Bible Commentaries

Genesis 17:8 — 8. I will give unto thee . . . the land—It had been previously promised to Abraham and his posterity (Genesis 15:18). Here it is promised as an "everlasting possession," and was, therefore, a type of heaven, "the better country" (Genesis 15:18- :).

Genesis 32:17 — 17. he commanded the foremost—The messengers were strictly commanded to say the same words [Genesis 32:18; Genesis 32:20], that Esau might be more impressed and that the uniformity of the address might appear more clearly to have come from Jacob himself.

Genesis 41:24 — 24. the thin ears devoured the seven good ears—devoured is a different word from that used in Genesis 41:4 and conveys the idea of destroying, by absorbing to themselves all the nutritious virtue of the soil around them. Genesis 41:4- :. JOSEPH INTERPRETS PHARAOH'S DREAMS.

Job 1:1 — namely, to God, "to repent," referring to his end [EICHORN]; or rather from a Hebrew word signifying one to whom enmity was shown, "greatly tried" [GESENIUS]. Significant names were often given among the Hebrews, from some event of later life (compare Genesis 4:2, Abel—a "feeder" of sheep). So the emir of Uz was by general consent called Job, on account of his "trials." The only other person so called was a son of Issachar (Genesis 4:2- :). perfect—not absolute or faultless perfection (compare Job

Job 36:33 — 33. noise—rather, He revealeth it (literally, "announceth concerning it") to His friend (antithesis to adversary, :-, so the Hebrew is translated, :-); also to cattle and plants (literally, "that which shooteth up"; Genesis 40:10; Genesis 41:22). As the genial effect of "water" in the growth of food, is mentioned, Genesis 41:22- :, so here that of "light" in cherishing cattle and plants [UMBREIT]. If English Version, "noise" be retained, translate, "His noise (thunder)

Job 38:19 — 19-38. The marvels in heaven. "What is the way (to the place wherein) light dwelleth?" The origin of light and darkness. In Genesis 1:3-5; Genesis 1:14-18, "light" is created distinct from, and previous to, light-emitting bodies, the luminaries of heaven.

Job 4:13 — 13. In thoughts from the visions of the night—[So WINER]. While revolving night visions previously made to him ( :-). Rather, "In my manifold (Hebrew, divided) thoughts, before the visions of the night commenced"; therefore not a delusive dream ( :-) [UMBREIT]. deep sleep— (Genesis 2:21; Genesis 15:12).

Psalms 127:3 — 3-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Genesis 30:2; Genesis 30:18; 1 Samuel 1:19; 1 Samuel 1:20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.

Psalms 77:2 — 2. his importunacy. my sore ran . . . night—literally, "my hand was spread," or, "stretched out" (compare Psalms 44:20). ceased not—literally, "grew not numb," or, "feeble" (Genesis 45:26; Psalms 38:8). my soul . . . comforted—(compare Genesis 37:35; Jeremiah 31:15).

Isaiah 25:8 — 8. Quoted in :-, in support of the resurrection. swallow up . . . in victory—completely and permanently "abolish" (2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 20:14; Revelation 21:4; compare Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:22). rebuke—(Compare Mark 8:38; Hebrews 11:26).

Isaiah 26:14 — 14. They—The "other lords" or tyrants ( :-). shall not live—namely, again. deceased—Hebrew, "Rephaim"; powerless, in the land of shades (Isaiah 14:9; Isaiah 14:10). therefore—that is, inasmuch as. Compare "therefore" (Genesis 18:5; Genesis 19:8).

Isaiah 26:21 — 21. (Micah 1:3; Judges 1:14). disclose . . . blood— (Genesis 4:10; Genesis 4:11; Job 16:18; Ezekiel 24:7; Ezekiel 24:8). All the innocent blood shed, and all other wrongs done, so long seemingly with impunity, shall then be avenged (Revelation 16:6).

Isaiah 65:15 — 15. curse—The name of "Jew" has been for long a formula of execration (compare :-); if one wishes to curse another, he can utter nothing worse than this, "God make thee what the Jew is!" Contrast the formula (Genesis 48:20) [MAURER]. my chosen—the elect Church, gathered from Jews and Gentiles, called by "another name," Christians (Genesis 48:20- :). However (see on Genesis 48:20- :), as "My chosen," or "elect," in Genesis 48:20- :, refers to the "seed of

Jeremiah 25:23 — 23. Dedan—north of Arabia (Genesis 25:3; Genesis 25:4). Tema . . . Buz—neighboring tribes north of Arabia (Job 32:2). all . . . in . . . utmost corners—rather, "having the hair cut in angles," a heathenish custom (see on Job 32:2- :).

Jeremiah 28:3 — 3. two full years—literally, "years of days." So "a month of days," that is, all its days complete (Genesis 29:14, Margin; Genesis 41:1). It was marvellous presumption to speak so definitely without having any divine revelation.

Jeremiah 4:1 — 1. return . . . return—play on words. "If thou wouldest return to thy land (thou must first), return (by conversion and repentance) to Me." not remove—no longer be an unsettled wanderer in a strange land. So Cain (Genesis 4:12; Genesis 4:14).

Ezekiel 47:13 — but in Numbers they begin with the south (Numbers 34:3). It is only Canaan proper, exclusive of the possession of the two and a half tribes beyond Jordan, that is here divided. Joseph . . . two portions—according to the original promise of Jacob (Genesis 48:5; Genesis 48:22). Joseph's sons were given the birthright forfeited by Reuben, the first-born (Genesis 48:22- :). Therefore the former is here put first. His two sons having distinct portions make up the whole number twelve portions, as he

Amos 5:5 — calves at Beth-el. Gilgal—(See on :-). Beer-sheba—in Judah on the southern frontier towards Edom. Once "the well of the oath" by Jehovah, ratifying Abraham's covenant with Abimelech, and the scene of his calling on "the Lord, the everlasting God" (Genesis 21:31; Genesis 21:33), now a stronghold of idolatry (Genesis 21:33- :). Gilgal shall surely go into captivity—a play on similar sounds in the Hebrew, Gilgal, galoh, yigleh: "Gilgal (the place of rolling) shall rolling be rolled away." Beth-el

Joshua 24:1 — transaction now to be entered upon being in principle and object the same, it was desirable to give it all the solemn impressiveness which might be derived from the memory of the former ceremonial, as well as from other sacred associations of the place (Genesis 12:6; Genesis 12:7; Genesis 33:18-20; Genesis 35:2-4). they presented themselves before God—It is generally assumed that the ark of the covenant had been transferred on this occasion to Shechem; as on extraordinary emergencies it was for a time

Hebrews 11:17 — praise were yet enduring [ALFORD]. As far as His intention was concerned, he did sacrifice Isaac; and in actual fact "he offered him," as far as the presentation of him on the altar as an offering to God is concerned. tried—Greek, "tempted," as in Genesis 22:1. Put to the proof of his faith. Not that God "tempts" to sin, but God "tempts" in the sense of proving or trying (Genesis 22:1- :). and—and so. he that had received—rather as Greek, "accepted," that is, welcomed and embraced by faith,