Judah's conscience had lately smitten him for what he had done a great
while ago against Joseph; and as an evidence of the truth of his
repentance, he is ready to undertake, as far as a man could do it, for
Benjamin's security. He will not only not wrong him but will do all he
can to protect him. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
If it must be so now, take your brother — If no corn can be had but
upon those terms, as good expose him to the perils of the journey, as
suffer ourselves and families, and Benjamin among the rest, to perish
for want of bread: it is no fault, but our wisdom and duty, to alter
our resolutions when th... [ Continue Reading ]
Take double money — As much again as they took the time before, upon
supposition that the price of corn might be risen, or that, if it
should be insisted upon, they might pay a ransom for Simeon. And he
sent a present of such things as the land afforded, and were scarce in
Egypt, the commodities tha... [ Continue Reading ]
God almighty give you mercy before the man! — Jacob had formerly
turned an angry brother into a kind one with a present and a prayer,
and here he betakes himself to the same tried method. Those that would
find mercy with men must seek it of God. He concludes all with this,
if I be bereaved of my chi... [ Continue Reading ]
Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your
sacks — Hereby he shews that he had no suspicion of dishonesty in
them: for what we get by deceit we cannot say God gives it us. He
silences their farther enquiry about it: ask not how it came thither,
providence brought it you, an... [ Continue Reading ]
When they brought him the present, they bowed themselves before him,
and again, when they gave him an account of their father's health,
they made obeisance, and called him, Thy servant, our father — Thus
were Joseph's dreams fulfilled more and more; and even the father, by
the sons, bowed before him... [ Continue Reading ]
God be gracious unto thee, my son — Joseph's favour, though he was
the lord of the land, would do him little good, unless God were
gracious to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
He placed his brethren according to their seniority, as if he could
certainly divine. Some think they placed themselves so according to
their custom; but if so, I see not why such particular notice is taken
of it, especially as a thing they marvelled at.... [ Continue Reading ]
They drank and were merry — Their cares and fears were now over, and
they eat their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon good
terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our
present, we have reason to be chearful.... [ Continue Reading ]