Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. These are the names] Though this book is a continuation or the book of Genesis, with which probably it was in former times conjoined, Moses thought it necessary to introduce it with an account of the names and number of the family of Jacob when they came to Egypt, to show that though they were then very few, yet in a short time, under the especial blessing of God, they had multiplied exceedingly; and thus the promise to Abraham had been literally fulfilled. See the notes on Genesis xlvi.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - During more than 200 years, while Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived a liberty, the Hebrews increased slowly; only about seventy persons wen down into Egypt. There, in about the same number of years, though unde cruel bondage, they became a large nation. This wonderful increase wa according to the promise long before made unto the fathers. Though the performance of God's promises is sometimes slow, it is always sure.
Original Hebrew ואלה428 שׁמות8034 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 הבאים935 מצרימה4714 את854 יעקב3290 אישׁ376 וביתו1004 באו׃935
