Manasseh: for God, &c.— He gives the reason for calling his son Manasseh, or forgetting; because God, says he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house; that is, all my toil in my father's house: GOD hath defaced the remembrance of all the hardships I suffered from my brethren: "God did for certain purposes order it so," says Dr. Wall, "or else it might be counted a wonder, that in all this time he did not send to his father."
REFLECTIONS.—Joseph's diligence is as great as his wisdom. He is no sooner in office, than he executes the trust reposed in him. The more a statesman is distinguished, the more laborious should he be for the public good. God blesses him abundantly in his labour, and adds to the fruitfulness of the land, the fruitfulness of his house. Two sons are born; Manasseh, so called, because all his former toil and ill usage at home were forgotten; and Ephraim, because God had made him fruitful. Note; 1. It is well to acknowledge God in every gift. 2. Injuries cannot be too soon forgiven and forgotten.