Bible Commentaries
Genesis 45

Verse 1

45:1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, {a} Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

(a) Not because he was ashamed of his kindred, but rather because he wanted to cover his brother’s sin.

Verse 5

45:5 Now therefore be not {b} grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

(b) This example teaches that we must by all means comfort those who are truly ashamed and sorry for their sins.

Verse 8

45:8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but {c} God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

(c) Though God detests sin, yet he turns man’s wickedness into his glory.

Verse 12

45:12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that [it is] {d} my mouth that speaketh unto you.

(d) That is, that I speak in your own language and have no interpreter.

Verse 18

45:18 And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the {e} good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the {f} fat of the land.

(e) The most plentiful ground.

(f) The main fruits and conveniences.

Verse 24

45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye {g} fall not out by the way.

(g) Seeing he had remitted the fault done to him, he did not want them to accuse one another.

Verse 26

45:26 And told him, saying, Joseph [is] yet alive, and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart {h} fainted, for he believed them not.

(h) As one between hope and fear.