When he saw the waggons— The intelligence of his son Joseph was so unexpected, yet so important to the good old father, that he could scarcely be persuaded to believe the truth of it; nor could he be satisfied, without the convincing evidence of the magnificent presents which Joseph had sent him: then his spirit revived; i.e.. he not only recovered perfectly from his fainting fit, but was now raised to greater life and vigour than he had felt since the loss of Joseph. Pristino vigori restitutus est, says Bochart; he was restored to his ancient vigour. Joy revived his heart, says St. Chrysostom, just as fresh oil poured upon a lamp, which was ready to die, makes it rekindle, and shed a new and more vigorous light.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 45:27
Genesis 45:27
27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: