The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15

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

Darkness 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 first the men who had a great sin upon their consciences were only troubled at the presence of their injured brother, but soon the free and full manifestation of his love turns all their fears into rejoicing. Joseph wept for joy at their return to him, and they were henceforth his brethren indeed. Although for a time we carry the burden of our sins and feel their weight, even though we believe that they are forgiven, still as God reveals himself to us and surrounds us more and more with the embrace of his love, we lose the constraint of our painful remembrance, and rejoice with all our hearts in present peace and future glory.—R.

HOMILIES BY J.F. MONTGOMERY

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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 45:3The 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 commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:3And 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:4-13And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. It is probable they had instinctively shrunk from his presence on learning the astounding fact that he was Joseph, but felt reassured by the kindly tone of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 45:5Providence. "Now therefore be not grieved," &c. I. THE END IS GOODNESS AND MERCY. 1. To preserve life. 2. To set the seed of the better society in the midst of the corruptions and imperfections of the old. 3. To prepare…Joseph S. Exell and contributors