Genesis 28:6. This passage comes in, in the midst of Jacob’s story, to show the influence of good example. Esau now begins to think Jacob the better man, and disdains not to take him for his pattern in this particular instance of marrying a daughter of Abraham. read more
Genesis 28:9. Esau went unto Ishmael That is, the family of Ishmael, for Ishmael himself, no doubt, was dead before this time, (see Genesis 25:17,) and took Mahalath to be his wife. It is probable that he thought by this means to ingratiate himself with his father, and so to get another and a better blessing. But, alas! he mends one fault by committing another, and taking a third wife, when he had one too many before. read more
Jacob receives Isaac’s blessing (26:34-28:9)The custom in ancient times was for the father of the household to confirm the birthright on his firstborn son by giving his special blessing just before he died. People considered this blessing to be more than just a promise; they saw it as a prophecy that carried God’s favour. Isaac knew that God’s will was for Jacob, not Esau, to receive the firstborn’s blessing (see 25:23). Yet he was determined to give the blessing to Esau, even though Esau, by... read more
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton , emphasizing (verses: Genesis 28:6-8 ) the effort of Esau to note what would please his parents. Canaan. Compare Genesis 24:3 , and remember who these Canaanites were. See note on Genesis 12:6 . read more
pleased not. Compare Genesis 26:35 . read more
Mahalath. She had a second name, Bashemath, See Genesis 36:3 . read more
"Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram; to take a wife from thence; and as he blessed him, he gave him charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Paddan-aram: and Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; and Esau went unto Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of... read more
Genesis 28:9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael— That is, to the country or family of Ishmael: see ch. Genesis 36:3. Ishmael himself had now been dead several years. Esau began now to see his rash choice, and fain would mend it by a match more to his father's mind: in order to which he takes a daughter of Ishmael; and thus, instead of mending the matter, he, if possible, but more confirmed the exclusion of his seed from the grand promise, for the bond-woman had been solemnly cast out and rejected.... read more
6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, &c.—Desirous to humor his parents and, if possible, get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Matthew 25:10), and hoped by gratifying his parents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which God had rejected. It showed a partial reformation, but no repentance, for he gave no proofs of... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 28:1-22
- Jacob’s Journey to Haran3. קהל qâhāl, “congregation.”9. מחלת māchălat, Machalath, “sickness, or a harp.”19. לוּז lûz, Luz, “almond.”The blessing of his sons was the last passage in the active life of Isaac, after which he retires from the scene. Jacob now becomes the leading figure in the sacred history. His spiritual character has yet come out to view. But even now we can discern the general distinction in the lives of the three patriarchs. Abraham’s is a life of authority and decision;... read more