Genesis:45

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* Verse 1-15 - Joseph let Judah go on , and heard all he had to say . He found his brethren humbled for their sins , mindful of himself , for Judah had mentioned him twice in his speech , respectful to their father , and very tender of their brother Benjamin . Now they were ripe for the comfort he designed , by making himself known . Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw . Thus Christ makes himself and his loving-kindness known to his people , out of the sight and hearing of the world . Joseph shed tears of tenderness and strong affection , and with these threw off that austerity with which he had hitherto behaved toward his brethren . This represents the Divine compassion toward returning penitents . "I am Joseph , your brother ." This would humble them yet more for their sin in selling him , but would encourage them to hope for kind treatment . Thus , when Christ would convince Paul , he said , I am Jesus ; and when he would comfort his disciples , he said , It is I , be not afraid . When Christ manifests himself to his people , he encourages them to draw near to him with a true heart . Joseph does so , and shows them , that whatever they thought to do against him , God had brought good out of it . Sinners must grieve and be angry with themselves for their sins , though God brings good out of it , for that is no thanks to them . The agreement between all this , and the case of a sinner , on Christ 's manifesting himself to his soul , is very striking . He does not , on this account , think sin a less , but a greater evil ; and yet he is so armed against despair , as even to rejoice in what God hath wrought , while he trembles in thinking of the dangers and destruction from which he has escaped . Joseph promises to take care of his father and all the family . It is the duty of children , if the necessity of their parents at any time require it , to support and supply them to the utmost of their ability ; this is showing piety at home , 1st Timothy strkjv @5:4 . After Joseph had embraced Benjamin , he caressed them all , and then his brethren talked with him freely of all the affairs of their father 's house . After the tokens of true reconciliation with the Lord Jesus , sweet communion with him follows . * Verse 16-24 - Pharaoh was kind to Joseph , and to his relations for his sake . Egypt would make up the losses of their removal . Thus those for whom Christ intends his heavenly glory , ought not to regard the things of this world . The best of its enjoyments are but lumber ; we cannot make sure of them while here , much less can we carry them away with us . Let us not set our eyes or hearts upon the world ; there are better things for us in that blessed land , whither Christ , our Joseph , is gone to prepare a place . Joseph dismissed his brethren with a seasonable caution , "See that ye fall not out by the way ." He knew they were too apt to be quarrelsome ; and having forgiven them all , he lays this charge upon them , not to upbraid one another . This command our Lord Jesus has given to us , that we love one another , and that whatever happens , or has happened , we fall not out . For we are brethren , we have all one Father . We are all guilty , and instead of quarrelling with one another , have reason to fall out with ourselves . We are , or hope to be , forgiven of God , whom we have all offended , and , therefore , should be ready to forgive one another . We are "by the way ," a way through the land of Egypt , where we have many eyes upon us , that seek advantage against us ; a way that leads to the heavenly Canaan , where we hope to be for ever in perfect peace . * Verse 25-28 - To hear that Joseph is alive , is too good news to be true ; Jacob faints , for he believes it not . We faint , because we do not believe . At length , Jacob is convinced of the truth . Jacob was old , and did not expect to live long . He says , Let my eyes be refreshed with this sight before they are closed , and then I need no more to make me happy in this world . Behold Jesus manifesting himself as a Brother and a Friend to those who once were his despisers , his enemies . He assures them of his love and the riches of his grace . He commands them to lay aside envy , anger , malice , and strife , and to live in peace with each other . He teaches them to give up the world for him and his fulness . He supplies all that is needful to bring them home to himself , that where he is they may be also . And though , when he at last sends for his people , they may for a time feel some doubts and fears , yet the thought of seeing his glory and of being with him , will enable them to say , It is enough , I am willing to die ; and I go to see , and to be with the Beloved of my soul . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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