Genesis 42:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 42:1-6

Though Jacob's sons were all married, and had families of their own, yet, it should seem, they were still incorporated in one society, under the conduct and presidency of their father Jacob. We have here, I. The orders he gave them to go and buy corn in Egypt, Gen. 42:1, 2. Observe, 1. The famine was grievous in the land of Canaan. It is observable that all the three patriarchs, to whom Canaan was the land of promise, met with famine in that land, which was not only to try their faith, whether... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 42:1

Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt ,.... That is, to be sold there, or otherwise it being there, unless it could be bought, would have been of no avail to foreigners; wherefore the Septuagint version is, that there was a sale F23 יבר πρασις Sept. "frumentum venale", Schmidt; so Ainsworth, and the Targum of Jonathan. there, a sale of corn; the word has the signification of "breaking" F24 "Fractio", Montanus, Munster, Piscator. in it, because that bread corn is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 42:1

Jacob saw that there was corn - That is, Jacob heard from the report of others that there was plenty in Egypt. The operations of one sense, in Hebrew, are often put for those of another. Before agriculture was properly known and practiced, famines were frequent; Canaan seems to have been peculiarly vexed by them. There was one in this land in the time of Abraham, Genesis 12:10 ; another in the days of Isaac, Genesis 26:1 ; and now a third in the time of Jacob. To this St. Stephen... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 42:1

Verse 1 1.Now when Jacob saw. Moses begins, in this chapter, to treat of the occasion which drew Jacob with his whole family into Egypt; and thus leaves it to us to consider by what hidden and unexpected methods God may perform whatever he has decreed. Though, therefore, the providence of God is in itself a labyrinth; yet when we connect the issue of things with their beginnings, that admirable method of operation shines clearly in our view, which is not generally acknowledged, only because it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 42:1

Now when Jacob saw —literally, and Jacob saw, i.e. perceived by the preparations of others for buying corn in Egypt (Lange), but more probably learnt by the report which others brought from. Egypt ( Genesis 42:2 )— that there was corn — שֶׁבֶר , either that which is broken, e.g. ground as in a mill, from שָׁבַר , to break in pieces, to shiver (Gesenius), or that which breaks forth, hence sprouts or geminates, from an unused root, שָׁבַר , to press out, to break forth (Furst),... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 42:1-2

Man's want and God's provision. The famine was part of God's plan to carry out his promise to Abraham ( Genesis 15:13 , Genesis 15:14 ). But it is not merely a fact in the historical preparation for what he was bringing to pass; a link in the chain of events leading on to Christ. We must look upon it as part of a series of types foreshadowing gospel truths. The famine was a step towards the promised possession, and has its counterpart in the work of the Holy Spirit. It represents the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 42:1-38

The first visit of Joseph's brethren to Egypt. I. THE JOURNEY TO EGYPT ( Genesis 42:1-5 ). 1. The famishing household . Although Canaan was the land of promise, and the family of Jacob the Church of God, yet neither was the one nor the other exempted from the pressure of that heavy famine which had fallen on all surrounding lands and peoples. It is not God's intention that his people should escape participating in the ills of life. Besides enabling them, collectively and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 42:1-38

God's trials of his people. The trial of Joseph is over. Now comes the trial of his brethren and of Jacob. The Spirit of God is at work in all their hearts. True men they were and yet sinful men. Before they can be made partakers of the blessing of Joseph they must pass through the fire. He who is appointed minister of grace to them is the instrument of their trials. Notice— I. The trial is one of CONSCIENCE . "We are verily guilty concerning our brother. "His blood is required."... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:1-38

- Joseph and Ten of His Brethren1. שׁבר sheber, “fragment, crumb, hence, grain.” בר bar “pure,” “winnowed,” hence, “corn” (grain).6. שׁליט shallı̂yṭ, “ruler, governor, hence,” Sultan. Not elsewhere found in the Pentateuch.25. כלי kelı̂y, “vessel,” here any portable article in which grain may be conveyed. שׂק śaq, “sack,” the very word which remains in our language to this day. אמתחת 'amtachath “bag.”Twenty years, the period of Joseph’s long and anxious waiting, have come to an end. The dreams... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 42:1-2

Genesis 42:1-2 . When Jacob saw That is, heard, as the word is used, Exodus 20:18; or saw the corn which his neighbours had bought there and brought home. Why look ye one upon another? As careless and helpless persons, each one expecting relief from the other; but none offering either counsel or help for the subsistence of all. Go down thither Masters of families must not only pray for daily bread for their families, but must, with care and industry, endeavour to provide it. read more

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