Genesis 27:41-45

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 27:41

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him ,.... It being a better blessing than his; giving him a better country, and greater plenty of good things, a larger dominion, and even dominion over him and his seed; for as for the promise of the Messiah, and spiritual blessings, he seems to have no concern about them, only temporal ones: and Esau said in his heart ; within himself, but he did not long keep it there, but told somebody of it; or otherwise, how... 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 27:41

The days of mourning for my father are at hand - Such was the state of Isaac's health at that time, though he lived more than forty years afterwards, that his death was expected by all; and Esau thought that would be a favorable time for him to avenge himself on his brother Jacob, as, according to the custom of the times, the sons were always present at the burial of the father. Ishmael came from his own country to assist Isaac to bury Abraham; and both Jacob and Esau assisted in burying... 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

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