Turned himself about from them, and wept— If the conduct of Joseph's brethren presents us with a striking proof of the power of conscience, Joseph himself affords us as striking a proof of the power of nature: affected at their confusion and distress, all the tenderness of the brother filled his heart, and drew tears from his eyes. Severe as he seemed to them in outward behaviour, his soul and his affections were full of kindness towards them. His looks, his mien, his voice, his dress, were those of a stranger; but his heart was that of a brother.
He—took—Simeon, and bound him— The Rabbis and Philo affirm, that Joseph determined to retain Simeon rather than any other, because he threw Joseph into the pit. The tradition is not improbable; it is certain, that Reuben was desirous to save Joseph, and Judah inclined to favour him; so that if Simeon had joined with them, their authority might have prevailed to deliver him. We may add to this, that Simeon was a violent man, as the affair of the Sechemites proves; and that Joseph thought it best to detain him, as it would least afflict his father, and prevent any obstacle to his desire of embracing his brother Benjamin. Having gained what information he wanted concerning his father and Benjamin, he now hastens their departure.