Genesis 46:2

_AND GOD SPAKE UNTO ISRAEL IN THE VISIONS OF THE NIGHT, AND SAID, JACOB, JACOB. AND HE SAID, HERE AM I._ God spake unto Israel. Here is a virtual renewal of the covenant, and an assurance of its blessings. Moreover, here is an answer on the chief subject of Jacob's prayer, and a removal of any doubt as to the course he was meditating. At first the prospect of paying a personal visit to Joseph had been viewed with unmingled joy. But, on calmer consideration, many difficulties appeared to lie in the way. He might remember the prophecy to Abraham, that his posterity was to be afflicted in Egypt, and also that his father had been expressly told not to go; he might fear one contamination of idolatry to his family, and their forgetfulness of the land of promise. These doubts were removed by the answer of the oracle, and an assurance given him of great and increasing prosperity....

2._And God spake unto Israel_. In this manner, God proves that the sacrifice of Jacob was acceptable to him, and again stretches out his hand to ratify anew his covenant. The vision by night availed for the purpose of giving greater dignity to the oracle. Jacob indeed, inasmuch as he was docile and ready to yield obedience to God, did not need to be impelled by force and terror; yet, because he was a man encompassed with flesh, it was profitable for him that he should be affected as with the glory of a present God, in order that the word might penetrate more effectually into his heart. It is, however, proper to recall to memory what I have said before, that the word was joined with it; because a silent vision would have profited little or nothing. We know that superstition eagerly snatches at mere spectres; by which means it presents God in a form of its own. But since no living image of...

1-4 Even as to those events and undertakings which appear most joyful, we should seek counsel, assistance, and a blessing from the Lord. Attending on his ordinances, and receiving the pledges of his covenant love, we expect his presence, and that peace which it confers. In all removals we should be reminded of our removal out of this world. Nothing can encourage us to fear no evil when passing through the valley of the shadow of death, but the presence of Christ....

- Jacob Goes Down to Egypt 9. פלוּא _pallû'_, Pallu, “distinguished.” חצרן _chetsrôn_, Chetsron, of the “court,” or “village.” כרמי _karmı̂y_, Karmi, “vine-dresser.” 10. ימוּאל _y__e__mû'êl_, Jemuel, “day of El.” ימין _yâmı̂yn_, Jamin, “right hand.” אהד _'ôhad_, Ohad, “joining together.” יכין _yâkı̂yn_, Jakin, “he shall establish.” צחר _tsôchar_, Tsochar, “whiteness.” 11. גרשׁון _gêr__e__shôn_, Gereshon, “expelling.” קהת _q__e__hâth_, Qe

EXPOSITION GENESIS 46:1 AND ISRAEL (as the head of the theocratic family) TOOK HIS JOURNEY—_literally, broke up, _sc. his encampment (cf. Genesis 12:9)—WITH ALL THAT HE HAD, AND CAME—from Hebron (Genesis 37:14)—TO BEERSHEBA,—where Abraham (Genesis 21:33) and Isaac (Genesis 26:25) had both sojourned for considerable periods, and erected altars to Jehovah—AND OFFERED SACRIFICES UNTO THE GOD (the Elohim) of his father Isa

AND GOD SPAKE UNTO ISRAEL IN THE VISIONS OF THE NIGHT,.... He appeared to Jacob as he lay upon his bed in the night season, and with an articulate voice spoke to him as follows: AND SAID, JACOB, JACOB: not "Israel", the more honourable name he had given him, but Jacob, putting him in mind of his former low estate; and doubling this name, either out of love and affection to him, as Jarchi intimates; or rather in order to awake him, at least to stir up his attention to what he was about to say to him: AND HE SAID, HERE [AM] I; signifying his readiness to hearken to him in what he should say to him, and to obey him in whatsoever he should command him....

CHAPTER 46 JACOB GOES DOWN TO EGYPT _ 1. Israel's departure and the vision (Genesis 46:1)_ 2. The journey and the arrival in Egypt (Genesis 46:5) 3. The offspring of the sons of Jacob (Genesis 46:8) 4. Israel meets Joseph (Genesis 46:28) 5. Joseph's directions concerning Pharaoh (Genesis 46:31 The whole family of Jacob, consisting of seventy souls, exclusive of the wives and the servants, came to Egypt. Once more God appears to Israel, but addresses him as Jacob. He gives him permission to go down to

GENESIS 46:1 TO GENESIS 47:12. JACOB AND HIS DESCENDANTS GO DOWN INTO EGYPT AND SETTLE IN GOSHEN. The list in Genesis 46:8 with the introductory verses Genesis 46:6 f. is from P, as are Genesis 47:5_ a_, Genesis 46:7. The rest is JE. To E belong Genesis 46:1 (in the main) and perhaps Genesis 47:12

Jacob at Beer-sheba 1. _Beer-sheba_ Cf. Genesis 21:31; Genesis 21:33; Genesis 26:33; Genesis 28:10. Jacob, in Genesis 37:14 (J), is described as dwelling at Hebron. _the God of his father Isaac_ For this reference to the God of the father, cf. Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:13; Ge

AND GOD SPAKE UNTO ISRAEL IN THE VISIONS OF THE NIGHT— Probably the next night after he had offered his sacrifices. Those who desire to keep up communion with God, shall find that it never fails on his side. If we speak to him as we ought, he will certainly answer us. God called him by his name, by his _old_ name, "Jacob, Jacob," to remind him of his low estate. Jacob, like one well acquainted with the visions of the Almighty, answers, "Here am I"—ready to receive orders....