John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. For there were that said, we, our sons, and our daughters, are many , etc.] Not that they complained of the number of their children, for a numerous offspring was always reckoned a blessing with the Jews; but this they observed to show that their families, being large, required a considerable quantity of food to support them: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat and live ; that is, they were obliged to take it at an exorbitant price, which is the thing complained of; or otherwise they must starve, the rich taking the advantage of their poverty and present dearth.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor the reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any, but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament the hardships which man in the world are groaning under; putting our souls into their souls stead, and remembering in our prayers and succours those who ar burdened. But let those who show no mercy, expect judgment withou mercy.
Original Hebrew וישׁ3426 אשׁר834 אמרים559 בנינו1121 ובנתינו1323 אנחנו587 רבים7227 ונקחה3947 דגן1715 ונאכלה398 ונחיה׃2421
