Genesis 43

Genesis 43:1-10

Here the story of Joseph’s brethren is carried on, and very particularly related, 1. Their melancholy parting with their father Jacob in Canaan, ver 1—14. 2. Their playless meeting with Jacob in Egypt, ver. 15, to the end.

1. AND the famine was fore in the land. 2. And it came to pass when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. 3. And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man + did solemnly protect unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. 4. If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food. 5. But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. 6. And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? 7. And they said, The man + asked us itraity of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the 5 tenour of their words: Could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? 8. And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. 9. I will be surey for him; of my hand shall thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever. 10. For except we had lingred, surely now we had returned + the second time.

The famine being severe, their corn is quickly spent. Jacob, with tender regard for his family, prefers them to go; but Judah convinces him of the hopelessness of their journey, unless he will spare Benjamin, solemnly engaging to be surey for his return in safety. Note, In difficult circumstances, where something dear to us is at stake, it is willing to take the advice of others, who, as less interested, must have less prejudice.

11. And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this: take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. 12. And take double money in your hand: and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your facks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight. 13. Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man. 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.

13. THEN Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen. 2. And he took some of his brethren, corn five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh. 3. And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, ‘Thy servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers. 4. They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come: for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is fore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen. 5. And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee. 6. The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell, in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any man

of activity amongst them, then make them rulers over my cattle. 7. And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, ‘How old are thou? 9. And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. 10. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh

Jacob’s family being arrived, Joseph acquaints Pharaoh. Whereupon,

1. We have their introduction to Pharaoh. Joseph was not like many a great man now-a-days, ashamed of his poor relations; he calls them brethren, and presents them at court. Note, Christ is not ashamed of the manned of his brethren, nor will refuse to present them before the throne of God, with exceeding great joy.

2. Pharaoh’s kind reception of them. He enquires their occupation; and having received their answer, and heard the design of their coming, he appoints them the land of Goshen for their flocks, and bids Joseph prefer any man among them who was active over the royal herds. Note, (1.) For our false false, we shall find favour in the presence of the heavenly king. (2.) Every member of the commonwealth, must by his occupation contribute to his welfare: no idle vagrants, no drones should live in the hive. (3.) Activity and ingenuity in our profession, is the way to preferment in it.

3. The particular regard paid to old Jacob. Pharaoh kindly enquires after his age, for hoary locks engage respect. Jacob replies, v. 9. with the submission of an inferior, and with the piety of a patriarch blesses Pharaoh. Note, (1.) Every Christian counts life his pilgrimage. (2.) The longest age in but a few days compared with eternity, and the happiest life full of evil, to which man now is born, as the sparks fly upward. (3.) That our days are considerably shortened; they are now, compared with those of old, but a span long. (4.) An old man’s benediction is to be regarded; and the prayers of aged ministers and saints much to be valued.

4. ¶ And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Ramees, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12. And Joseph nourished his father and his brethren, and all his father’s household withdred, according to their families.

Genesis 43:11-12

The case was desperate; necessity forces Jacob to comply. Note, We may alter our resolutions, without being guilty of a lie, when we discover new reasons against them. He takes every prudent means for the security of the journey.

The John—Chap. xxvi. 1 Chap. xlii. 21. 2 Chap. xxviii. 21. 3 Chap. xxix. 21. Heb. Penitentiary provided. Heb. Acting allied us. Heb. March. Heb. Answering much we know, &c. Chap. xlii. 21. Or, twice by thee. Ebb. ix. 21. Or, Are I not here, &c. The

The mighty returned is sent back: he concluded some over-fight, and honesty will correct mistakes. Double money is added, that there may be enough for any extraordinary occasion, and besides, a present for the lord of the land, of the produce of Canaan, v. 11. and, over all, he puts his benediction and prayer, with his resignation of himself and children into God’s hand. Note, (1.) What a blessing is bread! neither the mines of India, nor the spices of Arabia, can supply the want of it. (2.) Submission to God’s will is not only most for his glory, but for our own comfort also. (3.) Prayer should standish all our journeys. If God Almighty go with us, mercy will compaise us on every side.

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 I say and make ready: for these men shall I dine with me at noon. 17. And the man did as Joseph bade: and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. 18. And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house, and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, are we brought in; that he may I seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for board-men, and our allies. 19. And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house. 20. And said, O Sir, I see 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: your God, and the God of your father hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them. 24. And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their after provender. 25. And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

¶ Chap. xli. ¶ 16th. KII. ¶ Chap. xli. ¶ 16th. KII.

By Joseph’s care, they are settled in the best of the land, and supplied abundantly with every necessary. Sheffes be God for that better Jesus, who satisfies the souls of his people with plenteousness.

13. ¶ And there was no bread in the land: for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan sailed by reason of the famine. 14. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15. And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money failed. 16. And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. 17. And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: And Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses; and he fed them with bread, for all their cattle, for that year. 18. When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent, my lord also hath our herds of cattle: there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies and our lands. 19. Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed that we may live and not die, that the land be not desolate. 20. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s. 21. And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt, even to the other end thereof. 22. Only the land of the

Before Christ 1208. 36th. How many are the days of the prize of thy life? 36th. vi.

Genesis 43:13-16

Business must interrupt the pleasing intercourse of friends: now Jacob is settled, Joseph returns to his employment. The famine was severe; the years of plenty had been neglected by the improvident people, and now they are ready to die for want: their money, their stock, their land, are first parted with; and rather than perish, they offer themselves for meat: better live servants, they thought, than die of famine. Joseph here displayed his prudence and goodness; he makes a compromise with them, as advantageous to his mother as to the people: he removes them as a mark of his right, but gives them lands and corn to sow, on condition of paying a fifth to Pharaoh and his successors for ever. The priest’s lands only are expected, and preserved to them entire. Learn, (1.) How suddenly all our worldly comforts may leave us. If God with-holds but the dear of heaven from us, all we possess could not keep us from starving. (2.) Behold in Joseph the character of a wife and herself minister, supporting the prerogative of the king, whilst he maintained the liberty and property of the subject. (3.) To defraud the priesthood, or render it despicable by want, was regarded even by the heathens as impious. Let those remember, who possess the revenues of churches, where the minister learns ears bread from the altar which he leaves, and they who pay a scandalous pittance for the service, whilst themselves live on the shores of the sheep they never feed, that even the Egyptian Pharaoh shall rise up in judgment to condemn them. 27. ¶ And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew and multiplied exceedingly. 28. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years. 29. And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, ‘put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me;’ ‘bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt. 30. But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and ‘bury me in their burying-place. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. 31. And he said, Swear unto me: And he hears unto him. And ‘Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s-head.

Genesis 43:15-25

Once more they are safe arrived, nor grudge their pain to relieve their hunger. When there is a famine of the word, shall we take less pains to travel for it? They are kindly received, invited to Joseph’s house; and this, instead of comforting, testifies them. Fear makes every made-hill a mountain, and creates suspicion even of our mercies. They resolve to prevent all accusations, by informing the steward of the money which was returned, with offers to repay it; but he quiets their fears with an acknowledgment of its receipt, which then regard it as a gift from God, and takes all imaginable care of them till his master came home. Note, (1.) Honesty will be found the best policy. (2.) Every success in business should be regarded as treasure given of God.

26. ¶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and I bowed themselves to him to the earth. 27. And he asked them of their welfare, and said, I, to your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? 28. And they answered, They servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive: and they bowed down their heads, and made obedience. 29. And he left up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. 30. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yern upon his brother: and he fought where to weep, and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. 31. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. 32. And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians. 33. And they set before him, the first-born according to his birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. 34. And he took and put mefles unto them from before him: But

Benjamin’s men was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and I were merry with him.

Genesis 43:26

At dinner Joseph returns: his brethren receive their lowly obedience, and, in their father’s name, how down before him to his servants. The sight of Benjamin awakens all his tenderness. With a heart melted with love, (and how could he refrain?) he enquires after the good old man: Is he alive? And now unable longer to stand the moving cones, after an affectionate blessing on the lad, he hastens to his chamber, to give vent in tears to those tender passions, that burst involuntary from his throbbing heart. When thus the commotion in his bosom was somewhat abused, he washes, and returns to entertain them. The tables are spread severally for him and them, and the Egyptians, for the realms given, v. 33, and whilst they wonder at the disposition made according to their several ages, they are nobly entertained, forget their fears and cares, and make mercy before him. Benjamin is distinguished by a peculiar mess, but it seems neither to awaken their suspicion of the cause, nor zealously of the favour. Note, (1.) The tenderest passions possess the noblest souls. (2.) A prayer for a blessing upon the soul, is a better gift than even Benjamin’s distinguished mess: in such charity, a poor man may be very rich. (3.) If others, weak or scrupulous, chute not to eat bread in communion with us, after our manner, we should learn as Joseph with the Egyptians, to bear with them in love.

Before Christ 17th. ¶ 16th.

28. ¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. 29. And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen; and presented himself unto him: and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30. And Israel said unto Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. 31. And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and thwe Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me: 32. And the men are shepherds, for: ’their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks and their herds, and all that they have. 33. And it shall come to pass when Pharaoh shall call you, and I shall say, What is your occupation? 34. That ye shall say, Thy servants trade hath been about cattle, from our youth even until now, both we and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

28—34. We have here, 1. The happy meeting of Jacob and Joseph. Judah having informed him of his father’s arrival, Joseph’s chariot is made ready, and he goes to meet him. Note, When a man’s fatuous entitles him to it, a fine equipage is an innocent for him, as a waggon for his inferior. Joseph’s filial reverence and love equal Jacob’s exultation: they embrace, and weep for joy, whilst now the aged Patriarch thinks he hath lived enough, since he hath seen this happy day, and is content to die. Note, (1.) However the son may be advanced, it is his duty to reverence his parents, and not to grow above his own house. (2.) No joys here are without allay: when we embrace in heaven, the joy being perfect, every tear will be wiped from our eyes. (3.) That is a happy man, who can say with comfort, When God pleases, let me die.

2. His instructions how to behave before Pharaoh. He wished them to settle near Canaan, because they must return thither again; he desires not to introduce them at court, lest they be infected with the idols of Egypt, or exposed to the entry of the natives: besides that he would keep them united in a family, and employed in their own profession. Goshen, in all respects, hated this design; and as the Egyptians hated shepherds, he bids them protest their occupation, that the land of Goshen might more readily be allotted them. Note, (1.) High places are slippery; we should rather keep at distance from advancement, than court it. (2.) An honest calling is no disparagement to ourselves or relations.

3. Or as a little child that is mine refined. 36th. Anterring to the little man. 36th. And there. 1208. 36th. I. and there. 1208. priests bought he not: for the priests had a portion offered them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. 23. Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day, and your land for Pharaoh: to here is feed for you, and ye shall sow the land. 24. And it shall come to pals in the increase, that you shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own for feed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your hogsheads, and for food for your little ones. 25. And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants. 26. And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the 7 priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.

Genesis 43:27-31

Whilst others pined with want, Jacob and his family lived in plenty. His old age passed on as peaceful and farmer, as his former days had been tempestuous. Now, It is a peculiar blessing to age, to have ease and rest, because it is most unfit for soil and labour. And now the time was come when Israel must die, this is the certain end of the longest life: happy they who see the approaches of death, and prepare for it accordingly. One great concern now engaged the patriarch’s heart, and that was the disposal of his couple. He desires to lie in the land of promise, as a confirmation to his posterity of their possession of it, and as a token of his own hope in that better rest which remained for the people of God. Joseph at his desire therefore visits him, and swears to fulfil this his dying command; then Israel is satisfied, and bows in acknowledgment of the mercy. Now, When we can with confidence trust the divine promise, and rest on the divine oath, we shall with pleasure say, Now let thy servant depart in peace.