Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 45:16

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

16 28. Joseph’s Brethren bring the News to Jacob

16. the fame ] Lit. “the voice.” It is not the sound of Joseph’s weeping, but the news of the discovery of his brethren.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Gen 45:16-20

Take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the flood of the land of Egypt

Pharaohs invitation to Jacob and his sons

I.

THIS SPEAKS WELL AS TO HIS DELICATE CONSIDERATION FOR JOSEPH.

II. THIS SHOWS THE VALUE HE SET UPON JOSEPH.

III. THIS TEACHES US HOW GREAT IS THE INFLUENCE OF CHARACTER. (T. H.Leale.)

Bring your father; or, Christmas gatherings

Family gatherings are old as history! Governments change. There was government Patriarchal–government by Judges–government by Kings in old Judea; and there are governments now, Imperialist–Monarchical–Republican. But the family remains ever and always, founded by God, and rooted in the constitution of human life, as the mountains are rooted in the earth.

I. A GOOD MAN CARRIES THE OLD HOME IS HIS HEART. Josephs was not a self-chosen pilgrimage; so then, it was not you that sent me hither, but God. He knew that. It was a history over-ruled by God for highest ends. It is wise and well that enterprize and energy should characterize a nations sons, but they need not forget the old home. Surely, however, if any one might have cut off the remembrances of home, it was the castaway Joseph! That he owed his brethren nothing everyone must admit–nothing, indeed, but that which all Christians owe to their enemies and to themselves–the sovereignty of love over enmity. This man, successful, honoured, uplifted to be Prime Minister of Egypt, tried to exile the old home from his heart. The narrative in a previous chapter tells us this–And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: for God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my fathers house (Gen 41:51). But one sight of the dear old faces broke down all his power to exclude them from his love.

II. IN A TRUE HOME EVERY LOST CHILD CREATES A BLANK. God wants every wandering child home. While we are yet a great way off, He comes forth to meet us. Jacob had many sons, and these sons had wives, and then fresh children came into the world–his sons and his sons sons; his daughters and his sons daughters. Children–grandchildren! But these words, Joseph is not! constitute a little window into Jacobs heart. If you have ever lost a child, you still say in the words of the beautiful poem, We are seven! And if Joseph is away–far away–lost to you in the saddest of all senses, still he lives in your heart.

III. THE TIME COMES WHEN THE FATHER VISITS THE SON. This is beautiful. And it is a parable of that which occurs sometimes now. The old home circle visits the successful son, and he heads the table, and feels not that he does his father honour, but that the father honours him by his presence; this is all-glorious. I am not sure that the old world, of which China is one of the permanent shoots, does not set us an illustrious example in this respect, viz., the honour due to age and parentage; but I am sure that ancient Greece might teach us reverence, for a young man would rise in an assembly there and give his place to an aged man at once. Flippant familiarity in speech is unseemly in relations between the young and the old, for speech is an index of character. Josephs speech is touched with reverence, and he seems to feel a culmination of kindly providence in the fact that his father should know of his glory in Egypt. I trust that many a sons heart will leap in future days when he sees, amid the faces looking on with rapt interest in a season of honour and reward, the features of his father.

IV. THE JOURNEY IS THAT OF A RELIGIOUS OLD MAN. Israel took his journey, and came to Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. Then he thought of his father. We smile at old men finding it difficult to think themselves old, but their childhood is only a little way behind. (W. M. Statham, M. A.)

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Because they all owed their lives unto Joseph, and his favour was now fresh and present, and therefore he had more influence upon them, and they more kindness for him.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house,…. The report was carried to court, and there it was told by some from Joseph’s house, who had overheard what had passed, at least somewhat of it:

saying, Joseph’s brethren are come; perhaps they might call him by his Egyptian name, though the historian gives him his Hebrew name, and which was his right name, and by which he was best known to the Hebrews, for whose sake chiefly he wrote:

and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants; for Joseph being greatly beloved both by the king and his courtiers, who are meant by his servants, they were glad of an opportunity of showing their further regard to him, by their respect and civilities to his relations and friends, who had been the means of providing for the welfare of the whole kingdom, and of saving all their lives; Pharaoh’s expressions of pleasure on this occasion were, no doubt sincere, whatever were those of his courtiers; who might not so well affect a stranger, and one that had been in a very low estate of life, to be raised above them, and have so much trust reposed is him, and honour conferred upon him, and might dissemble in their respect to Joseph before their sovereign; though such might be the prudence and affability of Joseph, and such the sense they had of their obligations to him in point of gratitude, that they might be really pleased to hear that his brethren were come; and the rather Pharaoh and his court might be the more delighted, because that it appeared that he came of a good family in Canaan; whereas they knew no more of him than of his having been a slave in Potiphar’s house, and then cast into a prison for a crime charged upon him, out of which he was taken, and made the great man he was.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Invitation to Jacob to Come into Egypt. – Gen 45:16. The report of the arrival of Joseph’s brethren soon found it sway into the palace, and made so favourable an impression upon Pharaoh and his courtiers, that the king sent a message through Joseph to his brethren to come with their father and their families (“ your houses ”) into Egypt, saying that he would give them “ the good of the land of Egypt, ” and they should eat “ the fat of the land.” , “the good,” is not the best part, but the good things (produce) of the land, as in Gen 45:20, Gen 45:23, Gen 24:10; 2Ki 8:9. , fat, i.e., the finest productions.

Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

      16 And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.   17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;   18 And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.   19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.   20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.   21 And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.   22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.   23 And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.   24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

      Here is, 1. The kindness of Pharaoh to Joseph, and to his relations for his sake: he bade his brethren welcome (v. 16), though it was a time of scarcity, and they were likely to be a charge to him. Nay, because it pleased Pharaoh, it pleased his servants too, at least they pretended to be pleased because Pharaoh was. He engaged Joseph to send for his father down to Egypt, and promised to furnish them with all conveniences both for his removal thither and his settlement there. If the good of all the land of Egypt (as it was not better stocked than any other land, thanks to Joseph, under God) would suffice him, he was welcome to it all, it was all his own, even the fat of the land (v. 18), so that they need not regard their stuff, v. 20. What they had in Canaan he reckoned but stuff, in comparison with what he had for them in Egypt; and therefore if they should be constrained to leave some of that behind them, let them not be discontented; Egypt would afford them enough to make up the losses of their removal. Thus those for whom Christ intends shares in his heavenly glory ought not to regard the stuff of this world: The best of its enjoyments are but stuff, but lumber; we cannot make sure of it while we are here, much less can we carry it a way with us; let us not therefore be solicitous about it, nor set our eyes or hearts upon it. There are better things reserved for us in that blessed land whither our Joseph has gone to prepare a place.

      II. The kindness of Joseph to his father and brethren. Pharaoh was respectful to Joseph, in gratitude, because he had been an instrument of much good to him and his kingdom, not only preserving it from the common calamity, but helping to make it considerable among the nations; for all their neighbours would say, “Surely the Egyptians are a wise and an understanding people, that are so well stocked in a time of scarcity.” For this reason Pharaoh never thought any thing too much that he could do for Joseph. Note, There is a gratitude owing even to inferiors; and when any have shown us kindness we should study to requite it, not only to them, but to their relations. And Joseph likewise was respectful to his father and brethren in duty, because they were his near relations, though his brethren had been his enemies, and his father long a stranger. 1. He furnished them for necessity, v. 21. He gave them wagons and provisions for the way, both going and coming; for we never find that Jacob was very rich, and, at this time, when the famine prevailed, we may suppose he was rather poor. 2. He furnished them for ornament and delight. To his brethren he gave two suits apiece of good clothes, to Benjamin five suits, and money besides in his pocket, v. 22. To his father he sent a very handsome present of the varieties of Egypt, v. 23. Note, Those that are wealthy should be generous, and devise liberal things; what is an abundance good for, but to do good with it? 3. He dismissed them with a seasonable caution: See that you fall not out by the way, v. 24. He knew they were but too apt to be quarrelsome; and what had lately passed, which revived the remembrance of what they had done formerly against their brother, might give them occasion to quarrel. Joseph had observed them to contend about it, ch. xlii. 22. To one they would say, “It was you that first upbraided him with his dreams;” to another, “It was you that said, Let us kill him;” to another, “It was you that stripped him of his fine coat;” to another, “It was you that threw him into the pit,” &c. Now Joseph, having forgiven them all, lays this obligation upon them, not to upbraid one another. This charge our Lord Jesus has given to us, that we love one another, that we live in peace, that whatever occurs, or whatever former occurrences are remembered, we fall not out. For, (1.) We are brethren, we have all one Father. (2.) We are his brethren, and we shame our relation to him who is our peace, if we fall out. (3.) We are guilty, verily guilty, and, instead of quarrelling with one another, have a great deal of reason to fall out with ourselves. (4.) We are, or hope to be, forgiven of God whom we have all offended, and therefore should be ready to forgive one another. (5.) We are by the way, a way that lies through the land of Egypt, where we have many eyes upon us, that seek occasion and advantage against us, a way that leads to Canaan, where we hope to be for ever in perfect peace.

Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary

Verses 16-24:

News of the events of Joseph’s house soon reached Pharaoh. He and his court were pleased to welcome Joseph’s brothers. Pharaoh authorized that due haste be made to return to Canaan, and bring their father and all their household to Egypt. There they would live off the best Egypt had to offer. This was likely what Joseph had intended. Pharaoh was fulfilling the Divine plan in providing a place of refuge and instruction for the Chosen People. Pharaoh authorized a means of transportation that would be both adequate and comfortable, as well as ample provisions for their journey from Canaan to Egypt.

Joseph carried out Pharaoh’s directive. In addition, he gave extra provisions to Benjamin as evidence of love for his younger brother. Then he sent them all on their journey, with instructions that they not quarrel along the way.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

16. And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house. What Moses now relates, was prior in the order of events. For before Joseph sent for his father, the report of the coming of his brethren had reached the palace. And Joseph would not have promised so confidently a home to his brethren in Egypt, except by the king’s permission. What, therefore, Moses had before briefly alluded to, he now more fully explains; namely, that the king, with a ready and cheerful mind, declared his high esteem for Joseph, in freely offering to his father and brethren, the most fertile part of Egypt for their dwelling. And from another statement of Moses it appears that, as long as he lived, the Israelites were treated with clemency and kindness. For, in Exo 1:8, the commencement of the tyranny and cruelty is said to have been made by his successor, to whom Joseph was unknown.

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

CRITICAL NOTES.

Gen. 45:20. Regard not your stuff.] Houses, or pieces of furniture which must be left behind. The word is literally your utensils, articles of household use.

MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Gen. 45:16-20

PHARAOHS INVITATION TO JACOB AND HIS SONS

Pharaoh invites Josephs brethren and their father to dwell in his land. (Gen. 45:17-20.)

I. This speaks well as to his delicate consideration for Joseph. He had reposed full confidence in Joseph, leaving to him the management of all his affairs. Joseph had already given orders that his father should be brought down to Egypt. (Gen. 45:13.) He knew also that he was admitted so far into the confidence of his master that he could take this liberty. But Pharaoh, with great delicacy, wishes to spare Josephs feelings in having to invite his own relations, as it were, to another mans house.

II. This shows the value he set upon Joseph. His invitation is accompanied with more liberal offers than those of his trusted servant. Joseph only desired them to bring all the property they had; but Pharaoh bids them disregard their household goods, as he himself would make for them an abundant and sufficient provision. (Gen. 45:10-20.) The good of all the land of Egypt was theirs. Pharaoh will even have them brought to Egypt with all possible speed and comfort. He gives orders for waggons to fetch them. They could only have this favour by royal command, for it was strictly forbidden that waggons should be taken out of Egypt. His great liberality towards this family tells us how high Joseph was in his esteem. He wanted to express the gratitude of the nation to so great a benefactor.

III. This teaches us how great is the influence of character. Josephs character had made a strong impression upon his master. We often say hard things concerning the ingratitude of human nature; but, after all, there is much gratitude yet to be found, even in this heartless world. Pharaoh had found Joseph faithful in all things, and, therefore, honoured and esteemed him. Such influence could not be gained by exalted position, or by mere authority, nor could it be commanded and enforced by law. It can only arise in consequence of that law of the human heart by which love begets love.

SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES

Gen. 45:16. They highly esteemed Joseph on his own account; and that he should prove to be a member of a respectable family, and have the pleasure of again meeting with his nearest relatives, were circumstances that afforded them a real gratification.(Murphy)

The servants of princes are seldom disposed to look kindly upon those that are raised above themselves, especially if foreigners. Josephs merits, indeed, were such that they could not but be universally acknowledged; yet the spirit which is in man lusteth so strongly to envy, that Josephs continued good standing in the court of Pharaoh must be considered as a singularly good testimony to the wisdom and blamelessness of his deportment to all around him.(Bush).

Gen. 45:17. Pharaoh is good to Jacob and his house, for Josephs sake; so is God to us and ours, for Jesus sake.(Trapp).

Gen. 45:18. So saith Christ, Come unto me, and ye shall find rest to your souls (Mat. 11:28). Say you meet with some trouble by the way, as haply Jacob had foul weather ere he came down to Egypt. What is a drop of vinegar put into an ocean of wine? No country hath more venemous creatures than Egypt, none more antidotes. So godliness, saith one, hath many troubles, and as many helps against trouble.(Trapp).

Gen. 45:19. This was a mode of travelling to which Jacob had been but little used. As at that day, so at the present, wheel carriages are almost wholly unknown in the country of Palestine.(Bush).

Christ will send His waggons for us, His cherubins, and clouds to fetch us up to heaven at the last day (1Th. 4:15), as they did Moses and Elias (Mat. 17:3). This David foresaw, and therefore envied not the pomp and state of those men of Gods hand, that are whirled here up and down in waggons and chariots, etc. (Psa. 17:14-15).(Trapp).

Gen. 45:20. Why should those who have all the riches of the better country before them give themselves any disquiet about the perishing things that belong to the earthly house of this tabernacle? The heirs of heaven are rich in the midst of poverty; although they have nothing, they possess all things. Never let them give less credit to the promises of their heavenly Father than Jacobs son gave to the King of Egypt.(Bush).

Alexander, hearing of the riches of the Indies, divided his kingdom of Macedon among his captains and soldiers. And being asked what he had left for himself, he answered, Hope. And should not the hope of heaven make us slight all earthly vanities? (Heb. 11:1).(Trapp).

The family of Jacob thus came to Egypt, not by conquest or purchase, but by hospitable invitation, as free, independent visitors or settlers. As they were free to come or not, so were they free to stay or leave.(Murphy).

Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell

(16) It pleased Pharaoh . . . It was of great importance, as regards the future position of the Israelites in Egypt, that they should go thither, not as men who had forced themselves on the country. but as invited guests. Hence the information that the arrival of Josephs brethren was a thing pleasing to Pharaoh, and hence also the fulness with which his commands are recorded.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

16. The fame thereof was heard The report was made; literally, the voice (or noise) was heard .

It pleased Pharaoh well Hebrews, it was good in the eyes of Pharaoh . “The grateful esteem in which Joseph was held made every thing good that interested him, and the discovery that the Hebrew slave belonged to a family that was not unknown at the court of the Pharaohs (chap . 12) was also pleasing . The ‘good’ and the ‘fat’ of the land were now freely laid at the disposal of the family of Joseph . This is simply a general expression for the choice things of Egypt . ” Newhall .

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments