They came into the land of Goshen
The settlement of the children of Israel in Goshen
I. THE WISE POLICY OF THIS STEP.
II. THE BEHAVIOUR OF JOSEPH.
1. He determines to announce their arrival to Pharaoh (Genesis 46:31).
2. He gives instructions to his brethren (Genesis 46:32; Genesis 46:34). (T. H. Leale.)
Jacob and Joseph
I. A DIVINE PROMISE.
1. The occasion on which it was given. Jacob having heard that Joseph was alive, was anxious to see his son once more. Felt he could hardly leave the promised land except he had Divine permission. He went as far as he dared--to Beer-sheba, in the extreme south, and there offered sacrifice unto the God of his father. Then it was, in a vision, that the promise was spoken. Divine mercy and condescension, responding to the father’s desire. “Like as a father pitieth his children,” &c.
2. The nature of it.
(1) Confirmation of old promise (Genesis 46:3.) Jacob had not forgotten it. But might not going down to Egypt prevent its fulfilment?
(2) Promise of Divine presence and protection. “I will go,” &c. (Genesis 46:4).
(3) Promise that the father shall see his long-lost son.
3. Practical effect of it. In the strength of the encouragement it imparted, Jacob, 130 years old, sets out for Egypt.
II. A FATHER’S MESSENGER. Judah. He had taken a chief part in the separating of father and son, and we now see him most active in bringing about the meeting. Those who have done wrong may not be able to undo the wrong they have done, but should, if possible, make reparation. Recall the activity of Judah all through the history. His intercession for Benjamin, &c. There seems to have been a radical change in him.
III. A HAPPY MEETING. Jacob and Joseph. Some twenty-two years had passed since they had seen each other. It was no prodigal’s return. Jacob would have been glad to see Joseph under any circumstances, but how great his pride at finding him thus exalted. Jacob, as a God-fearing man, had no need to be ashamed of the progress of his son.
IV. AN HONEST COUNCILLOR. Joseph to his brethren. They were not to disguise their calling; although the Egyptians abandoned it. They were to begin in their new home on the right principles, were to be true and honest. How many resort to unmanly concealments of humble extraction and lowly avocations when away from home. Honesty always right, and therefore the best policy. In this case the effect is evident. The Israelites were located by themselves. Their exodus the more easy and practicable when the time came. Had they been spread through the country, their collection and departure had been most difficult. Learn:
1. To seek God’s guidance in all our movements.
2. To look for the fulfilment of promise in an honest obedience.
3. Endeavour to repair results of past sins. Restitution and reparation.
4. Let conduct in absence of parents be such as to render the meeting happy.
5. Begin life on right principles. Honour, truth, honesty. (J. G. Gray.)
Duty and filial piety combined
A beautiful combination of official duty and filial piety! The whole land of Egypt is suffering from famine. Joseph is the controller and administrator of the resources of the land. He does not abandon his position and go away to Canaan; but he gets the chariot out and he must go part of the road. “I know I am father to Pharaoh and all his great people. I shall not be away long; I shall soon be back again to my duties. I must go a little way to meet the old man from home.” Yes, I don’t care what our duties are, we can add a little pathos to them if we like; whatever we be in life, we can add a little sentiment to our life. And what is life without sentiment? What are the flowers without an occasional sprinkling of dew? It may be a grand thing to sit on high stool and wait till the old man comes upstairs. But it is an infinitely grander thing, a “lordlier chivalry,” to come off the stool and go away to meet him a mile or two on the road. Your home will be a better home--I don’t care how poor the cot--if you will have a little sentiment in you, a little tenderness and nice feeling. These are things that sweeten life. I don’t want a man to wait until there is an earthquake in order that he may call and say, “How do you do?” I don’t want a man to do earthquakes for me. Sometimes I want a chair handed, and a door opened, and a kind pressure of the hand, and a gentle word. And as for the earthquakes, why--wait until they come. (J. Parker, D. D.)
Kindness to parents
The biographers of Abraham Lincoln, say: “He never, in all his prosperity lost sight of his parents. He continued to aid and befriend them in every way, even when he could ill-afford it, and when his benefactions were imprudently used.” (One Thousand New Illustrations.)
Not ashamed of parentage
Joseph, a prince, was no whir ashamed of the poor old shepherd, before so many of his compeers and other courtiers, that accompanied him, and abominated such kind of persons. Colonel Edwards is much commended for his ingenuous reply to a countryman of his, newly come to him, into the low countries, out of Scotland. This fellow, desiring entertainment of him, told him, my lord his father and such knights and gentlemen, his cousins and kinsmen, were in good health. “Gentlemen,” quoth Colonel Edwards to his friends by, “believe not one word he says; my father is but a poor banker, whom this knave would make a lord, to curry favour with me, and make you believe I am a great man born.” The truly virtuous and valorous are no whir ashamed of their mean parentage. (J. Trapp.)
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