Genesis 41:8-16 NASB

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, it is not in me ,.... Which expresses his great modesty, that he did not arrogate such skill and wisdom to himself; declaring that he had no such power and abilities in and of himself, to interpret dreams; what he had was a gift of God, and wholly depended upon his influence, and the revelation he was pleased to make to him of such things: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace ; such an answer to his request in the interpretation of his dream,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:8

Called for all the magicians - חרטמים chartummim . The word here used may probably mean no more than interpreters of abstruse and difficult subjects; and especially of the Egyptian hieroglyphics, an art which is now entirely lost. It is most likely that the term is Egyptian, and consequently its etymology must remain unknown to us. If Hebrew, Mr. Parkhurst's definition may be as good as any: " חרט cheret , a pen or instrument to write or draw with, and תם tam , to perfect or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:9

I do remember my faults - It is not possible he could have forgotten the circumstance to which he here alludes; it was too intimately connected with all that was dear to him, to permit him ever to forget it. But it was not convenient for him to remember this before; and probably he would not have remembered it now, had he not seen, that giving this information in such a case was likely to serve his own interest. We are justified in thinking evil of this man because of his scandalous neglect... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:14

They brought him hastily out of the dungeon - Pharaoh was in perplexity on account of his dreams; and when he heard of Joseph, he sent immediately to get him brought before him. He shaved himself - having let his beard grow all the time he was in prison, he now trimmed it, for it is not likely that either the Egyptians or Hebrews shaved themselves in our sense of the word: the change of raiment was, no doubt, furnished out of the king's wardrobe; as Joseph, in his present circumstances,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:16

It is not in me, etc. - בלעדי biladai , without or independently of me - I am not essential to thy comfort, God himself has thee under his care. And he will send thee, or answer thee, peace; thou shalt have prosperity ( שלום shelom ) howsoever ominous thy dreams may appear. By this answer he not only conciliated the mind of the king, but led him to expect his help from that God from whom alone all comfort, protection, and prosperity, must proceed. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:8

Verse 8 8.In the morning his spirit was troubled. A sting was left in Pharaoh’s heart, that he might know that he had to deal with God; for this anxiety was as an inward seal of the Spirit of God, to give authenticity to the dream; although Pharaoh deserved to be deprived of the advantage of this revelation, when he resorted to magicians and soothsayers, who were wont to turn the truth of God into a lie. (155) He was convinced by a secret impulse that the dream sent by God portended something... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:9

Verse 9 9.Then spake the chief butler. Although the Lord took pity on Egypt, yet he did it not for the sake of the king, or of the country, but that Joseph might, at length, be brought out of prison; and further, that, in the time of famine, food might be supplied to the Church: for although the produce was stored with no design beyond that of providing for the kingdom of Egypt; yet God chiefly cared for his Church, which he esteemed more highly than ten worlds. Therefore the butler, who had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:14

Verse 14 14.Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph. We see in the person of a proud king, as in a glass, what necessity can effect. They whose circumstances are happy and prosperous will scarcely condescend to hear those whom they esteem true prophets, still less will they listen to strangers. Wherefore it was necessary that the obstinacy of Pharaoh should be first subdued, in order that he might send for Joseph, and accept him as his master and instructor. The same kind of preparation is also... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:15

Verse 15 15.And Pharaoh said unto Joseph. We see that Pharaoh offers himself as a disciple to Joseph, being persuaded, by the statement of the butler, that he is a prophet of God. This is, indeed, a constrained humility; but it is expressly recorded, in order that, when the opportunity of learning (157) is afforded us, we may not refuse reverently to honor the gifts of the Spirit. Now, though Joseph, in referring Pharaoh to God, seems to deny that he himself is about to interpret the dream, yet... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:16

Verse 16 16.God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Joseph added this from the kindly feeling of his heart; for he did not yet comprehend what the nature of the oracle would be. Therefore he could not, in his character as a prophet, promise a successful and desirable issue; but, as it was his duty sincerely to deliver what he received from the Lord, however sad and severe it might prove; so, on the other hand, this liberty presented no obstacle to his wishing a joyful issue to the king.... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:15

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:16

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