An Exposition of Genesis, Genesis · Chapter 42
CHAP. XLII.
2. IN this chapter begins the history of Iosephs carriage in his government toward his brethren, and this generally observed is three fold.
1. In their first comming into Egypt. Chap. 42.
2. In their second advent for food▪ Chap. 43. Chap. 44.3.
3. In their returne, being arrested. Chap. 44.4, &c. to Chap: 47.12.
In the first of these related in this Chapter 42. we have these generalls.
1. The d…scent of Iacobs sons to Egypt. Ver. 1.5.
2. Their entertainment by Ioseph there. Ver. 6.28
3. Their returne to their father. Ver. 29.38.
1. About the descent of Iacobs sons we may note.
1. The occasion and cause of their going into Egypt. Ver. 1.2.
2. Their descent it selfe. Ver. 3.4.5.
In the former we have also to observe.
1. The occasion of their going thither, And Jacob saw, Ver. 1.that there was corne in Egypt. — foreign, Sept. — That corne was sold. Cald. Note.
1. The observer here, Jacob, the father of them.
2. The observation which he tooke, here it is given to his eye, he saw, afterward to his ear; If question be, how he could see it? Likely by the corne bought, and brought home by his neighbours, the Canaanites; or sight may be put for understanding, he understood and perceived this.
3. The matter of his observation, that while famine was in Canaan, there …as corne to be sold in Egypt. The word foreign signifieth breaking, and sometimes buying and selling, and metonymically it notes that which is bought, and sold; and in this place it must needs be corne, which was that, which they wanted, and desired to buy. This observation of Iacobs, was the occasion of his sons going downe to Egypt.
2. The cause of their descent, twofold.
1. In Jacobs motion made unto them, which is several wayes.
1. By way of expostulatory reproof, And Jacob said to his sons, why look ye upon your selves, or one upon another? — foreign. Why dispond ye, or are ye idle, or slow, Sept. — Why neglect ye? Cald. Herein.
1. The partie reprehending, a provident father.
2. The matter of reprehension, his sons negligence, dispondency, or idle gazing one upon another, without any solicitation to provide bread for themselves and families: they were as stupified, looking upon one another, but doing nothing.
3. The reason of it implyed, that other Canaanites had been seeking food in Egypt, and they sit still, meanes God had afforded, and they sought not after it, Ver. 1.
2. By way of declaration to them, And he said unto them, behold I have heard, that there is selling of corne in Egypt, — Cald. the same. — That there is corne in Egypt, Sept. Where note.
1. He that reproveth, sheweth them how to mend, there is help in such a place.
2. He giveth them the benefit of his owne ears, I your father have heard, and you may heare too by them that come from Egypt, that there is a market of corn there, and there you may buy as others do of them who sell.
3. By way of command, Go downe thither, and buy corn for us from thence. — Cald. same. — A little food, Sept. Herein he commands.
1. Their motion, go ye downe thither, as others.
2. Their worke, buy us corn from thence.
2. The end of Jacobs motion to them, And we shall live and not dye, Sept. and Cald. same. This end is set out.
1. Positively, to maintaine life in our families.
2. Negatively, that we may not all be killed with famine. Acts. 7.11.12. Ver. 2.Ver. 2.
Learn hence.
D. 1. It beseemeth good fathers of families to observe time of wants, where and how to supply them.
D. 2. Sight, and observation of supplies moveth on such to procure them.
D. 3. Experience of fathers is needful to help, when young ones know not what to doe.
D. 4. One good father takes more care for ten sons, then ten sons for one father usually.
D. 5. Grace maketh fathers of families reprove dispondencies, and faintings of any in times of want.
D. 6. Reproofe of negligences and dispondences is requisit from fathers to children. Ver. 1.
D. 7. Directions must follow reproofs to have the failings of children mended.
D. 8. It is but natural for one nation to supply another with food.
D. 9. The land of promise is no ground to tempt God in time of famine, but to seeke out for supply.
D. 10. Fatherly authority may injoyne sons to go, and fetch food, where it may be had.
D. 11. Just buying and selling is the way of God to preserve community in the world.
D. 12. The preservation of life, and preventing of death in families must put fathers upon that care. V. 2.
2. Their descent now followeth; wherein occurre.
1. The onset of them who were commanded to go. Ver. 3.
2. The exception of one, who went not. Ver. 4.
3. The arrival of them, who went to Egypt. Ver. 5.
To the first: wee have herein to observe,
1. The parties set out by their relation, The brethren of Joseph, Sept. and Cald. same. — All of the same father, not of the same mother.Ver. 3.
2. Their number, they were ten; all those who hated Ioseph, and had an hand in selling him into Egypt: this number now was ordered of God to go to that place, whither they had sold their brother to be a slave.
3. Their attempt to their journey, they descended.
4. Their end — to buy corne from Egypt. Septuag. and Cald same. little did these thinke, that they were going to Egypt, to bow to Ioseph, or accomplish the truth of his dreames; they aime at nothing but to get food, and that from the hand of strangers, not from their brother, whom they thought to be low enough, or out of the world: Their end was good to get food, but they are sent to do something else. Ver. 3.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Children of the family do but their dutie to go about their fathers commands for good.
D. 2. Brethren persecuting Joseph go sometimes to bow to him, when they thinke not of it.
D. 3. Need of corn, and food may provoke those to seeke it from such, as they have hated.
D. 4. To the same place God may send those to be afflicted who have afflicted others in the same. V. 3.
2. The exception which Jacob made in sending his sons.
Ver. 4.1. The person excepted. But Benjamin, Josephs brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren. Sept. and Cald. same. Where note.
1. The Fathers tendernes to his Benjamin.
2. Josephs neerest relation are remembred, in the reserving him from going.
2. The reason added. For he said, least mischiefe befal him. — foreign Sep.— death. Calde. deadly mischiefe is meant.
Quest. Why is Jacob more tender to this then the others?
Answ. 1. His age, he was but young. 2. His mother, it was Rachels son, Josephs brother. 3. Gods hand overruled in this first journey, that the ten who had dealt hardly with Joseph should go by themselves.
Learne from it.
D. 1. In commands of Rulers, prudence guide's to make exceptions.
D. 2. Providence make's use of Fathers affections to make reserve of any from dangerous undertakings.
D. 3. Losse of one child may make Fathers fear mischief to another. Ver. 4.
3. The arrivall of the ten sons of Jacob in Egypt followeth, verse 5th, wherein are recorded.
1. Their advent,Ver. 5. And the sons of Israel came to buy corne in the midst of them, who came. — To Egypt with them, who came. Sept. and Cald. the same.
1. The persons are noted, who were the sons of Jacob, even those ten spoken of before.
2. Their advent, they came, or were come into Egypt at this time.
3. Their end, it was to buy, the same word as before is used, that notes corne; the Seaventy is full, to buy wheat.
4. Their company, together with their neighbours, and other strangers, who came thither to buy food. The Church as well as others are put to straights, and therefore need, among others, to looke out for maintaining life in the world.
2. The reason of this coming againe repeated, For the famine was in the land of Canaan. Sept. and Cald. same. The land of promise to Jacob, yea and his owne family therein, are not exempted from publicke judgements, which may presse them as others to seeke foor food.
Learn we.
D. 1. Providence carrieth persons safely to the place where God purposeth to try or refresh them.
D. 2. Israels sons are put to hard travells for their lives, as well as others.
D. 3. Bread or food will draw hungry souls unto paines to get it.
D. 4. Church-separation from the world keeps not from civill society with them of the world.
D. 5. The land of promise and Jacobs family may smart in publicke plagues.
D. 6. It is meet for Israels sons, as to bear Gods hand, so to follow providence to ease it. Ver. 5.
2. The next head in the first general is the entertainment, which they finde from Joseph at this first advent, set out from verse 6. to 28. Wherein note.
1. His pretended austerity to them. Ver. 6.17.
2. His capitulation with them. Ver. 18.19.20.
3. The impression of these dealings on them. Ver. 21.23.
4. Josephs naturall affection, and care of them. Ver. 24.28.
In the first of these many particulars occurre.
1. The occasion of Israels sons appearing before him, which was his place and power of selling,Ver. 6. And Joseph hee was the ruler over the land, he it was, that sold corne to all the people of the land. foreign— Sold: Sept. — Sold corne. Calde. Herein are noted.
1. Josephs dignity, hee was Ruler, a word whence Sultan an Arabian word cometh, as some say, which was a title of chief Rulers in Egypt, and Babylon; such was Ioseph.
2. Josephs duty or worke in this place, which was to see the selling out of the corne, and spending of the store himselfe. These two necessitated their comming into his presence; for had publick markets been elsewhere, probably they might have been provided without seeing him: But so God ordered it to fulfill other prophesies.
2. Their addresse and carriage in Josephs presence, And Iosephs brethren came and bowed downe themselves unto him, faces to the ground. Sept. and Cald. same, here we have.
1. Their admittance.
2. Their obeisance. — See here the accomplishment of Gods will, which men do, who were resolved never to do it. Here Iosephs sheafe stands upright, and his brethrens sheaves bow to it; which to prevent they sold him into Egypt and by selling him, brought the thing to passe, as is here now apparent.
Note hence.
D. 1. Dignity and duty are well joyned, when put out together for publicke good.
D. 2. Providence makes Joseph great at that time when his brethren are low. So God sets up, and pluk's down as he pleaseth.
D. 3. It is good when rulers looke to their duties themselves, and not too much trust servants.
D. 4. Such good and diligent rulers God honours before their brethren.
D. 5. Men accomplish the decrees of God when they little thinke of it.
D. 6. Gods word must stand whatever men do to frustrate it. So it doth in this bowing. Ver. 6.
3. Josephs cognizance of his brethren, and carriage in generall.
1. His demeanor in generall, And Joseph saw his breth…en, and knew them. but he made himselfe strange, and spake with, or to them hard things. Sept. the same. — And hee thought what to speake with them, or to them, and he spake hard things. Calde. Here providence offers Ioseph a tryall, to see what he would do with them, that had dealt so ill with him, and we shall see the issue; Herein note.
1. Josephs brethren are offered to his sight humbling themselves, and bowing before him.
2. They are taken into knowledge, He knew them, who they were, and their relations.
3. They are seemingly distasted by him.
1. He estranged himselfe from them, or demeaned himselfe as a stranger. It is the same word that is used before to signifie his knowledge of them, but in another conjugation, and imports, that after knowledge, yet he carrieth himselfe as a stranger or an Egyptian.
2. His speech is hard and rough, and threatning, as afterward in special appears.
2. His demeanor in particular.
1. In word. V. 7.16.
2. In deed. Ver. 17. Wherein many things occurre. In the first, which is his treaty with them by word, it is threefold.
1. By way of examination. Ver. 7.Ver. 7.
2. By way of charge. Ver. 8.13.
3. By way of proof. Ver. 14.15.16.
1. That which is by examination, is in the close of the seaventh verse, wherein we have.
1. His sharp expostulation, And he said to them, whence come yee?
1. He dissembles his knowledge, he knew whence they were, but hides it.
2. He sharply question's them; for those were hard words, whence come ye? what are ye? what make ye here?
2. Their humble reply: wherein they shew.
1. Their place, And they said out of the Land of Caanan, Sept. and Cald. same. The words are plaine.
2. Their busines, to buy food, so far they speak humbly, and truly; for this cause, upon their fathers command, they were come thither. Ver. 7.
Observe we.
D. 1. In the time appointed God makes his Saints see, that effected, which he gave in dreams.
D. 2. God causeth his servants to know them who fulfill his prophesies, though themselves know it not.
D. 3. God sometimes gives enemies into the hands of his people to try them.
D. 4. Concealment of relation, and the guise of a stranger is not unlawfull for Saints to act.
D. 5. Hard words, and carriage to such as have been injurious, may bee used by Saints without sin.
D. 6. Rulers may question men about their place, though they know it.
D. 7. Misery makes men humbly reply, who formerly scorn'd to stoop.
D. 8. It is but reasonable, men should declare their place and busines being in a strange land. Ver. 7.
2. He speaketh to them by way of charge in the six following verses, wherein are two heads of discourse. (1.) Ver. 8.9.10.11. (2.) ver. 12.13.
1. In the former we have to note Josephs first charge and therein.
1. The occasion of it, which was twofold.
1. His knowledge of them, and their ignorance of him, And Ioseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. Sept. and Cald. same, — This gave him the first advantage thus to deal with them he was concealed from them, and they knowne to him. Ver. 8.Ver. 8.
Ver. 9.2. His recognition of his former dreames, And Ioseph remembred the dreames, which he dreamed of them, or he remembred for them, that is, now to make use of them. — Cald, the same. Which he saw. Sept. herein we may consider.
1. Something supposed, that Ioseph might have forgotten those dreams, by being in affliction and prison, which he did now fully understand.
2. His act expressed, he remembred his dreames, that is, now they appear to him with their effect, and accomplishment, while he seeth his brethren bowing before him, so he comes to a full knowledge of those Propheticall discoveries, which he knew not before.
3. The use he makes of his memory, he remembreth his dreames for them, that is, to deal with them by way of tryall, as afterward appears: So the dative (foreign) is best added to the verb remembred: for to read it annexed to his dreaming, (which he dreamed of them) as is read, there wants a preposition to make that sense. He remembred his dreames for them, is plaine Grammaticall reading, that is, to make use of these toward them.
2. The charge laid on them, And he said unto them, ye are Spies, ye are footing men, to see the nakednes of the land are ye come. — To consider the footsteps of the land, &c. Sept. To see the weake parts of the land, &c. Cald. Here they are charged with two evills capitall.foreign
1. In their condition, that they were Spies, as the Seaventy, or footers as the Hebrew seems to intimate, such as go up and down to spy.
2. In their worke or designe, to finde out the nakednes of the land, and take advantage against the state; of this they are accused. Ver. 9.
3. Their reply unto this charge layd on them.
1. By denyall, And they said unto him, Nay my Lord. Sept. and Cald. same. Wherein they plead, and that truly, not guilty.
2. By declaring their designe, But thy servants are come to buy food. Sept. and Cald. same. This was the truth, they came to supply their hunger in an honest way of buying. Ver. 10.Ver. 10.
3. By asserting.
1. Their common parent, We all are sons of one man.
2. Their truth and uprightnes, we are right, or true. Calde the same. — We are peaceable. Sept. thy servants are not Spies; our words and deeds agree; therefore wee are upright, and no Spies. Ver. 11.Ver. 11▪
2. In the latter head of discourse we have also.
1. Josephs instancie in repeating his charge. And he said unto them, nay, but ye are come to see the nakednes of the land. — foreign Sept. — Infirmiora Terrae. Calde. Here see his persistencie in charging them of treacherous designes: So he carrieth on yet his act toward them. Ver. 12.Ver. 12.
2. Their apologetical reply repeated,Ver. 13. And they said, we thy servants were twelve brethren, the sons of one man, in the land of Canaan, and behold the younger is with our father this day, and one is not. We twelve brethren, &c. Sept. — One doth not appear. Cald. This argument for their vindication is partly true, and partly false.
1. It is true that there were twelve brethren, and that ten of one mans sons should be sent together to be spies, was altogether improbable, to adventure all their lives at once upon such a designe.
2. It is true, that the youngest was now with his father left at home as the comfort of his age.
3. It was false, that they said, one was not, for he was at that time with them, though they knew it not; they knew well enough what they had done with him, but now tell the old tale, that he was dead, though himselfe was alive, and heard it; upon this account Josephs austerity is not to be condemned, so farr as it tends to bring them to a sight of their sin. Thus farre the charge.
3. He bespeake's them by way of proof, to try them further. Ver. 14.15.16. wherein note,
1. The resumption of his charge. V. 14.Ver. 14. And Joseph said, &c. which is to say, for this purpose I charge you as spies, try whether you say truth in all things.
2. The probation whereupon he puts them, of which▪
1. The matter of it, whether they had a younger brother, if so, they would appear true, if not, false. To make this proof he requireth exactly.
Ver. 15.1. That one of them be sent home to fetch him.
2. That in the interim the rest be prisoners.
3. That the youngest brother must come unto him.
4. That unles this be performed they shal be accounted spies, and not true men.
Ver. 16.2. The forme of this proposal by way of attention or oath, Pharaoh liveth or By the life of Pharaoh: It is doubtles a strong asseveration among the Egyptians to confirme any thing spoken, by the life of the King. All this is austerity in speech. — Health of Pharaoh. Sept.
2. His pretended austerity was in action, And he put them, Ver. 17.or gathered them into ward three dayes, Sept and Cald. same. — No difficulty in the words: he imprisoned them three dayes. OnelyOnly some queries would be answeared.
Quest. 1. How could Joseph be concealed from his father so long?
Answ. 1. His father lookes not after him, supposing him to be dead as his brethren said. 2. In Iosephs affliction, hee could not make himselfe knowne, being kept close. 3. In all estates the great cause was Gods providence, who had appointed the time of manifestation to his father.
Quest. 2. Doth Joseph wel to dissemble himselfe?
Answ. 1. The end of this action (as the event sheweth) was not to hurt them, but try them. 2. His concealment of himselfe was no dissimulation at all, being not asked about his relation. 3. The like action was done by Christ himselfe, when he made as if hee would go further being desired to stay at Emmaus. Luke. 24. In this Ioseph cannot justly be condemned.
Quest. 3. Was it not a lye to call them. spies, when he knew they were not?
Answ. 1. His charge is not absolute, but conditional, as he expounds himselfe, if their words were not true, and did not bring their brother. 2. It is not sin for rulers to charge by way of trial. 3. Probably yet some passion in Ioseph might worke irregularly herein.
Quest. 4. Was it not iniquity to imprison innocents?
Answ. 1. In all things they were not innocent, though their proper crime were not alleaged. 2. The imprisonment was no intended oppression to them, but mannaged with good purposes. 3. In the issue they suffer no evil by it, therefore it cannot be justly charged with iniquity.
Quest. 5. Was it not a part of ungodlines to swear by the life of Pharaoh?
Answ. 1. The forme of speech is judged sometimes not to be an oath, as in Anna to Eli. 1. Sam. 1.26. 2. granting that it is an oath, nothing can be said for excuse, but that it was Iosephs infirmity to comply with Court-oaths.
Quest. 6. But did he not forswear himselfe, in swearing they were spies?
Answ. 1. He did not positively swear they were spies, but upon condition they proved not their words, and brought not their brother; no perjury therefore can be charged on him.
Learn from all.
D. 1. Providence sometimes useth the knowledge of some, and ignorance of others to Gods owne ends.
D. 2. Length of time and change of state may render a brother unknowne to brethren.
D. 3. Prophetical discoveries of Gods will may be at least neglected in times which concern… them most.
D. 4. Prophesies fulfilled are more cleerly understood, and comfortably remembred then before.
D. 5. Providence doth accomplish good prophesies to Saints to manifest his truth.
D. 6. Providence in making good prophesies to Saints may put them upon tryalls.
D. 7. Saints having prophesies accomplished, may use them hap'ly to try others under them.
D. 8. Charges conditionally laid upon the guiltles may be lawful in some cases.
D. 9. Good rulers are apt to bee violent in charges upon inferiors by infirmity.
D. 10. It is just for persons charged amisse to cleer themselves of such charge, and assert truth.
D. 11. Persons guiltles in one case charged, yet guilty in others, may be left to bewray themselves, by some false suggestions. Ver. 9.10.11.12.13.
D. 12. It is no iniquity to put such to proofe who are found faltering in their answears.
D. 13. Good men may be ordered by providence to exact such hard things, which they do not execute.
D. 14. Good men set up by God in high places, may learn court oaths too soone.
D. 15. Saints under God may pretend that harshnes, which they intend not, in order to good.
D. 16. God may order his owne in power, to cast others into prison for tryalls sake.
D. 17. Trying restraints made by Saints upon others for good, are but short. Three dayes. Ver. 14.15.16.17.
2. After this pretended austerity, followeth Iosephs capitulation with them, and mitigation of his severity. Ver. 18.19.20. Wherein note.
1. His proposeal, wherein observe.
1. A proposition of grace in general. Ver. 18.
2. A special capitulation.
1. By reservation of one in prison.
2. A dismission of the rest. Ver. 19.
3. An injunction to bring their youngest brother.
2. Their submission to his will. Ver. 20.
1. As to the proposition of grace in general we may observe these particulars.
1. The person making it, Ioseph, who was now in power,Ver. 18. and hitherto had dealt roughly with them, Ioseph said unto them.
2. The time, Upon the third day; he measures time of severity, as God doth to his, a short time, so the third day notes. Hos. 6.2.
3. The offer of grace itself, — This do, and live. Sept. and Cald. the same, Where note.
1. He promiseth something more easie to be done, which he specifieth afterward.
2. He promiseth them comfortably thereupon that they shall live, and no hurt shall bee unto them.
4. The reason of this, piety to God, I fear God, — Septuag. the same, Before the face of God. Cald. This also he spake by an interpreter unto them, and the summe of it is, that he knew God tooke notice of his dealings, and he seared how to offend him, and was careful to act according to his law; not to injure his neighbour; therefore he came now to make this proposal to them.
Learn we thence.
D. 1. Righteous judges in chastening offenders, measure time with God.
D. 2. Grace moderate's severity in just rulers to offer offenders terms of life, and peace.
D. 3. The fear of God keeps rulers from oppressing their brethren. Ver. 18.
2. As to this special capitulation with them.
1. For tryal of their truth, he requireth onelyonly one of them to be left hostage, If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your ward.—Cald. the same. If ye be peaceable, &c. Sept, Wherein observe.
1. The thing to be proved is their truth.
2. The way of proving, to leave one as hostage, until they make good their word.
2. He dismisseth all the rest, wherein note.
1. Their discharge, Go ye, take ye your way home.
2. Their accommodation made by Ioseph, Carry ye corne for the famine of your houses. — The portion of corne buy, Sept. — Corne that failed in your house. Cald. So that here we see natural affection working in Joseph, not to send them empty, but full of provision for the sustenance of their families. To the letter, Carry the breaking of hunger to your houses; the phrase used by the Hebrewes for corne. Ver. 19.Ver. 19.
3. The injunction laid upon them,Ver. 20. And ye shall bring your youngest brother unto me, and your words shall be verified, and ye shall not dye, — Cald. the same. — if not, ye shall dye, Sept. Herein observe.
1. The worke injoined, and that peremptorily, You shall bring your youngest brother to me. He capitulates not, if your father will suffer him, but this I will have done. — The scope of this injunction was.
1. Proof of them to be men of truth, their words shall then have credit, as the Sept. reads.
2. Security to themselves, ye shall not die as spies, nor your hostage brother suffer.
1. Their submission to it, And they did so, Sept. Cald. same. That is, they agreed fully to his motion; it was more easie for Jacob, that nine of his Sons returne, rather then one; and those might carry supply to their families, one could not; and most likely it was that many might prevaile with Jacob to send Benjamin, sooner then one; but the proposall carrying in it so much advantage, therefore they yeild unto it. Ver. 20.
Learn here.
D. 1. To prove truth among national parties, it is not unequal to give hostages.
D. 2. Hostages being taken t'is but equal that parties have liberty to manifest truth.
D. 3. Nature will not, much lesse grace, dispatch hungry men without food.
D. 4. Bread-corne is the break-neck of hunger. Ver. 19.
D. 5. Reasonable testimonies of truth may be peremptorily demanded of suspected persons.
D. 6 Iustification and security are to be afforded to men of truth.
D. 7. It is reasonable for men under tryalls, to yield to just terms for deliverance. Ver 20.
3. Now followeth the history of the impression, which these hard dealings by Gods hand wrought upon them Ver. 21.2….23. Wherein the impression general is a conscience of their cruel dealings against their brother Joseph, and their selfe-judging for it, about the whole we have.
1. The mutual charge one of another, wherein.
Ver. 21.1. The parties are noted, And they said, a man to his brother. — Every one to his brother. Sept and Cald. The whole number of them are here intended, all their hearts were smitten, and as every mans conscience flieth in his own face, so one brother help's to accuse another among themselves.
2. The charge which they mutually lay one upon another, Verily we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distresse of his soul in his beseeching us for grace, and we heard him not — We are in sinnes, because we despised the affliction, Sept. — We yeilded not to him. Cald. Note here.
1. They take home sin upon themselves concerning Ioseph their brother. Wee have sinned against our brother, and are guilty in our owne consciences, we cannot put off this sinne, we are still in sins, as the Seaventy.
2. The particular grounds of this selfe judging.
1. That they put his soul to distresse and anguish, as by stripping him, putting him into the pit, selling him to strangers.
2. That he wept and cried, and besought them for favour, when he was in their hands, which should have moved the bowe…ls of brethren.
3. That they saw his anguish, and yet would not hear him, but sell him to be used, or destroyed at the pleasure of infidels.
3. The judgement they passe upon the whole, Therefore is this di…resse come upon us, Sept. Cald. same. Wherein they note.
1. The relation, anguish is upon us, as we layd it upon him; we threw him into a pit, and we are cast into prison, we used him roughly, and so we are used our selves, we would not hear his intreaties, and now ours are rejected.
2. The justice of it, Therefore is this straight come upon us, as we have done, so hath the Lord requited us. Thus Adonibezek. 1. Judges. Ver. 21.
2. The personal charge layd upon them by Reuben, and this is by way of aggravation of the others sin, here.
1. The accuser Reuben, the eldest, who advi…ed his putting in the pit, that he might deliver him. Gen. 37.21.22. And Reuben answered, &c.
2. The charge he layeth on them, in these two things.
1. That he admonished them as to this, Spake not I unto you, sa…ing, do not sin ag…inst the child. Calde. the same. Do not injure the childe. Sept. His expostulation imports their concession, that they could not deny it, but that he had advised them to do him no wrong.
2. That notwithstanding they would not hearken, nor be perswaded by him, but tooke him and sold him in his absence. Gen. 37.29.
3. The judgement, which he passeth thereupon, And also behold, his bloud is requir…d. Sept. and Cald the same. So he agreeth with their sentence, onelyonly in other terms, they said, there…ore this dis…resse is come, and he saith, his bloud is required, that is, by this distresse, which now befell them in Egypt, God did require their brothers bloud at their hands, by retaliating their cruelties upon themselves. All this they spake alone one to another in the Hebrew language, the interpreter of Joseph being absent. Ver. 22.Ver. 22▪
3. The reason of their speaking so freely, and aloud one to another before Joseph, And they kn…w not, that Joseph was hearing, Ver. 23.or understanding, for an interpreter was betweene them. Sept. and Cald. the same. Herein note.
1. The cause of their freenes of speech is their ignorance of Josephs understanding their language, they thought him to be an Egyptian, not skill'd in their dialect.
2. The ground of this ignorance at least in part, because in all this time of discourse an interpreter was between them, telling Josephs words to them, and theirs to him: So that hereupon, they were confident that hee understood not their conference. ver. 23.
Quest. 1. Why did this affliction minde them of their sin against Joseph, rather then other sins?
Answ. 1. It is not said, that they were troubled for no more, they had many sins among them. 2. The retaliation of the same distresse was upon them, which they saw upon their brother, which seemed to point out that sin in which they had slept three & twenty yeares. 3. Providence doubtles so ordered it, that Ioseph also might be wrought upon with their confessions to use bowells toward them.
Quest. 2. Why doth Reuben charge bloud on them, when they shed none?
Answ. 1. True it is, actually they shed not his bloud. 2. It is as true, the… intended to shed it. 3. They sold him into such hands as might hav… killed him; yea and thought no lesse but that he was slayne: therefore none stand to excuse, or shake off bloud.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Combined sinners by providence may be made mutual accusers
D. 2. Sin may sleep a while, and leave sinners secure, but it wil awaken them at last after 23 years
D. 3. God by afflictions on mens loins, may bring sin to remembrance The prison did it.
D. 4. Conscience awaked will charge sinners boldly, and surely, not by peradventures.
D. 5. Sins against brothers, and near relations presse conscience, when revived.
D. 6. It is a grievous sinning to put brethren to anguish, and sore distresses.
D. 7. It is sin highly aggravated to be deafe and hardned to brethrens cries.
D. 8 Such sinners God usually answears with retaliation. Ver. 21.
D. 9. Among sinners, the lesse guilty may be moved to charge the rest.
D. 10. Premonition against sinning doth much aggravate sin committed
D. 11. Deafnes to warnings against sin, makes it ten times more sinful.
D. 12. Bloud is justly required of them, who intend to spill it, though they do it not.
D. 13. God therefore requireth sin because men make light of it, and hearken not Ver. 22.
D. 14. Ignorance of being discovered maketh sinners more free in confessing then they would be.
D. 15. State-police in using interpreters may sometimes deceive simple men.
D. 16 Such mistakes are ordered by God to the greater good of such whome he loveth. Ver. 23.
4. Hereupon followeth the discovery of Josephs affection and care unto them at last. Ver. 24.28.
1. His brotherly affection is discovered upon hearing them charge one another, and lay home their sin upon themselves. Ver. …4. In the report whereof, note.
1. His real inward affection,Ver. 24. And he turned about from them, and wept. Sept. and Cald the same.
1. The occasion was his brothers confession of their cruelty against him
2. The principle of it was tender bowells to them, being brought to se… their sin.
3. The effect was weeping and compassion.
4. The manner of expressing, not before them, but turning aside to a private place.
2. His austere action consequent notwithstanding, And he returned to them, and spake to them, and tooke from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. Sep. & Cald. the same.
1. His reverse is here reported, after nature had a little vented itself; magnanimity puts a stop to passion, and in he comes to them againe.
2. His discourse, he spake to them, it is not said what he spake, but likely to the tenor of the former agreement about leaving one behinde, and dispatching the rest away.
3. His action, done doubtles by his command, and that twofold.
1. He tooke Simeon from them, whether they agreed on him, or Ioseph onelyonly pitched on him, is not related.
2. He bound him before their eyes, that is, doubtles either by pinnioning of him, or putting bolts upon his heels, such course as was taken with prisoners under such suspition; and all their eyes saw to be effected.
Quest. 1. Why was Simeon taken?
Answ. 1. It is probable, that Joseph pitched on him, and the rather because he was the eld st of them, and the leader of the rest to destroy him, for Reuben d…livered him from being slain & was absent, when he was sold; for which cause Joseph might rather choose to secure him.
2. God yet might see, he had more need of abasing, and therefore ordered, he should be the man.
Quest 2. But why was he so hardly bound?
Answ 1. It might be as a terror to the rest, and quicken them to returne with B njamin for his deliverance.
2. It is not likely that he was kept so bound long, but for the present to bring to a serious humbling.
Learne thence.
D. 1. Serious confession, and trouble upon offenders will move gracious offended ones to pitty.
D. 2. Wisdom ma… teach Saints to turne aside and hide their bowells from offending, and repenting brethren.
D. 3. Magnanimity of grace stops passion, and keeps a man unchanged.
D. 4. Tender bowells may consist with seeming severity in Gods Saints.
D 5. Providence picks out the hardest sinner sometime to hardest suffering for humbling of him.
D. 6. Such singular afflicting of one in the eyes of others is for instruction to all Ver. 24.
2. His brotherly care after all this concerning them, and their families; in the report …hereof we have to note.
1. His tendernes towards them, expressed in three acts, and issues, And Joseph commanded, and they filled their vessels with corne, &c. Sept. and Cald. the same; the principal act of Ioseph, is command concerning them, and thus orders his Ministers to three acts of love to them.
1. To give them corne enough; which appeares by what they did, they filled their vessels, what ever they were; wee read sacks, because we so carry corne, but what ever vessells they brought, they were filled. He is inlarged to them for as much as they could carry with them.
2. To give it them gratis, and therefore to returne every mans money into his sack, And to make their money of every man to returne into his sacke. Sept. and Cald. the same. Here his liberality more appears, he did not so with strangers, which came to buy.
3. To give them provision for their journey over and above, And to give them provision for the way. Sept. and Cald. the same. That is, to keep their store from spending, to give them an overplus for food in their journey. Joseph did not do so to all.
4. The performance of all, And thus he did to them, not onelyonly did he injoyne it, but thus was it done, And so it was done to them Sept. and Cald. as the Hebrew. They did, that is, his Ministers did as they were commanded: So he did it by them. Ver. 25.Ver. 25.
2. Their safe dismission wherein we have.
1. Their preparation,Ver. 26. And they tooke up their corne upon their asses. Sept. and Cald. the same. That is, as they had leave, and were licenced, they take their sacks, as Josephs men delive…ed them, and laded their beasts in order to bee gone.
2. Their departure, And they went from thence. Sept. and Cald. the same. Under providence thus they are dismissed to go to their homes, after the tryalls, which met with them. Thoughtfull, doubtles, they went, and yet quiet, that they had a passe granted to go home.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Gracious men however they may seem hard, yet are indeed pittiful and bountiful.
D. 2. Gracious commanders order all under them to do good as is required.
D. 3. Brethrens bowells are full of goodnes to brethren when God giveth opportunity.
D. 4. The soules of gracious relations are free in doing good to their relations, as they are able.
D. 5. Liberall souls afford more then enough in some cases to the needy.
D. 6. Good Rulers do not onelyonly command good, but see it done. Ver. 25.
D. 7. Providence, though it orders afflictions, yet withall it giveth supplies.
D. 8. The time of tryal being over, God by men gives a passe for his, out of trouble. Ver. 26.
3. The event discovered to them in their way, with the impression of it upon them, wherein.
Ver. 37.1. The event itselfe, And one opened his sacke, to give provender to his asse in the inne, and he saw his mony; and behold, it was in the mouth of his sacke. Cald. the same. — Where they lodged, and saw the bundle of his mony, &c. Sept. Here note.
1. The occasion was opening his sacke to give some provender to his asse, the Seaventy read, to the asses, meaning all, and probably one might carry provision for all, because the rest opened not their sacks, until they came home.
2. The event, he saw the bundle of money in his sackes mouth: a strange and unexpected thing to him; he found money, looking for provinder. Ver. 27.
2. His narration of it to his brethren, And he said to his brethren, my money is restored me, and also behold it is in my sacke, Sept. and Cald. the same. This strange accident could not be concealed, but he declareth it to his brethren.
3. The impression made.
1. Of fainting, And their heart went out. — Was astonished. Sept. — The knowledge of their heart departed. Cald. It notes a passion transcendent, which tooke away their reason for present, that they were as in a maze.
2. Of fear, And they trembled a man with his brother. — They were troubled Sept. — They were astonished. Cald. A very great fear fell upon them, and they looked one upon an other with trembling at such an unexpected event.
4. The expression of their trouble, saying, what is this that God hath done unto us? or why hath God done this unto us? Sept. and Cald the same. The letter is plaine. All the question is about the forme of speech, what it may be, and what this expostulation imports. It certainly relates to God, but understood by divers, various wayes.
1. Some take it to be a challenging of God, or complaining against him, who ordered this as a new trouble for their old sin, to betray them unto those, that sought their lives.
2. Others take it in a milder way, that they looke to God in this matter, as justly remembring their guilt, and so might order this, in judgement, to them; which seemeth most likely, as if hereby they should be made obnoxious to the accusations of the Egyptians, so they expresse their thoughts Ch. 43.18. Ver. 28.Ver. 28.
Learn thence.
D. 1. Occasional actions in mens meanest imployments may give knowledge of Gods gracious providences.
D. 2. Providence oft-times makes men see, that they are gainers by their troubles. Ver. 27.
D. 3. Strange providences to any are hard to be concealed from others.
D. 4. Vnexpected good events may astonish, and make hearts quail, as well as bad.
D. 5. Guilty consciences are apt to take good providences in a bad sense.
D. 6. Hearts afflicted formerly by God, are apt to thinke Gods best dealings strange unto them. V. 28.
3. Now followeth the last general of the Chapter, which containeth the returne of Jacobs sons unto their father, wherein we have to note.
1. Their advent to him, And they came to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan, Sept. and Cald. the same. No difficulty is here, The connection of this to the former notes the order of those providences; after their hard travell and harsh entertainment in Egypt, at last under the good hand of God, they reach to Jacob their father, who was looking hard for them, and likely full of carefull thoughts about them, and at last they arrive safely, though with some sad impressions.
2. Their narration of all events, which befell them in his hearing, And d…clared to him all that b…fell them, saying, Sept. and Cald the same. which narration carrieth these particulars, Ver. 29.Ver. 29.
1. The carriage of the Lord Egypt toward them in word, The Man, the Lord (— foreign — Lords) of the Land (the plural joined with the singular) spake with hard words, or things, and gave us for spies of the Land. — Put us in prison. Sept. thought us spies. Cald. This is no more, then what was before opened, Ver. 30.Ver. 30.
2. Their reply unto him, And we said unto him, we are true men, we are not spies. Cald. the same. — Peaceable, Sept. Ver. 31.Ver. 31. We are twelve brethren, sons of our father, one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan, Sep. and Cald. the same. Ver. 32. All this was spoken before.
Ver. 33.3. His returne to them, And the Man, the Lord of the land, said unto us, by this shall I know, that ye are true men, leave one of your brethren with mee, & for the famin of your houses, and go. — Take the portion of wheat you have bought, &c. Sept. — Corn that failed. Cald. Ver. 23. And bring your youngest brother unto me, and I shall know, that ye are not Spies, but that ye are true men, I will give you your brother, and ye shall trafficke in the land. — Peaceable, Sept. — Cald. the same. Ver. 34.Ver. 34. Thus far is their narration to Jacob their father; all is not repeated exactly here, it may be not to make it more grievous to their father, and to make Benjamins returne with them into Egypt more feasible.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Providence carrieth guilty soules in, through, and out of temporal dangers at his will.
D. 2. Gracious fathers are gratified sometimes from God by safe returne of sinful children.
D. 3. Reason will instruct men to declare all events of providence furthering, or hindring in the way. Ver. 29.
D. 4. In relation of providential events truth must be declared; yet no need of telling all.
D. 5. In relating providences, evill men are willing to hide sins, which caused them. So these.
D. 6. It concerns suspected and accused persons to declare what is required for their purgation. VponUpon this, these sons of Jacob make this narration of themselves and others. Ver. 30.34.
3. Another discovery of providence with the effects thereof is here made at their returne, wherein.
1. The event declared, And it was to them emptying their sacks, even every mans money was in his sacke, and they saw the bundles of their money, they and their father, and they feared, Sept. and Cald. the same. Herein occurre.
1. Their action, emptying corne out of sacks every one.
2. The event discovered, every mans bundle of money there
3. The effect of it, fear upon their father, and themselves.
As to the quere whether all opened their sacks in the inne, as in the next Chapter is related, it was answered before; reason, I conceive, will carry it, that this action was de novo, by all at home, which raiseth such fear in all; to say that this fear was most Iacobs and pretended by the sons, who knew it before, carrieth little probability: As to what is said after, of all opening sacks in the inne, may very rationally be, with respect to one doing it, and the rest looking on. Ver. 35.Ver. 35.
Learn thence.
D. 1. Providence ordereth to creatures strange things at home, as well as a broad.
D. 2. God ordereth good in events to men, which they are apt to thinke bad.
D. 3. Mistakes of providence may make men fear, where no cause is. Ver. 35.
4. Jacobs resentment of this relation to him, and the events, in the discovery whereof note,
1. His charge upon them, with regret to their motion, And Iacob their father said unto them, me have ye bereaved of Children; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and Benjamin ye will take away. Sept. and Cald. the same. Here we have.
1. His charge of them, that they made him childles.
2. His proof,
1. In Joseph.
2. In Simeon; the one he thought dead, and the other no better.
3. In their attempt to take Benjamin from him.
2. His apprehension of these acts, All these things have been, or are against me, — upon me. Sept. — But so as a burden, and that which was against him. Ver. 36.Ver. 36.
Note here.
D. 1. Afflictions may cause gracious souls to charge them, that have been authors of them though unknown.
D. 2. In passionate charging, good souls may overshoot themselves.
D. 3. Gracious hearts may account providences against them, which be for them. V. 36.
5. Reubens intervention upon his fathers charge, wherein.
1. His rash offer, And Reuben said unto his father saying, slay my two sons, if I bring him not unto thee, Sept. and Cald. the same.
1. His earnestnes in it, Saying he said it.
2. His rashnes and folly, as if this could satisfy Iacob to kill his dear grandchildren.
2. His demand of his father, Give him into my hand, Sept. and Cald. the same. So he requires confidently.
3. His promise, And I will bring him againe unto thee, Sept. end Cald. the same. boldly and sinfully doth he undertake, what was not in his power to performe. Ver. 37.
Quest. Was Reubens undertaking lawful?
Answ. No by no meanes, it savours of nothing but flesh, unbeliefe, pride, and rashnes; he considers not that God himselfe might intercept him, yet he might in hast offer his sons to death, which he supposed would never be occasioned, but it is all irregular.
Observe here.
D. 1. Sin usually makes men rash and heedles in their offers of things unreasonable.
D. 2. Sin makes men proud and peremptory in their demands.
D. 3. Sin makes men presumptuous in their promises to do what they cannot, Ver. 37.
6. Jocobs resolution present upon the whole, And he said, my son shall not go downe with you, for his brother is dead, and hee is left himselfe alone, and mischief shall befall him in the way wherein ye shall go, and ye shall bring my gray haires with sorrow to the grave. Cald. the same. — My old age &c. Sept. Herein we have.
1. His resolution as to this present, however afterward he is forced to change it, My son shall not go down with you. He will not hear of it, notwithstanding Reubens bold undertaking.
2. His reasons.
1. From the losse of one brother (as he thought) before, even Joseph; he apprehends him dead, and therefore will not send t…ther after him.
2. From Benjamin in two respects.
1. Of his being his onelyonly son (as he thought) left of Rachel.
2. Of the fear of danger in the way, least it should befal him as it did to Joseph.
3. From himselfe, if I let him go, And mischief befall him, ye will bring my gray haires with sorrow to the grave; Therefore unles ye mean to kill me, speake no more to me of this matter. Ver. 38.Ver. 38. — foreign here must note the grave, foolish is the Popish conceit of purgatory, or a place under the earth for souls departed, it notes no more but a state of death in the grave.
We conclude.
D. 1. Affection or passion sometimes may make good men resolve that for a time, which they must change.
D. 2. The loss of one dear child may make tender parents so much as may be, to prevent it in others.
D. 3 An onelyonly childe of a dear mother useth to be tender to good fathers.
D. 4. Good fathers are desirous to keep tender children out of dangerous wayes.
D. 5. The life of parents is sometimes bound up in the lives of children.
D. 6. It is grievous evil for children to bring aged parents with sorrow to the grave. Ver. 38.