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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 46:5–27.
Old Jacob is here flitting. Little did he think of ever leaving Canaan; he expected, no doubt, to die in his nest, and to leave his seed in actual possession of the promised land: but Providence orders it otherwise. Note, Those that think themselves well settled may yet be unsettled in a little time. Even old people, who think of no other removal than that to the grave (which Jacob had much upon his heart, Gen 37:35; Gen 42:38), sometimes live to see great changes in their family. It is good to be ready, not only for the grave, but for whatever may happen betwixt us and the grave. Observe, 1. How Jacob was conveyed; not in a chariot, though chariots were then used, but in a wagon, Gen 46:5. Jacob had the character of a plain man, who did not affect any thing stately or magnificent; his son rode in a chariot (Gen 41:43), but a wagon would serve him. 2. The removal of what he had with him. (1.) His effects (Gen 46:6), cattle and goods; these he took with him that he might not wholly be beholden to Pharaoh for a livelihood, and that it might not afterwards be said of them, "that they came beggars to Egypt." (2.) His family, all his seed, Gen 46:7. It is probable that they had continued to live together in common with their father; and therefore when he went they all went, which perhaps they were the more willing to do, because, though they had heard that the land of Canaan was promised them, yet, to this day, they had none of it in possession. We have here a particular account of the names of Jacob's family, his sons' sons, most of whom are afterwards mentioned as heads of houses in the several tribes. See Num 26:5, etc. Bishop Patrick observes that Issachar called his eldest son Tola, which signifies a worm, probably because when he was born he was a very little weak child, a worm, and no man, not likely to live; and yet there sprang from him a very numerous offspring, Ch1 7:2. Note, Living and dying do not go by probability. The whole number that went down into Egypt was sixty-six (Gen 46:26), to which add Joseph and his two sons, who were there before, and Jacob himself, the head of the family, and you have the number of seventy, Gen 46:27. The Septuagint makes them seventy-five, and Stephen follows them (Act 7:14), the reason of which we leave to the conjecture of the critics; but let us observe, [1.] Masters of families ought to take care of all under their charge, and to provide for those of their own house food convenient both for body and soul. When Jacob himself removed to a land of plenty, he would not leave any of his children behind him to starve in a barren land. [2.] Though the accomplishment of promises is always sure, yet it is often slow. It was now 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make of him a great nation (Gen 12:2); and yet that branch of his seed on which the promise was entailed had increased only to seventy, of which this particular account is kept, that the power of God in multiplying these seventy to so vast a multitude, even in Egypt, may appear the more illustrious. When God pleases, a little one shall become a thousand, Isa 60:22.
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Summary
Genesis 46:12 meticulously enumerates the sons of Judah—Er, Onan, Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah—while importantly noting the prior deaths of Er and Onan in the land of Canaan. The verse then concludes by specifying Pharez's own sons, Hezron and Hamul. This genealogical entry is a critical component of the broader record of Jacob's family migrating to Egypt, serving as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised lineage despite human sin and tragedy, thereby ensuring the continuity of the chosen people and the path for future redemptive history.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a comprehensive genealogical register found in Genesis 46:8-27, which meticulously lists the seventy descendants of Jacob who journeyed with him to Egypt. This detailed enumeration serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the multiplication of their offspring. The specific inclusion of Judah's family is particularly significant, as his lineage is destined to play a pivotal role in Israel's history, culminating in the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah. The parenthetical note regarding Er and Onan's deaths serves as a crucial cross-reference to the earlier narrative in Genesis 38, providing essential background for understanding the composition of Judah's household at this critical juncture.
Historical & Cultural Context
The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, prompted by a severe famine in Canaan, represents a pivotal moment in the early history of Israel. Genealogies were not merely lists of names but vital records that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliations, and covenant continuity in the ancient Near East. The careful recording of each family member, including those who had died, ensured the accuracy and completeness of the tribal records, which would be essential for future land divisions and social structures upon their return to Canaan. The mention of Er and Onan's deaths in Canaan highlights the cultural importance of levirate marriage, as their failure to produce heirs had significant implications for the family line and property rights, as detailed in Genesis 38:8-10.
Key Themes
Genesis 46:12 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. Foremost among them is the theme of Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment. Despite the challenges, moral failings, and tragedies within Jacob's family, God meticulously preserves and multiplies his descendants, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the covenant established with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. The verse also subtly touches upon Consequences of Sin, as the deaths of Er and Onan serve as a stark reminder of divine judgment for disobedience, a theme explored more fully in Genesis 38. Finally, the emphasis on Pharez's lineage, which will eventually lead to the Davidic dynasty and the Messiah, highlights the theme of God's Sovereign Providence in guiding human history toward His ultimate redemptive purposes, even through unexpected and often scandalous circumstances, as seen in Genesis 38:27-30.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a male offspring, but in its widest sense, it encompasses descendants, members of a family, tribe, or nation, and even those who embody a certain quality or condition. Here, it signifies the direct male progeny of Judah, who are foundational to the "building" of his family and, by extension, the tribe of Judah.
Meaning "celebrated" or "praised," Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He is a pivotal figure in the patriarchal narratives, whose tribe is prophesied to hold a position of leadership and from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend, as foretold in Genesis 49:10.
A primitive root meaning "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." In this context, it unequivocally denotes the physical cessation of life for Er and Onan, serving as a terse but potent reminder of the divine judgment previously meted out for their wickedness and disobedience as recorded in Genesis 38.
Verse Breakdown
"And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah:"
This clause introduces Judah's five biological sons, establishing the initial composition of his immediate family. It is a straightforward genealogical listing, typical of the ancient Near Eastern style, providing the names of the individuals who would form the foundational branches of the tribe of Judah.
"but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan."
This is a crucial parenthetical note that provides vital context. It explains why only three of Judah's five sons are actively contributing to the lineage that will enter Egypt. Their deaths in Canaan, as detailed in Genesis 38:7-10, were not natural but were acts of divine judgment due to their wickedness and disobedience, specifically Onan's refusal to fulfill his levirate duty. This detail underscores the moral accountability even within the covenant family.
"And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul."
This concluding clause highlights the continuation of Judah's line through Pharez, one of the twin sons born to Judah through Tamar (Genesis 38:27-30). The specific mention of Hezron and Hamul is highly significant, as they become the progenitors of two major clans within the tribe of Judah. Hezron, in particular, is a direct ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ, making this seemingly simple genealogical detail profoundly important for redemptive history.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. Genealogy is the primary literary form, serving not merely as a list but as a structured record emphasizing lineage, continuity, and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan" functions as a Parenthetical Note, providing essential background information without interrupting the flow of the broader genealogical list. This brief interjection serves as a powerful Ellipsis, referring implicitly to the detailed and morally charged narrative of Genesis 38, which the informed reader is expected to recall. Furthermore, the naming of Pharez, whose name means "breakthrough" or "breach," and the subsequent listing of his sons, Hezron and Hamul, carries Symbolism and Foreshadowing. Pharez's unusual birth and his pivotal role in continuing the lineage symbolically represent God's ability to "break through" human sin and tragedy to fulfill His divine purposes, foreshadowing the Messianic line that would emerge from him.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 46:12, though a simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous preservation of the covenant lineage, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human sin, tragedy, and unconventional circumstances. The explicit mention of Er and Onan's deaths serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the reality of divine judgment, even within the chosen family. Yet, the continuation of Judah's line through Pharez, born under scandalous circumstances, highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to work through and redeem human failings to achieve His overarching redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the Messianic promise.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 46:12 offers profound insights beyond a mere list of names. It reminds us that God's grand plans are never thwarted by human sin, tragedy, or even death. He sovereignly works through all circumstances, no matter how difficult or scandalous, to fulfill His covenant promises. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and the reality of consequences, even within the context of God's overarching grace and purpose. It also highlights God's meticulous care in preserving a lineage that ultimately brought forth the Savior, Jesus Christ, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations and His unwavering commitment to His people. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or when human failings are prominent, knowing that He is always working to accomplish His good and perfect will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are Er and Onan mentioned as having died in Canaan in this genealogical list?
The mention of Er and Onan's deaths in Genesis 46:12 serves as a crucial contextual note, reminding the reader of the events detailed in Genesis 38. It explains why these two sons of Judah are listed but do not contribute to the ongoing lineage that enters Egypt with Jacob. Their deaths were a direct result of divine judgment for their wickedness (Er, as stated in Genesis 38:7) and Onan's refusal to fulfill his levirate duty to his deceased brother (as described in Genesis 38:9-10). This detail underscores the serious consequences of sin even within the covenant family and provides a complete picture of Judah's household at this time.
What is the significance of Pharez in this lineage?
Pharez is highly significant because he is the son through whom the Messianic line of Judah continues, leading directly to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. His name, meaning "breakthrough" or "breach," is prophetic of his unusual birth, which occurred when he "broke forth" before his twin brother Zerah (Genesis 38:29). Despite the scandalous circumstances of his conception through Tamar, his mother, God sovereignly used this event to ensure the continuation of the vital lineage. Pharez's descendants, Hezron and Hamul, became foundational clans within the tribe of Judah, with Hezron being a direct ancestor of David, as recorded in Ruth 4:18-22, and subsequently of Jesus, as seen in Matthew 1:3. Thus, Pharez represents a critical link in God's redemptive plan.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 46:12, with its meticulous listing of Judah's sons and the specific focus on Pharez's lineage, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preservation of Judah's line, despite the moral failures of Judah himself and the tragic deaths of Er and Onan, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Pharez, whose name means "breakthrough," prophetically points to Christ, the ultimate "breakthrough" for humanity, who breaks the power of sin and death. The inclusion of Hezron and Hamul, direct ancestors of King David (Ruth 4:18-22), highlights God's sovereign hand in meticulously preserving the royal line from which the Messiah would come. Jesus, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5), is the culmination of this divinely preserved lineage, fulfilling all Old Testament prophecies and bringing salvation to all who believe. His birth from this very family, as recorded in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, underscores God's perfect plan to bring forth the Savior through human history, even through its most complex and challenging chapters.