Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Genesis 48:19 - 48:19
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Greater than he; so the tribe of Ephraim was both in number, Num_1:32,33,35 2:19,21 Deu 33:17, and in power and privileges; for that tribe was the seat first of the tabernacle, and afterwards of the kingdom. Whence the name of Ephraim is sometimes put for all the ten tribes, as Isa_7:2, and sometimes for Joseph himself, as Num_1:32 Rev_7:8, which Manasseh never is.
A multitude of nations, i.e. equal to many nations in number and strength; or, from them shall proceed many nations, i.e. many numerous; potent, and flourishing families, whereof each is equivalent to an ordinary nation. For as
nations are sometimes called families, as Zec_14:18, so the tribes and families of Israel are called nations or people, as Eze_2:3 Act_4:27.