Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

Whilst beau was settled in Idumea, Jacob continued, like his father, a sojourner in Canaan, haring settled In a valley near Ilebron. Many events occurred which are not noticed in the preceding part of sacred history, some of which may be considered as appertaining to the family concerns more particularly.

V. is free. H. P. "They hated him yet the more for his dreams and for his words."

The distance of the vale of Hebron, where Jacob then dwelt, from Sichem, is calcnlated at thirty or thirty-five leagues. It was usual to take the flocks to pasture to a great distance. Joseph promptly goes in search of his brothers, having no apprehension of danger at their hands.

This was a providential occurrence. Juda relented in some degree, and proposed that he should be sold as a slave, that their hands might not be imbued with his blood.

The region of the departed is properly understood by this term ; but as hell now presents a different idea, I hare adopted P., although not fully expressing its force. Jacob is inconsolable : he is resolved to mourn over his loved son to the last

Dothain was about twelve miles from Samaria. Joseph pursues his journey, determined to find them out, that he may report to his father. u Jealousy, at first trifling, gradually disposed their hearts for the awful crime of fratricide.

Ruben probably withdrew from the place in the hope of leading his brothers away from it, and affording some chance for escape, or rescue. On his return he feared he had been made away with, and felt that on himself especially, as the eldest son. the responsibility devolved of accounting to bis father.