e 3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; d for they were troubled at his presence. 4. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you: and they came near: and he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. 5 Now therefore be not grieved, i nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life. c Matt. 14:27. Acts 7:13. Job 4:5. 23:15. Zech. 12:10. 2 And he * wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaohd heard. V. 18-34. Mark 6:50. Luke 5:8. 24:37, † Or, terrified. fls. 40:1,2. 2 Cor. 2:7. e 37:28. 50:18. Acts 9:5. Heb. neither let there se anger in your eyes. g 7,8. 47:25. 50:20. 2 Sam. 16: 10-12, 17:14. Job 1:21. Ps. 105:16,17. Acts 2:23. 4:24-28. 7:9-15. the former were gone out of the room: but then his restrained passions burst forth with the greater violence. If, before the powerful of the earth, it is some-ren's guilt; and he still refrained himself, till times prudent to wave the question of right, and to appeal to their compassion and generosity; much mon should we submit to the righteousness of Gol, and renouncing all other pleas, V. 3. Joseph had doubtless all along been adcast ourselves upon his infinite compassion: for dressed and spoken of, by his Egyptian name, he is perfectly righteous, and will be acknowl-or by his titles of office: so that, though the hisedged to be so, y all who would approach him torian calls him Joseph, probably his brethren with acceptance. had never heard that name before, from any person in Egypt.-It is impossible that the In many cases, undissembled narrations form tongue, the pen, or the pencil, can ever do justhe most conclusive and affecting arguments. tice to the mixed emotions of surprise, fear, (Acts 11:1-18.) Such addresses to the tender grief, remorse, hope, natural affection, and joy, passions, as are grounded upon evident reason, which must alternately, yet almost at the same truth, and fact, and carry with them internal instant, have seized upon their minds at this testimony of disinterestedness, generosity, and unexpected discovery.-But Joseph evidently relative affection, are almost irresistible: and perceived, that confusion and terror were likethe glow of filial affection, through manly sensely to predominate, and to fill them with appreand fortitude, has a peculiar heauty and ener-hensions, that he would now avenge the injusgy. How careful should children be not to tice and cruelty, of which they had been guilgrieve their parents, lest by imbittering their ty. infirm age, they should shorten their days, and be indicted now at the bar of their own consciences, or hereafter at the judgment-seat of God, for the horrible crime of parricide; which many are guilty of who never suspect themselves, or are suspected by others!-True penitents will shew, that a total revolution has taken place in their principles and practice: were it possible, they would undo their former misconduct; and therefore they will endeavor to make amends for it, and prevent any further ill effects, though in the most self-denying manner: and this will evidence that their sins are pardoned, and prepare the way for their receiving the comfort of forgiveness. Thus Jesus, the Antitype, proceeds to humble and prove his people, even after they have had some tastes of his loving-kindness: he brings their sins renewedly to remembrance, that they may renew and evidence their repentance; he tries, that he may manifest, their graces: his bowels yearn over them, while his face wears a frown, and his hand holds the rod of correction; and thus by rebukes and chastenings, he prepares them for comfort here and for glory hereafter. V. 4. The name of Joseph might have led his brethren to a recollection of his features and voice: yet the mention of their having sold him was necessary, though painful; both to remove all doubts of his being their brother, and also to introduce the kind attempt, which he intended to make, to obviate their fears, and to inspire confidence and comfort.-Perhaps he called them near to him, lest the Egyptians should overhear this part of the conversation. V. 5. Every passion has its proper bounda ries, which it ought not to exceed. The skilful physician aims to produce an effect: yet, hav ing produced it, he often sees occasion to check and even sometimes to counteract, his first in tention; lest it prove excessive, and expose the patient to the opposite danger. Joseph had de signed to humble and to reprove his brethren, to bring their sin to remembrance, to fill them with remorse for it, and to evince that they really repented, and were not disposed to repeat the crime. But he now perceived, from their confusion and dismay, that they were in danger of being overwhelmed by over-much sorrow, and of sinking under despondency: and therefore he endeavored to comfort and encourage them. (Marg. Ref.)-Not only would the authority of one, whom they had so grossly CHAP. XLV. V. 1, 2. It is a remarkable injured, affright them; but the excellence of proof of the strength of mind, which united with his character, the reputation which he had acexquisite sensibility in Joseph's character, that quired, and the accomplishment of those dreams, he could so long repress his emotions, and con- as divine predictions, which they had conceal them from all parties; but Judah's most af- temptuously opposed, would make their crime recting speech and generous proposal entirely appear more horrid than before; and all togethovercame him. He would not, however, let er might induce them to conclude, that they the Egyptians learn any particulars of his breth-had sinned beyond the reach of forgiveness. NOTES. k 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 9 Haste you, and go up to my father, and say unto him," Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt; come down unto me, tarry not. 10 And thou shalt dwell P in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast. 11 And there will I nourish thee; (for yet there are five years of famine;) lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. 17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan. 18 And take your father, and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, a shall eat the fat of the land. ye and b 19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you waggons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father and come. 12 And behold, your eyes see, and 20 Also regard not your stuff: for the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it the good of all the land of Egypt is is my mouth that speaketh unto you. h 41:29-31,54-56 47:18. i Ex. 34:21. Deut. 21:4. 1 Sam. 8:12. Is. 30:24. Heb. to put for you a rem nant. k Judg. 15:18. 1 Chr. 11:14. Ps. 44:4. Acts 7:35. John 15:16. Rom. 9:16. m 41:39-43. Judg. 17:10. Job 29:16. Though the merciful purpose of God, in sending d yours. t John 17:24. 1 Pet. 1:10-12. u Acts 7:14. x 29:11. 33.4. Rom. 1:31. y 2 Sam. 14:33. Luke 15:20. z 42:25,26. 44:1,2. с a 27:28. 47:6. Deut. 32:14. Ps. 147:14. Is. 28:1,4. b 31:17,18. Heb. let not your eyes spare, &c. Is. 13:18. Ez. 9:5. 20:17. c Matt. 24:17. Luke 17:31. d 18. 20:15. Ezra 9:12. Is. 1: 19. V. 12. Benjamin was so very young when Johim into Egypt, in no degree excused their sin, seph was sold, that it is not probable he rememand therefore ought not to prevent their humil-bered him; but doubtless he had heard much iation and repentance; yet it might very prop-concerning him. erly abate their anguish of spirit, and encourage their hope of pardon from so gracious a God: and it might assure them of Joseph's forgiveness, who clearly saw the wisdom of God, and richly experienced his goodness, in that event. V. 13. Tell my father.] This direction was given, not in ostentation, but to rejoice Jacob's beart, and likewise to induce him the more readily to come into Egypt. V. 14. Benjamin, having no share in the crimes of his brethren towards Joseph, would have his joy unmingled with those painful feel ings, which the rest experienced. V. 15. Kissed.] As a token of entire reconciliation and endeared affection. This seems to have been the first thing which encouraged them to speak to him. V. 6. Earing.] That is, plowing, or preparing the ground and sowing it. It appears by this, that the Egyptians, finding Joseph's predictions exactly accomplished thus far, followed his counsel, and wasted no corn in sowing the land. The entire failure of the accustomed overflowing of the Nile, which probably took V. 16. It pleased.] This is a conclusive testiplace, would in general render agriculture im-mony how highly Joseph was esteemed, and practicable, yet where it might have been at-how little he was envied. tempted, it was not. (47:23.) V. 8. No longer confine your thoughts to 'your own misconduct in that affair: but see and admire the wonderful contrivance of God in it, who sent me hither for such important ben"efits, especially to you and your families.'— Thus Joseph, by repeatedly pointing out the wisdom and mercy of God in these dispensations, both obviated the desponding conclusions, which his brethren might have been tempted to deduce, and assured them of his cordial forgiveness. He was made a father to Pharaoh, as the instrument of God in preserving him and his kingdom. V. 17. Pharaoh left all other concerns to Joseph; but here he generously interposed, and gave most liberal orders, about Jacob and his family; which would be very agreeable to the feelings of all parties. V. 19. Waggons.] No mention has hitherto been made of horses, among the possessions of the patriarchs, or of wheel-carriages, both of which abounded in Egypt at that time. It is probable these waggons were drawn by horses. (Noies, 47:17. Deut. 17:16.) V. 20. Your stuff.] Such furniture, or other property, as could not be conveniently removed so far, should be left behind without concern. e 21 And the children of Israel did so:|| and Joseph gave them waggons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. f 22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment: but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. 23 And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. 24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. e 19,27. 46:5. Num. 7:3-9. | g 4:34. Ez. 23:24. Marg. Heb. carrying. Heb. mouth. Num. 3:16. h 37:22. 42:22. Ps. 133: John 2 Chr. 35:22. Lam. 13:34.35. Eph. 4:31,32. Phil. 2:2-5. Col. 3.12,13. 1 Thes. 5:13. 1:18. Marg. f Judg. 14:12 9. 2 Kings 5:5, 22,23. V. 22. To Benjamin.] Thus Joseph still continued the trial of his brethren, to see whether any of them were disposed to envy Benjamin. V. 24. It would be natural for this company, during so interesting a journey, to converse freely concerning their conduct in selling Joseph, and the manner in which they should relate the particulars to Jacob: and as some of them had been much more criminal than others, and as Reuben, in Joseph's hearing, had sharply reproached his brethren; these passions might easily produce altercations, and even quarrels of fatal consequence. But as, after all, Joseph forgave and loved them; so he required them to forgive and love one another. V. 26. For above twenty years Jacob had been used to consider his beloved Joseph as dead; with what emotions then must he have heard the words, "Joseph is yet alive, and is governor over all the land of Egypt!" V. 27. This must have been attended by a confession of their own base conduct respecting Joseph; but Jacob had no heart now for reproaches or complaints. V. 28. It is enough, &c.] I shall then account 'myself to have lived long enough.'-Joseph's glory in Egypt seemed little to Jacob. As he was alive, that thought swallowed up all other considerations. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-8. In endeavoring to render men sensible of their faults, we should be careful lest we needlessly expose them.-True excellence does not consist in being devoid of passions, but in having them all under the government of reason and conscience; so as to know how to restrain them, and how to yield to them with prudence and expediency: and true wisdom discovers itself, in being able to suit our conduct and conversation to the persons with whom we have to do, and to the circumstances in which they are placed. In speaking to men about the concerns of their souls, two grand objects should always be kept in view; namely, to awaken the careless conscience to an adequate sense of guilt and danger, and to inspire the burdened and desponding heart with the hope of pardon and peace. It is very profitable for us to ob serve the footsteps of Providence, and to note how infinite wisdom and goodness deduce the most beneficial effects from the crimes and follies of men: especially we should study the history of our own lives with this design: we shall not then want proof, that the only wise God hath over-ruled many of our mistakes and sins to our important good; and thus we may also perceive some of the outlines of his plan, "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." This review, if duly made, cannot reasonably lead us to entertain a slighter sense of the evil of sin, or better thoughts of ourselves; it cannot encourage us to go on in disobedience, or lessen our humiliation and self-abasement; but, on the contrary, it will convince us the more deeply of our own ignorance and folly, and render us more ashamed of offending against so kind a Benefactor. Yet it will prevent our despairing of forgiveness; check that sorrow, which unfits the mind for duty and damps our gratitude; and excite that adıniration, love, and confidence, which produce cheerful obedience. V. 9-28. We should ever manifest brotherly love, even to those who have treated us injuriously; and shew a readiness to forgive, and an earnest desire to disperse those fears and jealousies, which the recollection of past offences may excite; by uniting the most compassionate affection, with our faithful attempts to make men sensible that they have offended.-But what haste ought children to make, and what gratification should they account it, to contribute to the comfort of their tender parents! They should check every mean desire, and spur themselves on to every laudable pursuit, with the idea, that the one will grieve, and the other gladden, a kind parent's heart. They ought to value prosperity, especially as enabling them to share it with them; and spare a considerable portion, even of a moderate provision, to requite the cares, toils, and anxieties of an aged father and mother. How shamefully unlike Joseph are they, who, in comparative affluence, through pride, covetousness, or self-indulgence, neglect, and leave to languish in indigence, such near relations!-Oh! how it adorns the doctrine of God our Savior, when believers, by a blameless, useful, and prudent conduct, conciliate the good will of many, and silence the [165 CHAP. XLVI. Jacob offers sacrifices, and has an encouraging vision, 1-4. He goes with his family into Egypt, 5-7. The names and the number of his descendants, 8-27. He meets and confers with Joseph, who instructs his brethren how to answer Pharaoh, 23-34. A ND Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to a Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. b e 2 And God spake unto Israel in the VISIONS of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob: and he said, Here am I. 3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father:fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation. 41 will go down with thee into Egypt; i and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. 5 And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the waggons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 And they took their cattle, and their a 21:14.31. 26:23. 1 Sam. 3:20. b 4:4, 3:20, 12:8. 22:13. 33:20. 35:3,7. Job 1:5. 42:8. c 21:33. 26:23-25. 28:13. 31: 42,53. 40:9. Acts 27:24. g 12:2. 35:11. Ex. 1:7-10. h 28:15. Is. 43:1,2. d 15:1. Num. 12:6. Job 4:13. i 15:14-16, 50:13,24,25. Ex. 33:14,15. 3:8. Num. 20.15. Deut. 10:22. a Ex. 1:1-5. 1 Chr. 2:1,2. p 29:33. 34:25,30. 49:5-7. Ex. *Or, Nemuel. † Or, Jarib. Or, Zerah. 1 Chr. 4:24. q Ex. 6:16. Num. 3:17-22. 26 57,58. Deut. 33:8-11. 1 Chr 6:1-3. Or, Gershom. 1 Chr. 6:16. r 38:1-3,24-―30. 49.8-12. Num. 1:26,27. 26:19--21 Deut. 33:7. Judg. 1:2. 1 Chr 2:3-5. 4:1. 5:2. Ps. 78:68 Matt. 1:1-3. Heb. 7:14. Rev. 5.5. to see, him, will enable them at length to say, "It is my soul.' g༠ NOTES. CHAP. XLVI. V. 1. Perhaps Jacob chose Beer-sheba for his solemn sacrifices, either as having been frequently the scene of his father's communion with God, or because it was the last place in Canaan, which he was now leaving never to see again. He spoke at first with rapture of going to see Joseph; but it had been revealed to Abraham, that his posterity would be durably oppressed in Egypt; and Isaac had been forbidden to go thither. Perhaps, recollecting these things, Jacob hesitated about leaving Canaan, till he had sought direction and protection from God.-Nothing is recorded concerning sacrifices, from this time till Israel's deliv reproaches of all.-If men may without injustice confer unmerited favors on whom, and in what proportion, they please; who shall dare to find fault, if our righteous God, punishing none above their deservings, "has mercy on whom he will have mercy?"-When the reasons of the divine appointments are made known to us, we shall clearly perceive the Lord's wisdom, love, and faithfulness; we shall know that all those things are for us which once we thought against us, and that our murmurs sprang from ignorance and unbelief; we shall say, "It is enough," I am now satisfied;' and therefore in the exercise of faith we should endeavor to anticipate that discovery.-Here also we behold Jesus, manifesting himself as a Brother and Friend to those, who once were his despisers, his enemies, and, in some sense, his murderers, having previously humbled them in true repentance; preventing most kindly their dismayerance from Egypt. and confusion; assuring them of his love, and of the provisions of his grace; explaining to them the mysteries of his cross, and the designs of the Father in his sufferings and glory; admitting them into sweet fellowship with himself; bidding them go, and inform others of his love and grace, that they may come and share it also; commanding them to lay aside envy, anger, malice, and contention, and live in peace with each other; teaching them willingly to re- V. 7. His daughters, &c.] Jacob bad but one nounce the world for him and his fulness; giv-daughter (15); but perhaps his sons' wives were ing them earnests of his love, and supplying all intended. His sons' daughters are also menthat is needful to bring them home to himself, tioned; yet only one of them is named (17); and that "where he is, there they may be also." it does not appear on what account she was disAnd though, when he sends for his people by tinguished from the rest. death as his messenger, they may at first feel some discouraging apprehensions; yet the thoughts of seeing his glory, and being with 1661 V. 4. God would surely bring Jacob back again to Canaan, in his posterity, of which his burial in Canaan was an earnest; and Joseph would be with him in his dying moments, to perform the last offices of filial affection, and to close his eyes. Thus the Lord assured him, that his beloved Joseph would survive him, and that no heavy calamities would come on his seed during his life. V. 12. Judah was the fourth son of Leah, and Joseph was born when Jacob had been married about seven years: (29:35. 30:24,25.) conse 8 13 And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and * Phuvah, and † Job, and Shimron. 14 And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. t u were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen. 23 And the sons of i Dan; * Hushim. 24 And the sons of Naphtali; m Jah D 15 These be the sons of " Leah, which || zeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem. she bare unto Jacob in Padan-aram, 25 These are the sons of " Bilhah, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughof his sons and his daughters were thirtyter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all and three. the souls were seven. 16 And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggai, Shuni, and ¦ Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. 17 And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel. 26 All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his ** loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six. 27 And the sons of Joseph which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten. 28 And he sent P Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. r 29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father to Goshen; and presented himself unto him: and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 And Israel said unto Joseph, " Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. 31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and to his father's house, I will go up and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me: u 29:32-35. 30:17-21. 35:23. d 41:51,52. 48:4,13,14. Num. 1: 49:16,17. Num. 1:38,39. Deut. quently Judah might be about three or four years older than Joseph; yet he could not be above forty-four at this time, for Joseph was only forty. His two sons Er and Onan had been married to Tamar, and a considerable|| time after their death had elapsed before Pharez was born. (38:) It can then hardly be conceived, that this event took place much before Judah was forty years old. So that Pharez could not be more than four or five years old at this time. The heads of families, therefore, which were born in Egypt during Jacob's life, seem to have been included. V. 15. Thirty and three.] When Er and Onan are deducted, the whole number amounts only to thirty-two; but Jacob himself must be added to complete the number. V. 21. The marginal references shew, that several of these were Benjamin's grand-children. It is evident that Benjamin was born af ter Dinah had been defiled, and she was about Joseph's age: supposing her therefore but in her fourteenth year at that time, Benjamin could not now be more than twenty-five or twentysix years old: we can then scarcely conceive, that he could have several grand-children.-It 33:22. k Num. 26:42,43. Shuham. o Deut. 10:22. Acts 7:14. p 43:8. 44:16-34. 49:8. 1 49:21. Num. 1:42,43. 26:48-r 34. See on 45:10. m 1 Chr. 7:13. Jahziel. n 29:29. 30:4-8. 35:25. 841:43. 45:19,21. t33:4. 45:14. Luke 15:20. ** Heb. thigh. 35:11. Ex. 1:5. u 45:28. Luke 2:29. is therefore most probable, that the historian mentions some born in Egypt during Jacob's life-time, who afterwards became heads of families in Israel, as it was before intimated. (Note, 12.) V. 27. Threescore and six were before mentioned (26); so that Joseph and his two sons, together with Jacob himself, complete the seventy persons here enumerated; and the num bers stated in verses 15,18,22,25. amount to seventy.-The Septuagint, adding some of the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, who became heads of families in these tribes, makes the number seventy-five: and perhaps St. Luke took the number as it stood in this version, in recording the speech of Stephen before the council. Other methods, however, have been devised for reconciling the sacred historians. ||(Note, Acts 7:14.) V. 28. To direct.] To give Joseph notice of his arrival, that he might meet him in Goshen. This region lay near the entrance of Egypt, bordering on Arabia.-Judah seems to have been selected on this occasion, as having acted nobly in Joseph's presence before. V. 29. As a prince, Joseph went forth to |