Genesis 47:3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 47:1-12

Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7; Genesis 47:10) is unusual since it implies that in one sense (i.e., as one of God’s elect) Jacob was superior to Pharaoh. Pharaoh was a man of immense worldly power and influence. "The lesser is blessed by the greater" (Hebrews 7:7)."The least and most faltering of God’s children has the superiority . . . in the presence of the most elevated men of the world." [Note: Darby, 1:78.] Jacob seems to have described his life as a sojourn (Genesis 47:9)... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:1-31

Joseph presents his Brethren and his Father to Pharaoh. He makes extensive Changes in the Land Tenure of Egypt6. Rulers over my cattle] The superintendenee of the royal flocks and herds would be a position of importance. 9. Few and evil, etc.] Abraham was 175 years and Isaac 180 years old at their death. Jacob, therefore, regarded his years as comparatively few. The ’evil ’times in his life are not difficult to trace.11. Land of Rameses] or Raamses. Evidently identical with the ’land of Goshen... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 47:3

(3) Also our fathers.—Joseph had instructed them to add this (Genesis 46:34), because occupations were hereditary among the Egyptians, and thus Pharaoh would conclude that in their case also no change was possible in their mode of life. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 47:1-31

Jacob's Retrospect of Life Genesis 47:7-9 I. Jacob had lived a long life as we should count it; one of half the length is as much as most men are able to look forward to. And he had lived a holy life; the one great sin of his youth had been punished by a long and hard discipline that had not been in vain. The father whom he had deceived had blessed him again without deceit; and the God of Bethel had been with him still ever since the hour of his first covenant with him. How could he complain... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 47:1-31

CHAPTER 47 The Settlement in Goshen 1. Before Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1-10 ) 2. The settlement (Genesis 47:11-12 ) 3. Joseph’s wise administration (Genesis 47:13-26 ) 4. Jacob’s request (Genesis 47:27-31 ) Jacob and some of his sons were presented to Pharaoh, who received them graciously, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. The great and powerful monarch of the great land of Egypt was blessed by the poor old Jacob. He is more than blessed, but a blesser, a type of what Israel is yet to be for the... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:1-31

In announcing to Pharaoh the coming of his father and his brothers, Joseph first introduces five of his brothers to him (vs.1-2). We are not told which ones, but they were likely those who could speak on behalf of their other brothers. They answer Pharaoh's question as to their occupation by confirming Joseph's word that they were shepherds as their fathers were, and that they desired to sojourn in Egypt because there was no pasture available in Canaan on account of the famine. They therefore... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 47:1-31

JOSEPH ’S HISTORY DISPENSATIONAL ASPECT OF JACOB’S HISTORY Following F.W. Grant in the Numerical Bible, the life of Jacob gives as its lesson the story of that discipline by which the Spirit of God brings us from weakness to power, from nature’s strength to that wholesome weakness in which alone is strength. But for this, natural strength must be crippled, which is provided for in two ways: in allowing us to realize the power of another nature (Esau) and in the direct dealing of God with our... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Genesis 47:1-31

The Last Days of Jacob Genesis 47-49 We have seen Jacob a runaway, a stranger, a hireling, and a prince having power with God. His deceptions, his dreams, his prayers, his visions, are now closing; and the sunset is not without gorgeousness and solemnity. Every sunset should make us pray or sing; it should not pass without leaving some sacred impression upon the mind. The dying sun should be a teacher of some lesson, and mystery, and grace of providence. We shall now see Jacob as we have... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 47:3-4

Observe, sojourners, not citizens. Believers at the best are no other. Psalms 39:12 . read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:1-6

1-6 Though Joseph was a great man, especially in Egypt, yet he owned his brethren. Let the rich and great in the world not overlook or despise poor relations. Our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren. In answer to Pharaoh's inquiry, What is your calling? they told him that they were shepherds, adding that they were come to sojourn in the land for a time, while the famine prevailed in Canaan. Pharaoh offered to employ them as shepherds, provided they were active men. Whatever our... read more

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