Genesis:50

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* Verse 1-6 - Though pious relatives and friends have lived to a good old age , and we are confident they are gone to glory , yet we may regret our own loss , and pay respect to their memory by lamenting them . Grace does not destroy , but it purifies , moderates , and regulates natural affection . The departed soul is out of the reach of any tokens of our affection ; but it is proper to show respect to the body , of which we look for a glorious and joyful resurrection , whatever may become of its remains in this world . Thus Joseph showed his faith in God , and love to his father . He ordered the body to be embalmed , or wrapped up with spices , to preserve it . See how vile our bodies are , when the soul has forsaken them ; they will in a very little time become noisome , and offensive . * Verse 7-14 - Jacob 's body was attended , not only by his own family , but by the great men of Egypt . Now that they were better acquainted with the Hebrews , they began to respect them . Professors of religion should endeavour by wisdom and love to remove the prejudices many have against them . Standers-by took notice of it as a grievous mourning . The death of good men is a loss to any place , and ought to be greatly lamented . * Verse 15-21 - Various motives might cause the sons of Jacob to continue in Egypt , notwithstanding the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondage there . Judging of Joseph from the general temper of human nature , they thought he would now avenge himself on those who hated and injured him without cause . Not being able to resist , or to flee away , they attempted to soften him by humbling themselves . They pleaded with him as the servants of Jacob 's God . Joseph was much affected at seeing this complete fulfilment of his dreams . He directs them not to fear him , but to fear God ; to humble themselves before the Lord , and to seek the Divine forgiveness . He assures them of his own kindness to them . See what an excellent spirit Joseph was of , and learn of him to render good for evil . He comforted them , and , to banish all their fears , he spake kindly to them . Broken spirits must be bound up and encouraged . Those we love and forgive , we must not only do well for , but speak kindly to . * Verse 22-26 - Joseph having honoured his father , his days were long in the land , which , for the present , God had given him . When he saw his death approaching , he comforted his brethren with the assurance of their return to Canaan in due time . We must comfort others with the same comforts with which we have been comforted of God , and encourage them to rest on the promises which are our support . For a confession of his own faith , and a confirmation of theirs , he charges them to keep his remains unburied till that glorious day , when they should be settled in the land of promise . Thus Joseph , by faith in the doctrine of the resurrection , and the promise of Canaan , gave commandment concerning his bones . This would keep up their expectation of a speedy departure from Egypt , and keep Canaan continually in their minds . This would also attach Joseph 's posterity to their brethren . The death , as well as the life of this eminent saint , was truly excellent ; both furnish us with strong encouragement to persevere in the service of God . How happy to set our early in the heavenly race , to continue stedfastly , and to finish the course with joy ! This Joseph did , this we also may do . Even when the pains of death are upon us , if we have trusted in Him upon whom the patriarchs , prophets , and apostles depended , we need not fear to say , "My flesh and my heart faileth , but God is the strength of my heart , and my portion for ever ." **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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