Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 14. Ruben, now perhaps about four years old, playing in the fields, in the latter harvest time, (Exodus 9:32) found mandrakes of an extraordinary beauty and flavour, (Song of Songs 7:13) whether they were flowers, lilies, jasmine, and so forth as some translate; or rather, fruits of the mandrake tree, according to all the ancient versions; or of the citron, lemon, or orange tree, if we believe Calmet. Dudaim designates two breasts, or something lovely and protuberant. The ancients have spoken with admiration, and have attributed wonderful effects to the mandrakes, which, though controverted by moderns, might suffice to make Rachel greatly desire to have them; at least, if she believed they would contribute to remove her sterility, as Pliny xxv. 15. Aristotle (de Gener. ii.) and other naturalists of eminence, have maintained they did. Bible.—The effect which she desired so much, was not, however, to be attributed to them, since she conceived only three years after, and that by the blessing of God. Tirinus.