Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. The elders of his house] Persons who, by reason of their age, had acquired much experience; and who on this account were deemed the best qualified to conduct the affairs of the king's household. Similar to these were the Eldermen, or Aldermen, among our Saxon ancestors, who were senators and peers of the realm.
The funeral procession of Jacob must have been truly grand. Joseph, his brethren and their descendants, the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders - all the principal men, of the land of Egypt, with chariots and horsemen, must have appeared a very great company indeed. We have seen LORDS, for their greater honour, buried at the public expense; and all the male branches of the royal family, as well as the most eminent men of the nation, join in the funeral procession, as in the case of the late Lord Nelson; but what was all this in comparison of the funeral solemnity now before us? Here was no conqueror, no mighty man of valor, no person of proud descent; here was only a plain man, who had dwelt almost all his life long in tents, without any other subjects than his cattle, and whose kingdom was not of this world. Behold this man honoured by a national mourning, and by a national funeral! It may be said indeed that ""all this was done out of respect to Joseph."" Be it so; why was Joseph thus respected? Was it because he had conquered nations, had made his sword drunk with blood, had triumphed over the enemies of Egypt? NO! But because he had saved men alive; because he was the king's faithful servant, the rich man's counsellor, and the poor man's friend. He was a national blessing; and the nation mourns in his affliction, and unites to do him honour.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-14 - Jacob's body was attended, not only by his own family, but by the grea men of Egypt. Now that they were better acquainted with the Hebrews they began to respect them. Professors of religion should endeavour by wisdom and love to remove the prejudices many have against them Standers-by took notice of it as a grievous mourning. The death of goo men is a loss to any place, and ought to be greatly lamented.
Original Hebrew ויעל5927 יוסף3130 לקבר6912 את853 אביו1 ויעלו5927 אתו854 כל3605 עבדי5650 פרעה6547 זקני2205 ביתו1004 וכל3605 זקני2205 ארץ776 מצרים׃4714
