Now therefore be not grieved, &c.— See Genesis 45:8 and ch. Genesis 50:20. These passages discover to us the very noble and just ideas which Joseph entertained concerning the Providence of God, whose peculiar prerogative it is to bring good out of evil: but, besides this, we may observe a singular generosity and tenderness of temper in this apology to his brethren; in which he endeavours to remove every uneasy apprehension from their minds. Gracious and benevolent hearts are always unwilling to give pain: the same kindness of disposition, which makes them zealous to diffuse happiness, makes them tender of inflicting even a momentary smart. Joseph was unwilling that his brethren should feel any allay to the satisfaction which the present event afforded them; and therefore he turned, as it were, from their view, the very thought and remembrance of their former unnatural and most wicked behaviour to him, and directed their attention to reflections, which were equally comfortable and important; be not, &c. It was the suffering Providence of God, "You indeed thought evil against me," as he says in another place; but God, who can cause the worst intentions to produce the best consequences to the world in general, and to his church in particular, suffered it for good, to bring about, by that means, the preservation of many people's lives.
To the same purpose Virgil:
"Nor beauteous Helena nor Paris blame, Her guilty charms, or his unhappy flame: The gods, my son, th' immortal gods destroy This glorious empire, and the tow'rs of Troy." AEN. ii. ver. 620.
But it must never be forgotten, that however the Supreme Ruler, of all events may bring good out of any evil, this will be neither excuse nor palliation for the transgressor himself.