Genesis 45:1-3 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me… I. A BROTHER'S PARDON. Joseph's. 1. Of a great injury. (1) To Joseph. (2) To Jacob. The beloved and trusted son taken from him. His heart well nigh broken by the story that was told him. 2. Of brothers. The crime therefore greater. More easy to forgive the offence of a stranger than of a friend (Psalm 41:9; Psalm 55:12, 13, 20). 3. The pardon magnanimously bestowed. Proved by deeds as well as words. Their sin extenuated. He dwells on the good that came out of it, not on the evil that was in it. Tried to soften down their harsh self-censure. The method of professing pardon may detract from its value, and suggest a doubt of its sincerity. 4. Marked by deep affection. He could not repress his emotions, nor conceal his joy. Judah, the darkest character, not excepted. 5. Practically demonstrated. He will henceforth care for them during the famine. II. A KING'S GRATITUDE. Pharaoh's. 1. It had been already proved. He had exalted Joseph. 2. He now cares for Joseph's friends. Royally lays himself out for their present good. Strange contrast to the conduct of many kings towards their deliverers and helpers (Charles I. and Earl Stafford; Charles II., and his treatment of the faithful adherents of his house in its misfortunes; also David and Barzillai). 3. It was bountifully expressed. Will have all Joseph's family invited to Egypt. Promises that they shall have " the fat of the land." Sends with the invitation the means of conveyance. Enjoins the free use of means and subsistence. "Regard not your stuff," &c. (ver. 20). III. A FATHER'S ZOO. Jacob's. 1. Imagine Jacob's home. The old man of 130 years, feeble, doubtful, fearful, apprehensive. Waiting for the return of his sons. Anxious concerning Benjamin. 2. Picture the arrival at home. They are all there. Benjamin amongst them. Simon also. Joyful greeting. 3. They tell their story. Good news. Joseph yet alive! governor of Egypt. 4. Jacob's doubts. He is suspicious of his sons. 5. The arrival of the waggons convinces him. His spirit revives. His great joy. New hopes. He will see Joseph again, and in such a robe of office as his affection could not have provided. What greater joy can a father know than that excited by good news of absent children. Those who leave home with good principles the most likely to create such joy. Religion supplies the only true basis of character. The Lord was with Joseph. He will be with us in our wanderings, if we begin them with Him. Learn: Let love be without dissimulation. Forgive injuries and prove the reality of forgiveness. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. |
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