GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:1 Whereas Esau’s descendants dwell in
Seir (alongside the Horites), JACOB settles in CANAAN (like his father
Isaac).
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:2 Jacob’s Descendants. The last main
section of Genesis 1:1 further develops the theme of a royal line
descended from Abraham. As governor of Egypt, Joseph brings divine
blessing to many people. Genesis 1:1, however, looks forward to a time
when the leadership of Israel wi... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:3 THE SON OF HIS OLD AGE. Since Benjamin,
not Joseph, was actually the last son born to Jacob, the unusual
Hebrew expression “son of old age” could mean either (1) someone
who displays exceptional maturity while still young or perhaps (2) the
son closest to Jacob in his ol... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:5 JOSEPH HAD A DREAM. In Genesis 1:1,
dreams are normally associated with divine revelations (see Genesis
20:3; Genesis 28:12; Genesis 31:10; Genesis 40:5; Genesis 41:1).... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:8 Joseph’s brothers understand
Joseph’s first dream to mean that he will REIGN OVER them.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:9 The second dream reinforces the
expectation that Joseph will have authority over the rest of his
family. SHALL I AND YOUR MOTHER. When Joseph had this dream, his
mother Rachel was probably dead (see Genesis 35:16); “your mother”
refers to Leah.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:12 SHECHEM. See note on 33:17–18.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:15 Since his brothers have moved farther
north, Joseph travels from Shechem to DOTHAN, a journey of about 16 to
20 miles (26 to 32 km), to find them.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:18 THIS DREAMER. The brothers’ comment
is full of sarcasm. The expression implies “master/owner of the
dreams.”
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:21 As the oldest, REUBEN convinces his
brothers not to kill Joseph. Reuben plans to rescue Joseph later and
RESTORE HIM TO HIS FATHER.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:25 CARAVAN OF ISHMAELITES. These traders
come from the Sinai Peninsula. Although initially identified as
Ishmaelites (a broad category covering various people groups), in vv.
Genesis 37:28 and Genesis 37:36 they are specifically called
Midianites. COMING FROM GILEAD. See n... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:26 JUDAH SAID TO HIS BROTHERS. Although
Judah shows compassion by not wanting to kill Joseph, he may have seen
an opportunity to profit from selling his brother.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:29 TORE HIS CLOTHES. A visible sign of
intense anguish and pain. WHERE SHALL I GO? Reuben’s grief might not
be about the loss of Joseph but about how upset his father will be
with Reuben when he learns that Joseph is gone (see note on vv.
21–22).
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:34 PUT SACKCLOTH ON HIS LOINS. A common
mourning custom.
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GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 37:35 I SHALL GO DOWN TO SHEOL. Jacob
believes that his grief will continue through the afterlife.
“Sheol” is the proper name for the place where people go after
death, though specific knowledge about the afterlife was lacking at
this time.
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