Genesis 49:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Their bows were shattered with great power. Notice how, after recounting their plots against Joseph, he now describes the consequences they faced: their bows were broken, and the sinews of their hands were loosened. They attempted to rid themselves of him, and they continually devised plans against him; yet their bows snapped, and their strength diminished. This illustrates the reaction they had upon hearing Joseph's words: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt" (Gen. 45:4). At that moment, especially, their strength waned before the mighty God of Jacob. “From whence is the Shepherd and the stronghold of Israel, from the God of your father, Who also shall help you.” The One who rendered their strength feeble, he asserts, is omnipotent. My God has provided assistance to you.

However, it is written that "his bow remained firm, and the muscles of his hands were strong, from the hands of the mighty God of Jacob," referring to God the Father, the Lord of Hosts, who orchestrated all things so that the Son may be exalted both in heaven and on earth. For the great Apostle Paul states: "Also, when he introduces the firstborn into the universe, he says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship him’" (Heb. 1:6). Likewise, the esteemed David declares, "let all the earth worship Thee, and sing unto Thee" (Psalm 65:4). We assert that this is the blessing from above, which encompasses everything found on the earth below; a blessing wherein Christ embodies all virtue and the diverse fruits of piety toward God. As it is written, "Thou visitest the earth and quenchest its thirst; thou enrichest it abundantly" (Psalm 64:10).

His bow has transformed into strongholds, for he became the sovereign over his siblings. The strength in his hands reflects this authority. Although the bow is formidable, without robust muscles behind it, its power is rendered ineffective. Thus, Joseph possessed the capability to condemn his brothers to death; however, he lacked the wrath symbolized by the strength of his hands, as that strength was softened by love. Through the might of Jacob, guided by God, the one who accompanied Jacob—who is named the coming Shepherd, leading them through the desert and providing Israel with heavenly sustenance and water from the rock—the God of your father will assist you against your adversaries, for you have not sought revenge against your kin.

I have provided this excerpt in its original form from the Hebrew text rather than relying on the Septuagint's translation, as the latter largely deviates from the Hebrew. The essence of this passage conveys the following message: "Joseph, you bear this name because God has increased you in my sight, or because you will attain greatness among your brethren, as Ephraim emerged as the strongest tribe, as noted in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. My son Joseph, you are so resplendent that all the multitude of Egyptian maidens gaze upon you from the walls, towers, and windows. Your brothers harbor jealousy towards you, inciting their anger. They wield arrows of fierce envy and are wounded by the daggers of jealousy.

Having depicted the jealousy and various plots aimed at Joseph, he commends God's providential care, which allowed him to prevail over his adversaries. He states, ‘And their bows were broken with strength: and the veins of the muscles of their hands were loosed, by the hand of Jacob the strong: thence shall Israel be strengthened of God thy Father.

Their bows were shattered with great strength. Those who schemed against Him and spoke ill of Him, as though shooting arrows at Him, ultimately found themselves humiliated when they discovered He had been raised from the dead. As stated by Isaiah, "The counsels of your spirit are in vain" (Isaiah 33:11). James remarks, "The muscles of their arms were loosened through the might of strong Jacob." Relying on themselves instead of on God and boasting of their own power, they became feeble and insignificant, struck down by the very Word and scattered among the nations. "From where does Israel draw strength? From the God of your father, and my God assisted you." Who is this source of strength for Israel, this helper of His son, but God alone?

Yet his bow stands strong, and so forth. In portraying Joseph's adversaries as archers, James similarly depicts him as an archer empowered by the Lord, as well as a shepherd who nourishes, and as a rock that fortifies the entire house of Israel.