6 And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye || so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? 7 And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? And we told him according to the tenor of these words: Could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? 8 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. 9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: If I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever. 10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. 11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. 12 And take P double money in your hand: and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man. NOTES. ~14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin: If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. [Practical Observations.] 15 And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay and make ready: for these men shall ** dine with me at noon. 17 And the man did as Joseph bade: and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. 18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house, and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, are we brought in; that he may ++ seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bond-men, and our asses. 19 And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house; 20 And said, O sir, we came indeed down the first time to buy food. 21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. r 17:1. 32:11,28. Ezra 7:27. | x 42:21,28,35. Job 15:21. Ps. 53: Neh. 1:11. Ps. 37:5. Prov. 5. 73:16. Is. 7:2. Matt. 14:26, 27. Mark 6:16. 16:7. 21:1. Acts 7:10. Or, And I, as I have been, &c. tt Heb. roll himself upon us, Job 30:14. their father's unreasonable care of an individual. CHAP. XLIII. V. 1-7. Marg. Ref. V. 11, 12. The productions of the high and V. 8, 9. Probably Judah, (whom we observ- mountainous parts of Canaan would differ greatly ed before to have shewn some tokens of repent- from those of Egypt, which is flat, and annually ance,) had acquired more of the confidence of inundated. The dry seasons, which caused a Jacob, than either Reuben or Levi: and he seems famine, might not prevent the increase of those to have been sincerely desirous of the welfare things which are here mentioned; and no doubt of Benjamin, as well as of the family; remember-Jacob selected what he knew was likely to be ing perhaps with inward anguish his former treatment of Joseph. His arguments were very forcible. Unless Benjamin went with them, they must all perish together by famine; and thus even he would be more endangered by staying at home, than by going into Egypt.-Judah's engagement meant, that he would venture or endure any thing to preserve Benjamin; which he fulfilled by the most heroic and generous proposal imaginable. (Note, 44:33,34.) V. 10. Jacob's refusal to let Benjamin accompany his brethren had already caused them to lose much tine; and Judah thus intimated that the whole family was likely to perish, by means of most acceptable to an Egyptian prince. He likewise directed his sons to carry back the money that had been returned, and to take other money with which to purchase corn; perhaps double the sum which they took before, in case the prices should be advanced. Thus they would shew, that they meant to act fairly.-Spices.] (37:25.) Some think, that these were brought from India. Marg. Ref. o. V. 14. Jacob knew, by experience, the influ ence which the Lord has over every heart, to incline it favorably to his people: and it is observable that in this speech, in which he has recourse to his former method of prevailing with man, by faith and prayer to God, he is dignified with the name of Israel.-The concluding words expressed a humble resignation to the will of God. If I be bereaved of my children, be it so; 'the Lord hath wise reasons for thus dealing 'with me.' V. 16-23. Joseph seems especially to have sought time to compose his mind, that his tender feelings respecting Benjamin might not defeat his designs. V. 27. Joseph's inquiry was aptly introduced by the present brought to him; and while he, with wonderful propriety, acted in his assumed character, his question expressed the most benevolent and attentive disposition. V. 28. In thus bowing down at the mention of their father, they, as it were, did obeisance in his name; according to Joseph's second dream. (37:9,10.) V. 29-31. This union in Joseph of exquisite sensibility, with firmness and entire command of his passions, in every circumstance which required it, is a decided indication of a very superior character. V. 32. Probably Joseph, as known to be a Hebrew, connived at the superstitious prejudices of the Egyptians; but he would not sit with his brethren, lest it should excite suspicion. The abomination, in which the Egyptians held eating with the Hebrews, has generally been ascribed to the latter eating the flesh of those animals which the former held sacred: therefore shepherds also were an abomination k 29 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his 'mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, ' my son. 30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep, and he entered into his chamber, and " wept there. 31 And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. 32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves; because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is P an abomination unto the Egyptians. १ 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. 34 And he took and sent messes unto them, from before him. But Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and I were merry with him. to the Egyptians, though they likewise had flocks and herds. This however is very doubtful; as we have no intimation of the kind in the history, nor any other records of so ancient a date. Indeed national, and even religious antipathies are so common, and so unreasonable; that it is not greatly worth while, to inquire particularly into the occasion of them. V. 33. No doubt, Joseph's brethren were seated in this order by his appointment, which excited their surprise. But probably, they ascribed it to some extraordinary sagacity, or to divination, which he afterwards mentioned. V. 34. Five times, &c.] A token of respect customary in those days, which should not be judged of by modern manners. Joseph tried whether his brethren would envy Benjamin this distinction, as they had envied him his coat of many colors. The word (a) rendered, but it seems to be properly translated; for we were merry, sometimes means, were intoxicated: stances they would drink to excess, or that cannot suppose, either that in such circumJoseph would have countenanced them in so "Have well drunk." doing.-Epcvonoav. Sept. Medvodwor. John 2:10. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. conduct which we most fully purpose may become impracticable: in most things, therefore, where duty is not concerned, we are best ruled by circumstances as they arise. But if we have formed a rash resolution, to which we cannot with propriety adhere; we must, virtually or explicitly, acknowledge our mistake, and forego our determination: for though firmness is essential to usefulness and comfort, yet obstinacy is both foolish and ruinous.-There may be cases, in which we must refuse obedience to an earthly superior; because it is superseded by a higher obligation: but this should never be done without necessity; and should always be grounded on cogent arguments, and expressed in gentle and respectful language: and even when a refusal is unexceptionable, an impartial judge can seldom approve the manner in which it is given.—When the Lord seems to frown on us, we are prone to blame others; and thus we often rebelliously murmur against the Author of our troubles, by quarrelling with the instruments.-But when all our contrivances are over-ruled, and necessity compels us to say, "It must be so now;" then submission to the will of the all-wise Disposer, and a believing dependence on the almighty Lord, who hath all hearts in his hands, will yield us a seasonable support. While we use every prudent conciliatory means, we shall best prevail with man, by first prevailing with the Lord in fervent prayer; and "Thy will be done" should close every petition for temporal benefits, or against temporal afflictions.-Though men value very highly their gold and silver, and the luxuries which are accounted the best fruits of every land; yet, in a time of famine, they willingly barter them away for bread: how little then will they stand us in stead in the day of wrath! and how ready shall we be, if truly wise, to renounce them all "as loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ!"-They who mean sincerely, are apt to engage for more than they can perform: and, if we feel our passions greatly moved, our tongue should be held in as with a bridle; or it may afterwards occasion us much trouble. V. 15-34. Joseph's steward, shew us that a godly man's conversation is never useless; and teach us to abound in that speech, which is good for the use of edifying.-Even they who, inadvertently and by oversight, have got possession of the property belonging to another, are bound to restore it, when they discover the mistake; and, however we acquire honest gain, we ought to look to the Lord as the Giver of it. His purposes are continually advancing to their full accomplishment: but they who would have his special blessings, must wait for them; and they who desire to do special good, must learn to bridle and conceal their tenderest passions.-In Joseph's conduct, we see that of Jesus, who shews those whom he loves more and more of their extreme necessity; makes them perceive that he is their only Refuge from destruction; and, consulting their future good more than their present comfort, by salutary terrors and troubles overcomes their reluctance, and brings them to himself. Then, in his wise and holy sovereignty, according to that proportion which he sees good, he gives them some taste of his exhilarating love, and welcomes them to the provisions of his house, as earnests of what he further intends for them; yet so as still to prove and try them, with a view to their more complete humiliation. NOTES. CHAP. XLIV. V. 2. It may be supposed, that this silver cup had been used at the entertainment. (43:32-34.)-Joseph seems to have been desirous of ascertaining beyond doubt, how his brethren stood affected to Benjamin, Jacob's present favorite, and to their father on his account. Had they envied and hated Benjamin, (the other son of Rachel, Leah's rival.) as they had him; and had they been influenced by the same unfeeling indignation against Jacob as they were formerly, they would on this occasion have discovered it: for when the cup was found upon Benjamin, they would have had a plausible pretence for leaving him to be a slave, and returning home without him. In this case Joseph no doubt would have acted far otherwise than he did, when the event proved them to be so affectionately disposed both towards Benjamin and their father. At the same time this trial was exceedingly calculated to increase their humiliation. Terror once excited is increased by every event: yet innocence gives confidence, and supplies the want of eloquence; or rather furnishes that which is the most simple and expressive."he that walketh with wise men will be wise:" V. 4-6. The abruptness of this unexpected and the good and plous words of the Egyptian, || address was well suited to surprise and confuse e 8 Behold, the money which we found hath found out the iniquity of thy serin our sacks' mouths we brought again vants: behold, we are my lord's servants, unto thee out of the land of Canaan: 'how both we, and he also with whom the then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? 9 With whom soever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bond-men. 10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. is found. cup 17 And he said, "God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. 18 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, O my lord, let thy servant, Í pray thee, speak a word in my lord's 11 Then they speedily took down ev-ears, and let not thine anger burn ery man his sack to the ground, and open- against thy servant: for thou art even ed every man his sack. as Pharaoh. 12 And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city. 14 ¶ And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house, (for " he was yet there,) and they fell before him on the ground. 15 And Joseph said unto them, P What deed is this that ye have done? 9 wot ye not, that such a man as I can certainly * divine. 16 And Judah said, "What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God e 42:27,35. 43:12,21,22. f See on 7.-Jam. 2:10,11. t b a 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father or a brother? e 20 And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one: and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. 21 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. 22 And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father; for if he should leave his father, his father would die. h 23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no o 37:7-9. 50:18. Phil. 2:10,11.|| more. 31:32. Job 31:38-40. Ps. 7:3 q 21:26. 39:8. Ex. 32:1. -5. Acts 25:11. h 43:18. * Or, make trial, 5. u 18:25. 42:18. 2 Sam. 23:3. 15,19-23. 5:19. x 10. i 17,33. Ex. 22:3. Matt. 18:24,25. s Ezra 9:10,15. Job 40:4. Acts y 37:32.33. k 43:33. 126-32. 42:36-38. 43:14. m 37:29,34. Num. 14:6. 2 Sam. 1:2,11. 13:19. D 43:16,25. 2:37. t 37:18-28. 42:21,22. Num. 32: c 42:7-10, 43:7,29. e 37:33-35. 42:36,38. z 18:30,32. 2 Sam. 14:12. Job 33: f 27-29. Luke 7:12. a Esth. 1:12. Ps. 79:5. g 43:29. 'years before it came, was unable to discover who had stolen my cup?' V. 16. and to favor the design.-Joseph probably meant that by divination he had discovered who had stolen his cup (15); which he could not have God hath found out, &c.] Probably done, had he divined by means of the cup: and Judah inwardly meant, the former guilt of himthe words might be rendered, "that about which self and his brethren, which was now visited he hath used divination."-It is not however cer- upon them. Conscious of his own innocence, tain, that divination is meant; as the original as to the present concern, he very prudently word is used sometimes for accurate investiga-waved all mention of it; for otherwise he must tion or diligent observation. (30:27. 1 Kings either have allowed Benjamin's guilt, or reflect20:33. Heb.) ed on Joseph's equity. V. 9. Probably Joseph expected that his V. 17. Get you up, &c.] At this time the brethren, conscious of their innocence, would experiment was at the crisis, and no doubt Jomake use of such language as this; which favor-seph anxiously expected the event. ed his design of proving how they stood affected towards Benjamin. Their money had before been put into their sacks, they knew not how, and they might have suspected somewhat similar on this occasion: their confidence therefore was very imprudent. V. 12, 13. In very agony they rend their 'clothes. As they walk along their thoughts 'turn on another event.-"It is the LORD." We 'are murderers:-divine vengeance suffers us 'not to live.' Fuller. V. 14. Now Joseph had, in every sense, the dominion over his brethren, according to their interpretation of his dreams. V. 15. Wot ye not? &c.] 'What! Could you 'suppose that I, who foretold the famine seven VOL. I. 21 V. 18. As Pharaoh.] That is, equally to be respected and feared. The reader should keep the dreams still in mind: Joseph's brethren soon learned what was become of them. (37:20.)— Judah, being intrusted with Benjamin, and perhaps more affectionate than the rest both to him and his father; and having conceived the gen erous design mentioned in the close of the chap ter, assumed the office of speaker in the name of the rest; probably with their concurrence. But it was an arduous task to plead with the judge, after sentence had been passed. V. 20. Joseph had been long dead to his father, and his brethren had been long accustomed to speak of him as dead.-Every word in this verse is simplicity and pathos itself. No [161 24 And it came to pass, when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. 26 And we said, "We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. 27 And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me servant my father, and the lad be not with us; (secing that his life is bound up in the lad's life:) 31 It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the grey hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. 33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide, instead of the lad, a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. 34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall on my father. s1 Sam. 18:1. 2 Sam. 18:33. u 29. 37:26,27,35. 13:21,23,36- come y Ex. 32.52. Rom. 5:7-10. 9: 3. z 1 Sam. 2:33,34, 2 Chr. 34.28. marg. man of the least taste or sensibility can read when he heard his brother conclude his speech it, without great emotion. Indeed the whole with a proposal, which could never have been speech is exquisitely beautiful, and perhaps the thought of, if it had not been actually made!— most complete pattern of genuine natural elo- Perhaps the annals of the whole world do not quence, extant in any language. Had Joseph produce an instance of so heroic and disin been merely a humane judge, and no relation, terested affection in any mere man. Some and had Benjamin been guilty, such an address would even dare to die for a beloved or hou must have been irresistibly forcible: with what ored friend, who nevertheless would not willfeelings then must Joseph have heard it!-ingly submit to be a slave for life to ransom When we read this generous speech we forgive him. Without exception, this may be considJudah all the past, and cannot refuse to say,ered as by far the most affecting speech that "Thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise." 49:8. V. 26. We cannot, &c.] Judah had said, "We will not;" (43:5.) but he here softened the harshness of that expression. V. 28. Judah touched on this subject with a kind of trembling hesitation. As a part of his plea it must not be omitted; yet his conscience seems to have made him falter in reporting Jacob's language, which he knew resulted from a deception. It is surprising that Joseph could refrain on hearing this. || was ever recorded. Either the speakers and writers, in this sacred volume, excelled all oth er men in native genius and simple eloquence, or they were divinely inspired: for surely, no men ever spake and wrote as they did. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-17. They who have been guilty of deceit and injustice, must blame themselves when afterwards suspected without cause, and put upon repeated trials, before they recover the confiV. 30, 31. Nothing can exceed the tender af- dence of those whom they have injured: but, if fection expressed for Jacob in this speech; they are sincere, the event will make amends which confirms the sentiment, that from the for the severest sc atiny.-Though open and discovery of Judah's incest with Tamar, he had direct measures are generally preferable; yet, been a true penitent, and consequently a more in some cases, stratagems are lawful: and never dutiful son than before. It might be feared, more so, than when they tend to the benefit of that the sad tidings of Benjamin's hopeless bon- the persons for whom they are laid, in order dage would quite overwhelm Jacob, and cause that they may remember and repent of their his immediate death. Perhaps Judah consid- own treacherous dealings. To reward evil for ered the former guilt of himself and brethren good is so evidently base, that nothing can be respecting Joseph, as the cause of this severe urged in excuse of it: how then shall we stand visitation; and as the means of rendering it in-in judgment before that God, whom we have so supportable to Jacob. In deep anguish of con- ungratefully requited for his multiplied benescience, he seems to have apprehended, that fits?-Men think it hard to be suspected of he and his brethren would actually be charge-crimes, which are contrary to a few of their able in the sight of God, with the guilt of mur-outward actions; though they are inwardly condering their father; as well as of the death or slavery of Joseph and Benjamin. V. 33, 34. Judah would be as useful a servant as Benjamin; Joseph would be no loser; his father could perhaps survive the loss of him; and he was willing to submit to any hardship, rather than occasion and witness his aged father's death. What must Benjamin have felt, 1627 scious of much worse, which they conceal from their fellow-creatures! Yet conscious innocence has no occasion to fear a fair trial: but, as all hearts are totally concealed from us, except our own, we should be cautious in answering for others also: and they, who are most confident in self-justification, may soon have their mouths stopped, and not know what to say |
