Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Ver. 5. Now therefore be not grieved, &c.] See here a lively image of Christ's love toward his enemies, for whom he prayed and died, "to give them repentance and remission." Act 5:31 This Angel of the Covenant first troubles the waters, and then cures those cripples that step in. This Sun of Righteousness first draws up vapours of godly grief, and then dispels them. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he bring forth judgment to victory"; Mat 12:20 Isa 42:3 that is, weak grace to perfection.
To preserve life.] Animantis euiusque vita in fuga est, saith the philosopher, and must be maintained by means. Hence it is called "the life of our hands," Isa 57:10 because upheld by the labour of our hands.