Page:A critical and exegetical commentary on Genesis (1910).djvu/439

 distinction between and  is obscure (v.i.).—6. O if thou wouldst hear us (rd., v.i.)]. The formula always introduces a suggestion preferable to that just advanced: cf. $11. 13. 15$.— is more than 'a mighty prince' (as Ps. 36$7$ 68$16$ 104$16$ etc.); it means one deriving his patent of nobility straight from Almighty God.—Not a man of us will withhold, etc.] therefore there is no need to buy. Behind their generosity there lurks an aversion to the idea of purchase.—7. The v. has almost the force of a refrain (cf. 12). The first stage of the negotiations is concluded.

8-12. The appeal to 'Ephrôn.—In his second speech Abraham shows his tact first by ignoring tacitly the suggestion of a free gift, and then by bringing the favourable public opinion just expressed to bear on the individual he wishes to reach.—9. On the cave of Makpēlāh, see at the close.—in the end of his field] Abraham apparently does not contemplate the purchase of the whole field: that was thrust on him by 'Ephrôn's offer.—for full money] see p. 335 above (footnote). The same expression occurs in 1 Ch. 21$22. 24$.—10. entering the gate, etc.] i.e., his fellow-citizens, with the right of sitting in public assembly at the gate (cf., 34$24$).

13-16. The purchase of the field.—With the same tactful persistency, Abraham seizes on 'Ephrôn's expression of goodwill, while waving aside the idea of a gift.—13. If only thou—pray hear me!] The anakolouthon expresses the polite embarrassment of the speaker.—14, 15. 'Ephrôn's resistance being now broken down, he names his price with the affecta-*

must be joined to v.$6$, and read either (as v.$11$: so [E]G), or  (as $13$). The last is the only form suitable in all four cases ($5. 11. 13. 15$). On with impve., cf. G-K. § 110 e.—6. ] =, G-K. § 75 qq.

8. ] 'in accordance with your [inner] mind.' Cf. 2 Ki. 9$15$, 1 Sa. 20$4$: see BDB, 661 a.—9. ] Elsewhere only 25$9$ 49$30$ 50$13$; always with art., showing that it retained an appellative sense. G , VST$OJ$ are probably right in deriving it from [root] , 'double' (see p. 339).—10. ] = 'namely' (see on 9$10$: cf. BDB, 514 b); in $18$ it is replaced by = 'among.'—11. For  pt. : see on $5$.—] G om.— is perf. of instant action: 'I give it'; G-K. § 106 m.

13. For, GT$OJ$ (? S) read , mistaking the idiom.—14. ] as $5$.—15. G does not render, but the  is odd.*