Genesis 3:24

3:24 When he drove ¹  the man out, he placed on the eastern side ²  of the orchard in Eden angelic sentries ³  who used the flame of a whirling sword ⁴  to guard the way to the tree of life.

Genesis 30:36

30:36 Then he separated them from Jacob by a three-day journey, ⁵  while ⁶  Jacob was taking care of the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Genesis 31:23

31:23 So he took his relatives ⁷  with him and pursued Jacob ⁸  for seven days. ⁹  He caught up with ¹⁰  him in the hill country of Gilead.

Genesis 49:17

49:17 May Dan be a snake beside the road,

a viper by the path,

that bites the heels of the horse

so that its rider falls backward. ¹¹ 

[3:24]  ¹ tn The verb with the vav (ו) consecutive is made subordinate to the next verb forming a temporal clause. This avoids any tautology with the previous verse that already stated that the Lord expelled the man.

[3:24]  ² tn Or “placed in front.” Directions in ancient Israel were given in relation to the east rather than the north.

[3:24]  ³ tn The Hebrew word is traditionally transliterated “the cherubim.”

[3:24]  ⁴ tn Heb “the flame of the sword that turns round and round.” The noun “flame” is qualified by the genitive of specification, “the sword,” which in turn is modified by the attributive participle “whirling.” The Hitpael of the verb “turn” has an iterative function here, indicating repeated action. The form is used in Job 37:12 of swirling clouds and in Judg 7:13 of a tumbling roll of bread. Verse 24 depicts the sword as moving from side to side to prevent anyone from passing or as whirling around, ready to cut to shreds anyone who tries to pass.

[30:36]  ⁵ tn Heb “and he put a journey of three days between himself and Jacob.”

[30:36]  ⁶ tn The disjunctive clause (introduced by the vav with subject) is circumstantial/temporal; Laban removed the animals while Jacob was taking care of the rest.

[31:23]  ⁹ tn Heb “his brothers.”

[31:23]  ¹⁰ tn Heb “him”; the referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[31:23]  ¹¹ tn Heb “and he pursued after him a journey of seven days.”

[31:23]  ¹² tn Heb “drew close to.”

[49:17]  ¹³ sn The comparison of the tribe of Dan to a venomous serpent is meant to say that Dan, though small, would be potent, gaining victory through its skill and shrewdness. Jewish commentators have linked the image in part with Samson. That link at least illustrates the point: Though a minority tribe, Dan would gain the upper hand over others.