genesis-49:17-bsb

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:13-21

Here we have Jacob's prophecy concerning six of his sons. I. Concerning Zebulun (Gen. 49:13), that his posterity should have their lot upon the seacoast, and should be merchants, and mariners, and traders at sea. This was fulfilled when, two or three hundred years after, the land of Canaan was divided by lot, and the border of Zebulun went up towards the sea, Josh. 19:11. Had they chosen their lot themselves, or Joshua appointed it, we might have supposed it done with design to make Jacob's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:17

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path ,.... Or be like that sort of serpents called the adder; or rather, that which has the name of Cerastes, which lies among sand, and being of the same colour is not easily discerned, and is often trampled upon unawares, and bites at once, unexpected; as Bothart F8 Hierozoic. par. 2. l. 3. c. 12. col. 418, 419, 420. from various writers has shown; particularly Diodorus Siculus F9 Bibliothec. l. 3. p. 183. says, of this kind of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 49:17

Dan shall be a serpent - The original word is נחש nachash , and we have seen on Genesis 3 that this has a great variety of significations. It is probable that a serpent is here intended, but of what kind we know not; yet as the principal reference in the text is to guile, cunning, etc., the same creature may be intended as in Genesis 3. A cerastes upon the track - The word שפיפון shephiphon , which is nowhere else to be found in the Bible, is thus translated by the Vulgate, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33

The patriarchal blessing, or the last words of Jacob, I. THE SONS OF LEAH . 1. The blessing on Reuben . 2. The blessings on Simeon and Levi . It is only by a species of irony that the words pronounced on the authors of the Shechem massacre can be styled a blessing. 3. The blessing upon Judah . Recalling probably the part which his fourth son had played with reference to Benjamin, Jacob fervently declares that Judah should be— 4. The blessing on Zebulun .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33

Last words. Jacob's benediction on his sons was a prophetic treasure, to be kept in store by future generations, and a foundation on which much faith could afterwards be built.. It has been called "the last full bloom of patriarchal prophecy and theocratic promise." The central point, the blessing on the royal tribe of Judah. The corresponding eminence being given to Joseph. The Israel blessing to the one, the Jacob blessing to the other. In each case we distinguish— 1. The earthly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:16-18

Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. With a play upon his name, the firstborn son of Rachel's handmaid, Bilhah, is described as one who should occupy an important place and exercise highly beneficial functions in the future commonwealth, enjoying independence and self-government as one of the tribes of Israel (Herder, and others), and performing the office of an administrator among the People not of his own tribe merely, but also of all Israel, a prediction pointing... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 49:1-33

- Jacob Blesses His Sons5. מכרה mekêrāh, “weapon;” related: כיר kārar or כרה kārāh dig. “Device, design?” related: מכר mākar “sell,” in Arabic “take counsel. Habitation.”10. מחקק mechoqēq, “lawgiver, judge, dispenser of laws.” This word occurs in six other places - Numbers 21:18; Deuteronomy 33:21; Jud. Deuteronomy 5:14; Psalms 60:9; Psalms 108:9; Isaiah 33:22; in five of which it clearly denotes ruler, or judge. The meaning “sceptre” is therefore doubtful. שׁילה shı̂ylôh, Shiloh, a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 49:17

Genesis 49:17. An adder, שׁפיפון shepipon A cerastes, probably, or kind of horned serpent, of a subtle nature, which, according to Pliny, hides its whole body in the sand, showing only its horns to catch birds. This is intended to signify the subtlety of that tribe, which should conquer its enemies more by craft than by strength or force of arms, and by art, and policy, and surprise, gain advantages against them, like a serpent suddenly biting the heels of a traveller. “These words,” says... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:1-28

Blessings on Jacob’s twelve sons (49:1-28)The last words of Jacob to his sons found their fulfilment in the history of Israel’s twelve tribes (49:1-2). First Jacob dealt with the six sons of Leah (see v. 3-15), then with the four sons of the minor wives (see v. 16-21), and finally with the two sons of Rachel (see v. 22-27).Reuben should have been strong, but through lack of self-control he lost the leadership of the nation (3-4; cf. 35:22). Simeon and Levi had been violent, and their tribes... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 49:17

a serpent. Beguiling to idolatry. The first tribe to do so. See note on Judges 18:30 . Hence omitted in Revelation 7:4 (compare Deuteronomy 29:18-21 .Leviticus 24:10-16 ; 1 Kings 12:30 . 2 Kings 10:29 ). heels. Compare Genesis 3:15 .Jeremiah 8:16 , Jeremiah 8:17 . read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:13-21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 49:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:16-18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 49:1-33

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 49:17

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:1-28

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 49:17

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