Joseph Loves until His Death
The fear of Joseph's brethren illustrates the insecurity of a position which is conceded only at the bidding of the tender caprice of love, apart from satisfaction based on satisfied justice. As Joseph had pardoned, so he might retract his pardon. No satisfaction, beyond tears, had been rendered for that faraway sin. Might he not even now require it! So fears might legitimately arise in our own hearts, had not the divine forgiveness been based on the finished work of the Cross!
How significant that sentence: “God meant it for good!” There are meanings in life. Things do not happen by chance, and what happens is meant for good. All things work together for good for them that love God. Ninety-three years had passed since he was lifted from the pit; sixty since he buried his father. Finally Joseph's end came. His bones were not buried, but awaited the summons for the Exodus. That coffin seemed to be the end of all. Nay! it was the seed of the coming harvest.
For Review Questions on Sections on Genesis see the e-Sword Book Comments.