Annotations on the Pentateuch, Psalms, Song of Songs, Biblical commentary 1 · Chapter 30
CHAP. XXX.
1. Rachel in griefe for her barrennesse, giveth Bilhah her mayd unto Iakob. 5. Bilhah beareth Dan and Naphtali. 9. Leah giveth him Zilpah her mayd, who beareth Gad and Asher. 14. Reuben findeth Mandrakes, with which Leah hireth her husband of Rachel. 17. Leah beareth Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. 22. Rachel beareth Ioseph. 25. Iakob desireth to depart. 27. Laban stayeth him, on a new covenant. 37. Iakobs policie, whereby he became rich.
ANd Rachel saw, that she did not bearechildren unto Iakob; and Rachel envied her sister: and she said unto Iakob, Give me sonnes; or else, I dye. And Iakobs anger was kindled, against Rachel: and he sayd, am I in Gods stead, who hath with-held from thee, the fruit of the wombe? And she said; Behold my handmaid Bilhah, goe in unto her: and shee shall beare, upon my knees; and I also, shall bee builded by her. And shee gave unto him, Bilhah her handmayd, to wife: and Iakob went in, unto her. And Bilhah conceived, and bare unto Iakob, a son. And Rachel sayd, God hath judged me; and hath also heard my voice, and hath given unto me a sonne: therefore, called she his name, Dan. And Bilhah, Rachels hand maid, conceived againe; and bare, a second son, unto Iakob. And Rachel said, wrastlings of God, have I wrastled with my sister, I have also preuailed: and she called his name Naphtali. And Leah saw, that shee had stayed from bearing: and shee tooke, Zilpah her handmaid; and gave her unto Iakob, to wife. And Zilpah, Leahs handmayd, did beare unto Iakob, a sonne. And Leah said; With a troupe: and shee called his name, Gad. And Zilpah, Leahs hand-maid, did beare, a second son, unto Iakob. And Leah said, With my blessednesse, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name, Aser.
And Reuben went, in the daies of wheat haruest; and found Mandrakes, in the field; and brought them, unto his mother Leah: and Rachel sayd unto Leah; Give mee I pray thee, of thy sonnes Mandrakes. And she sayd unto her; Is it a small-matter, that thou hast taken my husband; and wouldest thou take, my sonnes Mandrakes also? And Rachel sayd, therefore he shall lye with thee to night, for thy sons Mandrakes. And Iakob came out of the field, in the evening; and Leah went-out to meet him; & shee said, thou shalt come in unto me; for hiring I have hired thee, with my sons Mandrakes: And he lay with her that night. And God heard Leah: and she conceiued, and bare unto Iakob, the fift son. And Leah sayd, God hath giuen me my hire, for that I gave my hand-maid, to my husband: and shee called his name, Issachar. And Leah conceived again: and she bare the sixt son unto Iakob. And Leah sayd, God hath endowed mee with a good dowrie: now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne unto him sixe sonnes; and shee called his name, Zebulun. And afterward, she bare a daughter: and she called her name, Dinah. And God remembred Rachel: and God heard her, and opened her wombe. And she conceived, and bare a son: and said, God hath gathered away, my reproach. And she called his name, Ioseph; saying: Iehovah will adde to mee, another son. And it was, when Rachel had borne Ioseph: that Iakob said unto Laban; Send me away, and let mee goe; unto my place, and to my land. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I hauehave served thee, and let me goe: for thou knowest, my service which I have served thee. And Laban sayd unto him; I pray thee if I hauehave found grace, in thine eyes: I hauehave learnedby-experience, that Iehovah hath blessed me, for thy sake. And he said, Expresly name thy wages unto me, and I will give it. And he said unto him; Thou knowest, how I have served thee: and how thy cattell hath been, with me. For it was little, which thou haddest before me, and it is encreased to a multitude; and Iehovah hath blessed thee, at my foot: and now, when shall I also do, for my owne house? And he said, what shall I give unto thee? And Iakob said, thou shalt not give unto mee any thing; if thou wilt doe for me this thing, I will turne againe, I will feed thy flocke, I will keepe them. I will passe through all thy flocke, to day; remoueing from thence, every lambe speckled and spotted; and every brown lambe, among the sheepe; and the spotted and speckled, among the goats: and it shall be my wages. And my justice shall answer for me, in time to come; when it shall come for my wages, before thy face: every-one that is not speckled and spotted amongst the goats, and browne amongst the sheepe; that (shall bee counted) stolne, with me. And Laban said, behold; I would, it might bee according to thy word. And he removed in that day, the hee-goates that were ring-straked and spotted; and all the she goates, that were speckled and spotted; every-one that had some white in it, and every browne one, amongst the sheepe: and he gave-them, into the hand of his sonnes. And he set three daies way, betwixt him selfe and Iakob: and Iakob, fed the rest of Labans flocks. And Iakob tooke unto him, the rods of green white-poplar, and of nut-tree and of plantane-tree; and pilled in them white strakes, with making bare the white, which was on the rods. And he set, the rods which he had pilled; in the gutters, in the troughes of waters. when the flocks came to drinke, before the flocks; that they might conceive, when they came to drinke. And the flockes conceived, before the rods: and the flockes brought forth, ring straked, speckled, and spotted-ones. And the lambs, Iakob separated, and gave the faces of the cattell, toward the ring-straked, and all the browne, among the cattell of Laban: and hee put his owne flockes by themselves-alone; and put them not, unto Labans cattell. And it was, whensoever the lustie cattell conceived, then Iakob put the rods before the eyes of the cattell, in the gutters: that they might conceive among the rods. And when the cattell were feeble, he put them not: so the feeble, were Labans; and the lustie, Iakobs. And the man encreased, most exceedingly: and hee had many flocks, and women-servants, and men-servants, and camels, and asses.
Annotations.
ENvied,] One word in the originall, is for envie. zeale, and jealousie; taken somtime in the good part, somtime in the evill, as in this place. It is a stronger affection then wrath or anger, Pro. 27. 4. & a work of the flesh, Gal. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 3. sons] some son, or child. or else I dye] or, and if not, I am a dead woman. The like phrase was before in Gen. 20. 3. Through fretfulnes & impatience, she should kill her selfe; fot envie is the rottennesse of the bones, Prov. 14. 30. whereas she ought to have sought unto the Lord, as did Isaak, Gen. 25. 21.
Ver. 2. in Gods stead] who only can give children: 1 Sa. 2. 5. 6. Ps. 113. 9. & 127. 3. So the Chaldee paraphraseth, Askest thou (sons) of me? shouldest thou not not aske thē of the Lord? fruit] that is, as the Chaldee expoundeth, the child of thy bowels. So al child…ē are called the fruit of the womb, Deut. 7. 13. Ps. 127. 3 even Christ himself, according to the flesh, Lu 1. 42
Ver. 3. and she shal] or, that she may bear. upon my knees] meaning, children that might be brought up & nused on her knees, as her own; so Gen. 50. 23. Hereupon she calleth Bilhahs children, hers: v. 6. shalbe builded] that is, shal have children, as the Gr. translateth. See Gen. 16. 2. where the like was spoken by Sarah.
V. 4. to wife] or, for a wife. The like is said of Agar, who yet was but a secondary wife, or concubine: see Gen. 16. 3. & 22. 23. So this Bilhah (or Balla, as the Greek writeth her,) is called a concubine, Gen. 35. 22. The like is to be minded for Zilpah, in vers. 9.
Ver. 6. judged] This word, when it respecteth the godly, sometime meaneth chastisement, and affliction for sin, 1. Cor. 11. 32. somtime deliverance out of their affliction, as 1 Sa. 24. 15. 2 Sam. 18. 19. Both may be implyed here. heard my voice,] received my prayer, saith the Chaldee paraphrase: so in v. 17. and 22. By this it appeareth that faith & vertues, were mixed together with the infirmities of these holy persons. So after in v. 17. Dan] that is by interpretation, Iudging: so named of Gods judging, that is, helping, & delivering her. Afterward his name is applyed to the Iudging, that should be among his children, Gen. 49. 16.
V. 8 Wrastlings of God] that is, divine & vehement wrastlings, very great and earnest endevours both with God in prayer, and by all other meanes that she could; as wrastling is a writhing & turning every way to prevaile by might or slight. The name of God, is added to things for excellency sake: see Gē. 23. 6. The Greek translateth it, God hath holpen me, & I have beene compared with my sister; the Chaldee addeth, God hath received my request; when I supplicated in my prayer, I desired that I might have a son, as my sister; and it is granted me. Naphtali] or as the Greek writeth it, Nephthal…im: Rev. 7. 6. by interpretation, Wrastler, or, son of My wrastling.
Vers. 11. with a troup] or, a troupe is come: for here is a double reading, in the Hebrew margine it is written ba Gad, a troupe is come, which in the text is one word bagad, that is, in (or with) a troup: so after in v. 13. beasri, in (or with) my blessednes. And so the Greek translates it, In, or with; but the Chaldee turneth it is come. Gad signifieth a troup, or band of men, and to this interpretation Iakob after doth allude, Gen. 49. 19. How be it the Greek translates it, with good lucke (or fortune) Fortunately. And in Arabik, the planet Iupiter, is called Gad. Gad] that is, a troup or host: after the Greek, Luck, or fortune. This word is used in Esa. 65. 11. that prepare a table for the troup: there the Chaldee translateth it Idols: for it meaneth the host of heaven, or planets.
Ver. 13. with my blessednes] or In my happinesse: that is, as the Greeke explaineth it, O blessed (or happy) am I: meaning that this child was both with her felicity. The Chaldee translateth it, I have praise (or commendation.) daughters] that is, as the Greek translateth it, women: so in Prov. 31. 29. Song. 6. 8. And the Chaldee, women will praise me. call me blessed] or count me happy. This phrase the Virgin Mary useth, Luk. 1. 48. see also Song. 6. 8. Aser] or Asher, that is, Blessed, happy: or making blessed.
Vers. 14 Mandrakes] in Hebrew Dudaim, which signifieth lovely or amiable: the Greeke translateth them apples of Mandragoras, (or Mandrake-apples:) the Chaldee also calleth them Iabrochin, that is, Mandrakes, which name is borrowed from the Arabicke. They were such things as gave a smell, Song. 7. 13. Whether they were those that wee now call Mandrakes, is uncertain. The name is not found in Scripture, but in this history, and in Song 7. 13. there the Chaldee paraphrase calls it Balsa.
Vers. 15. Is it small] the Greeke translateth, Is it not enough? These contentions were not meerly carnall, but partly also for desire of Gods ordinary blessing, in propagation; and chiefly for the increase of the Church, and obtaining the promised seed for salvation.
Vers. 17. heard Leah] the Chaldee saith, received her prayer: so vers 6 and 22. Gods providence and goodnesse is here admirable, that he should regard, and in his booke record such things as these; about childish works, and womens contentions for their husband: unto which notwithstanding the Lord abase…h himselfe, (passing by the heroicall acts of the world,) and preacheth his grace, (in the middest of all humane infirmities;) to those that in faith doe call upon him.
V. 18 Issachar] …he G…e ke addeth the interpretation, Issachar, that is; Hire. It is written with the letters Issaschar, but by the vowels Issachar, one S not pronounced, which is not usuall. Sachar signifie…h Hire or wage: whereof he had the name. But in that she counteth her sonne a reward from God, for giving her maid to her husband; it seemeth to be her error.
Vers. 20. endowed] or, given me a good gift, as the Greeke translateth. Zebulun] o…, as the holy Ghost writeth it in Greeke Zabulon; that is by interpretation, Dwelling.
Vers. 21. Dinah] that is, Iudgement; in Greeke Deina.
Vers. 22. remembred] that is, shewed care, and help: for Gen 8. 1. The Chaldee translateth, the remembrance of Rachel came before God, and hee receiued her prayer. So in 1 Sam. 1. 19. 20. the Lord remembred Hannah. opened] that is, as the Chaldee expoundeth it, gave her conception. So in Gen. 29. 31.
Vers. 23. gathered] or taken away my reproach, meaning her barrennesse; which was a reproach among men, Luke 1. 25. 1 Sam. 1. 6. Esay 4. 1.
Vers. 24. Ioseph] that is, He will adde: or, adding. Sometime he is written Iehoseph, as in Psal. 81. 6. and so it was graven on Aarons Brestplate, Exod. 28. The like is in the writing of other names, as Ionathan, 1 Chron. 10. 2. or Iehonathan, 1 Sam. 31. 2. Ioash, 2 Chron. 24. 1. or Iehoash, 2 King. 12. 1. and sundrie the like. will adde] or prayerwise, be adde to me. The performance hereof, see in Gen. …. 17. Hereby her saith appeareth. The Hebrew …ors observe, that she said not other sonnes, for she know that there should be but twelve tribes; and she …yed that the some sonne might be of her: R. Menachem on Gen. 30.
Vers. 25. to my land] or country, meaning Canaan, …om…ed to him, Gen. 28. 13. whither by faith he would returne, and dwell in it, expecting the blessing of God, as Gen. 26. 3. Heb. 11. 9. So in Ier. 51. 9.
Vers. 27. grace] or, favour in thy eyes: an unperfect speech meaning. tary I pray thee See the notes before on Gen. 11. 4. and 13. 9. and 23 13.
Verse 28. Expresly-name] or, Nominate plainly, appoint: The Greeke saith, distinguish; that is, distinctly name.
Vers. 30. before me] that is, before my comming: so Gen. 32. 3. and 46. 28. encreased] Hebrew, broken forth: that is, increased, and spred-abroad suddenly: so vers. 43. and Gen. 28. 14. The Greeke here translateth it, encreased. at my foot] that is, since my comming, and by my travell and service. So the foot is used to signifie laborious service, Deut. 11. 10. and the comming or presence of any, Hab. 3. 5 The Chaldee translateth it as before in vers. 27. for my sake. doe] that is, provide, labour, prepare, &c. for my owne family? which he that doth not, is worse then an Infidel, 1 Tim. 5. 8. The Greeke translateth, make my selfe and house?
Vers. 31. any thing] that is, any certaine wage, or stinted hire, of Labans gift. He chose rather to depend on Gods providence. will turne againe, will feed, &c.] that is, as the Greeke explaineth it, I will againe feed thy sheepe, and keepe them.
Vers. 32. removing] or, remove thou: and so the Greeke translateth, separate thou. it shall be] meaning, fu…h should bee his wage, namely, all that were borne so partie coloured after that time. And this choice depended upon Gods blessing: for naturally the cattell would bring forth others like themselves, and so Iakobs part should be few. But by Gods extraordinary providence, it fel out otherwisee; see Gen. 31. 10. 12.
Vers. 33. my justice] that is, a just reward of my labours from the hand of God, on whom I depend, and just dealing in me, who shall be seene to keepe nothing but my owne. answer sor] or testifie for (or with me.) The contrary is in Esay 59. 12. our sinnes answer, (or testifie) against us. Answering is for witnessing in Exod. 20. 16. in time to come] that is, hereafter shortly: the Hebrew phrase is, in day to morrow: but to morrow is often used for hereafter, or time to come, Exod. 13. 14. Deut. 6. 20. Ios. 4. 6. Mat. 6. 34. as yesterday, is for time past, Gen. 31. 2. when it shall come] or, for it shall come; or, when thou shalt come (to looke) on my wages. The Greek translateth, for my wages is before thee.
Vers. 34. I would, it might be] or, I wish it, let it be: for the distinction seemeth to afford this sense. The Greek omitting the former, saith onelyonly, Let it be.
Vers. 36. way] that is, journey: so Gen. 31. 23. and often in the Scripture.
Vers. 37. rods] Heb. rod: as tree, for trees, Gen. 3. 2. greene] that is, m…ist: opposed to dry; and is not meant of colour. It may also bee referred to the rods. nut tree] in Hebrew Luz: some think it to be the hazell, others the almond tree: the Hebrew and Greeke are both generall, for any nut tree: and the word is not found for a tree, but in this one place. Elsewhere Luz, is the City Bethel, so named as seemeth of nut trees growing there, Gen. 28. 19. as elsewhere Iericho is called the Citie of Palme trees, 2 Chron. 28. 15. platane tree] or, playne tree: thus both the Greek and Chaldee doe interpret the Hebrew name gnarmon: some think it to be the chesnut tree. It was a faire tree, as appeareth by Ez k. 31 8.
Ver. 38. conceive] Heb. be in heat; whereby conception or engendering is meant, as the Greek plainly translateth. And these things Iakob did by the oracle of God, as appeareth by Gen. 31. 9. 10. 11. 12 by reason whereof, it was no more unlawfull for him to doe thus, then for his children to rob the Egyptians, Ex. 12. 35. 36. It was in recompence of his sore labors, Gen. 31. 38 40. and had not God provided this way for his recompense, Laban wold have sent Iakob away empty, Gen. 31. 42.
Vers. 39. ring-straked] with a round strake, or ring about their legs, as if they were tied about. The Greeke saith white: so in Gen. 31. 8.
Vers. 40. the lambs] which were so spotted and particoloured. vers. 39. gave] that is, set, or turned the faces of the sheep towards them, that by seeing them, they might conceive the like: as they did before, by seeing the pilled rods in the troughes.
Vers. 41. lusty] or strong. The Hebrew word signifieth bound together; which may be understood both of their bodies wel-set and trust together, and of their conspiring together the male and female for engendring. Which was at the beginning of the yeere, and therefore the Chaldee translateth it, the forward (or first borne.)
Vers. 42. feeble] or lateward, as the Chaldee also translateth it, or engendred late. It hath the signification of covering: and it may be understood, when they were thicke covered with wool, as towards the end of summer, when they are not so strong for generation.
Vers. 43. encreased] Hebrew brake forth: as v. 30. Gen. 28. 14. The Greeke here translateth it, wexed rich. exceedingly] or vehemently: doubling the word to inlarge the sense, as in Gen. 7. 19. Thus even in outward blessings, God kept his promise to Iakob, Gen. 28, 15. and delivered him from covetous Labans injuries, Gen. 31. 7. 42. enriched him with his substance, Gen. 31. 9. as elsewhere the Lord promiseth, that his people shall rob those that robbed them, and spoile those that spoiled them: Ezek. 39. 10. Of the things in this chapter, and other the like, the Hebrew Doctors give this commendation. Marvelous mysteries are in the histories of the holy law: that none is able to tell the praise of the excellencie thereof, and of the hid things of the same, yea even then, when histories are found in the Law, which may be thought unnecessarie and unprofitable. And when wee read in the law, wee blesse (God) for the histories; by which he hath planted eternall life amongst us, as by the ten Commandements, (Exod. 20.) For when a man removeth the veile of blindnesse from off his face, hee shall find in that worke, a mountaine of spices and of frankincense: neither hath the eye seene, ô God, besides thee: (Esa. 64. 4.) R. Menachem, on Gen. 30.