Genesis 45:3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I am Joseph Doubtless he had all along been addressed and spoken of by his Egyptian name, Zaphnath-paaneah, or by his titles of office: so that, although in the narrative he is named Joseph, it is probable his brethren had never heard him called by that name by any person in Egypt. Doth my father yet live? A most natural inquiry this, after he had informed them who he was, and evidently suggested by his love to his father, respecting whose welfare he was anxious to have full information; and it comes in here with great beauty, and by a most easy transition. But who can describe what his brethren now felt? The historian does not attempt to describe it: he only informs us, They could not answer him: for they were troubled at his presence From a sudden and deep sense of their guilt, and their just fear of some dreadful punishment. Therefore, to encourage them and alleviate their sorrow, he calls them kindly and familiarly to him: Come near to me, I pray you Thus, when Christ manifests himself to his people, he encourages them to draw near to him with a true heart Perhaps being about to speak of their selling of him, he would not speak aloud, lest the Egyptians should overhear, and it should make the Hebrews to be yet more an abomination to them; therefore he would have them come near, that he might whisper with them, which, now the tide of his passion was a little over, he was able to do, whereas, at first, he could not but cry out.