Genesis 45:13

Tell my father of all my glory— He enjoins them to do this out of filial love, and in order to give satisfaction to his good old father, not with any vain or ostentatious views. In John 17:24 our Saviour says, that they may behold my glory.

REFLECTIONS.—An address so affecting as that of Judah's, could not fail of moving any heart, not a stranger to the feelings of humanity; and how much more Joseph's, so deeply interested in every argument, and pierced with every word of Judah's expressive anguish. The servants instantly dismissed, a burst of tears, no longer to be restrained, gives vent to the overflowing tenderness of his soul. His brethren, who stood in tremulous expectation of instant doom, are astonished at the sight; but beyond all imagination surprised, when words begin to find a passage, and he cries, I am Joseph—Is my father yet alive? Confounded, they are dumb; guilt troubles them: but oh! how far is Joseph's heart from anger or revenge! He draws them near; comforts, instead of reflecting on them; bids them see God's hand bringing good out of their evil; and hastens them to carry his dear and aged father the strange tidings, and bring him down, to spend in plenty, in the land of Goshen, the remaining years of famine. With mutual kisses and embraces he seals the happy meeting, while tears of joy bedew each other's neck, and testify firm reconciliation. Reader, thy heart is unfeeling, if thy tears mingle not with theirs. Note; 1. We have here a beautiful emblem of God's compassions toward the sinful sons of men. 2. An astonishing display of his providence! how glorious and how merciful the dispensation! Blessed are they that trust in him. 3. It is not only the duty, but should be the delight of children to support their parents in their old age. 4. As Joseph says, Come down to me, Jesus says, Come up to me: and Pharaoh's kingdom could not provide such a dwelling, as those mansions which he has prepared for us in our Father's house in heaven.