22. they came, both men and women, &c.--literally, "the men over
and above the women"; a phraseology which implies that the women acted
a prominent part, presented their offerings first, and then were
followed by as many of their male companions as were similarly
disposed.
brought bracelets, &c.--There was in that early age no money in
the form of coins or bullion. What money passed current with the
merchant consisted of rings which were weighed, and principally of
ornaments for personal decoration. Astonishment at the abundance of
their ornaments is at an end when we learn that costly and elegant
ornaments abounded in proportion as clothing was simple and scarce
among the Egyptians, and some, entirely divested of clothing, yet wore
rich necklaces [HENGSTENBERG]. Among people with
Oriental sentiments and tastes, scarcely any stronger proof could have
been given of the power of religion than their willingness not only to
lay aside, but to devote those much-valued trinkets to the house of
God; and thus all, like the Eastern sages, laid the best they had at
the service of God.
JFB.
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