A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

By faith Jacob when he was a dying, Vers. 21 &c.] The purpose of the Apostle is, ¹to attribute whatsoever came to pass amongst this people and was worthy of memory, unto faith: notwithstanding, because it had been a thing too long to recite every particular example, he chooseth out some amongst many: as this which he now reciteth. For the tribe of Ephraim did so surmount the others, that they were in a manner hidden under his shadow. For the Scripture often comprehends the ten tribes under this name of Ephraim: and yet notwithstanding Ephraim was the younger of the two sons of Joseph. When as Jacob blessed him and his brother; they were both of them then children. What did Jacob see in the younger that he should prefer him before the elder? nay at that time when he did it, his eyes were even dimmed by reason of age: and whereas he put his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, surely it was not by chance or at adventure: for he crossed his arms, so as he put his right hand upon the left side. Moreover, he assigns two portions unto him, as if he had bin Lord already of that land from whence famine had driven Jacob. There was nothing here therefore ⟨p. 267⟩which was agreeable to reason; but faith, ²who only was the governess in this action. If the Jews therefore would be any thing indeed, let them boast of nothing but of faith.

By faith Iacob when he was a dying, Vers. 21 &c.] The purpose of the Apostle is, ¹to attribute whatsoeuer came to passe amōgst this people and was worthie of memorie, vnto faith: notwithstanding, because it had been a thing too long to recite euery particular example, hee chuseth out some amongst many: as this which hee now reciteth. For the tribe of Ephraim did so surmount the others, that they were in a manner hidden vnder his shadow. For the Scripture often comprehends the tenne tribes vnder this name of Ephraim: and yet notwithstanding Ephraim was the yonger of the two sons of Ioseph. When as Iacob blessed him and his brother; they were both of them then children. What did Iacob see in the yonger that he should preferre him before the elder? nay at that time when he did it, his eyes were euen dimmed by reason of age: and whereas hee put his right hand vpon the head of Ephraim, surely it was not by chance or at aduenture: for he crossed his armes, so as he put his right hand vpon the left side. Moreouer, he assignes two portions vnto him, as if he had bin Lord already of that land from whence famine had driuen Iacob. There was nothing here therefore