Genesis 50:15

Verse Genesis 50:15. Saw that their father was dead] This at once argues both a sense of guilt in their own consciences, and a want of confidence in their brother. They might have supposed that hitherto he had forborne to punish them merely on their father's account; but now that he was dead, and Joseph having them completely in his power, they imagined that he would take vengeance on them for their former conduct towards him.

Thus conscience records criminality; and, by giving birth to continual fears and doubtfulness, destroys all peace of mind, security, and confidence. On this subject an elegant poet has spoken with his usual point and discernment: -

Exemplo quodcumque malo committitur, ipsi

Displicet auctori. Prima est haec ultio, quod se

Judice nemo nocens absolvitur, improba quamvis

Gratia fallaci Praetoris vicerit urna.

JUV. Sat. xiii. 1, c.

Happily metaphrased by Mr. Dryden: -

He that commits a fault shall quickly find

The pressing guilt lies heavy on his mind.

Though bribes, or favour shall assert his cause,

Pronounce him guiltless, and elude the laws,

None quits himself his own impartial thought

Will damn, and conscience will record the fault.

This, first, the wicked feels.

We have seen this in the preceding history often exemplified in the case of Joseph's brethren.