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
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
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
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
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
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
Verse 45 45.Why should I be deprived of you both in one day ? Why does Rebekah fear a double privation? for there was no danger that Jacob, endued with a disposition so mild and placid, should rise up against his brother. We see, therefore, that Rebekah concluded that God would be the avenger of the iniquitous murder. Moreover, although God, for a time, might seem to overlook the deed, and to suspend his judgment, it would yet be necessary for him to withdraw from the parricide. Therefore, by... read more
The stolen blessing: a domestic drama.-4. Rebekah and Esau, or fratricide frustrated. I. THE MURDEROUS DESIGN OF ESAU . 1. The ostensible reason . "Because of the blessing wherewith his father had blessed Jacob." No argument can justify willful and deliberate homicide; least of all an excuse so lame and feeble as that of Esau. The blessing Jacob had obtained was one which he himself had formerly despised and practically sold; If Jacob had been guilty of stealing it from... read more
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice ;—i.e. be guided by my counsel; a request Rebekah might perhaps feel herself justified in making, not only by her maternal solicitude for Jacob's welfare, but also from the successful issue of Her previous stratagem ( vide on Genesis 27:8 )— and arise, flee thou —literally, flee for thyself (of. Genesis 12:1 ; Numbers 14:11 ; Amos 7:12 )— to Laban my brother to Haran ( vide Genesis 11:31 ; Genesis 14:1-24 :29); and tarry with him... read more
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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