Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. Fear not to go down into Egypt] It appears that there had been some doubts in the patriarch's mind relative to the propriety of this journey; he found, from the confession of his own sons, how little they were to be trusted. But every doubt is dispelled by this Divine manifestation. 1. He may go down confidently, no evil shall befall him. 2.
Even in Egypt the covenant shall be fulfilled, God will make of him there a great nation. 3. God himself will accompany him on his journey, be with him in the strange land, and even bring back his bones to rest with those of his fathers. 4. He shall see Joseph, and this same beloved son shall be with him in his last hours, and do the last kind office for him. Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. It is not likely that Jacob would have at all attempted to go down to Egypt, had he not received these assurances from God; and it is very likely that he offered his sacrifice merely to obtain this information. It was now a time of famine in Egypt, and God had forbidden his father Isaac to go down to Egypt when there was a famine there, chap. xxvi. 1-3; besides, he may have had some general intimation of the prophecy delivered to his grandfather Abraham, that his seed should be afflicted in Egypt, chap. xv. 13, 14; and he also knew that Canaan, not Egypt, was to be the inheritance of his family, chap. xii., &c. On all these accounts it was necessary to have the most explicit directions from God, before he should take such a journey.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - Even as to those events and undertakings which appear most joyful, we should seek counsel, assistance, and a blessing from the Lord Attending on his ordinances, and receiving the pledges of his covenan love, we expect his presence, and that peace which it confers. In all removals we should be reminded of our removal out of this world Nothing can encourage us to fear no evil when passing through the valley of the shadow of death, but the presence of Christ.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 אנכי595 האל410 אלהי430 אביך1 אל408 תירא3372 מרדה3381 מצרימה4714 כי3588 לגוי1471 גדול1419 אשׂימך7760 שׁם׃8033
