Genesis 37:2-11

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 37:9

Verse 9 9.And he dreamed yet another dream. The scope of this dream is the same. The only difference is, that God, to inspire greater confidence in the oracle, presents him with a figure from heaven. The brethren of Joseph had despised what was said concerning the sheaves; the Lord now calls upon them to look towards heaven, where his august Majesty shines forth. It may, however, be asked, how it can be reconciled with fact, that his mother, who was now dead, could come and bow down to him. The... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 37:10

Verse 10 10.And his father rebuked him. If Jacob suspected that the dream originated in vain ambition, he rightly rebuked his son; but if he knew that God was the author of the dream, he ought not to have expostulated with him. But that he did know it, may be hence inferred, because he is afterwards said seriously to have considered it. For Moses, making a distinction between him and his sons, says that they breathed nothing but the virus of envy; while he revolved in his own mind what this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:1-36

The representative man. Jacob may be said to fall into the background from this time until his parting benediction. The kingdom of God is represented in Joseph and his history. The main points in this chapter are— I. GOD 'S DISTINGUISHING GRACE TO JOSEPH , separating him from his brethren in character, in his father's affection, in the method of his life, in' the communications of the Spirit. Joseph is the type of the believer, faithful to the covenant, amongst both the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:2

These are the generations of Jacob . The opening of a new section (cf. Genesis 2:4 ; Genesis 5:1 &c.;). Joseph , the son of Rachel, and born in Padan-aram ( Genesis 30:24 )— being seventeen years old ,—literally, a son of seventeen years, thus making Jacob 108— was feeding the flock with his brethren ;—literally, was shepherding; not his brethren (Bush), but with his brethren, in, or among, the flock— and the lad was —literally, and he a lad, aetate, moribus et... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:2-4

Joseph at home. "Joseph, being seventeen years old," &c.; Picturesque scene is the encampment of Jacob. How well the dark camel-hair tents harmonize with the general character of the spots in which they are pitched. Peace and purity should dwell there. Ten men of the tribe of Jacob are most depraved, but their characters only threw into brighter prominence that of Joseph. It is probable that Jacob gave greater attention to the training of Joseph than to that of his brethren. He showed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:2-11

§ 11. THE GENERATIONS OF JACOB ( GENESIS 37:2-50:26). 2. By those who repudiate the Mosaic authorship of Genesis the present section is variously distributed among the alleged candidates for the honor of its composition. Beyond the ascription of Genesis 38:1-30 ; to the Jehovist, there is the most complete absence of unanimity among partitionists as to whom the different portions are to be assigned. Genesis 37:2-36 , which Tuch declares to be the work of the Elohist, Bleek... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:2-11

Joseph in his father's house. I. JOSEPH EMPLOYED WITH HIS BRETHREN . 1. With them in the sense of as well as them . That is to say, Joseph no more than the other sons of his father was trained to indolence. It is the duty of parents to educate their children in some useful and honorable calling. Even when not required for procuring daily bread, it is of advantage as a means of withdrawing one from temptations which would otherwise beset him, while it largely enhances the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:3

Now (literally, and) Israel loved Joseph more than all his children (literally, sons), because he was the son of his old age —literally, a son of old age (was) he to him; not a son possessing the wisdom of advanced years (Onkelos), but a son born in his old age (Rosenmüller, Keil, Kalisch, et alii ) , which was literally true of Joseph, since he was born in his father's ninety-first year. Yet as Joseph was only a year or two younger than the children of Bilhah and Zilpah, and as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:4

And when (literally, and) his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they (literally, and they ) hated him ,—as Esau hated Jacob ( Genesis 27:41 ; cf. Genesis 49:23 )— and could not speak peaceably unto him —literally, they were not able to speak of him for peace, i e . they could not address him in such a way as to wish him well; they could not offer him the customary salutation of Shalom , or Peace. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 37:5

And Joseph dreamed a dream (in which, though, as the sequel shows, intended as a Divine communication, there was nothing to distinguish it from an ordinary product of the mind), and he told it to his brethren :—not in pride, since there is no reason to suppose that Joseph as yet understood the celestial origin of his dream but in the simplicity of his heart (Kalisch, Murphy), though in doing so he was also guided, unconsciously it may be, but still really, by an overruling providence, who... read more

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