Genesis 27:42-45

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 27:41-46

Here is, I. The malice Esau bore to Jacob upon account of the blessing which he had obtained, Gen. 27:41. Thus he went in the way of Cain, who slew his brother because he had gained that acceptance with God of which he had rendered himself unworthy. Esau's hatred of Jacob was, 1. A causeless hatred. He hated him for no other reason but because his father blessed him and God loved him. Note, The happiness of saints is the envy of sinners. Whom Heaven blesses, hell curses. 2. It was a cruel... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 27:42

And these words of Esau her eldest son were told to Rebekah ,.... Jarchi and Jonathan say, by the Holy Ghost; but Aben Ezra thinks, by one of Esau's friends and confidants, to whom out of the abundance of his heart he had revealed this secret, which is not at all unlikely: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son ; who might be in another tent or apartment, or with the flocks in the field: and said unto him, behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 27:43

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice ,.... Hearken to what I say, and do according to it, as he had already in many instances, and particularly in a late one, in which he succeeded, and therefore had good reason to attend to her advice and direction, see Genesis 27:13 , and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother, to Haran ; where Laban her brother, dwelt. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 27:44

And tarry with him a few days ,.... Which Aben Ezra interprets a few years; rather, as Hiscuni, one year; perhaps it may be better should it be said one or two years; but instead of so short a time Jacob stayed there twenty years, and perhaps Rebekah never saw him anymore, being dead before he returned; after this account, no more mention is made of her: until thy brother's fury turn away ; which she hoped would abate, subside, and be entirely gone in process of time, and especially when... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 27:45

Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee ,.... Which is repeated from the preceding verse, to carry on the connection: and he forget that which thou hast done to him ; in getting the blessing from him; being convinced that Jacob had done him no injury, and that he had no just cause of being angry with him, it being the will of God that he should have the blessing; and besides, having bought the birthright of him, the blessing belonged to him in course; or however would in time... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 27:42

Doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee - לך מתנחם mithnachem lecha , which Houbigant renders cogitat super te , he thinks or meditates to kill thee. This sense is natural enough here, but it does not appear to be the meaning of the original; nor does Houbigant himself give it this sense, in his Racines Hebraiques. There is no doubt that Esau, in his hatred to his brother, felt himself pleased with the thought that he should soon have the opportunity of avenging his wrongs. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 27:44

Tarry with him a few days - It was probably forty years before he returned, and it is likely Rebekah saw him no more; for it is the general opinion of the Jewish rabbins that she died before Jacob's return from Padan-aram, whether the period of his stay be considered twenty or forty years. See note on Genesis 31:55 , etc. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 27:45

Why should I be deprived also of you both - If Esau should kill Jacob, then the nearest akin to Jacob, who was by the patriarchal law, Genesis 9:6 , the avenger of blood, would kill Esau; and both these deaths might possibly take place in the same day. This appears to be the meaning of Rebekah. Those who are ever endeavoring to sanctify the means by the end, are full of perplexity and distress. God will not give his blessing to even a Divine service, if not done in his own way, on... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 27:42

Verse 42 42.And these words of Esau... were told to Rebekah. Moses now makes a transition to a new subject of history, showing how Jacob, as a wanderer from his father’s house, went into Mesopotamia. Without doubt, it was an exceedingly troublesome and severe temptation to the holy matron, to see that, by her own deed, her son was placed in imminent danger of death. But by faith she wrestled to retain the possession of the grace once received. For, if she had been impelled by a merely womanly... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 27:44

Verse 44 44.And tarry with him a few days. This circumstance mitigates the severity of banishment. For the shortness of the time of suffering avails not a little to support us in adversity. And it was probable that the enmity of Esau would not prove so obstinate as to be unassuaged by his brother’s absence. In the Hebrew expression which is translated “a few days,” the word few is literally “one” put in the plural number. (51) Rebekah means, that as soon as Jacob should have gone away of his... read more

Group of Brands