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Commentary on Genesis 49 verses 22–27
He closes with the blessings of his best beloved sons, Joseph and Benjamin; with these he will breathe his last.
I. The blessing of Joseph, which is very large and full. He is compared (Gen 49:22) to a fruitful bouth, or young tree; for God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction; he owned it. Gen 41:52. His two sons were as branches of a vine, or other spreading plant, running over the wall. Note, God can make those fruitful, great comforts to themselves and others, who have been looked upon as dry and withered. More is recorded in the history concerning Joseph than concerning any other of Jacob's sons; and therefore what Jacob says of him is historical as well as prophetical. Observe,
1.The providences of God concerning Joseph, Gen 49:23, Gen 49:24. These are mentioned to the glory of God, and for the encouragement of Jacob's faith and hope, that God had blessings in store for his seed. Here observe (1.) Joseph's straits and troubles, Gen 49:23. Though he now lived at ease and in honour, Jacob reminds him of the difficulties he had formerly waded through. He had had many enemies, here called archers, being skilful to do mischief, masters of their art of persecution. They hated him: there persecution begins. They shot their poisonous darts at him, and thus they sorely grieved him. His brethren, in his father's house, were very spiteful towards him, mocked him, stripped him, threatened him, sold him, thought they had been the death of him. His mistress, in the house of Potiphar, sorely grieved him, and shot at him, when she impudently assaulted his chastity (temptations are fiery darts, thorns in the flesh, sorely grievous to gracious souls); when she prevailed not in this, she hated him, and shot at him by her false accusations, arrows against which there is little fence but the hold God has in the consciences of the worst of men. Doubtless he had enemies in the court of Pharaoh, that envied his preferment, and sought to undermine him. (2.) Joseph's strength and support under all these troubles (Gen 49:24): His bow abode in strength, that is, his faith did not fail, but he kept his ground, and came off a conqueror. The arms of his hands were made strong, that is, his other graces did their part, his wisdom, courage, and patience, which are better than weapons of war. In short, he maintained both his integrity and his comfort through all his trials; he bore all his burdens with an invincible resolution, and did not sink under them, nor do any thing unbecoming him. (3.) The spring and fountain of this strength; it was by the hands of the mighty God, who was therefore able to strengthen him, and the God of Jacob, a God in covenant with him, and therefore engaged to help him. All our strength for the resisting of temptations, and the bearing of afflictions, comes from God: his grace is sufficient, and his strength is perfected in our weakness. (4.) The state of honour and usefulness to which he was subsequently advanced: Thence (from this strange method of providence) he became the shepherd and stone, the feeder and supporter, of God's Israel, Jacob and his family. Herein Joseph was a type, [1.] Of Christ; he was shot at and hated, but borne up under his sufferings (Isa 50:7-9), and was afterwards advanced to be the shepherd and stone. [2.] Of the church in general, and particular believers; hell shoots its arrows against the saints, but Heaven protects and strengthens them, and will crown them.
2.The promises of God to Joseph. See how these are connected with the former: Even by the God of thy father Jacob, who shall help thee, Gen 49:25. Note, Our experiences of God's power and goodness in strengthening us hitherto are our encouragements still to hope for help from him; he that has helped us will help: we may build much upon our Eben-ezers. See what Joseph may expect from the Almighty, even the God of his father. (1.) He shall help thee in difficulties and dangers which may yet be before thee, help thy seed in their wars. Joshua came from him, who commanded in chief in the wars of Canaan. (2.) He shall bless thee; and he only blesses indeed. Jacob prays for a blessing upon Joseph, but the God of Jacob commands the blessing. Observe the blessings conferred on Joseph. [1.] Various and abundant blessings: Blessings of heaven above (rain in its season, and fair weather in its season, and the benign influences of the heavenly bodies); blessings of the deep that lieth under this earth, which, compared with the upper world, is but a great deep, with subterraneous mines and springs. Spiritual blessings are blessings of heaven above, which we ought to desire and seek for in the first place, and to which we must give the preference; while temporal blessings, those of this earth, must lie under in our account and esteem. Blessings of the womb and the breasts are given when children are safely born and comfortably nursed. In the word of God, by which we are born again, and nourished up (Pe1 1:23; Pe1 2:2), there are to the new man blessings both of the womb and the breasts. [2.] Eminent and transcendent blessings, which prevail above the blessings of my progenitors, Gen 49:26. His father Isaac had but one blessing, and, when he had given that to Jacob, he was at a loss for a blessing to bestow upon Esau; but Jacob had a blessing for each of his twelve sons, and now, at the latter end, a copious one for Joseph. The great blessing entailed upon that family was increase, which did not so immediately and so signally follow the blessings which Abraham and Isaac gave to their sons as it followed the blessing which Jacob gave to his; for, soon after his death, they multiplied exceedingly. [3.] Durable and extensive blessings: Unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, including all the productions of the most fruitful hills, and lasting as long as they last, Isa 54:10. Note, the blessings of the everlasting God include the riches of the everlasting hills, and much more. Well, of these blessings it is here said, They shall be, so it is a promise, or, Let them be, so it is a prayer, on the head of Joseph, to which let them be as a crown to adorn it and a helmet to protect it. Joseph was separated from his brethren (so we read it) for a time; yet, as others read it, he was a Nazarite among his brethren, better and more excellent than they. Note, It is no new thing for the best men to meet with the worst usage, for Nazarites among their brethren to be cast out and separated from their brethren; but the blessing of God will make it up to them.
II. The blessing of Benjamin (Gen 49:27): He shall raven as a wolf; it is plain by this that Jacob was guided in what he said by a spirit of prophecy, and not by natural affection; else he would have spoken with more tenderness of his beloved son Benjamin, concerning whom he only foresees and foretels this, that his posterity should be a warlike tribe, strong and daring, and that they should enrich themselves with the spoils of their enemies - that they should be active and busy in the world, and a tribe as much feared by their neighbours as any other: In the morning, he shall devour the prey, which he seized and divided over night. Or, in the first times of Israel, they shall be noted for activity, though many of them left-handed, Jdg 3:15; Jdg 20:16. Ehud the second judge, and Saul the first king, were of this tribe; and so also in the last times Esther and Mordecai, by whom the enemies of the Jews were destroyed, were of this tribe. The Benjamites ravened like wolves when they desperately espoused the cause of the men of Gibeah, those men of Belial, Jdg 20:14. Blessed Paul was of this tribe (Rom 11:1; Phi 3:5); and he did, in the morning of his day, devour the prey as a persecutor, but, in the evening, divided the spoil as a preacher. Note, God can serve his own purposes by the different tempers of men; the deceived and the deceiver are his.
(Verse 22 and following) The son of Joseph grew up, the son of Joseph grown tall above the fountain of the daughter, walking with a composed stride on the wall. And they provoked him, and contended with him, and were angry against him, having arrows. He sat in the strength of his bow, and the chains of his hands were broken, from the hands of the mighty Jacob. From there will come the shepherd, the stone of Israel from the God of your father: and the rest. Because the Seventy Interpreters disagree in many places, we have expressed their interpretation as it is in Hebrew. And the meaning of the chapter is this: O Joseph, who is called thus because God has increased you for me, or because you will become greater among your brothers (for indeed Ephraim was the strongest of the tribe, as we read in the Books of Kings and Chronicles); O, I say, my son Joseph, who is so handsome that a crowd of Egyptian girls watches you from the walls, towers, and windows, your brothers envied you and provoked you to anger, wounded by arrows of envy and spears of jealousy. But you have set your bow and weapons of war in God, who is a mighty warrior; and your chains, with which your brothers bound you, have been loosed and broken by him, so that from your seed may be born Ephraim, strong and steadfast, like an unconquerable and unyielding stone, ruling over the ten tribes of Israel.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 49:23, embedded within Jacob's final prophetic blessings to his sons, offers a stark portrayal of the profound suffering and relentless animosity Joseph endured throughout his life. The vivid imagery of "archers" who "sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him" encapsulates the intense trials and malicious opposition he faced. This verse not only highlights the depth of Joseph's personal anguish but also implicitly sets the stage for God's extraordinary preservation and ultimate redemptive purpose, underscoring divine faithfulness amidst relentless human hostility.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal component of Jacob's extensive blessing upon Joseph, found in Genesis 49:22-26. The entire chapter, Genesis 49, records Jacob's dying prophetic pronouncements over each of his twelve sons, revealing their future destinies and the character of their tribes. Joseph's blessing is notably longer and more detailed than most, reflecting his unique role in preserving the family and his exemplary character. Verse 23 specifically serves as a poignant summary of the intense opposition Joseph faced in his early life, providing the backdrop against which the subsequent verses celebrate his fruitfulness, divine strength, and ultimate triumph. It highlights the adversity that preceded his exaltation, making the divine favor described later even more remarkable.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jacob's blessings occur at a critical juncture in the patriarchal narrative, as the family of Israel is poised to become a nation. These pronouncements carry significant weight, functioning as both prophecy and patriarchal testament in ancient Near Eastern culture. The family dynamics, including polygamy and favoritism, are crucial to understanding Joseph's initial suffering; his father's overt preference for him (symbolized by the coat of many colors) fueled his brothers' jealousy and hatred, leading to his sale into slavery (Genesis 37:28). The subsequent events in Egypt, including Potiphar's wife's false accusation (Genesis 39:19-20) and his unjust imprisonment, further illustrate the relentless nature of the "archers." In this cultural setting, a patriarch's dying words were considered binding and divinely inspired, shaping the identity and future of his descendants.
Key Themes: Genesis 49:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity, demonstrating that even the most malicious human actions cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes. Joseph's suffering, though unjust, was ultimately orchestrated by God for redemptive ends, as Joseph himself later declares in Genesis 50:20. The verse also highlights the Suffering of the Righteous, a recurring motif in Scripture where faithful individuals endure intense persecution, yet God sustains them. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of God's Faithfulness and Preservation, showing that despite relentless attacks, God was with Joseph, enabling him to endure and ultimately thrive, a truth echoed in Genesis 39:2-3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 49:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity of Joseph's suffering. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically the use of "the archers." This is not a literal group of bowmen but a vivid symbolic representation of all the adversaries and forces that opposed Joseph throughout his life. The image of archers suggests precision, malice, and a relentless pursuit to cause harm, effectively summarizing the betrayals, false accusations, and imprisonments he endured. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Parallelism and Repetition through the sequence of hostile verbs: "grieved," "shot," and "hated." This cumulative effect emphasizes the continuous, multi-faceted, and deeply personal nature of the attacks. The progression from emotional pain ("grieved") to direct assault ("shot") to the underlying motive ("hated") creates a powerful crescendo, highlighting the profound and pervasive animosity Joseph faced. The brevity and starkness of the language also contribute to its impact, making the suffering palpable for the reader.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:23 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that faithfulness to God does not exempt one from intense suffering, even from those closest to them. Joseph's experience serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand working through human malice for a greater redemptive purpose. Despite the deep bitterness and hatred he endured, God was consistently with him, transforming his trials into a pathway for the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of divine promises. This verse encapsulates the theological principle that God's plan is unthwartable, even when human agents act with the most malicious intentions.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:23 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers navigating adversity. Joseph's story reminds us that even those uniquely favored by God are not immune to profound suffering, betrayal, and hatred. When we feel "shot at" by circumstances, misunderstood, or unjustly treated, Joseph's experience provides a powerful model of resilience and faith. This verse calls us to recognize that our trials, however painful, are often part of a larger divine narrative. Like Joseph, our call is to persevere with integrity, trusting that God's presence and power are sufficient to sustain us through the bitterest experiences. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate pain and recognize that God can sovereignly redeem even the most malicious intentions for His ultimate good, demonstrating His prevailing hand over all human malice and fulfilling His grand design through our trials. Our ability to endure and even thrive amidst such opposition is a testament not to our own strength, but to the sustaining grace of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the archers" mentioned in Genesis 49:23?
Answer: "The archers" is a powerful metaphorical expression in Genesis 49:23. It does not refer to a specific group of literal bowmen but symbolizes the various adversaries and intense opposition Joseph faced throughout his life. This includes the deep-seated jealousy and hatred from his own brothers, who conspired against him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). It also encompasses the false accusations from Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:11-20) that led to his unjust imprisonment, and the forgetfulness of the chief cupbearer (Genesis 40:23) who left him in prison. The term emphasizes the skilled, relentless, and malicious nature of those who sought to harm him, highlighting the precision and intent behind their actions.
What is the meaning of "sorely grieved him"?
Answer: The phrase "sorely grieved him" translates the Hebrew verb mârar (H4843), which means "to make bitter" or "to embitter." It signifies a profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual affliction, indicating more than just physical harm. This word speaks directly to the deep sorrow, bitterness, and distress that Joseph experienced as a result of the repeated betrayals, injustices, and intense hatred directed toward him. It implies a deep internal wounding, a pervasive sense of suffering that permeated his soul, making his subsequent resilience and forgiveness all the more remarkable.
Does Joseph's experience here foreshadow future events or figures?
Answer: Yes, Joseph's experience in Genesis 49:23 serves as a significant foreshadowing or type of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was hated and rejected by His own people (John 1:11), suffered immensely at the hands of His adversaries (Isaiah 53:3-5), and was unjustly afflicted. Yet, through His suffering and death, followed by His resurrection and exaltation, Jesus became the ultimate deliverer and savior for all humanity (Philippians 2:8-11). Joseph's journey from rejection to saving his family mirrors Christ's journey from crucifixion to universal salvation, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of bringing good out of evil.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 49:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joseph, hated and persecuted by his own brethren, yet ultimately becoming the means of salvation for his family and many nations, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of Christ. Just as Joseph was "sorely grieved" and "shot at" by those who should have loved him, Jesus was rejected by His own people, enduring immense hatred and unjust suffering that culminated in His crucifixion (John 19:16-18). The "archers" against Joseph find their parallel in the relentless opposition Christ faced from religious leaders and the Roman authorities, who sought to destroy Him. Yet, through His suffering and death, followed by His glorious resurrection and exaltation (Acts 2:23-24), Christ became the ultimate deliverer, bringing eternal salvation not just to a family or nation, but to all who believe, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to turn the deepest malice into the greatest good (Romans 5:8). Joseph's story foreshadows the truth that God's chosen one must suffer before entering glory, a pattern perfectly fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:26).