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The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917], at sacred-texts.com


Genesis Chapter 46

Genesis 46:3

gen 46:3

I am God

It is important to distinguish between the directive and the permissive will of God. In the first sense the place for the covenant family was Canaan (Gen 26:1-5); (Gen 46:3) is a touching instance of the permissive will of God. Jacob's family, broken, and in part already in Egypt, the tenderness of Jehovah would not forbid the aged patriarch to follow. God will take up His people and, so far as possible, bless them, even when they are out of His best. In Israel's choice of a king (Sa1 8:7-9) in the turning back from Kadesh (Deu 1:19-22) in the sending of the spies; in the case of Balaam -- illustrations of this principle are seen. It is needless to say that God's permissive will never extends to things morally wrong. The highest blessing is ever found in obedience to His directive will.

Genesis 46:26

gen 46:26

All the souls

(Cf) (Gen 46:27). A discrepancy has been imagined. The "souls" that came with Jacob" were 66. The "souls of the house of Jacob" (Gen 46:27) that is, The entire Jacobean family) were 70, namely, The 66 which came with Jacob, Joseph and his two sons, already in Egypt = 69; Jacob himself = 70.

(See Scofield) - (Act 7:14).


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