_A.M. 2297. B.C. 1707._ Joseph, finding his brethren humbled for their sins, mindful of himself, (for Judah had mentioned him twice in his speech,) respectful to their father, and very tender of their brother Benjamin; and perceiving that they were now ripe for the comfort he designed them, makes h... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then Joseph could not refrain himself_ Several times before he had found great difficulty to refrain himself, but now, being overcome by Judah's most affecting speech, he was constrained to yield to the emotions of his mind, even before all them that stood before him. He therefore _cried, Cause eve... [ Continue Reading ]
_He wept aloud_ His tears and his voice, which had hitherto been repressed by main force, now burst forth with the greater violence, and he threw off that austerity with which he had hitherto carried himself, for he could bear it no longer. This represents the divine compassion toward returning peni... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am Joseph_ Doubtless he had all along been addressed and spoken of by his Egyptian name, _Zaphnath-paaneah_, or by his titles of office: so that, although in the narrative he is named _Joseph_, it is probable his brethren had never heard him called by that name by any person in Egypt. _Doth my fa... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves_ Namely, immoderately, for the injury you did to me; or for the danger you have brought upon yourselves. Otherwise, he does not mean to dissuade them from a godly sorrow and displeasure at themselves for their offence against God, their father, and himself,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Five years there shall be neither earing_ (an old English word for ploughing, which is the meaning of the Hebrew) _nor harvest_ That is, except in a few places near the river Nile; for, understanding from Joseph that the famine would be of long continuance, and that their labour and seed, which the... [ Continue Reading ]
_It was not you that sent me hither, but God_ That I came to this place and pitch of honour and power is not to be imputed to your design, which was of another nature, but to God's overruling providence, which ordered the circumstances of your action, so as that I should be brought to this place and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Haste you, and go to my father_ He desires that his father might speedily be made glad with the tidings of his life and honour. He knew it would be a refreshing oil to his hoary head, and a sovereign cordial to his spirits. He desires them to give themselves, and take with them to their father, all... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen_ A part of Egypt bordering upon Canaan, well watered and fit for cattle, and therefore most proper for the Israelites, not only for present use, and to keep them at some distance from the inward parts of Egypt and from the court; but also that they might have... [ Continue Reading ]
_Your eyes see that it is my mouth_ If they could recollect themselves, they might remember something of his features and speech, and be satisfied: or rather he means, You see, I speak to you not by an interpreter, as hitherto I have done, but immediately, and in the Hebrew language. _Ye shall tell... [ Continue Reading ]
_See that ye fall not out by the way_ He knew that they were but too apt to be quarrelsome; and that what had lately passed, as it revived the remembrance of what they had done formerly against their brother, might give them occasion to quarrel. Now Joseph, having forgiven them all, lays this obliga... [ Continue Reading ]
_They told him_ Probably without any preamble; _Joseph is yet alive_ The very mention of Joseph's name revived his sorrow, so that _his heart fainted_, and it was a good while before he came to himself. He was in such care and fear about the rest of them, that at this time it would have been joy eno... [ Continue Reading ]
_When he saw the wagons_, his _spirit revived_ Now _Jacob_ is called _Israel_, for he begins to recover his wonted vigour. It pleases him to think that _Joseph is alive._ He says nothing of Joseph's glory, which they had told him of; it was enough to him that Joseph was _alive:_ it pleases him to th... [ Continue Reading ]