Bible Commentaries
Genesis 47

Verse 1

Goshen. See on Genesis 46:28 .

Verse 2

his brethren. Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, Septuagint, Syriac read "the brethren of Joseph". five. The number of grace. See App-10 .

Verse 7

Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:8 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

Verse 8

How old . . . ? Hebrew How many are the days? The first question asked in the East to-day.

Verse 9

days. Joined with years = Figure of speech Pleonasm. App-6 .

pilgrimage = sojournings.

an hundred and thirty years. Joseph being 39; Reuben 46; Simeon 45; Levi 44 Judah 43. Two hundred and fifteen years from Abrarn's call from Clialdea.

Verse 10

Jacob blessed Pharaoh. "The less is blessed of the better" (Hebrews 7:7 ). Compare Genesis 47:2 .

Verse 11

Rameses. Later name of Goshen. See Exodus 1:11 .

as = according as.

Verse 13

gathered up: i. e. caused it to be gathered up. Figure of speech. Metonymy (of Cause). App-6 .

Verse 14

gathered up: i.e. caused it to be gathered up. Figure of speech Metonymy .

Verse 15

all the Egyptians. Hebrew all Egypt. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). App-6 .

why should we die? Figure of speech Erotesis.

Verse 16

you. Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, and Septuagint add "bread".

Verse 19

our land. Figure of speech. Prosopopmia. App-6 .

live, and not die. Figure of speech Pleonasm.

Verse 20

removed them to cities. Samaritan Pentateuch, Pentateuch, and Vulgate read, "made them serve as servants " ; or, made them bondmen".

Verse 21

removed them to cities. Samaritan Pentateuch, Pentateuch, and Vulgate read, "made them serve as servants"; or, "made them bondmen".

Verse 22

portion. Hebrew "statute". Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus). Statute is put for the portion allowed by it.

sold not. The reference of Herodotus to this is thus proved to be correct.

Verse 23

Behold . . . lo. Figure of speech. Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 24

fifth part. This is the Turkish law in Palestine to-day, if the landlord supplies cattle and seed. So the terms would not be too onerous.

Verse 26

a law. Hebrew. chok, decree.

Verse 27

Israel. Used here, for the first time, of the nation. grew, and multiplied, &c. Fulfilling Genesis 46:3 , and preparing for Exodus 1:7 with Exodus 12:37 .

Verse 28

the whole age. Hebrew the days of the years of his life. Figure of speech Pleonasm. This charge concerning his burial to be distinguished from the charge to all his sons.

Verse 29

Israel. Used here of the man Jacob. See notes on Genesis 47:27 ; Genesis 43:8 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

Verse 30

as = according as.

Verse 31

Israel bowed himself. Much confusion caused by supposing Hebrews 11:21 refers to this. Mistake made by Ancient Versions and modern commentators. Hebrews 11:21 refers to his blessing of Joseph's sons. This refers to the charge concerning his burial. It may or may not be bed, or staff.