Page:A critical and exegetical commentary on Genesis (1910).djvu/446

 16. Taking no notice of the stranger, the maiden went down to the fountain  and came up] In Eastern wells the water is frequently reached by steps: ct. Ex. 2$16$ , Jn. 4$11$.—19, 20. The writer lingers over the scene, with evident delight in the alert and gracious actions of the damsel.—21. The servant meanwhile has stood gazing at her in silence, watching the ample fulfilment of the sign.—22. The nose-ring and bracelets are not the bridal gift (Gu.), but a reward for the service rendered, intended to excite interest in the stranger, and secure the goodwill of the maiden. See Lane, ''Mod. Eg.''$5$ ii. 320, 323; cf. RS$2$, 453$2$.—23-25. In the twofold question and answer, there is perhaps a trace of the composition of narratives; v.i.—24. See on $15$. Read the daughter of Milkah whom she bore to Nāḥôr (as 34$1$).—26, 27. The servant's act of worship marks the close of the scene.

28-32. Laban's hospitality is inspired by the selfish greed for which that worthy was noted in tradition.—28. her mothers house cannot mean merely the female side of the family (Di.), for Laban belongs to it, and $53. 55$ imply that the father (whether Bethuel or Nāḥôr) is not the head of the house. Some find in the notice a relic of matriarchy (Ho. Gu.); but the only necessary inference is that the father was dead.—31. seeing I have cleared the house] turning part of

($45$).—18 end] G +, omitting the first two words of v.$19$.—20. ] the stone trough for watering animals, found at every well (30$38$, cf. 30$41$, Ex. 2$16$).—21. ] not 'wondering' ([root] ; so De.), but 'gazing' (by-form of [root] ) as Is. 41$10$. Constr. before prep.: G-K. § 130 a.—22. ] [E] +, a necessary addition (cf. $47$). accordingly is here a 'nose-jewel' (Is. 3$21$, Pr. 11$22$), in 35$4$, Ex. 32$2. 3$ (E) an earring.—] = 1/2 shekel (Ex. 38$26$).—23-25. The theory of two recensions derives some little support from the repeated of $24. 25$. A mere rearrangement such as Ba. proposes ($23a. 24. 23b. 25$) only cures one anomaly by creating another; and is, besides, impossible if the amendment given above for v.$24$ be accepted.—25. ] [E], as v.$23$; but inf. elsewhere is always .—27. emphasises the following acc. suff. (G-K. §§ 143 b, 135 d, e). S implies perhaps  (Ba.) or  (Kit.); if not a mistake for .—] Point (sing.) with Vns.

28. ] S (wrongly).—30.  ([E]) is better than MT —] see G-K. § 116 s; Dav. § 100 (a).—31. ] 'cleared away,'