CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 49:1. In the last days.] This phrase is often used to denote the Messianic times (Isaiah 2:2; Ezekiel 38:8; Ezekiel 38:16; Jeremiah 30:24, etc). “This passage reaches to that period in the Shiloh, and it embraces the intervening history.” (_Jacobus_.) The expression is chie... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 49:3_ THE BLESSING OF REUBEN We seem to have in this, as in other instances, words of cursing rather than of blessing. But in Genesis 49:28, Jacob’s speeches concerning his sons are called “blessings.” He utters words of blame, he rebukes sharply, but do... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 49:4. Unstable as water.] Heb. _Boiling over as water._ Another form of this word is rendered _lightness,_ in Jeremiah 23:32; Zephaniah 3:2, referring to the character of false prophets. The image points to the heated passions which led Reuben into disgrace. THOU SHALT NOT... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 49:8. Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise.] An allusion to his name which signifies _praise_ (Genesis 29:35.)—not merely the _praised one_, but he for whom Jehovah is praised.— GENESIS 49:9. JUDAH IS A LION’S WHELP; FROM THE PREY, MY SON, THOU ART GONE UP.] “J... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 49:14. A strong ass.] Heb. _An ass of bone._ “The figure here employed has nothing mean about it. The Oriental ass is a more stately animal than the Western.” (_Lange_)— GENESIS 49:16. DAN SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.] _Dan,_ from a verb signifying _to judge._ The expression, _... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 49:22. Whose branches run over the wall.] “Transcend all the usual boundaries of a well-enclosed garden. Joseph is, in prospect, the twofold tribe that bursts the bounds assigned to a twelfth of the chosen people, and overspreads the area of two tribes.” (_Murphy._)— GENES... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 49:28_ THE DYING JACOB I. His peace. His work is now done, his last blessing pronounced, his last prayer uttered. Nothing more is left but to gather up his feet and die. His life was satisfied with the goodness of the Lord. With great calmness he gives c... [ Continue Reading ]