Genesis 45

Ver. 1, 4. He desired to conceal from the Egyptians the fault of his brethren, and the uncommon strength of his affection

Genesis 45:5

Be not so immoderately grieved with yourselves, as to overlook the hand of God in sending me hither to preserve your life, and the lives of many others in Egypt and the places about

Genesis 45:6

Directed by Joseph, the Egyptians did not cultivate nor sow their fields during the famine as they could expect no crop

Genesis 45:8

God made him Pharaoh’s chief counsellor and manager of his affairs; and he had the authority, power, and respect of a father with him

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XLV.—My soul, let brotherly love continue; let no injuries received, no length of time, extinguish or abate it. Let me be tenderhearted, kindly affectioned, forgiving my injurious, my abusive, brethren, as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven me. Let me carefully conceal their faults from the world; and, to the utmost of my power, render them good for evil. In so doing I shall heap coals of fire on their head; I shall sting, yea, I shall melt, their hearts. And let me carefully provide for the support and comfort of my aged parents. Following peace with all men, and keeping death always in my view, let me be such a comfort to them, as may contribute to their leaving this world in a cheerful and a Christian-like manner.—But let me here behold, as in a glass, with what affection Jesus reveals himself, secretly reveals himself, unto his brethren of mankind, who have been his betrayers and murderers!—and how they are confounded, how they are loved-melted, at his presence! how encouraged by the gracious words, the exceeding great and precious promises, which proceed from his mouth! Let me behold what desire he and his Father have to place them with himself, in due time, in the best of the celestial abodes!—How reviving the hopes of being for ever with the Lord, and seeing him as he is, are to the dying saints! and how agreeable the tokens of approaching death are to them on that account!