Verse 3
3. My firstborn, thou By this form of expression poetic emphasis is given to the direct address .
Beginning of my strength Allusion to the supposed superior vigour of the firstborn, as inheriting the full virile power of the father . Comp . Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36.
Excellence of dignity… power His excellence is his natural pre-eminence as firstborn; his dignity, (Hebrews, שׂאת , from נשׂא , to lift up,) is his elevation, or the rank to which he was thus entitled. The distinction between might, strength, and power in this verse, each representing a different Hebrew word, is this: Might and strength here denote physical energy and manly vigour, while power ( עז ) is used in the sense of authority, a right and prerogative of the firstborn . The powers and prerogatives naturally adhering to the firstborn, were, because of Reuben’s sins, transferred to Judah and Joseph .
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