_A.M. 2315. B.C. 1689._ Here is, (1,) _ The preparation for Jacob's funeral, 1-6._ (2,) _ The funeral itself, 7-14._ (3,) _ The settling of a good understanding between Joseph and his brethren, after the death of Jacob, 15-21._ (4,) _ The age and death of Joseph, 22-26._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joseph fell upon his father's face_ Having first, no doubt, closed his eyes, according as God had promised that he should; _and wept upon him, and kissed_ His pale and cold lips, thus manifesting his love to and his sorrow for the loss of him. Probably the rest of Jacob's sons did the same, much mo... [ Continue Reading ]
He ordered the body to be embalmed, not only because he died in Egypt, and that was the manner of the Egyptians, but because he was to be carried to Canaan, which would be a work of time. “Embalming is the opening of a dead body, taking out the intestines, and filling the place with odoriferous and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Forty days were fulfilled for him_ That is, for embalming him, this time being, at the least, requisite to go through the process. But according to Herodotus, the body often remained at the embalmer's seventy days. _The Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days_ Thirty days according to the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh_ Either it was not customary for mourners to enter the royal presence, or Joseph wished to make his request to the king with all possible humility and respect. He therefore made application to Pharaoh, not directly, but through the intervention of some of his... [ Continue Reading ]
_They mourned with a very great and sore lamentation_ “This,” says Sir John Chardin, quoted by Harmer, (vol. 2. p. 136,) “is exactly the genius of the people of Asia, especially of the women. Their sentiments of joy or grief are properly transports; and their transports are ungoverned, excessive, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joseph will peradventure hate us_ While their father lived, they thought themselves safe under his shadow; but now he was dead, they feared the worst. A guilty conscience exposeth men to continual frights; those that would be fearless must keep themselves guiltless. _Thy father did command_ Thus, i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father_ Not only children of the same Jacob, but worshippers of the same Jehovah. Though we must be ready to forgive all that injure us, yet we must especially take heed of bearing malice toward any that are _the servants of the God of our fath... [ Continue Reading ]
_Am I in the place of God?_ Dare I usurp the prerogative of God, to whom it belongs to take vengeance? Or, can I do what I please with you, without God's leave? Fear him rather than me, and upon your experience of his wonderful care of and kindness to you, be persuaded he will still befriend you, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye thought evil, but God meant it unto good_ In order to the making Joseph a greater blessing to his family than otherwise he could have been. _Fear not, I will nourish you_ See what an excellent spirit Joseph was of, and learn of him to render good for evil. He did not tell them they were upon the... [ Continue Reading ]
_I die; and God will surely visit you_ To this purpose Jacob had spoken to him, Genesis 48:21. Thus must we comfort others with the same comforts wherewith we ourselves have been comforted of God, and encourage them to rest on those promises which have been our support. Joseph was, under God, both t... [ Continue Reading ]
_And ye shall carry up my bones from hence_ Herein he had an eye to the promise, (Genesis 15:13,) and in God's name assures them of the performance of it. In Egypt they buried their great men very honourably, and with abundance of pomp; but Joseph prefers a plain burial in Canaan, and that deferred... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old_ So for about thirteen years of affliction he enjoyed eighty years of honour, and as much happiness as earth could afford him. _He was put in a coffin in Egypt_ But not _buried_ till his children had received their inheritance in Canaan, Joshua 24:32.... [ Continue Reading ]