MPV Commentary

1. Then Joseph could no longer contain himself--The stern magistrate had given way to the natural feelings of the man and brother. Despite his self-discipline, he was unable to resist Judah's heartfelt words. He saw a convincing proof that his brothers were united in their affection for one another; they had undergone a positive change, likely due to time, reflection, or God's grace. He would have proceeded calmly to reveal himself, but Judah's heroic self-sacrifice and the depth of his proposal overwhelmed him.

He cried out, "Have everyone leave me!"--Joseph ordered the departure of the witnesses to this final scene, acting as a warm-hearted friend to his brothers. His conduct was guided by motives of highest prudence: preventing their early iniquities from becoming known among his household or the people of Egypt.

2. He wept aloud--His emotions were intense and overflowing; it was the typical way for Orientals to express grief.

3. I am Joseph--The emotions that now rose in his breast, as well as those of his brothers, were many and violent. They were agitated by sympathy and joy, while he and his brothers were astonished, confounded, and terrified. Their terror caused them to shrink from his presence. So troubled were they that he had to repeat his announcement and speak in affectionate terms.

He spoke of their having sold him--not to wound their feelings but to convince them of his identity. Then, to reassure their minds, he traced the agency of an overruling Providence in his exile and present honor. His goal was not to shift responsibility for their crime onto God but to encourage their confidence and induce them to trust in the plans he had formed for their future comfort.

6. Yet there are five years ahead when neither planting nor harvest will occur--This confirms the view that the famine was caused by an extraordinary drought, which prevented the Nile's annual overflow and made the land unfit for seed.

14-15. And he fell upon Benjamin's neck--The sudden transition from condemned criminal to fondled brother might have led to fainting or even death if not relieved by a torrent of tears. Joseph affectionately embraced each of his brothers in succession, demonstrating forgiveness more fully than words could express.

17-20. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers..."--As Joseph might have been prevented by delicacy, the king himself invited the patriarch and all his family to migrate into Egypt. He made liberal arrangements for their removal and subsequent settlement, displaying kindness to Joseph's relatives. This generosity was a testament to Joseph's great service to the kingdom.

21. Joseph gave them wagons--which were novelties in Palestine; wheeled carriages were almost unknown there.

22. Changes of raiment--It was customary for great men to bestow distinguished dresses on their friends, and the value lay in their number. The large number given to Benjamin bespoke his brother's warmth and attachment. Joseph felt he could safely indulge this fond partiality due to the amiable temper they now displayed.

23. He sent a supply of everything that could contribute to his father's support and comfort--the scale on which this supply was given was intended as a token of his filial love.

24. So he sent his brethren away--In dismissing them, Joseph gave them this particular admonition:

See that you do not quarrel on the way--a caution that would be greatly needed; for they would be occupied recalling their roles in the events leading to Joseph's sale into Egypt, and their wickedness would soon have to come to light before their venerable father.