Genesis 45:1

CHAPTER XLV

Joseph, deeply affected with the speech of Judah, could no

longer conceal himself, but discovers himself to his brethren, 1-4.

Excuses their conduct towards him, and attributes the whole to

the providence of God, 5-8.

Orders them to hasten to Canaan, and bring up their father and

their own families, cattle, c., because there were five years

of the famine yet to come, 9-13.

He embraces and converses with all his brethren, 14,15.

Pharaoh, hearing that Joseph's brethren were come to Egypt,

and that Joseph had desired them to return to Canaan and bring

back their families, not only confirms the order, but promises

them the best part of the land of Egypt to dwell in and

provides them carriages to transport themselves and their

households, 16-20.

Joseph provides them with wagons according to the commandment

of Pharaoh; and having given them various presents, sends them

away with suitable advice, 21-24.

They depart, arrive in Canaan, and announce the glad tidings to

their father, who for a time believes not, but being assured of

the truth of their relation, is greatly comforted, and resolves

to visit Egypt, 25-28.

NOTES ON CHAP. XLV

Verse Genesis 45:1. Joseph could not refrain himself] The word התאפק hithappek is very emphatic; it signifies to force one's self, to do something against nature, to do violence to one's self. Joseph could no longer constrain himself to act a feigned part-all the brother and the son rose up in him at once, and overpowered all his resolutions; he felt for his father, he realized his disappointment and agony; and he felt for his brethren, "now at his feet submissive in distress;" and, that he' might give free and full scope to his feelings, and the most ample play of the workings of his affectionate heart, he ordered all his attendants to go out, while he made himself known to his brethren. "The beauties of this chapter," says Dr. Dodd, "are so striking, that it would be an indignity to the reader's judgment to point them out; all who can read and feel must be sensible of them, as there is perhaps nothing in sacred or profane history more highly wrought up, more interesting or affecting."