_A.M. 2297. B.C. 1707._ Joseph, having entertained his brethren, dismissed them: but here we have them brought back in a greater fright than any they had been in yet. Observe, ( 1,) _ What method he took, both to humble them further, and to try their affections to his brother Benjamin, by which he... [ Continue Reading ]
_Put my cup, the silver cup_ Probably a large cup of great value, and much used by Joseph; _in the sack's mouth of the youngest_ Hereby, it seems, Joseph meant to try his brethren's affection to Benjamin, whether they would assist him in his extremity, and also their regard for their father, whether... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whereby indeed he divineth_ The original word may be rendered, _For which he would search thoroughly_, or, _Concerning which he would certainly divine_, or _make trial_ and discovery. As if he had said, Did you think that you could deceive my master? Did you not know that he could divine and discov... [ Continue Reading ]
_How then should we steal_, &c. It is not probable that we, who restored that which it was in our power to keep, and to conceal without any danger, should steal that which was likely to be discovered with so much shame and hazard to ourselves. _With whomsoever it is found, let him die_ They suspecte... [ Continue Reading ]
_They rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass_, &c. Nothing can be more moving than this verse. Never was there a more striking picture drawn in words. Whole passages on the subject would not have affected the mind so much. These two or three words have a greater effect than the most pompous... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Judah said_, &c. Judah speaks in this cause, as being one of the eldest, and a person of most gravity and readiness of speech, and most eminently concerned for his brother; and nothing can be more affecting than what he advances on this occasion. _God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Judah said_ We have here a most pathetic speech which Judah made to Joseph on Benjamin's behalf. Either Judah was a better friend to Benjamin than the rest, and more solicitous to bring him off; or he thought himself under greater obligations to endeavour it than they were, because he had passe... [ Continue Reading ]