Bible Commentary

Genesis 45:16-24

Matthew Henry on Genesis 45:16-24

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Pharaoh was kind to Joseph, and to his relations for his sake. Egypt would make up the losses of their removal. Thus those for whom Christ intends his heavenly glory, ought not to regard the things of this world.

The best of its enjoyments are but lumber; we cannot make sure of them while here, much less can we carry them away with us. Let us not set our eyes or hearts upon the world; there are better things for us in that blessed land, whither Christ, our Joseph, is gone to prepare a place.

Joseph dismissed his brethren with a seasonable caution, “See that ye fall not out by the way.” He knew they were too apt to be quarrelsome; and having forgiven them all, he lays this charge upon them, not to upbraid one another.

This command our Lord Jesus has given to us, that we love one another, and that whatever happens, or has happened, we fall not out. For we are brethren, we have all one Father. We are all guilty, and instead of quarrelling with one another, have reason to fall out with ourselves.

We are, or hope to be, forgiven of God, whom we have all offended, and, therefore, should be ready to forgive one another. We are “by the way,” a way through the land of Egypt, where we have many eyes upon us, that seek advantage against us; a way that leads to the heavenly Canaan, where we hope to be for ever in perfect peace.

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commentaryPharaoh's Kindness to Joseph. (b. c. 1707.)PHARAOH'S KINDNESS TO JOSEPH. (B. C. 1707.) Here is, 1. The kindness of Pharaoh to Joseph, and to his relations for his sake: he bade his brethren welcome (Genesis 45:16), though it was a time of scarcity, and they were…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:16-28The grace of God to his people. We are now dealing no longer with Joseph's personal history, but brought out into the larger sphere of "the children of Israel" (Genesis 45:21). Already it may be said the Egyptian period…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:16-28Joseph's invitation to Jacob. I. AUTHORIZED BY PHARAOH. Though possessed of the liberty to issue such a commission as he had just entrusted to his brethren, Joseph felt that it would be right and proper to have his sove…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:16-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:16And the fame thereof—literally, the voice, hence rumor (cf. Jeremiah 3:9)—was heard in Pharaoh's house (having been brought thither doubtless by some of the Court officials), saying, Joseph's brethren—it is probable tha…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:21And the children (better, sons) of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment (literally, the mouth) of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:22To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment;—literally, alterations of garments, i.e. changes or suits of dress ( 14:12, 14:13; 2 Kings 5:5); probably dress clothes for special occasions (Keil, Lange, Murphy); δι…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:23And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses (vide Genesis 12:16) laden with (literally, carrying) the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with (or carrying) corn and bread and meat—probably prepared…Joseph S. Exell and contributors