Genesis 49:24

His bow abode in strength. — The word for strength is highly poetical. It means that which goes on for ever, like the flowing streams or the eternal hills. In spite of all the machinations of his enemies, the bow of Joseph remained constant and enduring in its might.

Were made strong. — The Hebrew word is difficult, but more probably means, were pliant, supple, such as the arms of an archer ought to be.

From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel. — The Jewish commentators understand “from thence” of Joseph, who had become the ruler and protector of Israel. But “from thence” answers in the parallelism to from the hands of. Fully it would be, from thence where dwells the Shepherd, &c, that is, — Joseph’s triumph came from God, who is the Shepherd (or Ruler) and the Rock of Israel.