And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying,
Ver. 29. And they came to Jacob.] Who had looked many a long look for them, no doubt, and was now glad to see their faces and full sacks. But this joy lasted but a little while; for no sooner had he heard them speak, but he was thunderstruck, as it were: so little stability is there in any worldly felicity. The saints have all here their back burdens of afflictions; yet some have more than others; as Jacob, who was seldom without: God not only gave him a draught of them, but made him a diet drink. Look how your refiners of sugar, taking sugar out of the same chest, some thereof they melt but once; other, again and again: not that it hath more dross in it, but because they would have it more refined: so is it here.