_A.M. 2297. B.C. 1707._
Joseph, having entertained his brethren, dismissed them: but here we
have them brought back in a greater fright than any they had been in
yet. Observe,
( 1,) _ What method he took, both to humble them further, and to try
their affections to his brother Benjamin, by which he... [ Continue Reading ]
_Put my cup, the silver cup_ Probably a large cup of great value, and
much used by Joseph; _in the sack's mouth of the youngest_ Hereby, it
seems, Joseph meant to try his brethren's affection to Benjamin,
whether they would assist him in his extremity, and also their regard
for their father, whether... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whereby indeed he divineth_ The original word may be rendered, _For
which he would search thoroughly_, or, _Concerning which he would
certainly divine_, or _make trial_ and discovery. As if he had said,
Did you think that you could deceive my master? Did you not know that
he could divine and discov... [ Continue Reading ]
_How then should we steal_, &c. It is not probable that we, who
restored that which it was in our power to keep, and to conceal
without any danger, should steal that which was likely to be
discovered with so much shame and hazard to ourselves. _With
whomsoever it is found, let him die_ They suspecte... [ Continue Reading ]
_They rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass_, &c. Nothing
can be more moving than this verse. Never was there a more striking
picture drawn in words. Whole passages on the subject would not have
affected the mind so much. These two or three words have a greater
effect than the most pompous... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Judah said_, &c. Judah speaks in this cause, as being one of the
eldest, and a person of most gravity and readiness of speech, and most
eminently concerned for his brother; and nothing can be more affecting
than what he advances on this occasion. _God hath found out the
iniquity of thy servants... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Judah said_ We have here a most pathetic speech which Judah made
to Joseph on Benjamin's behalf. Either Judah was a better friend to
Benjamin than the rest, and more solicitous to bring him off; or he
thought himself under greater obligations to endeavour it than they
were, because he had passe... [ Continue Reading ]