be 51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn 16 Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. 52 And the name of the second called he 17 Ephraim: For God hath caused me to fruitful in the land of my affliction. 53 ¶ And the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended. 54 And the seven years of dearth began come, according as Joseph had said: and dearth was in all lands; but in all the land Egypt there was bread. b to the of up all the money that was found in the land Joseph's brethren come to buy corn. CHAP. 42-B. C. 1707. land, and he it was that sold to all the people there was a famine in first famine that was the land, besides the of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, f and in the days of Abra- bowed down themselves before him with their there came a dearth faces to the earth. ham. Gen. 26, 1. Now over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, no sustenance. 7, 11. 1 and great affliction: 7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew and our fathers found them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. e See chapter 41, 41. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down thy brethren, and let over thy mother's sons bow down to thee. Genesis, 27, 29. For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, stood round about, and 8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. 9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which behold, your sheaves he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye made obeisance to my are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye The sons also of them sheaf. Genesis, 37, that afflicted thee shall are come. come bending unto of Egypt, and in the thee; and all they that land thee shall bow corn which they bought: the money into Phashall come to pass themselves down at the and Joseph brought soles of thy feet; and The city of the LORD, raoh's house.... And it in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh ; and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your olds, little for food for your ones. Genesis, 47, 14, 24. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse be upon the head of him: but blessing shall him that selleth it. Proverbs, 11, 26. d Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilder ness. Deut. 9, 28, CHAP. 42.—B. C. 1707. a But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. Acts, 7, 12. I shall not die, but works of the LORD. PS. was Hezekiah sick unto live, and declare the 118, 17. In those days death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, Thus saith the LORD, and said unto him, der; for thou shalt die, Set thine house in or and not live. Isaiah, 38, 1. c See verse 38. they shall call thee, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Is. 60,14. 1 hard things with them. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it brethren: and they hated him yet the more yet another dream, and and said, Behold, I have and, behold, the sun, 37, 5, 9. Gen. h And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? Gen. 37, 30. Our and are not; and we 10 And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. 11 We are all one man's sons: we are true men, thy servants are no spies. 12 And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. 13 And they said, 'Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one h is not. 14 And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: 15 Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except fathers have sinned, your youngest brother come hither. 16 Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be 2 kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else, by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. 6 And Joseph was the governor over the Pharaoh himself." (4.) He gave him a new name, to show his authority over him, and yet such a name as bespoke the value he had for him, Zaphnath-paaneah-a revealer of secrets. (5.) He married him honourably to a prince's daughter. Where God had been liberal in giving wisdom and other merits, Pharaoh was not sparing in conferring honours. Now this preferment of Joseph was, [1.] An abundant recompense for his innocent and patient suffering, a lasting instance of the equity and goodness of Providence, and an encouragement to all good people to trust in a good God. [2] It was typical of the exaltation of Christ, that great Revealer of secrets, John, 1, 18, or, as some translate Joseph's new name, the Saviour of the world. The brightest glories of the upper world are put upon him, the highest trust lodged in his hand, and all power given him both in heaven and earth. He is Gatherer, Keeper, and Disposer, of all the stores of divine grace, and Chief Ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of ministers is to cry before him, "Bow the knee; kiss the Son."-H. away, PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-Important trusts, however unexceptionably obtained and managed, are an encumbrance rather than an advantage to the possessor; who might be more comfortable, though not so useful, in a more ob- || scure situation. Indeed, all worldly prosperity, like the years of plenty, is fleeting and will soon be forgotten and swallowed up, in the afflictions which are coming upon the wicked. In Joseph, however, we still see a bright example of fidelity, activity, and equity; and an instance of the extensive good, which, in some circumstances may be done, by one man, when called forth, qualified, and prospered by the Lord.-The knowledge of future temporal events might in some instances be useful, yet would seldom be pleasant; but the knowledge of the future state and eternal world will be both useful and pleasant; if we do but "labour for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give us; for him hath God the Father sealed." He is the great antitype of Joseph.-Risen, ascended, and exalted on the throne of glory, all power is vested in him as Mediator: he is the Revealer of secrets, and the Saviour of the world. Through the whole earth the souls of men are perishing without resource, save in him "the Bread of Life;" and his fulness is inexhaustible. To him the Father bears testimony, "This is my beloved Son, hear ye him;" 'Go to Jesus, and, what he bids you, do.' Attending to this voice, and applying to him, he will open his treasures, and satisfy the hungry soul, of every age and nation, yea, "without money and without price." But, they who slight this provision must starve; and they who bow not the knee before him, and "will not that he should reign over them," will be inevitably destroyed, as enemies to him and his cause.-S. CHAP. XLII. WORK AND EAT.-Jacob reproved his sons for delaying to provide corn for their families, Why do ye look one upon another? Note, When we are in trouble and want, it is folly for us to stand looking upon one another, cause of the fear of God. 20 But bring your youngest brother unto me; And thou saidst unto SO shall your words be verified, and ye shall not thy servants, Except your youngest brother die. And they did so. come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. Genesis, 44, 23. 21 ¶ And they said one to another, We are that is, to stand desponding and despairing, as if there were no hope, no help; to stand disputing either which shall have the honour of going first, or which shall have the safety of coming last; to stand deliberating and debating what we shall do, and doing nothing; to stand dreaming under a spirit of slumber, as if we had nothing to do, and to stand delaying, as if we had time at command. Let it never be said, "We left that to be done to-morrow, which we could as well have done to-day." He quickened them to go to Egypt, Get you down thither. Masters of families must not only pray for daily bread for their families, and food convenient, but must lay out themselves with care and industry to provide it.-H. EVIL COMMUNITIES CORRUPT.-Joseph shewed himself very rigorous and harsh with his brethren; the very manner of his speaking, considering the post he was in, was enough to frighten them; for he spake roughly to them, v. 7. He charged them with bad designs against the government, v. 9, treated them as dangerous persons, Ye are spies, protesting by the life of Pharaoh that they were so, v. 16. Some make that an oath, others make it no more than a vehement asseveration, like that, As thy soul liveth; however, it was more than yea, yea, and nay, nay, and therefore came of evil. Note, Bad words are soon learned by converse with those that use them, but not so soon unlearned. Joseph, by being much at court, got the courtier's oath, By the life of Pharaoh; perhaps designing hereby to confirm his brethren in their belief that he was an Egyptian, and not an Israelite; they knew this was not the language of a son of Abraham; when Peter would prove himself no disciple of Christ, he cursed and swore.-H. THE FEAR OF GOD.-It was a very encouraging word he said to them, v. 18, I fear God; as if he had said, "You may assure yourselves I will do you no wrong; I dare not, for I know, that, high as I am, there is One higher than I." Note, With those that fear God, we have reason to expect fair dealing. The fear of God will be a check upon those that are in power, to restrain them from abusing their power to oppression and tyranny; those that have no one else to stand in awe of, ought to stand in awe of their own consciences. See Neh. 5, 15. So did not I, because of the fear of God.-H. CONSCIENCE.-Ver. 21-28. Here is, The penitent reflection Joseph's brethren made upon the wrong they had formerly done to him, v. 21. 1. They remembered with regret the barbarous cruelty wherewith they persecuted him, We are verily guilty concerning our brother: we do not read that they said this, during their three days' imprisonment; but now, when the matter was come to some issue, and they saw themselves still embarrassed, now they began to relent. Perhaps Joseph's mention of the fear of God, v. 18, put them upon consideration, and extorted this reflection. Now see here, (1.) The office of conscience; it is a remembrancer, to bring to mind things long since said and done, to shew us Jacob is hardly persuaded verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. 22 And Reubenanswered them, saying, "Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. 0 23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for 4 he spake unto them by an interpreter. 24 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. 25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. 26 And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. 27 And as one of them opened his sack, to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. 28 And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart 5 failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that hath done unto us? God 29 ¶ And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying, spake 30 The man, who is the lord of the land, 6 roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. 31 And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: 32 We be twelve brethren, sons of our father: one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. 33 And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone; 21. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs, 21, 13. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be meaMatthew, 7, 2 sured to you again. n And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. Gen. 37, 31. o And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand quire it, and at the brother will I require 9.5. When he maketh he remembereth them; cry of the humble. blood of all the pro of every beast will I rehand of man; at hand of every man's the life of man. Gen. inquisition for blood, he forgetteth not the Psalm 9, 12 That the phets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be reLuke, 11, 50. quired of this genera an interpreter was between them. p But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite secute you. Matthew, fully use you, and per 5, 44. Recompense to no man evil for evil. ... Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him if he thirst, give drink: so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with went forth. good. Rom. 12, 17, 20,21. 6 with us hard things. q And ye shall dwell shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you with us: and the land wherein we have erred, though it was long ago, as this reflection here was above twenty years after the sin was committed. As time will not wear out the guilt of sin, so it will not blot out the records of conscience; when the guilt of this sin of Joseph's brethren was fresh, they made light of it, and sat down to eat bread; but now, long afterward, their consciences reminded them of it. (2) The benefit of afflictions; they often prove the happy and effectual means of awakening conscience, and bringing sin to our remembrance, Job, 13, 26. (3.) The evil of guilt concerning our brethren; of all their sins, that was it that conscience now reproached them for; whenever we think we have wrong done us, we ought to remember the wrong we have done to others, Eccl. 7, 21, 22. 2 Reuben only remembered with comfort, that he had been an advocate for his brother, and had done what he could to prevent the mischief they did him, v. 22, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child?-H. MERCY IN DISGUISE.-It was really a merciful event; for I hope it will be allowed they had no wrong done to them, (when they had their money given them back,) but a kindness; yet they were thus terrified by it. Note, 1. Guilty consciences are apt to take good providences in a bad sense, and to put wrong constructions even upon those things that make for them. They flee when none pursues. 2 Wealth sometimes brings as much care along with it as want does, and more too. If they had been robbed of their money, they could not have been worse frightened than they were now, when they found their money in their sacks. Thus he whose ground brought forth plentifully, said, What shall I do? Luke, 12, 17. Yet, in their circumstances, it was very amazing. They knew that the Egyptians abhorred a Hebrew, ch. 43, 32, and therefore, since they could not expect to receive any kindness from them, they concluded that this was done with a design to pick a quarrel with them; the rather, because the man, the lord of the land, had charged them as spies. Their own consciences also were awake, and their sins set in order before them; and this puts them into confusion. Note, When men's spirits are sinking, every thing helps to sink them. When the events of Providence concerning us are surprising, it is good to inquire what it is that God has done, and is doing with us, and to consider the operation of his hands.-H. OUT OF TEMPER.-Ver. 36. Me have ye bereaved. Jacob seems to lay the fault upon them; knowing their characters, he feared they had provoked the Egyptians, and perhaps forcibly, or fraudulently, brought home their money. Jacob is here much out of temper. He has very melancholy apprehensions concerning the present state of his family; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not; whereas Joseph was in honour, and Simeon in the way to it. Note, We often perplex ourselves with our own mistakes, even in matters of fact. True griefs may arise from false intelligence and suppositions, 2 Sam. 13, 31. Jacob gives up Joseph for gone, and Simeon and Benjamin as being in danger; and concludes, All these things are against me. It proved otherwise, that all these were for him, were working together for his good, and the good of his family; yet here he forted: and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. Gen. 37, 35. 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 grave. Gen. 44, 31. the CHAP. 43.-B. C. 1707. a Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all there shall arise after the land of Egypt: And them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the famine shall consume the land; and the plenty shall not be known in land of Egypt; and the the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is 37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. 8 38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his "brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the t grave. CHAPTER XLIII. ND the famine was " sore in the land. And it came to pass, when they had established by God, and eaten up the corn which they had brought out God will shortly bring it to pass, Genesis, 41 of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, 29-32 And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab. And there was a buy us a little food. sore famine in Samaria. 1 Kings, 18, 2. And in the month, the famine was fourth month in 1 there was no bread for ninth day of the 3 And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall sore in the city, so that not see my face, except 'your brother be with you. 4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we Jeremiah, 59, 6. the people of the land. Our skin was black like an will go down and buy thee food: oven because of the ter rible famine. Lam. 5, 10. 1 protesting protested. est brother unto me; so rified, and ye shall not 5 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not But bring your young-go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not shall your words be ve- see my face, except your brother be with you. die. Gen. 42, 20. And 6 And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill servants, Except your with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet thou saidst unto thy youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. Genesis, 44, 23. 2 asking asked us. a brother? 7 And they said, The man 2 asked us straitly thinks them all against him. Note, Through our ignorance or mistake, and the weakness of our faith, we often apprehend that to be against us, which is really for us. We are afflicted in body, estate, name, and relations; and we think all these things are against us, whereas these are really working for us the weight of glory.-H. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-Ver. 1-20. When the Lord rendereth a "fruitful land barren, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein," he seldom proceeds to extremities. Though much misery is endured, there is some redress and respite: one country supplies the deficiencies of another, and one year furnishes a redundance to help out the scarcity that preceded it: for, in the other world alone will happiness or misery be unmixed; no scarcity in the Canaan above, no redress in hell beneath.-In distress or danger, we should not stand looking one at another, desponding and inactive, but, having discovered where help may be had, we ought to apply for it without delay, and without shrinking from labour, or grudging expense; especially in the dangers to which our immortal souls are exposed. There is provision in Christ: and to him we must come, and from him we must diligently seek it; even though in obtaining it we be called to "deny ourselves, take up our cross, and forsake all that we have."-When we or our friends go from home, we should commend ourselves and them to the Divine protection; for we know not what unexpected dangers may be in the way: and, when returned in safety, we should not forget our tribute of grateful praise; for many meet with terrible disasters.-God's purposes, though slowly, yet certainly, unfold, and are accomplished, often by the most improbable means; nay, those enemies, who have set themselves to defeat his designs, are made the instruments of their fulfilment!-Neither the guilt nor the consciousness of sin will wear out by time: and though men may commit crimes with unconcern, and remain insensible for many years, conscience being struck dumb and stupified; yet, there may be a time even in this life, when it shall awake, and inspire such terrors as cannot be described: happy is it when this is the case; otherwise the never-dying worm will certainly torment the soul for ever in another world. In order therefore to awaken serious reflection in the guilty breast, the most afflictive dispensations of Providence are precious blessings; and, in some instances, it is the result of wise love, to treat the proud and careless with roughness and distance: and, as far as equity and the fear of God will allow, to shew them, in our dealings with them, the picture of their conduct to others, in order to bring their sins to remembrance, and excite a salutary remorse. They therefore who are of a very kind and tender nature, if they would do good, must sometimes disguise their feelings under an assumed sternness; as the humane surgeon probes the wound, or cuts the limb, with firmness and apparent unconcern, while his heart bleeds for the anguish which he occasions.-S. CHAP. XLIII. PERSUADABLENESS.-Observe here, I. Jacob's persuadableness. He would be ruled by reason, though they were his inferiors that urged it. He saw the necessity of the case; and, since there was no remedy, he consented 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 d carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. 12 And take double money in your hand: and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; adventure it was an oversight: 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go unto the man: per again 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. 6 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 7 slay, and make ready; for these men shall 8 dine with me at noon. 17 And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. it: albeit I do not say thee how thou owest self besides. Philemon, 5 Or, twice by this. over, Behold, thy ser sent that goeth before bringeth him before great men. Proverbs, of CHAP. 43.-B. C. 1707. for my shearers, and 9 roll himself upon us. as a wide breaking in -They came upon me of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me. Job, 30, 14. came down.--And Jo Their fears. 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 9 seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. 10 coming down we 19 And they came near to the steward of seph's ten brethren went Joseph's house, and they communed with him Egypt. And they at the door of the house, down to buy corn in said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. Gen. And as one of them his ass provender in the for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. Genesis, 11 your money came to me. j Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, gave straw and pro- their eyes and looked, from Gilead, with their going to carry it down is not the health of the Israel, they were thy Minnith, and Pannag, f See chapter 42, 25, 35. been, etc. g I also and my maidens will fast like wise; and so will I go unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish. Esther, 4, 16. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant over all that he had, 7 feet, and the men's feet 20 And said, O sir, 10 we came indeed down at 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. 22 And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks. 23 And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: that were with him. your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: 11 I had your And he brought Simeon out unto Genesis, 24, 32. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, of her head. Luke, money. 24 And the man brought the men into Joseph's wiped them with the house, and gave them water, and they washed 7, 44 After that he their feet; and he gave their asses provender. 25 And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there. poureth water into a the towel wherewith he was girded. John, 13, 5. Well reported of for 26 And when Joseph came home, they brought gers, if she have washed him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the the saints' feet, etc. 1 12 peace. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, earth. see whether it be well k Let people serve kill a killing. Shall thee, and nations bow I then take my bread, to yield to the necessity, v. 11, “If it must be so now, take your brother. If no corn can be had, but upon those terms, we may as well expose him to the perils of the journey, as suffer ourselves and families, and Benjamin among the rest, to perish for want of bread:" Skin for skin, and all that a man has, even a Benjamin, the dearest of all, will he give for his life. No death so dreadful as that by famine, Lam. 4, 9. Jacob had said, (ch. 42, 38,) My son shall not go down; but now he is over-persuaded to consent. Note, It is no fault, but our wisdom and duty, to alter our purposes and resolutions, when there is good reason for our so doing. Constancy is a virtue, but obstinacy is not. It is God's prerogative not to repent, and to make unchangeable resolves.-H. 27 And he asked them of their 12 welfare, and said, 13 Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? is he yet alive? 28 And they answered, Thy servant our father let thy mother's sons is in good health, he is yet alive. And they down to thee; be lord has over every heart, to incline it favourably 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.'-S. AN EASTERN DINNER.-1. Joseph ordered three tables to be spread, one for his brethren, another for the Egyptians that dined with him, (for so different were their customs, that they did not care to eat together,) another for himself, who durst not own himself a Hebrew, and yet would not sit with the Egyptians. See here an instance, (1.) Of hospitality and good house keeping, which is a very commendable thing, according as the ability is. (2.) Of compliance with people's humours, even whimsical ones, as Bishop Patrick calls this of the Egyptians not eating with the Hebrews. Though Joseph was the lord of the land, and orders were given that all people should obey him; yet he would not force the Egyptians to eat with the Hebrews against their minds, but let them enjoy their humours; spirits truly generous hate to impose. (3.) Of the early distance between Jews and Gentiles; one table would not hold them. 2. He placed his brethren according to their seniority, v. 33, as if he could certainly divine. Some think they placed themselves so, according to their custom; but, if so, I see not why such particular notice is taken of it, especially as a thing they marvelled at. 3. He gave them a very plentiful entertainment, sent messes to them from his own table, v. 34. This was the more generous in him, and the more obliging to them, because of the present scarcity of provisions. In a day of famine, it is enough to be fed; but they here were feasted. Perhaps they had not had such a good dinner for many months. It is said, They drank, and were merry; their cares and fears were good terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful. Yet when we sit, as they here did, to eat with a ruler, we should consider what is before us, and not indulge our appetite, or be desirous of dainties, Prov. 23, 1--3. Joseph gave them to understand that Benjamin was his favourite, for his mess was five times as much as any of their's; not as if he would have him eat so much more than the rest, for then he must eat more than would do him good, (and it is no act of friendship, but an injury and unkindness rather, to press any either to eat or drink to excess,) but thus he would testify his particular respect for him, that he might try whether his brethren would envy Benjamin his larger messes, as formerly they had envied him his finer coat. And it must be our rule, in such cases, to be content with what we have, and not to grieve at what others have.-H. PRUDENCE AND JUSTICE.-II. Jacob's prudence and justice, which appeared in three things. 1. He sent back the money which they had found in the sacks' mouths, with this discreet construction of it, Peradventure it was an oversight. Note, Honesty obliges us to make restitution, not only of that which comes to us by our own fault, but of that which comes to us by the mistakes of others. Though we get it by oversight, if we keep it when the oversight is discovered, it is kept by deceit. In the stating of accounts, errors must be excepted, even those that make for us, as well as those that make against us. Jacob's words furnish us with a favourable construction to put upon that which we are tempted to resent as an injury and affront; pass it by, and say, Peradventure it was an oversight. 2. He sent double money, as much again as they took the time before, upon supposition that the price of corn might be risen; or, that, if it should be insisted upon, they might pay a ransom for Simeon, or his prison fees; or, to shew a generous spirit, that they might be the more likely to find generous treatment with the man, the lord of the land. 3. He sent a present of such things as the land afforded, and as were scarce in Egypt, balm and honey, &c., v. 11, the commodities that Canaan exported, ch. 37, 25. Note, (1.) Providence dispenses its gifts variously.now over, and they ate their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon Some countries produce one commodity, others another, that commerce may be preserved. (2) Honey and spice will never make up the want of bread-corn. The famine was sore in Canaan, and yet they had balm and myrrh, &c. We may live well enough upon plain food without dainties, but we cannot live upon dainties without plain food. Let us thank God that that which is most needful and useful is generally most cheap and common. (3.) A gift in secret pacifies wrath, Prov. 21, 14. Jacob's sons were unjustly accused as spies, yet Jacob is willing to be at the expence of a present, to pacify the accuser. Sometimes we must not think much to buy peace, even there where we may justly demand it, and insist upon it as our right.-H. PIETY.-III. Jacob's piety appearing in his prayer, v. 14. God Almighty give you mercy before the man! Jacob had formerly turned an angry brother into a kind one with a present and a prayer; and here he betakes himself to the same tried method, and it sped well. Note, Those that would find mercy with men, must seek it of God, who has all hearts in his hands, and turns them as he pleases.-H. PATIENCE.-IV. Jacob's patience; he concludes all with this, "If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved; If I must part with them thus one after another, I must acquiesce, and say, The will of the Lord be done." Note, It is our wisdom to reconcile ourselves to the sorest afflictions, and make the best of them; for there is nothing got by striving with our maker, 2 Sam. 15, 25, 26.-H. EXPERIENCE. Ver. 14. Jacob knew, by experience, the influence which the Lordence to an earthly superior; because it is superseded by a higher obligation: but PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-Ver. 1--14. We should use great caution in forming resolutions, concerning our future measures in things indifferent; for our perseverance so much depends on the events of providence, that the 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 obedi 30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought to weep; and he entered into his chamber, wept there. where and and 31 And he washed his face, and went out, 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 an abomination unto the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. Ч 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 14 were merry with him. CHAPTER XLIV. 1 Joseph's policy to stay Benjamin. 14 Judah's humble supplication to Joseph. AND ND he commanded 1the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. 4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? 5 Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he 2 divineth? Ye have done evil in so doing. 6 And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words. GENESIS, XLIV. CHAP. 43-B. C. 1707. bow down to thee. Gen. the field, and, lo, my Judah's humble supplication to him. CHAP. 44-B. C. 1707 of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal Out of thy lord's house silver or gold? mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. Genesis, 43, 21. thou findest thy gods, With whomsoever let him not live: before our brethren discern And he told it to his fa- thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not hold your sheaves stood obeisance to my sheaf. round about, and made ther and to his brethren: him, and said unto him, thou hast dreamed? What is this dream that and thy brethren in ourselves to thee to the and his father rebuked c And Reuben returnShall and thy mother ed unto the pit; and, that Rachel had stolen them. Genesis, 31, 32 behold, Joseph was not his clothes the pit and he rend deed come to bow down in the pit; and he rent earth? Genesis, 37, 7, 10. etc. to the ground, and said, 1 The evil bow before ed at the gates of the the good; and the wickrighteous. Prov. 14, 19. m And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife thou shalt have this son said unto her, Fear not; also. And it came to departing, for she died,) Ben-oni; but his father Genesis, 35, 17, 18. as soul was in for his son many days David took hold on his and likewise all the Genesis, 37, 29, 34. Then clothes, and rent them; men that were with him. 2 Samuel, 1, 11. d For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the and field, and, lo, my sheaf upright; and, behold, round about, and made Genesis, 37, 7. stood that she called his name obeisance to my sheaf. called him Benjamin. See Genesis, 42, 13, o Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she the living child, and said, O my lord, give her in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. 1 Kings, 3, 26. p And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, thus he said, would God I had died son, my son Absalom! son, my son! 2 Samuel, The O my son Absalom, my 3 Or, make trial. e Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Job, 40, 4 9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. 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. 11 Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man hissack. 12 And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 16 And Judah said, What shall we say unto clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we of thy servants: behold,fwe are mylord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. LORD be angry, and I 17 And he said, God forbid that I should do ture there shall thirty SO: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, said, I will not do it, if he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you he said. Oh let not the up in peace unto your father. And he said unto him, Oh let not the will speak: Peradven be found there. And he I find thirty there. And Lond be angry,and I will for thee, O Absalom, my speak yet but this once; Peradventure ten shall be That ye shall say, 18 Then Judah came near unto him, and found there. And he said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, 30, 32 And Aaron said, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not my lord wax hot thou thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou they are set on mischief. art even as Pharaoh. our even until Let not the of been about cattle from now, both we, and also dwell in the land of Go our fathers: that ye may shen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Gen. 46, 34. And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomina the abomination of the tion of the Egyptians will they not stone us? To all riment; but to Ben before their eyes, and Exodus, 8, 26. knowest the people that Exodus, 32, 22. iThou shalt be over 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ing unto thy word shall ye a father, or a brother? my house, and accord all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. king's wrath is as the a lion; but 19, 12 j Now Israel loved 20 And we said unto my lord, We have a Genesis, 41, 40. The father, an old man, and a child of his old age, his favour is dow a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone upon the grass. Prov. is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. To all of them he Joseph more than all 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. jamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of rai ment. Genesis, 45, 22 Every man at the be 14 was the ren, be his one son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. Genesis, 37, 3. ye shall be Pharaoh ye shall not drank largely.-proved: By the life of ginning doth set forth go forth hence, except good wine; and when your youngest brother men have well drunk, come hither. But bring is then that which it worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. John, 2, 10. CHAP. 44-B. C. 1707. 1 him that was over his house. 2 Or, maketh trial. a And it came to pass, inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold,every when we came to the man's money was in the 7 And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing. 8 Behold," the money which we found in our sacks' mouths we brought again unto thee out 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 then 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 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.-S. CHAP. XLIV. THE SILVER CUP.-Joseph ordered his steward to put a fine silver cup which he had (and which, it is likely, was used at his table when they dined with him) into Benjamin's sack's mouth, that it might seem as if he had stolen it from the table, and put it there himself, after his corn was delivered him. If Benjamin had stolen it, it had been the basest piece of dishonesty and ingratitude that could be; and if Joseph, by ordering it to be put there, had designed really to take advantage against him, it had been in him most horrid cruelty and oppression; but it proved, in the issue, that there was no harm done, nor any designed, on either side. Observe, your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, ye shall not died, and 42, 15, 20. 1 See chapter 43, 3, 5. m And it came to pass, up the corn which they when they had eaten had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. Genesis, 43, 2 25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. 1. How the pretended criminals were pursued, and arrested, on suspicion of having stolen a silver cup. The steward charged them with ingratitude, rewarding evil for good; with folly, in taking away a cup of daily use, and which therefore would soon be missed, and diligent search made for it. 2. How they pleaded for themselves; they solemnly protested their innocence and detestation of so base a thing; v. 7, urged it as an instance of their honesty, that they had brought their money back; v. 8, and offered to submit to the severest punishment, if they should be found guilty, v. 9, 10. 3. How the theft was fastened upon Benjamin; in his sack the cup was found, to whom Joseph had been particularly kind. Benjamin, no doubt, was ready to deny, upon oath, the taking of the cup, and we may suppose him as little liable to suspicion as any of them; but it is in vain to confront such notorious evidence, the cup is found in his custody; they dare not arraign Joseph's justice, nor so much as suggest, that perhaps he that had put their money in the sacks' mouths had put the cup there; but they throw themselves upon Joseph's mercy. And, 4. Here is their humble submission, v. 16. (1.) They acknowledge the righteousness of God; God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants; perhaps referring to the injury they had formerly done to Joseph, for which they thought God was now reckoning with them. Note, Even in those afflictions wherein we apprehend ourselves wronged by men, yet we must own that God is righteous, and finds out our iniquity. (2) They surrender themselves prisoners to Joseph; We are my lord's servants. Now Joseph's dreams were accomplished to the utmost. 5. Joseph, with an air of justice, gives sentence, that Benjamin only should be kept in bondage, and the rest should be dismissed; for why should any suffer but the guilty?-Perhaps Joseph intended hereby to try Benjamin's temper, whether he could bear such a hardship as this with the calmness and composure of mind that became a wise and good man; in short, whether he was indeed his own 27 And thy servant my father said unto Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: 28 And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: 29 And if ye Ptake this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. seeing Joseph in pieces. Genesis, 37, Me have ye bereaved not, and ye will take me..... And he said, brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief in the which ye go, then to the grave. Genesis, when he had made an 30 Now therefore, when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; 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 un-Jonathan loved him as tomy 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 ser-not, blot me, I pray vant 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 4 come on my father. 18, 1 r See chapter 43, 9. which thou hast writ a And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Acts, 7, 13. should be swallowed up 3 neither let there be anger in your eyes. d And the king said, What have I to do with let him be- thou done so? And 6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 4 8 So now, it was not you that sent me hither, Wherefore hast but God: and he hath made me a e father to David said to Abishai, Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler Behold, my son which throughout all the land of Egypt. and to all his servants, came of my 9 Haste ye, 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 in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy Joseph, who was sold 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. 12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of And Micah my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you. ride in the second they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he said unto him, Dwell vite went in. Judges, 13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye Judges shall haste and bring down my father hither. 14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 Moreover, he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. not, I searched out. Job, 29, 16. fThen Joseph came and told Jabarro, and brethren, and all that they have, behold, they are in the g But if any widow have children or ne phews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite is good and acceptable And they knew not that Joseph understood them by an interpreter. iThen sent Joseph, 16 And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it 5 pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. 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, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. 19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take and fifteen souls. Acts, little ones, and for your wives, and bring your his kindred, threescore you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your 5 was good in the eyes father, and come. that her iniquity par and double for all her brother, in spirit as well as blood; for Joseph himself had been falsely accused, and had suffered hard things in consequence, and yet kept possession of his own soul; however, it is plain he intended hereby to try the affection of his brethren to him, and to their father. If they had gone away contentedly, and left Benjamin in bonds, no doubt but Joseph would soon have released and promoted him, and sent notice to Jacob, and would have left the rest of his brethren justly to suffer for their hard-heartedness; but they proved to be better affected to Benjamin than he feared. Note, We cannot judge what men are by what they have been || formerly, nor what they will do by what they have done: age and experience may make men wiser and better. They that had sold Joseph yet would not now abandon Benjamin: the worst may mend in time.-H. of Pharaoh. should be witnesses of. Thus Christ graciously manifests himself and his lovingkindness to his people, out of the sight and hearing of the world. II. Tears were the preface or introduction to his discourse, v. 2. He had dammed up this stream a great while, and with much ado; but now it swelled so high, that he could no longer contain, but he wept aloud, so that those whom he had forbidden to see him, could not but hear him. These were tears of tenderness and strong affection, and with these he threw off that austerity with which he had hitherto carried himself toward his brethren; for he could bear it no longer. This represents the divine compassion toward returning penitents, as much as that of the father of the prodigal, Luke 15, 20; Hos. 11, 8, 9. III. He very abruptly (as one uneasy till it was out) tells them who he was, I am Joseph. They knew him only by his Egyptian name, Zaphnath-paaneah, his Hebrew name being lost and forgotten in Egypt; but now he teaches them to of the same name, he explains himself, v. 4, I am Joseph, your brother. This would both humble them yet more for their sin in selling him, and 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. This word, at first, startled Joseph's brethren; they started back through fear, or, at least, stood still astonished; but Joseph called kindly and familiarly to them, Come near, I pray you. Thus when Christ manifests himself to his people, he encourages them to draw near to him with a true heart. Perhaps being about to speak of their selling of him, he would not speak aloud, lest the Egyptians should overhear, and it should make the Hebrews to be yet more an abomination to them; therefore he would have them come near, that he might whisper with them, which, now that the tide of his passion was a little over, he was able to do, whereas, at first, he could not but cry out. IV. He endeavours to soften their grief for the injuries they had done him, by shewing them, that, whatever they designed, God meant it for good, and had brought much good out of it, v. 5. Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves. Sinners must grieve, and be angry with themselves, for their sins; yea, though God, by his power, bring good out of them, for that is no thanks to the sinner; but true penitents should be greatly affected with it, when they see God bringing good out of evil, meat out of the eater. Though we must not with this consideration extenuate our own sins, and so take off the edge of our repentance; yet it may do well thus to extenuate the sins of others, and so take off the edge of our angry PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-Ver. 1-17. They, who have been guilty of deceit and injustice, must blame themselves, when afterwards suspected, and put upon repeated trials, before they recover the confidence of those whom they have in-call him by that, I am Joseph: nay, that they might not suspect it was another jured: but, if they are sincere, the event will make amends for the severest scrutiny.-Though open and direct measures are generally preferable; yet, in some cases, stratagems are lawful, and never more so, than when they tend to the benefit of the persons for whom they are laid, in order that they may remember and repent of their own treacherous dealings. To reward evil for good is so evidently base, that nothing can be urged in excuse of it: how then shall we stand in judgment before that God, whom we have so ungratefully requited for his multiplied benefits?-Men think it hard to be suspected of crimes, which are contrary to a few of their outward actions; though they are inwardly conscious 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.-If, before the powerful of the earth, it is sometimes prudent to wave the question of right, and to appeal to their compassion and generosity; much more should we submit to the righteousness of God, and, renouncing all other pleas, cast ourselves upon his infinite compassion: for he is perfectly righteous, and will be acknowledged to be so, by all who would approach him with acceptance.-S. CHAP. XLV.-NATURE WILL OUT. I. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw, v. 1. The private conversations of friends are the most free; when Joseph would put on love, he puts off state; which it was not fit his servants |