Bible Commentaries
Genesis 45

Verse 1

CONTENTS

Nature was wound up to the highest pitch in the bosom of Joseph, by the address of Judah in the foregoing Chapter, and could no longer contain. In the opening of this Chapter it gave vent, in Joseph declaring: who he was, and by following the information with expressions of the utmost tenderness to his brethren. The effect of this discovery is related. And after the first emotions of surprise and joy, mingled with shame and reproach in the breasts of Joseph's brethren, are subsided, they converse together. Pharaoh king of Egypt is informed of the event, and he and his people rejoice at it. Joseph dismisseth his brethren to his father with the intelligence; invites him to come unto him and sends waggons for his convoy. The heart of Jacob misgives him at the first account; but when he had received fuller evidences of the truth of Joseph's being alive; Israel resolves to go and see his son before his death. Genesis 45:1

What must have been the feelings of the brethren at this unexpected discovery? But Reader! spiritualize the subject and then say, what are the feelings of every poor sinner when JESUS makes himself known to him as his brother and Redeemer? John 14:21-22 ; Hebrews 2:11-12 .

Verses 2-4

Luke 19:41

Reader! whenever JESUS makes himself known to a sinner he always saith, Come near. That's a delightful scripture to the soul who hath felt it: Ephesians 2:13 .

Verse 3

Acts 7:13 .

Verses 5-8

Genesis 50:20 ; Psalms 105:16-17 .

Observe how piety and charity are blended. Reader! while we behold the LORD'S hand in all the appointments of life, we shall never be disposed to feel much anger at the instruments of his work. Read, on a much higher concern, that scripture: Acts 2:23 .

Verse 9

No doubt the heart of Jacob was full of misgivings while they tarried. Proverbs 13:12 .

Verses 10-12

That's a sweet promise of a spiritual sight: Isaiah 52:8 .

Verses 13-14

Look at JESUS'S affection. Isaiah 63:9 .

Verses 15-18

Song of Solomon 1:2

Egypt was a fruitful soil. It could boast of what Moses speaks of: Deuteronomy 33:13-14 . But, my soul, may that blessing be my portion: Deuteronomy 33:16 .

Verse 16

Psalms 22:22 .

Verses 19-20

May not those waggons be figures of ordinances, which are designed to convey souls to our spiritual Joseph? When souls are bringing to CHRIST, the stuff of the earth will be considered as nothing. Philippians 3:7-8 .

Verses 21-22

The most valuable commodities in those hot countries must be changes of raiment. Is there not a spiritual illustration also here? It is said that to each man Joseph gave this change of raiment. And is it not to every individual believer that the LORD JESUS gives his garment of salvation? See Zechariah 3:4 ; Revelation 7:9; Revelation 7:9 .

Verses 23-28

Observe Jacob's name is changed to Israel. A believing soul is a true Israelite. Luke 1:45 .

Verse 24

Mark 16:15 .

Verse 26

Psalms 27:3; Psalms 27:3 .

Verse 28

REFLECTIONS

How grateful, after afflictions, are the renewals of joy! How refreshing the manifestations of JESUS after long, and dark seasons of his absence to the soul? Reader! let the perusal of this Chapter be sure to lead thy heart to the examination, whether JESUS hath made himself known to thee otherwise than he doth to the world. For without this the chief and best improvement from it will be lost. Oh! it is sweet to look at him whom by sin and disobedience we have sold for a slave! It is precious, indeed, to behold him who was wounded for our sins and bruised for our iniquities; now risen and exalted at the right hand of power; and though changed in state, yet still retaining the same nature, and still not ashamed to call his people Brethren.

Dearest JESUS send the waggons of thine ordinances to bring us to thyself. Into the Egypt of even death and the grave would we follow thee, to behold thy glory. And as the good of all the land is before us, and in the heaven into which thou art entered, thou art only gone before as our fore-runner to take possession in our name; thither may thy good SPIRIT bring us, as to our eternal home: where we hope to see thee face to face, and to know even as we are known.