Genesis 50:21

He comforted them, and spake kindly unto them

Joseph’s last forgiveness of his brethren:

I. THEIR NEED OF FORGIVENESS.

II. THE PLEA ON WHICH THEY URGE IT (Genesis 50:16).

1. The dying request of their father.

2. Their own free confession of guilt.

3. Their father’s influence with God.

4. Their willingness to utterly abase themselves.

III. THE COMPLETENESS OF THEIR FORGIVENESS.

1. He speaks words of peace.

2. He will not presume to put himself judicially in the place of God.

(1) As an instrument of vengeance.

(2) As presuming to change does not join forgetfulness. You forgive only so far as you forget. (F. W. Robertson, M. A.)