Genesis 47:27-31

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:28

Verse 28 28.And Jacob lived. It was no common source of temptation to the holy old man, to be an exile from the land of Canaan, for so many years. Be it so, that on account of the famine, he was compelled to go to Egypt; why could he not return when the fifth year was passed? For he did not stupidly lie there in a state of torpor, but he remained quiet, because free egress was not allowed him. Wherefore, also, in this respect, God did not lightly exercise his patience. For, however sweet might... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:29

Verse 29 29.And he called his son Joseph. Hence we infer, not only the anxiety of Jacob, but his invincible magnanimity. It is a proof of great courage, that none of the wealth or the pleasures of Egypt could so allure him, as to prevent him from sighing for the land of Canaan, in which he had always passed a painful and laborious life. But the constancy of his faith appeared still more excellent, when he, commanding his dead body to be carried back to Canaan, encouraged his sons to hope for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:30

Verse 30 30.But I will lie with my fathers (188) It appears from this passage, that the word “sleep,” whenever it is put for “die,” does not refer to the soul, but to the body. For, what did it concern him, to be buried with his fathers in the double cave, (189) unless to testify that he was associated with them after death? And by what bond were he and they joined together, except this, that not even death itself could extinguish the power of their faith; which would seem to utter this voice... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:31

Verse 31 31.And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head. By this expression, Moses again affirms that Jacob esteemed it a singular kindness, that his son should have promised to do what he had required respecting his burial. For he exerts his weak body as much as he is able, in order to give thanks unto God, as if he had obtained something most desirable. He is said to have worshipped towards the head of his bed: because, seeing he was quite unable to rise from the bed on which he lay, he yet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:11-27

Joseph's policy in Egypt. I. TOWARDS THE ISRAELITES . 1. He gave them a settlement in Goshen . Though in one sense the land of Goshen was Pharaoh's grant, it is apparent from the story that they owed it chiefly to the wise and prudent management of Joseph that they found themselves located in the fattest corner of the land. In thus providing for them Joseph had without doubt an eye to their enrichment, to their separation as a people from the Egyptian inhabitants of the land,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:27

And Israel ( i.e. the people) dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein ( i.e. acquired holdings in it), and grew (or became fruitful), and multiplied exceedingly —or became very numerous. This was the commencement of the promise ( Genesis 46:3 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:27-31

The sunset of a long life. There is a touching beauty in this scene between the veteran Israel and the prosperous Joseph. I. An illustration of HUMAN INFIRMITY . The supplanter, the prince of God, must succumb at last to the King of Terrors. " Israel must die ." Yet he is not afraid of death. II. STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS . Grace appears brightest at the end. His gray hairs have not been "brought with sorrow to the grave," although he feared they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was (literally, the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were ) an hundred forty and seven years . He had lived seventy-seven years in Canaan, twenty years in Padanaram, thirty-three in Canaan again, and seventeen in Egypt, in all 147 years. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:28-31

Jacob's residence in Egypt. I. JACOB 'S PEACEFUL OLD AGE . "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years." After an eventful and checkered pilgrimage of 130 years, during which Jacob had made largo experience of the ills of life, having encountered adversity in forms both more numerous and severe than are allotted to most, he had at length reached a happy harbor of rest in the calm contemplative evening of old age, exchanging the anxieties and toils of his previously... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 47:28-31

Jacob's apprehension. I. WHAT IT WAS . 1. It was not anxiety about temporal support, for that had been generously made sure to him by his son Joseph. 2. It was not concern about the future fortunes of his family, for these had been graciously taken under God's protection. 3. It was not uncertainty as to his own personal acceptance with Jehovah, for of that he had long ago been assured. 4. It was scarcely even fear of his approaching death, for besides being... read more

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