Genesis 47:8 And Pharaoh said to Jacob, How old are you? I. Let us consider THE QUESTION PUT BY PHARAOH TO JACOB — "How old art thou?" The propriety of looking back to and of considering the past period of our existence is pointed out in Scripture. Of my younger hearers I might ask, "How old art thou?" They could probably give an accurate reply to the question — "I am seven, eight, ten, or fifteen years old." Well, then, let me ask, what of that? or rather how much does it imply? What sins and neglect does it not remind you of? What duties does it not suggest? Or, I might speak to persons in middle life, or who are verging on its confines. You may have found prosperity, or at least some measure of comfort and respectability attendant on steadiness, sobriety and industry. Your temporal affairs may have been on the whole prosperous; your children may, like olive-branches, have grown up around you. Then, assuredly there is reason for thankfulness, and ground for acknowledging the goodness and long-suffering of a Father in heaven. There is yet a third and less numerous class, to whom the question in the text ought to be impressive — "How old art thou?" You have witnessed changes in society, almost revolutions of opinion. Many with whom you were once intimate have been removed; the haunts of youth are peopled almost entirely by strangers. All things admonish thee to prepare for meeting God; to set thy house in order; to improve the time that remains. II. Let us now turn to JACOB'S REPLY, in answer to Pharaoh's question. 1. As to its length, life may be spoken of as made up of comparatively few days. Looking forward, half, or even a quarter of a century, may seem a protracted time; looking back, it appears greatly diminished. 2. Jacob's address to Pharaoh embodied the statement that man's days upon earth may be considered as not only "few," but also as "evil." Nothing, indeed, which God has given to man ought to be viewed as in itself and as essentially evil. Present comfort, length of days, intercourse with society, diligence in business, temperate enjoyment, are all good, all lawful; but sin has interposed. The spiritual eyesight is clouded, and the spiritual energy has become benumbed. Man himself may be truly spoken of as man's worst foe. (A. R. Bonar, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?WEB: Pharaoh said to Jacob, "How many are the days of the years of your life?" |
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