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. JUDAH'S PATHETIC APPEAL FOR THE RELEASE OF BENJAMIN (Genesis 44:30-34). In this appeal the following points are made: 1. Jacob's strong attachment to Benjamin. 2. That Benjamin was the mainstay of Jacob in his advanced age. 3. A strong sense of personal honour. II. JOSEPH'S DEEP EMOTION. 1. Manifested in the tears he shed. 2. Manifested in his eager inquiry concerning his dear father. 3. Manifested also in the desire to take in his brothers to his heart. III. JOSEPH'S DEVOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD'S GRACIOUS HAND IN ALL HE HAD SUFFERED AND ENJOYED. Lessons: 1. A very touching lesson is here taught the sons and daughters of aged parents concerning their greatest need in their declining years — not expensive clothing or luxurious living, but the manifestation of real, tender, loving sympathy. 2. Joseph's readiness to forgive his brothers, and his deep emotion when he saw their sincere love for his father, contain timely lessons, not only for brothers and sisters according to the flesh, but also for brethren and sisters in Christ.. 3. The deep insight into the purposes of the providence of God, and perfect acquiescence in them, and joy that they have wrought out good for others, even though at a cost of personal sacrifice, are fraught with instructive lessons. (1) That special light is given to the obedient. (2) That in this, as in so many other features, Joseph is an eminent type of Christ. (D. C. Hughes, M. A.) 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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