Genesis 45:3
The difficulties of Joseph's history begin with his elevation. At the
time of the famine there is much to wonder at in Joseph's conduct to
his brethren. Why did he so long and by such strange artifices delay
the disclosure which an affectionate heart must have been yearning to
make? Wh... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:4
It was by a strange and seemingly circuitous route that these brethren
of Joseph were brought near to him. Between Joseph and his brethren
there was an immeasurable distance all the difference between a nature
given over to God and one abandoned to the force of evil passion. We
may see... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:5
Joseph looks away from and thrusts aside the wickedness of his
brothers, and refers all to the over-ruling providence of God,
bringing good out of evil, and making all things work together for
good, to the family of His chosen servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In time of bereavement... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:7
I. "God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth."
Joseph referred the whole order and purpose of his existence, all that
had been adverse to it, all that had been prosperous in it, to God. He
knew that violence and disorder had been at work in his life. What
temptat... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:5 , GENESIS 45:8
The words of Joseph in the text contrast somewhat strangely with the
words spoken by his brethren of themselves. It is clear that the view
he took of their conduct was the one most likely to give them ease. He
assured them that after all they were but instruments in God'... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:14
This incident is the most unquestionable instance in the Bible of
tears of love. No other feeling but love made Joseph weep. Sorrow
there could not have been, for at that moment, on his side at least,
it was all joy. Job says, as the great purpose of all that God did
with him, "God ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:15
I. We cannot read the history of Joseph without feeling that a greater
than Joseph is here; a Son, the well-beloved of His Father, against
whom His own flesh and blood conspired to take away His life, but who
from His prison came forth to reign, who is exalted at the right hand
of God... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:27
We see here how probabilities are the handmaids and the helpers of
faith. Slight tokens become the aliment, the very food, on which
action feeds, strengthens, nurtures itself, and goes forth to fulfil
the work marked out by Providence for the life.
I. Jacob's heart fainted; but old m... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 45:28
Joseph is a type or figure of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Joseph, in his younger days, was distinguished from his brethren by
a purity of life which became the more observable in contrast with
their dissolute manners, and caused an evil report to be sent to their
father. His brethren s... [ Continue Reading ]