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Genesis 50:15
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13 For ahis sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bbought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place.  
14 And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father.

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, athey said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may1 actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”  
16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying,
17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; afor they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of bthe God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.  
18 Then his brothers also went and afell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”  
19 Joseph said to them, a“Do not be afraid, bfor am I in the place of God?  
20 aBut as for you, you meant evil against me; but bGod meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.  
21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; aI will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke1 kindly to them.  

Death of Joseph

22 So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years.
23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children ato the third generation. bThe children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, cwere also brought up on Joseph’s knees.  
Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
<< Genesis 50:14   Genesis 50:16 >>


Genesis 50:15

Saw that their father was dead - This at once argues both a sense of guilt in their own consciences, and a want of confidence in their brother. They might have supposed that hitherto he had forborne to punish them merely on their father' s account; but now that he was dead, and Joseph having them completely in his power, they imagined that he would take vengeance on them for their former conduct towards him.

Thus conscience records criminality; and, by giving birth to continual fears and doubtfulness, destroys all peace of mind, security, and confidence. On this subject an elegant poet has spoken with his usual point and discernment: -

Exemplo quodcumque malo committitur, ipsi

Displicet auctori. Prima est haec ultio, quod se

Judice nemo nocens absolvitur, improba quamvis

Gratia fallaci Praetoris vicerit urna .

Juv. Sat. xiii. 1, etc.

Happily metaphrased by Mr. Dryden: -

He that commits a fault shall quickly find The pressing guilt lie heavy on his mind. Though bribes, or favor shall assert his cause, Pronounce him guiltless, and elude the laws, None quits himself; his own impartial thought Will damn, and conscience will record the fault. This, first, the wicked feels.

We have seen this in the preceding history often exemplified in the case of Joseph' s brethren.


 
<< Genesis 50:14   Genesis 50:16 >>

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