The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph. The effect of this announcement can be better imagined than described. Hitherto he had been known to his brethren as Zaphnath-paaneah. Now the voice and the appearance of their long-lost brother would rush upon their minds at the first sound of the familiar name, and fill them with apprehension.

Probably Joseph's discernment of this in their countenances was the reason why he asked so abruptly after Jacob. Doth my father yet live? It is not now "the old man of whom ye spake" (Genesis 43:27) for whom Joseph inquires, but his own beloved and revered parent—"my father."

"Before it was a question of courtesy, but now of love" (Alford). And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled (or cast into a trepidation, hence terrified) at his presence—literally, before his face.

Not only did his present greatness overawe them, but the recollection of their former crimes against him filled them with alarm.

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Matthew Henry on Genesis 45:1-15Genesis 45:1-15 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryJoseph let Judah go on, and heard all he had to say. He found his brethren humbled for their sins, mindful of himself, for Judah had mentioned him twice in his speech, respectful to their father, and very tender of thei…Joseph Discovers Himself to His Brethren. (b. c. 1707.)Genesis 45:1-15 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleJOSEPH DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO HIS BRETHREN. (B. C. 1707.) Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or…The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15Genesis 45:1-15 · The Pulpit CommentaryDarkness turned into light. Joseph's revelation of himself to his brethren in the atmosphere of the purest brotherly affection and grateful acknowledgment of Divine goodness. Only small natures are ashamed of tears. At…The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15Genesis 45:1-15 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Genesis 45:1, Genesis 45:2 Then (literally, and) Joseph could not refrain himself (i.e. keep himself from giving way to the impulses of love) before all them that stood by him (i.e. the Egyptian officials of…The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15Genesis 45:1-15 · The Pulpit CommentaryJoseph's discovery of himself to his brethren. I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT. "I am Joseph, whom ye sold into Egypt." 1. How it was made. 2. How it was received. II. THE COMMISSION. 1. To carry an invitation. "Haste ye, and go up…The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:3Genesis 45:3 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe great announcement. Not a stranger, but a brother. Yet they were slow to receive comfort from it. The fact beyond all expectation; the suspicion of the unknown ruler attaching itself to the newly-found brother; the…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Genesis 45:1-15Joseph let Judah go on, and heard all he had to say. He found his brethren humbled for their sins, mindful of himself, for Judah had mentioned him twice in his speech, respectful to their father, and very tender of thei…Matthew Henry commentaryJoseph Discovers Himself to His Brethren. (b. c. 1707.)JOSEPH DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO HIS BRETHREN. (B. C. 1707.) Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15EXPOSITION Genesis 45:1, Genesis 45:2 Then (literally, and) Joseph could not refrain himself (i.e. keep himself from giving way to the impulses of love) before all them that stood by him (i.e. the Egyptian officials of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15Joseph's discovery of himself to his brethren. I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT. "I am Joseph, whom ye sold into Egypt." 1. How it was made. 2. How it was received. II. THE COMMISSION. 1. To carry an invitation. "Haste ye, and go up…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15Darkness turned into light. Joseph's revelation of himself to his brethren in the atmosphere of the purest brotherly affection and grateful acknowledgment of Divine goodness. Only small natures are ashamed of tears. At…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:3The great announcement. Not a stranger, but a brother. Yet they were slow to receive comfort from it. The fact beyond all expectation; the suspicion of the unknown ruler attaching itself to the newly-found brother; the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors