Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 49:23

"The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecute him:" — Genesis 49:23 (ASV)

The archers. —Naturally Jacob next describes the sorrows of Joseph’s youth, but in poetical terms, so as not to wound the feelings of his brethren, or rouse thoughts of vengeance in Joseph’s own mind. Thus he compares him to a warrior, too mighty for his enemies to confront him in open conflict, but whom they harass from a distance. “Hated him” would be better translated as laid snares for him, for they were guilty of treachery and deceit.