CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 30:1. Give me children, or else I die.] Heb. “If none, I am a dead woman.” As to the raising up of seed, I shall be as good as dead. An old Jewish proverb says, “The childless are but as the lifeless. GENESIS 30:6. DAN.] Judging. The word is to be understood in a good sens... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 30:14. Mandrakes.] “The mandrake is universally distributed in all parts of Palestine, and its fruit is much valued by the natives, who still hold to the belief, as old as the time of Rachel, that when eaten it ensures conception. Wheat harvest is the period of its ripening... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 30:23. My reproach.] That is, the reproach of my barrenness. (See Luke 1:25; 1 Samuel 1:6; Isaiah 4:1, Isaiah 4:1.)— GENESIS 30:24. JOSEPH.] “Adding,” or, “he will add.” It may also be rendered in the form of a prayer, “May the Lord add another.” Thus it would be a prophet... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 30:27. I have learned by experience.] This verb is taken from a noun, which means a serpent. It seems to have such a meaning as, “to ascertain by means of a close, subtle, and insidious inspection.” Alford says that the word literally means, “I have used divination, I have... [ Continue Reading ]