Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Genesis Ch.50 / 50 Ch.s
GE:50
* The mourning for Jacob. (1-6) His funeral. (7-14) Joseph's
brethren crave his pardon, He comforts them. (15-21) Joseph's
direction concerning his bones, His death. (22-26)
#1-6 Though pious relatives and friends have lived to a good old
age, and we are confident they are gone to glory, yet we may
regret our own loss, and pay respect to their memory by
lamenting them. Grace does not destroy, but it purifies,
moderates, and regulates natural affection. The departed soul is
out of the reach of any tokens of our affection; but it is
proper to show respect to the body, of which we look for a
glorious and joyful resurrection, whatever may become of its
remains in this world. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and
love to his father. He ordered the body to be embalmed, or
wrapped up with spices, to preserve it. See how vile our bodies
are, when the soul has forsaken them; they will in a very little
time become noisome, and offensive.
#7-14 Jacob's body was attended, not only by his own family, but
by the great men of Egypt. Now that they were better acquainted
with the Hebrews, they began to respect them. Professors of
religion should endeavour by wisdom and love to remove the
prejudices many have against them. Standers-by took notice of it
as a grievous mourning. The death of good men is a loss to any
place, and ought to be greatly lamented.
#15-21 Various motives might cause the sons of Jacob to continue
in Egypt, notwithstanding the prophetic vision Abraham had of
their bondage there. Judging of Joseph from the general temper
of human nature, they thought he would now avenge himself on
those who hated and injured him without cause. Not being able to
resist, or to flee away, they attempted to soften him by
humbling themselves. They pleaded with him as the servants of
Jacob's God. Joseph was much affected at seeing this complete
fulfilment of his dreams. He directs them not to fear him, but
to fear God; to humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek
the Divine forgiveness. He assures them of his own kindness to
them. See what an excellent spirit Joseph was of, and learn of
him to render good for evil. He comforted them, and, to banish
all their fears, he spake kindly to them. Broken spirits must be
bound up and encouraged. Those we love and forgive, we must not
only do well for, but speak kindly to.
#22-26 Joseph having honoured his father, his days were long in
the land, which, for the present, God had given him. When he saw
his death approaching, he comforted his brethren with the
assurance of their return to Canaan in due time. We must comfort
others with the same comforts with which we have been comforted
of God, and encourage them to rest on the promises which are our
support. For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation
of theirs, he charges them to keep his remains unburied till
that glorious day, when they should be settled in the land of
promise. Thus Joseph, by faith in the doctrine of the
resurrection, and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment
concerning his bones. This would keep up their expectation of a
speedy departure from Egypt, and keep Canaan continually in
their minds. This would also attach Joseph's posterity to their
brethren. The death, as well as the life of this eminent saint,
was truly excellent; both furnish us with strong encouragement
to persevere in the service of God. How happy to set our early
in the heavenly race, to continue stedfastly, and to finish the
course with joy! This Joseph did, this we also may do. Even when
the pains of death are upon us, if we have trusted in Him upon
whom the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles depended, we need
not fear to say, "My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the
strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."