Genesis 37

2 the generations of Jacob. Or, “the family history of Jacob,” now the head of the chosen race.—Joseph. The history of Joseph may be viewed (1) historically, in relation to the Israelitish nation; (2) personally, as a type of providential disposition, by which the elect are guided from humiliation to triumph, from sorrow to joy;

(3) prophetically, as offering analogies to the life of our Lord; and (4) morally, as showing how God may bring good out of evil.

3 colours. Some render this “a dress of [many] pieces,” or, “a long garment with sleeves” (R.V. marg.). It was probably a dress reaching to the wrists and ankles, suitable for persons exempt from labour.

5 a dream. Significant dreams sent by God; hastening their own fulfilment by the malice they excited. For other dreams with significance, see xx. 3-7; xxxi. 24; Matt. i. 20, ii. 12, xxvii. 19.

10 to the earth. The first dream relates to Joseph’s brethren, and seems to imply greater wealth; the second includes his parents, and points to higher dignity.

14 brethren. The remembrance of the massacre at Shechem by the sons of Jacob may have made their father anxious.—Shechem. About fifty miles from Hebron. Dothan was probably about twelve or fifteen miles farther.

20 pit. These water holes were generally in part natural, but were often further excavated, so as to be wide at the bottom, though narrow at the mouth. Empty cisterns were often used as prisons: see Jer. xxxviii. 6; xl. 15.

25. Ishmeelites. In ver. 28, “Midianites” are mentioned; and these two nations are found united against Israel (Judges viii. 22, 24). Both were descendants of Abraham, the one people by Hagar, the other by Keturah.—myrrh. See the presents to Joseph (xliii. 11). Although this event occurred more than 3,500 years ago, we have all the features of a caravan crossing the desert at the present day.

26. Judah. Reuben and Judah, though otherwise very faulty, here contrast favourably with their brothers Simeon and Levi. In the massacre of the Shechemites the latter stood alone, or at least took the lead, although the former were as closely related to Dinah. See on xliii. 3.

28 twenty pieces of silver. Probably shekels, and if so, equivalent to about $15 in our money. This, however, does not decide the money value. The same sum is specified in Lev. xxvii. 5, as the redemption price of a youth between five and twenty years of age.

29 rent his clothes. A frequent sign of mourning in the East; the outer or inner garment, or both, being torn down the front, from the neck to the girdle (cp. Job i. 20).

32 the blood. This was not the first time in Jacob’s experience when a “kid of the goats” had been killed in order to deceive (xxvii. 9). By such coincidences God sometimes fixes attention on His law of retribution.

34 sackcloth. Another token of grief, used also by persons professing disregard for bodily comfort (Isa. xx. 2).

35 the grave. Rather, “Sheol,” (Greek, “Hades”): the place of the departed; the first occurrence of the word in Scripture.

36. Egypt. Familiar even to modern times as a mart for slaves.—officer. Heb., “eunuch”; but the word signifies also chamberlain, courtier, or officer.—guard. Heb., “chief of the slaughtermen,” or “executioners”; “governor of the prison” (Moffatt).