathers had been pilgrims 215. years, from the time that God had promised the inheritance of Canaan unto Abraham, Gen. 12. and he saw little hope of the fulfilling of that promise, being now to go but with 70. souls into another barbarous country. Only, as by faith they had sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, Heb. 11. 9. so now also by faith he would go to sojourn in Egypt, if God should so command him. Among the Gentiles they used also to offer sacrifice, when they took a journey in hand: Festus lib. 14.

Vers. 2. visions,] in Greek, a vision, or Sight. See [unspec 2] Gen. 15. 1.

Vers. 3. God] Hebr. Ael; that is, the mighty: see [unspec 3] Gen. 14. 18. make of thee] Hebr. put thee there unto a great nation. So Gen. 21. 13. This God had promised him in times before, Gen. 28. 14. and 35. 11.

Vers. 4. bringing bring-up] that is, surely bring [unspec 4] thee up: Gr. will bring thee up unto the end. This promise was like that which God gave him when he went to Mesopotamia, Gen. 28. 15. And Jacob himself was brought again into Canaan, dead Gen. 50. 5. 13. his posterity were brought alive a mighty army, Ios. 3. &c. And from hence, the Hebrew Doctors gather a general rule, that wheresoever Israel are in captivity (or affliction) the presence of God is with them. R, Menachem on Gen. 46. upon thine eyes] that is, shall close up thine eye when thou diest: and so bury thee. An ancient and honorable custom, used of them, and all nations. The custom (afterwards) in Israel, about the dead, and their burial, was this; they closed up the eyes of the dead; and if his mouth were open, they tied up his jaws, and stopped the holes of his body, after that they had washed him: and anointed him with ointment made of divers sorts of spices: and shaved off his hair, and wrapped him in white linen clothes, that were not of dear price: and they used to cover the face of the dead with a napkin of a zuz, (that is, a quarter of a shekel) price, that the poor might be able also to buy it, &c. And it was unlawful to bury them in shrowds of silk, or cloth of gold, or broiderie, though he were a Prince in Israel; for this was gross pride of spirit, and the corrupt work of infidels. And they carried the dead upon their shoulders unto the grave. Maimonides in Misn. tom. 4. treat. of Mourning, ch. 4. S. 1. 2.

Vers. 6. into Egypt] to sojourn there, in the [unspec 6] land of Cham. Psal. 105. 23. This journey of his is sundry times mentioned, Ios. 24. 4. Esa. 52. 4. Act. 7. 15. Num. 20. 15. Deut. 10. 22. This was in the 130. year of Jacob's life, Gen. 47. 9. after the promise made to Abraham 215. years, Gen. 12. 4. in the year of the world, 2298. seed] that is, children, or posterity. See Gen. 3. 15. and 13. 55. So the Chaldee translateth it sons.

Vers. 7. daughters] one daughter, Dinah, verse 15. so in verse. 23. son. for one son. [unspec 7]

Vers. 9. Carmi] in Greek Charmee. These four, were heads of their fathers house, and of them are [unspec 9] named the families of the tribe of Reuben: Exod. 6. 14 Num. 26. 5. 6. 1 Chron. 5. 3. So of the rest that follow.

Vers. 10. Iemuel] called also Nemuel, in Numb. [unspec 10] 26. 12. 1 Chro. 4. 14 Ohad] in Greek Aod. This man is not mentioned in the families of Simeon, Num. 26. 12. 1 Chro. 4. 24. it seemeth he and his were then perished. Iachin] called also Iarib. 1 Chron. 4. 24. of him was a family called Iachinites, Numb. 26. 12. Zohar] in Greek Saar: by transposition of letters he is also called Zerah, and his family Zarhites, Num. 26. 13. 1 Chro. 4. 24. Canaanitesse] or Canaanitish woman; the cursed stock, with which Israel's sons ordinarily might not marry; Gen. 28. 1.

Vers. 11. Gershon] called also Gershom, 1 Chron. [unspec 11] 6. 16. Kohath] or Kehath, in Greek Kath. This man was grand-father to Aaron and Moses, and Marie: Exod. 6. 18 20. Of this family came the Priests of Israel, 1 Chro. 6. 3. 4. &c. and the Kohathites had the principal place in the service of the sanctuary, Num. 3. 31. and they are reckoned before the Gersonites, Num. 4. 34. &c.

Vers. 12. died] by untimely death, at God's [unspec 12] hand, for their sin, Gen. 38. 7—10. Hezron] in Greek Asron; but the Apostle writeth him in Greek, Esrom, Mat. 1. 3. by interpretation, the midst of exultation.

V. 13. Issachar] why his family is set before other his elder brethren, is shown on Gen. 35. 23. [unspec 13] Thola] he had a rare blessing, in multitude of children: for of this Tholah were 22600. valiant men of war, in David's days, 1 Chron. 7. 2. There was also a Judge of this name and tribe, Judge. 10. 1. Phuvah] called also Phuah, 1 Chron. 7. 1. and so the Greek here writes him, Phoua. Job] called also Iashub, Num. 26. 24. 1 Chron. 7. 1. and so the Greek writeth him here, Iasoub. Simron] or Shimron; in Greek, Zambran.

Vers. 14. Elon] in Greek, Allon. Iahleel] [unspec 14] in Greek, Aiel.

Vers. 15. Padan] or Mesopotamia; see Gen. 25. [unspec 15] • 0. There Leah's sons were borne; but the families of her sons here reckoned, were borne after they came thence into Canaan. all the souls] that is, persons. Gen. 12. 5. Heb. soul, which the Greek translateth, souls: so after. and three] counting Jacob himself for one, as verse 8. and excluding Er and Onan, which were dead; as Leah herself also was.

Vers. 16. Ziphion] called also Zephon, Num. 26. [unspec 16] 15. and here in Greek Saphon. Suni] in Greek, Sannis. Ezbon] called also Ozni, Num. 26. 16. in Greek here Thasoban. Eri] in Greek, Aedeis. Arodi] called Arod, Numb. 26. 17. in Greek, Aoredes.

Vers. 17. Iisvah] in Greek, Iesova. This man's name and family is wanting, in Num. 26. 44. [unspec 17] Beriah] in Greek Baria, and Sara their sister.

Vers. 19. wife] so called rather then the rest, because [unspec 19] Jacob purposed to married her only, and loved her best; see Gen. 29. 18. 30.

Vers. 20. priest] or prince: see Gen. 41. 45. The [unspec 20] Greek saith, Priest of Heliopolis. Ephraim] Here the Greek translation addeth these words: And the sons of Manasseh, whom his concubine Syrabare unto him, were Machir: And Machir begat Galaad. And the sons of Ephraim, Manasseh brother, were Sutalaam and Taam, and the sons of Sutalaam; Edem. This is not in the Hebrew of Moses, but was translated by the Greek interpreters; from 1 Chron. 7. 14. 20. unto this place, by reason of that speech in Gen. 50. 23. that Joseph saw his children to the third generation. And having added these five sons and nephews, they do sum up all in verse 27. to be 75. souls, where the Hebrew hath but 70. and the new testament also allegeth that number, 75. in Act. 7. 14. following the Greek, as it doth elsewhere for Cainan, in Luk. 3. as is observed on Gen. 11. 12.

Vers. 21. Belah] in Greek, Bala; he was the eldest [unspec 21] of his sons, 1 Chron. 8. 1. Becher] in Greek, Chobor: he was not the second, but seemeth to be the fourth son, called Nohah, 1 Chron. 8. 2. neither is his name or family reckoned, in Numb. 26. 38. but in 1 Chro. 7. 8. there is mention of his children. Ashbel] in Greek, Asphel. he was the second son by birth, 1 Chro. 8. 1. called also Iediael. 1 Chron. 7. 6. and is named as second in Num. 26. 38. Gera] the Greek translation addeth, and the sons of Bala were Gera. &c. which seemeth to be taken from 1 Chron. 8. 3. where one Gera is made son of Belah. But how Benjamin being himself so young, should now have a sons son, is hard to comprehend. Moreover in Numb. 26. 38. there is no mention of Gera: neither was he Benjamins third son, but Achra, 1 Chron 8. 1. called here Aechi. Naaman] in Greek, Noeman: in 1 Chron. 8. 4. one of this name is son to Belah; as the Greek translation maketh this here: see also Num. 26. 40. Aechi] in Greek, Eigcheim: called also Achiram, Num. 26. 38. & Achrah, the third son of Benjamin, 1 Chro. 8. 1. Rosh] of this man, there is no mention in Num. 26. 38. but in 1 Chro. 8. 2. he seemeth to be named Rapha, the fifth son: who was father to Palti, one of the spies sent to view the land of Canaan, Num. 13. 10. who for his slanderous report, died with the rest, of a plague before the Lord, Num. 14. 36. 37. and so it may be, none of his family was left, to be reckoned in Num. 26. Muppim] in Greek, Mamphein: called also Shupham, Num. 26. 39. and Shuppim, 1 Chron. 7. 12. Huppim] called Hupham, Numb. 26. 39. in Greek, Opheimeim. Ard] The Greek saith, And Gera begat Arad. In Numb. 26. 40. Ard seemeth to be the son of Belah.

Vers. 22. were borne] Hebr. was borne: so in Gen. [unspec 22] 35. 26. fourteen] the Greek saith, eighteen: by reason of that addition forementioned in v. 20. yet here faileth one in the sum. The Chaldee agreeth with the Hebrew.

Vers. 23. sons] that is, one Son; which was all [unspec 23] that Dan had. So in verse. 7. daughters, for one daughter. Change of number is often in the Hebrew. As tribes of Benjamin. 1 Sam. 9. 21. Sepulchers, 2 Chron. 16. 14. sons for son, Gen. 21. 7. Num. 26. 42. 2 Chro. 24. 25. thieves, for one of them, Matth. 27. 44. Luk. 23. 39. 43. asses, Zach. 9. 9. for an asse, Matth. 21. 5. & he sat upon them, Matth. 21. 7. for which in Mark. 11. 7. is written, he sat upon him. Chushim] called also Shuham, Num. 26. 42. In Greek, Asom.

Vers. 24. Iachziel, &c.] in Greek Asel, and Gouni, [unspec 24] and Issachar. Sillem:] or Shillem: called also Sallum, 1 Chron. 7. 13. in Greek, Sullem.

Vers. 26. his thigh] that is, his body; or loins: of [unspec 26] his seed: a modest manner of speech: so Exod. 1. 5. sixty and six] so also the Greek here is. This number, is beside Jacob himself, with whom they came.

Vers. 27. two souls] these words the Greek translation doth omit: having added more in verse 20. [unspec 27] came] understand, with Joseph and his sons who were there before. seventy] with Jacob and Joseph in the sum. The Greek translateth, seventy five; and so Stephen alledgeth the number, Acts 7. 14. the cause is before touched in verse 20. The like is in Exod. 1. 5. But in Deut. 10. 22. the Lxxij. Greek interpreters, as well as the Hebrew, have but 70 souls. Which manifesteth the Hebrew text here to be exact; and the five to be added by the translators. The Hebrew Doctors say, that things beneath do mystically signify things above: and these 70 souls signified the 70 Angels that are about (God's) glorious throne, the Presidents over the (seventy) nations. R. Menachem on Gen. 46. See also the notes on Deut. 32. 8. In that Abraham's seed, in 215. years, were but 70. souls: it showeth the slow and small increase of the church at the beginning. But in 215. years more, they were multiplied to six hundred thousand men, besides women and children, Exod. 12. 37. Num. 1. 46. Hereupon Moses said; Thy fathers went down into Egypt, with 70. souls: and now, Jehovah thy God hath made thee, as the stars of heaven for multitude: Deut. 10. 22.

Vers. 28. to inform] or, to teach; that is, that he [unspec 28] might inform (or teach) him. And it may be understood, both that Judas might inform Joseph of his fathers coming; and especially that Joseph might inform and teach where Jacob should abide at Goshen, when there he came; and so as the Chaldee translateth it, to prepare before him. Likewise Targum Yerushalmi expoundeth it, to prepare a place for him, wherein to dwell in Goshen. before him] that is, before himself came to Goshen: so the phrase sometime meaneth, as Gen. 30. 30. or, to his face, that is, to meet him; so the Greek translateth, he sent Judas before him unto Joseph, to meet him at Heroopolis in the land of Ramesses.

Vers. 29. bound] that is, ordered and made ready, (as [unspec 29] the Chaldee expounds it:) tying and coupling the horses in it. So Exod. 14. 6. 1 King. 18. 44. The Greek translateth, joined. presented himself] or? was seen, appeared; this was to honor his father. The same word is used in the law, for men's appearing (or presenting themselves) unto the Lord, Exod. 23. 17. still] or yet; that is, a good while; and as the Greek translateth, with much weeping.

Vers. 30. let me die] that is, I am willing to die. The Chaldee translateth, now though I should die; yet am I comforted; since I see thy face. So Simeon when he saw Christ, Luk. 2. 29. 30.

Vers. 32. sheep-herds] or feeders of sheep: so verse 34. men that feed cattle] so the Greek well explaineth the Hebrew phrase, men of cattle, that is, which feed or nourish them: grasiers. The Chaldee saith, Lord's (or possessors) of flocks. So man of the ground, for an husbandman, Gen. 9. 20. Joseph was not ashamed of his kindred, and their base trade, before King Pharaoh: though he knew their occupation was abhominable in Egypt: verse 33.

Vers. 33. works] in Greek, work: that is, your occupation, or trade. So in Gen. 47. 3. an abomination] therefore the Egyptians would not so much as eat with them: see Gen. 43. 32. This is the condition of God's Church on earth; they are made as the filth of the world; the off-scouring of all things; 1 Cor. 4. 13. Even Christ himself (the shepherd of our souls. 1 Pet. 2. 25) was the reproach of men, and despised of the people, Psal. 22. 7. Esa. 53. 3.

Annotations.

SOme] or part: the Greek faith only, of his brethren. [unspec 1]

V. 3. your works] that is, your occupation. So Gen. [unspec 3] 46. 33. shepherds.] Hebr. a feeder of sheep, the singular being put for all, as Gen. 3. 2. or understand, every of them is a shepherd.

Vers. 6. before thee] exposed unto, and free for [unspec 6] thee. So Gen. 13. 9. and 20. 15. and 34. 10. of activity] or, of ability, power, prowess. It implieth as well fitness of mind, as of body: and so prudence, diligence, valor, Exod. 18. 21. rulers] or masters: princes. those which I have] meaning either those 〈◊〉 ; as the Greek translateth, ruler of my cattle: or those rulers (those shepherds) which I have already.

Vers. 7. blessed] that is, saluted him, with prayer for his welfare, and thanks for his bounty. So blessing is used for saluting, 2 King. 4. 29. for praying, Num. 6. 23. 24. for thanks giving, Mat. 26. 26. with Luk. 22. 19. Again, Jacob blessed Pharaoh when he went out, verse 10. that is, took his leave, commending him to God.

Vers. 9. pilgrimages] or sojournings: so he calleth [unspec 9] it, rather then life, both for his many removings from place to place, on earth; and for that we have here no abiding city, Heb. 13. 14. and 11. 9. 13. See before, in Gen. 23. 4. are 130. years] his being in the third year of the famine, Gen. 45. 6. Joseph being 30. years old, 7. years before the famine, Gen. 41. 46. showeth that Joseph was borne when his father Jacob was 91. years old: which was the fourteenth year of his service to Laban, Gen. 30. 25. and 31. 41. and so Jacob was 77. year old, when he was sent of his parents from the face of Esau and to get a wife in Mesopotamia, Gen. 28. 1. 2. 10. of my fathers] for Abraham lived 175. years, Gen. 25. 7. Isaac 180. years, Gen. 35. 28.

Vers. 11. placed] or seated, made to dwell. Rameses] [unspec 11] a city in the land of Goshen in Egypt: mentioned after in Exod. 12. 37.

Vers. 12. nourished] or sustained, fostered with all things needful: as he had promised, Gen. 45. 11. [unspec 12] and after in Gen. 50. 21. Hereupon he is called the feeder and stone of Israel, Gen. 49. 24. The Greek translateth it esitometrei, that is, he gave them their measure of corn (or portion of meat;) A like word Sitometrion is used for a portion of meat in Luk. 12. 42. which seemeth to have reference unto this place. according to the little ones] that is, according to the number that was in their families, as well small as great. In this sense the Greek translateth, according to the bodies, that is, the number of their persons. See Gen. 50. 21. The Hebrew may also be Englished, to the mouth of a little one; meaning, as meat is put into a child's mouth, lovingly, tenderly, carefully.

Vers. 13. the land] the Chaldee expoundeth it, the people of the land, fainted, (or were wearied.) So [unspec 13] the Greek also translateth it, fainted: other, raged; as Prov. 26. 18.

Vers. 15. and why] or for why? but and, is oft used in troubled and passionate speeches; see Genes. [unspec 15] 27. 28.

Vers. 16. give you] to weet, bread, as the Greek explaineth, & the next verse confirmeth; meaning [unspec 16] in exchange for their cattle.

Vers. 17. led them] that is, sed and nourished, as the Greek interpreteth it. [unspec 17]

Vers. 18. the 2. year] namely after their cattle were sold: which was the sixth year of the famine. [unspec 18] possession of beasts] that is, flocks and herds and other beasts.

Vers. 19. and our land] to weet, die, that is, be desol •• e and barren: as the Greek explaineth it thus, [unspec 19] that therefore we die not before thee, and our land be desolate, buy us, &c.

Vers. 20. of Egypt] or, of the Egyptians; as the [unspec 20] Greek translateth.

Vers. 21. removed] or made them pass, which was [unspec 21] to change their right, and translate the propriety of their land to Pharaoh, therefore the Gr. interpreteth, he brought them into bondage unto him for servants. Targum Yerushalmi giveth another reason hereof, that the Egyptians should not deride the sons of Jacob that were strangers among them. Here was an extraordinary punishment of God, upon others of Chams posterity, brought into bondage. See Gen. 9. 25.

Vers. 22. the priests] or Princes: the original word [unspec 22] signifieth both; as is observed on Gen. 41. 45. and 14. 18. But both Greek and Chaldee here translate it priests. an allowance] or constitution, statute: that is, a constituted portion of food, (their daily bread) assigned and allowed them. The Greek translateth it, a gift; the Chaldee a portion. See also Prov. 30. 8.

Vers. 24. in the revenue] that is, the increase, when [unspec 24] it brings forth fruit: as the Chaldee explaineth. parts] Hebr. hands: in Chaldee parts: see Genes. 43. 34.

Vers. 25. let us find grace] vouchsafe to deal in [unspec] this business for us with Pharaoh. See this phrase, Gen. 33. 15.

Vers. 27. exceedingly] or, vehemently, very mightily. [unspec] so God fulfilled his promise, Gen. 46. 3.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Here beginneth the twelfth Section of the law, (and last of Genesis) called And (Jacob) lived. See Gen. 6. 9. This section hath but one letter to distinguish it, whereas the other have three. Hereupon some reckon but 53. Sections in the whole law, joining this with the former. But one R. Abraham, in Zeror Hammor, speaking of this one letter, S. which standeth for Sethumah, that is, close, thinketh this to be a closed section, because (saith he) it is the key, and seal of this book, yea of the whole law, and of all the Prophets, unto the days of Christ. For in Jacob's blessing (Gen. 49.) are shown all the captivities of Israel and the deliverances, until the Teacher of Justice come, as it is written, until Shiloh come. And because the time of Christ's coming was unknown, and none could or should understand it: therefore this Section is continued with the former, without any great distinction: &c.

Vers. 28. 17. year] so long Joseph nourished his [unspec 28] father in Egypt, as Jacob had nourished Joseph 17. year, at home: Gen. 37. 2.

Vers. 29. to die] that is, that he must die. See Gen. [unspec 29] 23. 8. my thigh] to swear: with this rite, Abraham took an oath of his servant: see Gen. 24. 2. do with me mercy] or, deal mercifully (kindly) with me. See Gen. 24. 49.

Vers. 30. But I will lie] or, when I shall lie-down [unspec 30] (that is, sleep) with my fathers, then thou shalt carry me, &c. burying-place] or, grave. This Jacob required, in faith, (as the Apostle observeth of Joseph, Heb. 11. 22.) believing the promises made of God, for his seed to return and inherit that land, which was a figure of their heavenly inheritance. Gen. 50. 24. 25. Hebr. 11. 9. 10. 14. 16. The Hebrew Doctors note of Jacob, that his whole body was buried in Cancan; of Joseph, that his bones only were buried there, (Gen. 50. 25.) and of Moses, that neither his body nor his bones were there buried; yet was he advanced above them all, in that he was buried of God, no man knowing of his sepulcher, Deut. 34. 6. R. Menachem, and the Zohar on Gen. 47.

Vers. 31. bowed himself] namely unto God, with thankfulness, who had after other blessings, given [unspec 31] him now this assurance by Joseph's promise and oath, that he should be carried into Canaan, the figure of the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this particular is related by Paul, as a testimony of Jacob's faith, Heb. 11. 21. the beds head] whereon he lay in his age and weakness, and on the head (or bolster) whereof, he rested himself, worshipping God. The like is said of David in his old age; that he bowed himself upon the bed, when he blessed God. 1 King. 1. 47. 48. The Hebrew Mittah, a bed; the Lxxij. Greek interpreters, having a copy without vowels (Mtth) did read it Matteh; which signifieth a staff, and so translated it: whom the Apostle followeth, saying, on the top of his staff, Heb. 11. 21. which might also well be, that he helped himself, by leaning on his staff, and resting on the bolster of the bed. Howbeit the two Chaldee Paraphrasts, and other Greek versions (save that of the Lxxij) translate according to the vowelled Hebrew, bed.

Annotations.

THings▪ Hebr. words. one said] or it was said: so verse. 2. [unspec 1]

Vers. 3. 〈◊〉 Luz] called also Bethel: see Gen. 28. [unspec 3] 13. 19. and 35. 6.

Vers. 4. give thee to] that is, make of thee an assembly, that is, a multitude: see Gen. 35. 11. The Greek [unspec 4] expounds it a synagogue (or assembly) of nations; the Chaldee, of tribes.

Vers. 5. And now] or, as the Greek translateth, Now therefore. From the former promises, he [unspec 5] groundeth his blessings to Joseph's children, as authorized of God hereunto; and putteth them in mind of returning to the promised land. before,] or, until I came: which the Greek translateth before: so in Exod. 22. 26. mine] as my next children, and not, my child's children: so these two, are made heirs by adoption with Jacob's sons, and Joseph hath a double portion, the first birthright being taken from Reuben, and given unto him, Gen. 49. 3. 4. 1 Chron. 5. 1. 2. and of Joseph are reckoned two-tribes, both in the Prophets & Evangelist, Num. 1. 32. 34. Rev. 7. 6. 8.

Vers. 6. name of their brethren] of Ephraim and Manasseh; counted of their stock and tribe, as if [unspec 6] they were their sons, not their brethren. For children are usually called by their fathers name, not by their brethren's. See after, verse. 16. So Ephraim and Manasseh are adopted into Joseph's place, as fathers of tribes: that if Joseph had ever begotten • oe children, they should have been reckoned as born to Ephraim & Manasseh, his sons.

Vers. 7. Padan] or, as the Greek hath it, Mesopotamia of Syria: see Gen. 25. 20. This mention of [unspec 7] Rachel's death, is to show how by right the first birthright came to Joseph her first borne, she being indeed Jacob's first and most lawful wife, Gen. 29. 18. &c. a little piece of ground] a little way: see Gen. 35. 16.

Vers. 9. take] and bring them, as the Greek translateth, See Gen. 15. 9. and I will] or, (as the [unspec 9] Greek) that I may bless: viz. in the name and authority of God: see Gen. 27. 4.

Vers. 10. heavy] that is, dim; in Greek, heavy [unspec 10] sighted; the same word is used for ears, that are heavy or • eaf, Esa. 6. 10. & 59. 1. Compare Gen. 27. 1.

Vers. 11. thought] or judged. The Greek expounds it, [unspec 11] Loe I am not deprived of thy face; and loe, God hath shown me thy seed also.

Vers. 12. between] Hebr. from with his knees; the [unspec 12] Greek translateth, from his knees: the Chaldee, fr •• before him, he bowed] in reverence and thankfulness, for the former adoption, and further blessing to be received. The Greek faith, they bowed, implying his children also.

Vers. 14. prudently guided] so also the Chaldee [unspec] saith, he wisely guided: the Greek translateth, changing hands. This sign of imposing hands on the head, is after used in blessings and designations to holy functions, Num. 8. 10. and 27. 18. 20. Deut. 34. 9. Act. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 4. 14. And as the right hand is naturally more strong and honorable then the left, (to which the scripture hath reference in speech also of God, Exod. 15. 6. Psal. 118. 16. and 110. 1.) so Jacob, (whose blessing was stronger then his parents, Gen. 49. 26) giveth the strongest and most honorable blessing to Ephraim, by this sign of the right hand put upon him.

Vers. 15. Joseph] to weet, in his children, as the [unspec] words following manifest: therefore the Greek translateth, he blessed them. So on the contrary, Cham, was cursed in his youngest son Canaan: Gen. 9. 25. And in 1 Chron. 4. 31. whiles David reigned: that is, David's sons. did walk] did please by faith, in their conversation and administration: so the Greek translateth, pleased: the Chaldee, served. See the notes on Gen. 5. 22. and 17. 1. fed me] or, hath been my pastor: so David celebrateth God by this grace, Psal. 23. 1. and 80. 2. since I was] that is, as the Greek explaineth it, from my youth.

Vers. 16. Angel] Christ, the Angel of the covenant, [unspec] Mal. 3. 1. the Angel in whom God's name is, Exod. 23. 20. 21. called here Jacob's Redeemer, or Deliverer, which is the title of God, Psal. 19. 15. Esa. 43. 14. and 47. 4. The Rabbin's acknowledge this Angel to be God, saying; he mentioneth also God's-majesty (Shekhinah) when he saith. the Angel that redeemed me. R. Menachem on Gen. 48. See also Gen. 31. 11. called] that is, named on them, let them be called by my name; as my adopted children, verse. 5. So God's name is said to be called on us, Deut. 28. 10. 2. Chron. 7. 14. Ier. 14. 9. that is, we are called the sons of God, 1 John 3. 1. and the husbands name is called upon the wife, Esa. 4. 1. and the Lord's name, upon the city Jerusalem, Dan. 9. 19. and upon the Temple. 1 King. 8. 43. Ier. 7. 10. 11. on them] or in them. But the Hebrew in, is often used for upon; as Neh. 2. 12. Num. 13. 23. and bammeh, in 2 Chron. 7. 21. is the same that gnal meh, in 1 King. 9, 8. increase like fish] which multiply abundantly: therefore the Greek translateth it, multiply: but the Chaldee addeth expressly, like the fishes of the sea; implied in one Hebrew word. According to this blessing, there were of Joseph by these his two sons, 85. thousand and 200. men of war in Moses time; a greater number then was of any other son of Jacob, Numb. 26. 28. 34. 37. And the like blessing was confirmed upon them by Moses, Deut. 33. 17. and Joshua acknowledged them to be a great people. Ios. 17. 17.

Vers. 17. evil in his eyes] that is, it displeased him, [unspec 17] (as Gen. 28. 8.) that the younger should be preferred above the firstborn: which notwithstanding was often done by the counsel of God; as Se •• had the honor above Japheth, Gen. 5. 32. and 9. 26. Abraham above Haran, Gen. 11. 27. Isaac above Ishmael, Gen. 17. 18.—21. and Jacob himself above Esau his elder, Gen. 25. 23. Also in Jacob's house, Judah and Joseph, had preeminence above Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Gen. 49. 1 Chron. 5. 1. 2. And even from the beginning, Kain the firstborn of Adam, was reprobate, Gen. 4. to teach that man's dignity is not by works, or nature; but by God's grace and election, Rom. 9. 7. 8. 11. 15. And this action of blessing Joseph's sons, Jacob performed by faith, Heb. 11. 21.

Vers. 19. shall become] Hebr. shall be to a people: meaning, a father to a multitude. shall be great] [unspec 19] in Greek, shall be exalted. greater] Therefore when the Israelites were first numbered in the wilderness, Ephraim was reckoned before, and had 8300. men, more then Manasseh, Numb. 1. 32. 33. 35. Also in camping about the Tabernacle of the Lord, Ephraim had the standard, and was set before Manasseh, Numb. 2. 18. 20. Howbeit in the second mustering, (38. years after) it was otherwise for the number; Num. 26. 28. &c. Yet after that again, Ephraim had his preeminence, Deut. 33. 17. Of him came Joshua the conqueror of Canaan, Num. 13. 9. 17. and Jeroboam King of Israel: whereupon Ephraim is used for the name of that kingdom, Esa. 7. 2. 9. 17. and 11. 13. and 28. 1. Ier. 7. 15. Ezek. 37. 16 Hos. 5. 12. 13. and 9. 3. 11. a plenty] or fullness: that is, as the Greek translateth, a multitude: so called for filling up a number or place. So, a plenty of shepherds, Esa. 31. 4. that is, a multitude: and this phrase Paul useth in Rom. 11. 25. the plenty of the Gentiles, that is, the full multitude, and number of them. The Chaldee here translateth, his sons shall be rulers among the people's. Though Ephraim had thus the preeminence, and a chief blessing above the sons of Israel: yet it pleased God to afflict him, before all his brethren; in that evil befell his house, and some of his sons were slain by the men of Gath (the Philistines) for whom Ephraim mourned many days, 1 Chron. 7. 20.—23.

Vers. 20. In thee] or, By thee, that is, taking thee [unspec 20] for an example; as the words following show. So Rachel and Leah are propounded for examples in blessing, Ruth 4. 11. Zedekias and Ahab, in cursing, Ier. 29. 22. Israel] that is, my posterity the Israelites: see Gen. 19. 37. and 34. 7.

V. 21. God willbe] the Chaldee expounds it, the [unspec 21] Word of the Lord will be your help the land] of Canaan, where Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob dwelt, the figure of their heavenly inheritance, Gen. 12. 5. and 26. 3. and 37. 1. whereof Jacob putteth them in mind, and prophesieth their return thither.

Vers. 22. do give] bequeathing as by will and testament, [unspec 22] that portion of the land to thee, that is, to thy posterity: above thy brethren: for the first born was to have a double portion, Deut. 21. 17. & now the first birth-right became Joseph's, 1 Chron. 5. 2. & in the figurative description of Christ's Church, Joseph hath two portions, Ezek. 47. 13. portion] the Hebrew Shechem signifieth properly a shoulder, Gen. 9. 23. it was also the name of a city (and the prince thereof,) where Jacob bought a piece of ground, Gen. 33. 18. 19. Here it is used (but with reference to the name of the place,) for a portion of ground, and so the Chaldee plainly expounds it, one chief portion. And that place of Shechem, was the inheritance of Joseph's sons the Ephraimites, Ios. 16. 1. &c. and 20. 7. John. 4. 5. and thither were Joseph's bones carried out of Egypt, and buried, Ios. 24. 1. 25. 32. have taken] that is, shall take; but spoken prophetically, and in faith; (as unto us a child is borne, Esa. 9. 6. which was a prophesy of Christ.) Thus Jacob disposeth of things to come, as already possessed: whereupon his faith in this action is commended, Heb. 11. 21. the Amorite] that is, as the Greek translateth, Amorites; which one name is used generally for all the heathens that possessed the land, Ios. 24. 8. Amos 2. 9. my sword] that is, the sword of my children; the Ephraimites; which helped to conquer the land, and were a mighty people in Joshua's time: see Ios. 17. 14.—18. So my armeholes, Ezek. 13. 18. that is, the armeholes of my people: also my womb, Job 3. 10. that is, my mothers womb. The Chaldee understood this sword and bow figuratively; translating, by my prayer, and by my supplication.

Annotations.

THe latter days] that is, the days following, or time [unspec 1] hereafter: Hebr the posterity of days: which phrase is often used for time to come; as Num. 24. 14. Deut. 4. 30. and 31. 29. Dan. 2. 28. and 10. 14. Prov. 31. 25. So that which is said in Act. 2. 16. it shall be in the last days; is in Joel 3. 1. it shall be hereafter. The Chaldee translateth it, the end of days: the Greek, the last days: often it meaneth the days after Christ's coming, Esa. 2. 2. Heb. 1. 1.

Vers. 2. hearken] the Chaldee saith, receive instruction. [unspec 2]

Vers. 3. might] or, able-strength: this word (Coach) [unspec 3] signifieth that lively vigor, and native moisture, whereby men are strong and lusty: Psal. 22. 16. Ios. 14. 11. as the next word valor, (Hebr. On.) meaneth the straining of the body forcibly to effect a thing desired. of my valor] or, of my manhood; of my painful strength: the first effect of the strength of my body. All the first borne are thus called. Deut. 21. 17. Psal. 78. 51. the Greek translateth it, the beginning of my children; that is, my first child. Such had natural right to a double portion of all their fathers goods, Deut. 21. 17. the excellency] that is, most excellent in dignity (or preferment.) Whereby the dignity of the priesthood, seemeth to be meant; as by strength following, is meant the government or kingdom. And so the Chaldee paraphrast explaineth it, thou shouldest receive three portions, the first birthright, the priesthood, and the kingdom. The Yerushalmi Targum saith the same: adding this withal, and for the sin of my son Reuben, the first birthright is given to Joseph, the kingdom to Judah, and the priesthood to the tribe of Levi. And that the first borne were Priests, and governors: see Gen. 25. 31. of strength] or excellent strong. This word which properly signifieth hard or firm strength, is often applied to kings and kingdoms, which for the most part are gotten and maintained by strength; and the kings strength, is an honorable style of his Majesty; see Psal. 99. 4. and 110. 2.

Vers. 4. Vnstable] or Light, soon-moved: this is [unspec 4] always used in the evil part, Judge. 9. 4. Zoph. 3. 4. ser. 23. 32. and implieth both his sudden light affections, which carried him to evil: and his sudden downfall from his dignity. excel not] that is, thou shalt not excel, but lose thine honor. So the Chaldee explaineth it, thou shalt not have profit, nor receive the excellent portion. he went up unto] the Greek changeth the person, and translateth, on which thou went est up: also the Chaldee expoundeth it, when thou wentest up to my bed. Jacob as with indignation of the fact, turneth his speech from Reuben to his brethren. Such changes are often in the holy text, as Deut. 5. 10. that love me, and keep his commandments; for which in Exod. 20. 6. is my commandments. And in Dan. 9. 4. thou keepest covenant towards them that love him: for, that love thee. So Mark. 11. 32. they feared the people: for w ^ch in Matt. 21. 26. is written, we fear. Otherwise we may read it thus, thou defiledst my couch, it is gone-up: that is, it is vanished away; meaning the excellency which we should have had. For by defiling Bilhah his fathers concubine, he lost his birthright, Gen. 35. 22. 1 Chron. 5. 1. 2. To go-up, is sometime used for vanishing away, Exod. 14. 16. Ier. 48. 15.

Vers. 5. brethren] specially consociate in that evil [unspec 5] deed of killing the Sychemites, Gen. 34. 25. and so brethren, not in nature only, but in conditions, See Gen. 10. 21. instruments] or weapons, to weet, they were: giving themselves and their members as weapons of unrighteousness unto sin, as Paul speaketh, Rom. 6. 13.) meaning of their cruel fact forementioned, Gen. 34. 25. sojourning habitations] in the land of their sojourning, as saith the Chaldee paraphrast; where they being strangers, endangered the ruin of themselves and their fathers house, Gen. 34. 30. Or, their agreements, meaning the covenanted conditions made with the Sychemites, to consent unto them if they would be circumcised, which was with deceit, Gen. 34. 13. 15. &c. Thus also the Greek may be understood, hairesis being sometime used for a conditional covenant. Or, their swords: but the word is not so found elsewhere.

Vers. 6. secret] that is, as the Greek translateth [unspec 6] it, and Targum Yerushalmi, their council, their assembly. So David saith, the secret of evil doers, Psal. 64. 3. and Jeremiah, the secret of mockers, Jer. 15. 17. that is, the assembly. Jacob here meaneth that neither should any, neither would he approve of their perfidy. glory] or honor, hereby may be meant the tongue which is the glory of man by speech, being good, and the contrary if it be evil, I am. 3. 5. &c. So my glory, Psal. 16. 9. is by the Apostle cited, my tongue, Act. 2. 26. Otherwise it is a repetition of the former, my glory, that is, my soul. a man] Hemor the King, and Sychem his son, with the men of the city: Gen. 34. 25. 26. Therefore the Greek translateth it men: and Targum Yerushalmi, Kings and rulers. And the singular is often put for many, as the man of Israel fled, 1 Chro. 10. 1. that is, the men of Israel, 1 Sam. 31. 1. See also Gen. 3. 2. self-will] or pleasure. houghed the Ox] so the Greek also translateth it: meaning that they took away and destroyed the oxen, and other beasts of the Sychemites, Gen. 34. 28. Ox is for Oxen, as Gen. 32. 5. Some (as the Chaldee) translate, they pulled down the wall: but Shor, (the word here used) is properly an ox or bull: and Shur a wall: neither was there mentioned any pulling down of walls in Gen. 34. Therefore the Yerushalmi Targum expounds it of their selling of Joseph who is likened to an ox. Deut, 33. 17. But that seemeth not to be intended here.

Vers. 7. I will divide] that is, I prophesy their devision: so Ezekiel saith, when I came to destroy the [unspec 7] city, Ezek. 43. 3. Which was his foretelling the destruction. See also Hos. 6. 5. them in Jacob] that is, their posterity among the children of Jacob: see Gen. 19. 37. This was accomplished, when Simeon had his inheritance in the midst of the inheritance of Judah, Ios. 19. 1. and was fain to seek a larger possession, 1 Chron. 4. 39 40. and Levi had his cities of habitation, among the other tribes, Ios. 21. 2. 3. &c. Howbeit, afterwards Levi for their zeal against idolaters, (Exod. 32. 26. 28. 29.) had this their dispersion turned to a further blessing, while they were consecrated to teach Jacob God's judgments and Israel his law, &c. Deut. 33. 9. 10. and so had the priesthood in their tribe. This the Yerushalmi Targum also mentioneth, and saith likewise of the Simeonites, that they were teachers of the Law in the Synagogues of Jacob; and the Levites, in the schools of the sons of Israel.

Vers. 8. thou] to weet, art so by name, and shalt [unspec 8] be so indeed: for Judah signifieth Confession or Praise: and to his name he hath reference; Praised, thou art called, and praise thee shall thy brethren. Targum Yerushalmi saith, Judah, to thee shall all thy brethren confess, and by thy name shall all the Jews be called. See the notes on Gen. 29. 35. confess] or (as the Greek translateth) praise thee: meaning that his brethren should acknowledge the dignity of the firstborn, in respect of the government, to be given unto him, and that Christ the King should come of him, 1 Chron. 5. 2. Heb. 7. 14. And when the rest of the house of Israel compassed the Lord with lies and deceit, Judah is praised, for yet ruling with God, and being faithful with the saints, Hos. 11. 12. In Christ, this prophesy is chiefly fulfilled, as the particulars following show: to him the Hebrew Doctors also do apply it, as in Breshith ketannah (or their lesser Commentary) upon this place, it is said, Judah was borne the fourth among the tribes, and in the fourth day were the lights created: and it is written of the Messi is, His throne, as the Sun before me: as the Moon, it shall be established forever. Psal. 89. 37. 38. in the neck] that is, thou shalt beat down and put to flight thy enemies; as the Chaldee explaineth it, thus; thy hand shall prevail against thy enemies, thy foes shall be scattered, they shall be turned backward before thee: and Targum Yerushalmi saith, thy hand shall avenge thee on thy enemies. The performance of this promise, David the first King of Judah celebrateth, saying, thou hast given me the neck of my enemies, Psal. 18. 41. And after Joshua's death, Judah was the first that went up to fight for Israel against the Canaanites, and got the victory, Judge. 1. 1. 2. 4. 8. &c. bow-down] acknowledging the dignity of this tribe above the rest. For this tribe was the foremost of all, in their marching through the wilderness, Numb. 10. 14. and the Prince of this tribe was the first that offered at the dedication of the altar, Numb. 7. 11. 12. and foremost in battle against their rebellious brethren, Judge. 20. 18. the first Judge that saved Israel, was of this house, Judge. 3. 9. and God chose this tribe, and David out of it, to settle the Kingdom of Israel in his stock forever, Psal. 78. 68. 70. 71. and 89. 20. 21. 28. 30. 36. 37. and to our Lord Jesus, who came of Judah, all knees do bow, Philip. 2. 10.

Vers. 9. renting-lions whelp] As there are sundry sorts of Lions, so they have sundry names, Job 4. [unspec 9] 10. 11. and above other, the Lyon is a kingly beast, strong, Prov. 30. 30. bold, Prov. 28. 1. stout-hearted, 2 Sam. 17. 10. and of a terrible countenance, 1 Chro. 12. 8. Such are fit to be kings arms, and twelve such were stays for the steps of King Solomon's throne 2 Chron. 9. 18. 19. This kind here mentioned, is greedy to tear his prey, and thereof hath his name, Psal. 17. 12. being a prophesy of the valiant worthies that should come of Judah, & make a prey of their enemy: as Othoniel, Judge. 3. 9. 10. David, 2 Sam. 8. and especially Christ, called the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev. 5. 5. couched] lay down to rest, after he hath taken the prey: this was fulfilled when after David's conquests, all Israel had rest under Solomon, 1 King. 4. 25. and after Christ's victory, he went upon high, and sat him down at the right hand of God. Psal. 68. 19. Mark. 16. 19. 1. Cor. 15. 25. Balaam used such similitudes, speaking of the valiant acts of Israel, Num. 23. 24. courageous] or hearty-lion, named Labi, of leb, an heart. By these three is signified the growth of the Kingdom of Judah, from Princes to Kings, and from David to Christ, in whom all glory resteth. The Chaldee paraphraseth thus, He shall have dominion in the beginning; and in the end, the kingdom of the house of Judah shall be magnified: for from the judgment of death, thou hast rid thy soul, O my son: he shall rest and dwell in strength, as a Lyon, and as a courageous-lion, and there shall be no kingdom that shall stir him.

Vers. 10. The scepter] or, The tribe. The Hebrew Shebet, (whence the Greek word sceptron, and [unspec 10] English scepter is derived,) signifieth astaffe or rod; and is by Moses applied to the tribes of Israel, (whereof see the 16. and 28. verses following:) and so the Greek interpreters, do often translate Sceptron for Shebet, atribe; 1 Sam. 10. 19. 20. 21. 1 King. 11. 32. 35. 36. &c. The prophesy is of Judah's tribe to continue distinct, until Christ's coming; whereas the other ten tribes were scattered and confused by their captivity, 2 King. 17. out of w ^ch they returned not, as the tribe of Judah with Benjamin, did from Babylon, Ezra 1. 5. It may also imply the power of government which should be in this tribe: for Shebet a scepter, sometime so meaneth, Psal. 45. 7. And so the Greek here translateth it, a Prince; and the Chaldee one that hath dominion: and Targum Yerushalmi, Kings shall not cease from the house of Judah. And elsewhere the scripture saith, of Judah came the Governor, 1 Chron. 5. 2. lawgiver] or, statute-maker, writter of decrees: a title of government, given sometime to God himself, Isaiah 33. 12. sometime to the governors set of God, Numb. 21. 18. So the Greek here translateth it, Governor: and in reference to this prophesy, God saith, Judah my law-giver, Psal. 60. 9. his feet] that is, borne of, and brought up by him: for so this phrase meaneth, Deu. 28. 57. and 33. 3. the feet being sometime used for the whole leg or thigh, which word was used before Gen. 46. 26. and so the Greek here translateth, out of his thighs. Shiloh] by interpretation The prosperer, the Safe-maker: or His son; (to weet, of a virgin) that is, Christ, who was to spring out of Judah, Heb. 7. 14. This the Chaldee paraphrast confirmeth, saying, He that hath dominion shall not be taken away from Judah, nor a Scribe from his children's children, until the Christ come, whose the Kingdom is, and him shall the people's obey. The Yerushalmi Targum also saith, Kings shall not cease, from the house of Judah; nor Doctors that teach the law, from his children's children; until the time that the King Christ do come, whose the kingdom is, and all kings of the earth shall be subject unto him. Likewise in Breshith rabba, upon the word Shiloh it is said this is the Christ: and R. D. Kimchi, (in the root Shil) expoundeth it his son, and saith it is a prophesy of David, or of the Christ. The Hebrew hath an unusual manner of writing, implying his son, and her son, as a prophesy that he should be of Mary the Virgin, of the linage of Judah. obedience] or gathering of people's, that is, the people's (Jews and Gentiles) shall gather unto, and obey Christ. This the Chaldee paraphrasts both confirm: the Greek also to like effect, he shall be the expectation of nations. Compare Esa. 11. 10. Rom. 15. 12. Esa 42. 4. Mat. 12. 21.

Vers. 11. asse-colt] or, young-asse: great men used [unspec 11] to ride upon such, Judge. 10. 4. and 12. 14. and 5. 10. to bind such to the vine, seemeth to mean great store of vines, which should be in the land of Judah, (as was in Engeddi, and other places, Song. 1. 13. Ios. 15. 62.) that men should tie their asses to them, as to other common trees that grow in every field. The Chaldee paraphrast by this vine, understandeth figuratively Jerusalem, and by the asse-colt the people of Israel; and thus expoundeth it, Israel shall dwell round about his city, the people's shall build his temple, & the just men shall be round about it, and the doers of the law in the doctrine thereof. This also may be referred to Christ, the King, who being just and meek, came riding into Jerusalem upon an asses colt, Zachar. 9. 9. John. 12. 14. 15. Mat. 21. 2. 5. 7. a figure of the people of the Gentiles, brought unto Christ for him to ride upon; and by this prophesy of Jacob, were to be tied unto him and his Church, (compared unto the vine, John. 15. 1. Esa. 5. 7.) where they should be filled with the gospel of his love, and gifts of his spirit, better then wine, Song. 1. 3. Ephes. 5. 18. And so the Yerushalmi Targum applieth this to Christ, saying, How fair is the King Christ, that shall spring up of the house of Judah! He shall gird his loins, and shall go forth to war against his enemies, &c. Likewise in Breshith Rabba, speaking of this place, it is said; he showeth us that when the Christ shall come to save Israel, he shall make ready his asse, and ride upon him, and come unto Israel with poverty. the foale] Hebrew, the son of his asse, that is, his young asse: see the notes on Gen. 18. 7. washeth his raiment] another figurative promise of wine to be plentiful as water, that he may wash his clothes in it •• or, of a glorious victory that Judah and Christ should get over his enemies, as in Esa. 63. 1. 2. 3. his conquest is set forth by such a parable. And in Revel. 19. 13. he is clothed with a garment dipt in blood; and in Revel. 14. 20. his judgment on the enemies, is the treading of a wine-press. And so the Yerushalmi Targum doth explain it, saying, He shall kill kings and Princes, making the rivers red with blood of their slain, and the bills white, with the fat of their mighty men: his garments shall be embrewed in blood, and he like to one pressing clusters of grapes. blood] that is, juice of grapes, which for the red color is called blood: so Deut. 32. 14.

Vers. 12. red with wine] another sign of plenty of fruits; for the drinking of much wine maketh [unspec 12] red eyes, Proverb. 23. 29. 30. hereby also the plenty of spiritual blessings in Christ is signified: Prov. 9. 1. 1. 2. Isaiah 25. 6. and 55. 1. So Targum Yerushalmi applieth it, saying, How beautiful are the eyes of the King Christ to look upon; more then fined wine, that he beholdeth not with them unchaste copulations or murders of innocents. His teeth are exercised in the law, that he eateth not with them iniquities and robberies. His mountains shall be red with vineyards and winepresses: his hills shall be white with store of wheat, and stocks of sheep. Other of the Jew Doctors, reckon Judah for the seventh patriarch, thus, 1, Abraham, 2, Isaac, 3, Jacob, 4, Reuben, 5, Simeon, 6, Levi, 7. Judah: and they compare him with the seventh (that is, the Sabbath) day. At Judah's birth it is said of his mother, she stayed from bearing, Gen. 29. 35. at the Sabbath day, it is said of God, herested and was refreshed, Exod. 31. 17. Of Judah it is said, Judah thou, thy brethren shall confess thee, Gen. 49. 8. (and, this time I will confess the Lord, Gen. 29. 35.) and of the Sabbath, it is good to confess unto the Lord. Psal. 92. 2. Of Judah it is said, from the prey, my son, thou art gone up, Gen. 49. 9. the prey signifieth his food; as if he should say, thou art gone up from doing even the work for the life, as of the Sabbath it is said, in it thou shalt not do any work, Exod. 20. 10. Of Judah it is said, he stouped down, he couched as a Lyon, &c. Gen. 49. 9. and of the Sabbath, abide ye every man in his place. Exod. 16. 29. Of Judah it is said, binding his asse colt unto the vine, Gen. 49. 11. as if he should say; binding him from his work: of the Sabbath it is said, that thine ox and thine asse may rest. Exod. 23. 12. Of Judah it is said, he washeth his raiment in wine, Gen. 49. 11. which signifieth the sanctifying of the day which is with wine, signifying the property of judgment, and therefore the Scepter was given him, as the Scepter shall not depart from Judah, &c. And as Judah was the fourth of the tribes (of Israel:) so the Sabbath is the fourth of the commandments, (Exod. 20.) R. Menachem, on Gen. 49.

Vers. 13. Zebulon] he though he was younger [unspec 13] then Issaehar, Gen. 30. 18. 20. yet Jacob gives him the blessing before him: so also doth Moses. Deut. 33. 18. and his lot befell him in his land, before Issachar’s: Ios. 19. 10. 17. seat] his borders were both to the main sea westward, and to the sea of Galilee Eastward: see his portion, Ios. 19. 10. &c. Isaiah 9. 1. The Chaldee Paraphrast expoundeth it, he shall subdue provinces with ships, and shall eat the good things of the sea, &c. Moses giveth him a blessing, to rejoice in his going out, or, trading, Deut. 33. 18.

Vers. 14. strong boned] Hebrew, asse of bone, that [unspec 14] is, bony, hard, strong. two bounds] or set limits, borders: so the Chaldee paraphrast also expoundeth it; and Targum Yerushalmi more plainly thus, Issachar shall be a strong tribe, and his border shall be in the midst between two borders, So also the Greek translateth, amidds the inheritances. Others expound it, between two burdens; such as are laid on asses backs.

Vers. 15. rest:] this may be a note of their [unspec 15] slouthfulnesse: in respect whereof others are blamed, for sitting still between the two bounds, (or burdens) Judge. 5. 16. Howbeit Moses biddeth them rejoice in their tents, Deut. 33. 18. And the Yerushalmi Targum expoundeth it, he seeth the house of the sanctuary, that it proclaimeth rest, therefore it is good: &c. gathering this sense (as I suppose) from Moses words, they shall call the people unto the (Lord's) mountain, &c. Deut. 33. 19. Thus it is their praise, for loving to be quiet, and being contented with their portion. Compare with this the time when Thola of Issachar judged Israel, in whose time Israel had rest, Judge. 10.

Vers. 16. judge] an allusion to Dans name, Dan [unspec 16] Iadin: the Iudger shall judge: see Gen. 30. 6. This prophesy was fulfilled in Samson, one of his posterity, who judged Israel, Judge. 15. 20. So the Chaldee paraphrast explaineth it, Of the house of Dan shall a man be chosen and rise up: in whose days his people shall be delivered, &c. But the Yerushalmi Targum nameth him, saying, this is Samson son of Manoah. the tribes] This name Tribe is borrowed from the Latin word Tribus, used for a stock or kindred that descend from one father. For Romulus the founder of Rome, divided the multitude of his subjects into three parts, which he named thereof Tribes, (as showeth Pompon. Laetus de Rom. Magistrate.) But in the Hebrew a tribe is here called Shebet, that is, a staff, rod, or scepter, (as is before touched, verse 10.) and elsewhere Matteh, which is also a rod or staff; either because they grew as rods and branches out of one root Israel, as is particularly mentioned of Joseph verse 22. or because their names were written upon twelve rods, Numb. 17. 2. &c. And this judging as one of the tribes, is so spoken, because each stock or tribe, had one chief head and Prince, ruler of the same. Numb. 1. 4. 16. and God raised up Judges and defenders of Israel, out of many several tribes, as the book of Judges showeth. Wherefore the Scripture (taking occasion also by likeness of name) putteth one of these for another, as a Sam. 7. 7. spake I a word with any of the tribes, (or scepters Shibtei) of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people: for which in 1 Chron. 17. 6. is written, to any of the Judges, (Shopt • i) of Israel, See also after, in verse 28.

Vers. 17. an addar] or arrow snake: this name [unspec 17] (in Hebrew Shephiphon) is not elsewhere found in scripture. It is a prophesy of a sudden and unexspected victory, which this tribe should get over their enemies, overthrowing them by subtlety, (as serpents naturally are prudent, Gen. 3. 1.) Fulfilled in Samsons dealings against the Philistines, Judge. 15. and 16. and when the tribe of Dan got Leshem (or Laish) for their possession: Judge. 18. But Moses compareth Dan, to a Lions whelp, Deut. 33. 22. The Chaldee paraphraseth thus, There shall be a man that shall be chosen and spring up out of the house of Dan, the fear of him shall fall upon the people's, and he shall valiantly smite the Philistinis, as a serpent, as an addar he shall lie in wait by the path, he shall slay the mighty men in the campe of the Philistines, &c. the horse heels] that is, the house pillars, on whose roof 3000. persons were: see Judge. 16. 26. 27. 29. &c.

Vers. 18. thy salvation] speaking to the Lord, and desiring his salvation in Christ, figured by [unspec 18] Samson, of whom the Angel said, he shall begin to save Israel, Judge. 13. 5. Matt. 1▪ 21. The two Chaldee paraphrast explain it thus. Our father Jacob said, I expect not the salvation (or redemption) of Gideon son of Joash, which is a temporal salvation, nor the salvation of Samson son of Manoah, which is a transitory salvation: but the salvation of Christ the son of David, who shall come to bring unto himself the sons of Israel, whose salvation my soul desireth. Thus Simeon also calleth Christ God's salvation; Luk. 2. 30. Or Jacob might speak this to his son, I expect Jehovah, to be thy salvation, O Dan: for this tribe generally, and Samson in particular, was sore oppressed, by the enemies, and their own infirmities: Judge. 1. 34. and 18. 1. 30. and 16. 16 17. 21. &c.

Vers. 19. a troupe] or band, army: in Hebrew Gedud, which hath allusion to Gads name, that signifieth [unspec 19] a troop, Gen. 30. 11. He prophesieth of this tribes troubles by enemies that bordered upon them; and of their victory at last. For they dwelling on the outside of Jordan, Ios. 13. 8. were molested by the Ammonites there, Judge. 10. 7. 8. and after that again, the King of Ammon and his people, possessed Gad, and dwelt in his cities, Ier. 49. 1. with troupe-overcame] he still runneth upon Gads name; which was not for naught given him, but signified his valor and victory, though late. And Moses enlargeth this blessing, comparing his dwelling to a Lions, that teareth the parts of his prey, Deut. 33. 20. This was fulfilled, when Gad (with Reuben and Manasseh, all noble warriors,) warred with the Hagarims and other heathens; and crying unto God in the battle, were holpen, and did overcome, getting great spoils and possessions, 1 Chron. 5. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. The Chaldee paraphrasts refer this, to Gads going armed over Iarden, before his brethren, and returning to his land with great riches, Ios. 4. 12. 13. and 22. 1. 2. 8.

Ver. 20. Concerning Aser] or Out of Aser; who [unspec 20] had his name of bliss and felicity: to him here is promised a blessed and fruitful portion in the holy land: described in Ios. 19. 24. &c. bread] that is, food: for bread is used for all meats, See Gen. 3. 19. and 21. 14. and fat, is used for the best and most excellent of anything, Gen. 4. 4. and 27. 28. The Chaldee saith, Asers land shall be very good, and he shall be nourished with Kings dainties. Moses also inclaring this blessing, said, Aser shall dip his foot in oil: Deut. 33. 24.

Vers. 21. let loose] and so light footed, both to [unspec 21] pursue enemies, and escape danger. Thus David signifying his deliverance, said, God had made his feet like binds, Psal. 18. 34. This may specially be referred to Barak a man of Naphtali, who with his people went up on his feet, against Siseraes iron chariots; put them to flight, pursued, and destroyed them all: Judge. 4. 6. 10. 15. 16. Moses giveth Naphtali the fullness of God's blessing, and pointeth out his inheritance in the land, Deut. 33. 23. To that the Chaldee referreth it here, saying, Naphtalies lot shall fall in a good land, and his possession shall be fruitful. He had the sixth lot, described in Ios. 19. 32. 39. goodly sayings] Hebrew sayings of goodliness, or of fairness, that is, fair and pleasing words. Which in Baraks time was fulfilled, when his prowess caused that pleasant song, which Deborah and he sang unto God for the victory; Judge. 5. The Chaldee (as before) refers it to the praises and blessings that they should utter, for the good fruits of their land.

Vers. 22. son] that is, a bough, or branch, which [unspec 22] springeth out of the tree, as a son from the father: the Greek saith, agrowing son; so also the Chaldee paraphraseth, Joseph a growing son, a son which shall be blessed as a vine that is planted by a well of waters. Whatsoever cometh of or from another, is in Hebrew called the son or daughter of the same, as the young of beasts, birds, &c. Gē. 18. 7. arrows are called sons of the bow, and of the quiver, Job. 41.—28. Lam. 3. 13. sparks, are sons of the burning coal, Job. 5. 7. and the like. And here the son or branch is twice named for Joseph, and of him came two tribes; see Gen. 48. 56. Wherefore Moses nameth his two sons in Joseph's blessing, Deut. 33. 17. vine] this word understood in the Hebrew (as often the like are, Gen. 4. 20. and 25. 8.) is expressed in the Chaldee; and Targum • er • 〈…〉 my saith, I liken Joseph my son, to a vine planted by a well of waters, that sendeth out her roots to the deeps. The scripture else-where signifieth increase of children, by this similitude; Psal. 128. 3. by a well] by the waters whereof, the vine is made fruitful, as Ezek. 19. 10. daughters] that is, the young small and tender branches: as the greater, are before called sons. The Chaldee expounds this also of Joseph's sons, saying, two tribes shall come forth of his sons, and they shall receive their part and inheritance. See Gen. 48. 5. &c. over the wall] under which the vine groweth. This signifieth the abundant increase of Joseph's sons, Ios. 17. 17.

Vers. 23. archers] Hebrew arrow masters, whereby also seemeth to be meant skillful archers: as the [unspec 23] Chaldee calleth them, strong men. See Gen. 37. 19. These were Joseph's brethren that hated and sold him into Egypt, Gen. 37. 4. 8. 11. 28. his mistress that tempted and falsely accused; and his Master that imprisoned him, &c. Gen. 39. 7. 17. 20. Whereunto the Yerushalmi Targum addeth the enchanters and wise men of Egypt that spake evil of him before Pharaoh.

Vers. 24. his bow] his faith. arms] his virtues, wisdom, chastity, patience, &c. by which [unspec 24] he resisted all enemies. Compare Psal. 18. 33. 35. The Chaldee paraphraseth, And the prophesy was fulfilled in them, for that he observed the law in secret, and set his hope constant. made firm] strong and solid, like fine gold; for of the Hebrew Phoz, (here used) fine solid gold is call Phaz, Psal. 19. 11. And this similitude the Chaldee explayneth, saying; therefore gold was put upon his arms: he strengthened and confirmed his kingdom, which was given him, &c. Mighty-one] meaning God: as Ps. 132. 2. Isaiah 49. 26. & 60. 16. from thence] or whence he was the feeder, or pastor. From God, Joseph was advanced to be the feeder of Israel, as before is shown, Gen. 45. 5. 7. 11. and 47. 12. The Chaldee saith, who by his word, fed the fathers and the sons of the tribes of Israel. the stone] the stay and strength of Israel. This may be referred also to Joseph, (as Christ whom Joseph figured is called a stone, Isaiah 28. 16.) or unto, God, fore-spoken of, who is the stone and rock of his church, by whom Joseph was advanced.

Vers. 25. who shall help] Hebrew, and he shall help; but the meaning of the phrase is, who shall [unspec 25] help: as in Mal. 3. 1. and he shall prepare, is translated by the holy Ghost, which shall prepare, Mark. 1. 2. so in the sentence following. The Chaldee interpreteth it, The word of the God of thy father shall be thy help. of heavens] that is, the rain and dew, that shall make thy▪ land fruitful: Deut. 33. 13. called in Ezek. 34. 26. the rain of blessings. the deep] springs of waters out of the earth: see Gen. 7. 11. Deut. 33 13. the breasts] or teats, to nourish children, as the womb to bear them: that is, many and well noursed children: ten thousands of Ephraim, and thousands of Manasseh, Deut. 33. 17. Contrary to this blessing, is that curse in Hos. 9. 14. give them a mis-carrying womb, and dry breasts.

Vers. 26. of thy father] that is, which I thy father [unspec 26] do bless thee and thy brethren with. do prevail] or, are stronger then the blessings of my parents, that is, as the Chaldee saith, with which my fathers blessed me. Thus Jacob speaketh, because he more particularly explained the blessings, and applied them to his sons severally, and they were sooner to be fulfilled, and more largely communicated with all his posterity, and Joseph had a double portion. So John the Baptist is said to be more then a prophet, and no man greater then he, because he came immediately before Christ, preparing his way, and pointing him out, as with the finger, Matt. 11. 9. 10. 11. John. 1. 15 29. 36. of my progenitors] or parents, Isaac, Abraham, &c. The Greek saith, of the mountains: for horai, reading (with other vowels) harei; and respecting (it may be) Moses blessing, which hath