mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 41.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xlii" n="xlii" next="Gen.xliii" prev="Gen.xli" progress="26.36%" title="Chapter XLI">
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<h2 id="Gen.xlii-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xlii-p0.2">CHAP. XLI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xlii-p1">Two things Providence is here bringing about:—I.
The advancement of Joseph. II. The maintenance of Jacob and his
family in a time of famine; for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
through the earth, and direct the affairs of the children of men
for the benefit of those few whose hearts are upright with him. In
order to these, we have here, 1. Pharaoh's dreams, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.1-Gen.41.8" parsed="|Gen|41|1|41|8" passage="Ge 41:1-8">ver. 1-8</scripRef>. 2. The recommendation of
Joseph to him for an interpreter, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.9-Gen.41.13" parsed="|Gen|41|9|41|13" passage="Ge 41:9-13">ver. 9-13</scripRef>. 3. The interpretation of the
dreams, and the prediction of seven years of plenty and seven years
of famine in Egypt, with the prudent advice given to Pharaoh
thereupon, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.14-Gen.41.36" parsed="|Gen|41|14|41|36" passage="Ge 41:14-36">ver. 14-36</scripRef>.
4. The preferment of Joseph to a place of the highest power and
trust in Egypt, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.37-Gen.41.45" parsed="|Gen|41|37|41|45" passage="Ge 41:37-45">ver.
37-45</scripRef>. 5. The accomplishment of Joseph's prediction, and
his fidelity to his trust, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.46-Gen.41.57" parsed="|Gen|41|46|41|57" passage="Ge 41:46-57">ver.
46</scripRef>, &amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41" parsed="|Gen|41|0|0|0" passage="Ge 41" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.1-Gen.41.8" parsed="|Gen|41|1|41|8" passage="Ge 41:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.41.1-Gen.41.8">
<h4 id="Gen.xlii-p1.8">Pharaoh's Portentous Dream. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xlii-p1.9">b. c.</span> 1715.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xlii-p2">1 And it came to pass at the end of two full
years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
  2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well
favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.   3
And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river,
ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the <i>other</i> kine
upon the brink of the river.   4 And the ill favoured and
leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine.
So Pharaoh awoke.   5 And he slept and dreamed the second
time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank
and good.   6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with
the east wind sprung up after them.   7 And the seven thin
ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and,
behold, <i>it was</i> a dream.   8 And it came to pass in the
morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for
all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and
Pharaoh told them his dreams; but <i>there was</i> none that could
interpret them unto Pharaoh.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p3">Observe, 1. The delay of Joseph's
enlargement. It was not till <i>the end of two full years</i>
(<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.1" parsed="|Gen|41|1|0|0" passage="Ge 41:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>); so long he
waited after he had entrusted the chief butler with his case and
began to have some prospect of relief. Note, We have need of
patience, not only bearing, but waiting, patience. Joseph lay in
prison until the time that his word came, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.105.19" parsed="|Ps|105|19|0|0" passage="Ps 105:19">Ps. cv. 19</scripRef>. There is a time set for the
deliverance of God's people; that time will come, though it seem to
tarry; and, when it comes, it will appear to have been the best
time, and therefore we ought to wait for it (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Hab.2.3" parsed="|Hab|2|3|0|0" passage="Hab 2:3">Hab. ii. 3</scripRef>), and not think two full years too
long to continue waiting. 2. The means of Joseph's enlargement,
which were Pharaoh's dreams, here related. If we were to look upon
them as ordinary dreams, we might observe from them the follies and
absurdities of a roving working fancy, how it represents to itself
tame cows as beasts of prey (nay, more ravenous than any, eating up
those of their own kind), and ears of corn as devouring one
another. Surely in the multitude of dreams, nay, even in one dream,
there are divers vanities, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.5.7" parsed="|Eccl|5|7|0|0" passage="Ec 5:7">Eccl. v.
7</scripRef>. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, I
think it is no matter how little we either heed them or tell them.
Foolish dreams related can make no better than foolish talk. But
these dreams which Pharaoh dreamed carried their own evidence with
them that they were sent of God; and therefore, when he awoke, his
spirit was troubled, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.8" parsed="|Gen|41|8|0|0" passage="Ge 41:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>. It cannot but put us into a concern to receive any
extraordinary message from heaven, because we are conscious to
ourselves that we have no reason to expect any good tidings thence.
His magicians were puzzled, the rules of their art failed them:
these dreams of Pharaoh, it seems, did not fall within the compass
of them, so that they could not offer at the interpretation of
them. This was to make Joseph's performance by the Spirit of God
the more admirable. Human reason, prudence, and foresight, must be
nonplussed, that divine revelation may appear the more glorious in
the contrivance of our redemption, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.2.13-1Cor.2.14" parsed="|1Cor|2|13|2|14" passage="1Co 2:13,14">1 Cor. 2. 13, 14</scripRef>. Compare with this
story, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:Dan.2.27 Bible:Dan.4.7 Bible:Dan.5.8" parsed="|Dan|2|27|0|0;|Dan|4|7|0|0;|Dan|5|8|0|0" passage="Da 2:27,4:7,5:8">Dan. ii. 27; iv. 7; v.
8</scripRef>. Joseph's own dreams were the occasion of his
troubles, and now Pharaoh's dreams were the occasion of his
enlargement.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.9-Gen.41.16" parsed="|Gen|41|9|41|16" passage="Ge 41:9-16" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.41.9-Gen.41.16">
<h4 id="Gen.xlii-p3.9">Joseph Brought before
Pharaoh. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xlii-p3.10">b. c.</span> 1715.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xlii-p4">9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh,
saying, I do remember my faults this day:   10 Pharaoh was
wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the
guard's house, <i>both</i> me and the chief baker:   11 And we
dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man
according to the interpretation of his dream.   12 And
<i>there was</i> there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to
the captain of the guard; and we told

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him,
and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his
dream he did interpret.   13 And it came to pass, as he
interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and
him he hanged.   14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and
they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved
<i>himself,</i> and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
  15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and
<i>there is</i> none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of
thee, <i>that</i> thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
  16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, <i>It is</i> not in
me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p5">Here is, 1. The recommending of Joseph to
Pharaoh for an interpreter. The chief butler did it more in
compliment to Pharaoh, to oblige him, than in gratitude to Joseph,
or in compassion for his case. He makes a fair confession
(<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.9" parsed="|Gen|41|9|0|0" passage="Ge 41:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>): "<i>I
remember my faults this day,</i> in forgetting Joseph." Note, It is
best to remember our duty, and to do it in its time; but, if we
have neglected that, it is next best to remember our faults, and
repent of them, and do our duty at last; better late than never.
Some think he means his faults against Pharaoh, for which he was
imprisoned; and then he would insinuate that, though Pharaoh had
forgiven him, he had not forgiven himself. The story he had to tell
was, in short, That there was an obscure young man in the king's
prison, who had very properly interpreted his dream, and the chief
baker's (the event corresponding in each with the interpretation),
and that he would recommend him to the king his master for an
interpreter. Note, God's time for the enlargement of his people
will appear at last to be the fittest time. If the chief butler had
at first used his interest for Joseph's enlargement, and had
obtained it, it is probable that upon his release he would have
gone back to <i>the land of the Hebrews</i> again, which he spoke
of so feelingly (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.40.15" parsed="|Gen|40|15|0|0" passage="Ge 40:15"><i>ch.</i> xl.
15</scripRef>), and then he would neither have been so blessed
himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he
proved. But staying two years longer, and coming out now upon this
occasion, at last, to interpret the king's dreams, way was made for
his very great preferment. Those that patiently wait for God shall
be paid for their waiting, not only principal but interest,
<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Lam.3.26" parsed="|Lam|3|26|0|0" passage="La 3:26">Lam. iii. 26</scripRef>. 2. The
introducing of Joseph to Pharaoh. The king's business requires
haste. Joseph is sent for out of the dungeon with all speed;
Pharaoh's order discharged him both from his imprisonment and from
his servitude, and made him a candidate for some of the highest
trusts at court. The king can scarcely allow him time, but that
decency required it, to shave himself, and to change his raiment,
<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.14" parsed="|Gen|41|14|0|0" passage="Ge 41:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. It is done
with all possible expedition, and Joseph is brought in, perhaps
almost as much surprised as Peter was, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Acts.12.9" parsed="|Acts|12|9|0|0" passage="Ac 12:9">Acts xii. 9</scripRef>. So suddenly is his captivity
brought back that he is as one that dreams, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.126.1" parsed="|Ps|126|1|0|0" passage="Ps 126:1">Ps. cxxvi. 1</scripRef>. Pharaoh immediately, without
enquiring who or whence he was, tells him his business, that he
expected he should interpret his dream, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.15" parsed="|Gen|41|15|0|0" passage="Ge 41:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. To which, Joseph makes him a
very modest decent reply, (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p5.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.16" parsed="|Gen|41|16|0|0" passage="Ge 41:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>), in which, (1.) He gives honour to God. "It is not
in me, God must give it." Note, Great gifts appear most graceful
and illustrious when those that have them use them humbly, and take
not the praise of them to themselves, but give it to God. To such
God gives more grace. (2.) He shows respect to Pharaoh, and hearty
good-will to him and his government, in supposing that the
interpretation would be an answer of peace. Note, Those that
consult God's oracles may expect an answer of peace. If Joseph be
made the interpreter, hope the best.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p5.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.17-Gen.41.32" parsed="|Gen|41|17|41|32" passage="Ge 41:17-32" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.41.17-Gen.41.32">
<h4 id="Gen.xlii-p5.10">Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's
Dream. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xlii-p5.11">b. c.</span> 1715.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xlii-p6">17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream,
behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:   18 And, behold,
there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well
favoured; and they fed in a meadow:   19 And, behold, seven
other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and
leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for
badness:   20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat
up the first seven fat kine:   21 And when they had eaten them
up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they
<i>were</i> still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
  22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in
one stalk, full and good:   23 And, behold, seven ears,
withered, thin, <i>and</i> blasted with the east wind, sprung up
after them:   24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good
ears: and I told <i>this</i> unto the magicians; but <i>there
was</i> none that could declare <i>it</i> to me.   25 And
Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh <i>is</i> one: God
hath showed Pharaoh what he <i>is</i> about to do.   26 The
seven good kine <i>are</i> seven years; and the seven good ears
<i>are</i> seven years: the dream <i>is</i> one.   27 And the
seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them <i>are</i>
seven years; and the seven empty ears

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blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.  
28 This <i>is</i> the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What
God <i>is</i> about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh.   29
Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the
land of Egypt:   30 And there shall arise after them seven
years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land
of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;   31 And the
plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine
following; for it <i>shall be</i> very grievous.   32 And for
that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; <i>it is</i> because
the thing <i>is</i> established by God, and God will shortly bring
it to pass.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p7">Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He
dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the
kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river.
For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.14.18" parsed="|Zech|14|18|0|0" passage="Zec 14:18">Zech. xiv. 18</scripRef>, but the plenty of the
year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about
one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to
fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or
thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how many ways
Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet, whatever the second
causes are, our dependence is still the same upon the first Cause,
who makes every creature that to us that it is, be it rain or
river.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p8">II. Joseph interprets his dream, and tells
him that it signified seven years of plenty now immediately to
ensue, which should be succeeded by as many years of famine.
Observe, 1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the
repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the
importance, of the event, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.32" parsed="|Gen|41|32|0|0" passage="Ge 41:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>. Thus God has often shown <i>the immutability of his
counsel by two immutable things,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.6.17-Heb.6.18" parsed="|Heb|6|17|6|18" passage="Heb 6:17,18">Heb. vi. 17, 18</scripRef>. The covenant is sealed
with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread
and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the
thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a distinct reference to
the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity,
namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the
cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty
and scarcity of herb for the service of man by the full ears and
the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are
subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong
soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it
will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that <i>to-morrow shall be as
this day,</i> next year as this, and <i>much more abundant,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.56.12" parsed="|Isa|56|12|0|0" passage="Isa 56:12">Isa. lvi. 12</scripRef>. We must
learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of
God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine,
that provision might be made accordingly. Thus he <i>sets the one
over-against the other,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.7.14" parsed="|Eccl|7|14|0|0" passage="Ec 7:14">Eccl. vii.
14</scripRef>. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that
great housekeeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from
the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been,
and the produce of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less;
yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the
manna is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence,
<i>He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers
little has no lack,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.18" parsed="|Exod|16|18|0|0" passage="Ex 16:18">Exod. xvi.
18</scripRef>. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly
enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite
lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of
it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men
alive, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.29-Gen.41.31" parsed="|Gen|41|29|41|31" passage="Ge 41:29-31"><i>v.</i> 29-31</scripRef>.
<i>Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall
destroy both it and them,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.7" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.6.13" parsed="|1Cor|6|13|0|0" passage="1Co 6:13">1 Cor.
vi. 13</scripRef>. There is bread which <i>endures to everlasting
life,</i> which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while
to labour for, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.8" osisRef="Bible:John.6.27" parsed="|John|6|27|0|0" passage="Joh 6:27">John vi. 27</scripRef>.
Those that make the things of this world their good things will
find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received
them, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p8.9" osisRef="Bible:Luke.16.25" parsed="|Luke|16|25|0|0" passage="Lu 16:25">Luke xvi. 25</scripRef>. 6.
Observe, God revealed this beforehand to Pharaoh, who, as king of
Egypt, was to be the father of his country, and to make prudent
provision for them. Magistrates are called <i>shepherds,</i> whose
care it must be, not only to rule, but to feed.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p8.10" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.33-Gen.41.45" parsed="|Gen|41|33|41|45" passage="Ge 41:33-45" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.41.33-Gen.41.45">
<h4 id="Gen.xlii-p8.11">Joseph's Exaltation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xlii-p8.12">b. c.</span> 1715.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xlii-p9">33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man
discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.   34
Let Pharaoh do <i>this,</i> and let him appoint officers over the
land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven
plenteous years.   35 And let them gather all the food of
those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of
Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.   36 And that
food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of
famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish
not through the famine.   37 And the thing was good in the
eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.   38 And
Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find <i>such a one</i> as
this <i>is,</i> a man in whom the Spirit of God <i>is?</i>  
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee
all this, <i>there is</i> none so discreet and wise as thou

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<i>art:</i>   40 Thou shalt be over my
house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled:
only in the throne will I be greater than thou.   41 And
Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of
Egypt.   42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and
put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine
linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;   43 And he made
him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried
before him, Bow the knee: and he made him <i>ruler</i> over all the
land of Egypt.   44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I <i>am</i>
Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in
all the land of Egypt.   45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name
Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of
Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over <i>all</i> the
land of Egypt.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p10">Here is, I. The good advice that Joseph
gave to Pharaoh, which was, 1. That in the years of plenty he
should lay up for the years of famine, buy up corn when it was
cheap, that he might both enrich himself and supply the country
when it would be dear and scarce. Note, Fair warning should always
be followed with good counsel. Therefore the prudent man foresees
the evil, that he may hide himself. God has in his word told us of
a day of trial and exigence before us, when we shall need all the
grace we can get, and all little enough, "Now, therefore, provide
accordingly." Note, further, Times of gathering must be diligently
improved, because there will come a time of spending. Let us go to
the ant, and learn of her this wisdom, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.6.6-Prov.6.8" parsed="|Prov|6|6|6|8" passage="Pr 6:6-8">Prov. vi. 6-8</scripRef>. 2. Because that which is
everybody's work commonly proves nobody's work, he advises Pharaoh
to appoint officers who should make it their business, and to
select some one person to preside in the affair, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.33" parsed="|Gen|41|33|0|0" passage="Ge 41:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>. Probably, if Joseph had not
advised this, it would not have been done; Pharaoh's counsellors
could no more improve the dream than his magicians interpret it;
therefore it is said of him (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.105.22" parsed="|Ps|105|22|0|0" passage="Ps 105:22">Ps. cv.
22</scripRef>) that he <i>taught the senators, wisdom.</i> Hence we
may justly infer with Solomon (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.4.13" parsed="|Eccl|4|13|0|0" passage="Ec 4:13">Eccl.
iv. 13</scripRef>), <i>Better is a poor and a wise child than an
old and foolish king.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p11">II. The great honour that Pharaoh did to
Joseph. 1. He gave him an honourable testimony: He is <i>a man in
whom the Spirit of God is;</i> and this puts a great excellency
upon any man; such men ought to be valued, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.38" parsed="|Gen|41|38|0|0" passage="Ge 41:38"><i>v.</i> 38</scripRef>. He is a nonsuch for prudence:
<i>There is none so discreet and wise as thou art,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.39" parsed="|Gen|41|39|0|0" passage="Ge 41:39"><i>v.</i> 39</scripRef>. Now he is abundantly
recompensed for the disgrace that had been done him; and his
righteousness is as the morning-light, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.37.6" parsed="|Ps|37|6|0|0" passage="Ps 37:6">Ps. xxxvii. 6</scripRef>. 2. He put him into an
honourable office; not only employed him to buy up corn, but made
him prime-minister of state, comptroller of the household—<i>Thou
shalt be over my house,</i> chief justice of the
kingdom—<i>according to thy word shall all my people be ruled,</i>
or <i>armed,</i> as some read it, and then it bespeaks him general
of the forces. Him commission was very ample: <i>I have set thee
over all the land of Egypt</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.41" parsed="|Gen|41|41|0|0" passage="Ge 41:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>); <i>without thee shall no man
lift up his hand or foot</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.44" parsed="|Gen|41|44|0|0" passage="Ge 41:44"><i>v.</i> 44</scripRef>); all the affairs of the kingdom
must pass through his hand. Nay (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.40" parsed="|Gen|41|40|0|0" passage="Ge 41:40"><i>v.</i> 40</scripRef>), <i>only in the throne will I
be greater than thou.</i> Note, It is the wisdom of princes to
prefer those, and the happiness of people to have those preferred,
to places of power and trust, in whom the Spirit of God is. It is
probable that there were those about the court who opposed Joseph's
preferment, which occasioned Pharaoh so often to repeat the grant,
and with that solemn sanction (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.44" parsed="|Gen|41|44|0|0" passage="Ge 41:44"><i>v.</i> 44</scripRef>), <i>I am Pharaoh.</i> When the
proposal was made that there should be a corn-master-general
nominated, it is said (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.37" parsed="|Gen|41|37|0|0" passage="Ge 41:37"><i>v.</i>
37</scripRef>), <i>Pharaoh's servants were all pleased</i> with the
proposal, each hoping for the place; but when Pharaoh said to them,
"Joseph shall be the man," we do not read that they made him any
answer, being uneasy at it, and acquiescing only because they could
not help it. Joseph had enemies, no doubt, archers that shot at
him, and hated him (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.49.23" parsed="|Gen|49|23|0|0" passage="Ge 49:23"><i>ch.</i> xlix.
23</scripRef>), as Daniel, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.10" osisRef="Bible:Dan.6.4" parsed="|Dan|6|4|0|0" passage="Da 6:4"><i>ch.</i>
vi. 4</scripRef>. 3. He put upon him all the marks of honour
imaginable, to recommend him to the esteem and respect of the
people as the king's favourite, and one whom he delighted to
honour. (1.) He gave him his own ring, as a ratification of his
commission, and in token of peculiar favour; or it was like
delivering him the great seal. (2.) He put fine clothes upon him,
instead of his prison garments. For those that are in kings'
palaces must wear soft clothing; he that, in the morning, was
dragging his fetters of iron, before night was adorned with a chain
of gold. (3.) He made him <i>ride in the second chariot</i> to his
own, and ordered all to do homage to him: "<i>Bow the knee,</i> as
to Pharaoh himself." (4.) He gave him a new name, to show his
authority over him, and yet such a name as bespoke the value he had
for him, <i>Zaphnath-paaneah—A revealer of secrets.</i> (5.) He
married him honourably to a prince's daughter. Where God had been
liberal in giving wisdom and other merits, Pharaoh was not sparing
in conferring honours. Now this preferment of Joseph was, [1.] An
abundant recompense for his innocent and patient suffering, a
lasting instance of the equity and goodness of Providence, and an
encouragement to all good people to trust in a good God. [2.] It
was typical of the

<pb id="Gen.xlii-Page_231" n="231"/>

exaltation of Christ,
that great <i>revealer of secrets</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p11.11" osisRef="Bible:John.1.18" parsed="|John|1|18|0|0" passage="Joh 1:18">John i. 18</scripRef>), or, as some translate Joseph's
new name, the <i>Saviour of the world.</i> The brightest glories of
the upper world are put upon him, the highest trust is lodged in
his hand, and all power is given to him both in heaven and earth.
He is gatherer, keeper, and disposer, of all the stores of divine
grace, and chief ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of
ministers is to cry before him, "<i>Bow the knee; kiss the
Son.</i>"</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xlii-p11.12" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.46-Gen.41.57" parsed="|Gen|41|46|41|57" passage="Ge 41:46-57" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.41.46-Gen.41.57">
<h4 id="Gen.xlii-p11.13">The Famine in Egypt and
Canaan. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xlii-p11.14">b. c.</span> 1706.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xlii-p12">46 And Joseph <i>was</i> thirty years old when
he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the
presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
  47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth
by handfuls.   48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven
years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the
cities: the food of the field, which <i>was</i> round about every
city, laid he up in the same.   49 And Joseph gathered corn as
the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for <i>it
was</i> without number.   50 And unto Joseph were born two
sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of
Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him.   51 And Joseph called
the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, <i>said he,</i> hath
made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.   52
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused
me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.   53 And the
seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were
ended.   54 And the seven years of dearth began to come,
according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but
in all the land of Egypt there was bread.   55 And when all
the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for
bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph;
what he saith to you, do.   56 And the famine was over all the
face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold
unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
  57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy
<i>corn;</i> because that the famine was <i>so</i> sore in all
lands.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p13">Observe here, I. The building of Joseph's
family in the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.50-Gen.41.52" parsed="|Gen|41|50|41|52" passage="Ge 41:50-52"><i>v.</i> 50-52</scripRef>. In the names he
gave them, he owned the divine Providence giving this happy turn to
his affairs, 1. He was made to forget his misery, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.11.16" parsed="|Job|11|16|0|0" passage="Job 11:16">Job xi. 16</scripRef>. We should bear our
afflictions when they are present as those that know not but
Providence may so outweigh them by after-comforts as that we may
even forget them when they are past. But could he be so unnatural
as to <i>forget all his father's house?</i> He means the unkindness
he received from his brethren, or perhaps the wealth and honour he
expected from his father, with the birthright. The robes he now
wore made him forget the coat of divers colours which he wore in
his father's house. 2. He was made <i>fruitful in the land of his
affliction.</i> It had been the land of his affliction, and in some
sense it was still so, for it was not Canaan, the land of promise.
His distance from his father was still his affliction. Note, Light
is sometimes sown for the righteous in a barren and unlikely soil;
and yet if God sow it, and water it, it will come up again. The
afflictions of the saints promote their fruitfulness.
<i>Ephraim</i> signifies <i>fruitfulness,</i> and <i>Manasseh
forgetfulness,</i> for these two often go together; when Jeshurun
waxed fat, he forgot God his Maker.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p14">II. The accomplishment of Joseph's
predictions. Pharaoh had great confidence in the truth of them,
perhaps finding in his own mind, beyond what another person could,
an exact correspondence between them and his dreams, as between the
key and the lock; and the event showed that he was not deceived.
The seven plenteous years came (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.47" parsed="|Gen|41|47|0|0" passage="Ge 41:47"><i>v.</i> 47</scripRef>), and, at length, they were
ended, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.54" parsed="|Gen|41|54|0|0" passage="Ge 41:54"><i>v.</i> 53</scripRef>. Note,
We ought to foresee the approaching period of the days both of our
prosperity and of our opportunity, and therefore must not be secure
in the enjoyment of our prosperity nor slothful in the improvement
of our opportunity; years of plenty will end, therefore, Whatever
thy hand finds to do do it; and gather in gathering time. <i>The
morning cometh and also the night</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.21.12" parsed="|Isa|21|12|0|0" passage="Isa 21:12">Isa. xxi. 12</scripRef>), the plenty and also the
famine. <i>The seven years of dearth began to come,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.54" parsed="|Gen|41|54|0|0" passage="Ge 41:54"><i>v.</i> 54</scripRef>. See what changes of
condition we are liable to in this world, and what need we have to
be joyful in a day of prosperity and in a day of adversity to
consider, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.7.14" parsed="|Eccl|7|14|0|0" passage="Ec 7:14">Eccl. vii. 14</scripRef>.
This famine, it seems, was not only in Egypt, but in other lands,
in <i>all lands,</i> that is, all the neighbouring countries;
<i>fruitful lands</i> are soon <i>turned into barrenness for the
iniquity of those that dwell therein,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.107.34" parsed="|Ps|107|34|0|0" passage="Ps 107:34">Ps. cvii. 34</scripRef>. It is here said that <i>in the
land of Egypt there was bread,</i> meaning probably, not only that
which Joseph had bought up for the king, but that which private
persons, by his example, and

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upon the public
notice of this prediction, as well as by the rules of common
prudence, had laid up.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xlii-p15">III. The performance of Joseph's trust. He
was found faithful to it, as a steward ought to be. 1. He was
diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted, <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.48-Gen.41.49" parsed="|Gen|41|48|41|49" passage="Ge 41:48,49"><i>v.</i> 48, 49</scripRef>. He that thus gathers is
a wise son. 2. He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the
famine came, and kept the markets low by furnishing them at
reasonable rates out of his stores. The people in distress cried to
Pharaoh, as that woman to the king of Israel (<scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.6.26" parsed="|2Kgs|6|26|0|0" passage="2Ki 6:26">2 Kings vi. 26</scripRef>), <i>Help, my lord, O
king:</i> he sent them to his treasurer, <i>Go to Joseph.</i> Thus
God in the gospel directs those that apply to him for mercy and
grace to <i>go to the Lord Jesus,</i> in whom all fulness dwells;
and, <i>What he saith to you, do.</i> Joseph, no doubt, with wisdom
and justice fixed the price of the corn he sold, so that Pharaoh,
whose money had bought it up, might have a reasonable profit, and
yet the country might not be oppressed, nor advantage taken of
their prevailing necessity; while he that withholdest corn when it
is dear, in hopes it will yet grow dearer, though people perish for
want of it, has many a curse for so doing (and it is not a curse
causeless), <i>blessings shall be upon the head of him that</i>
thus <i>selleth it,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xlii-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.11.26" parsed="|Prov|11|26|0|0" passage="Pr 11:26">Prov. xi.
26</scripRef>. And let the price be determined by that golden rule
of justice, to do as we would be done by.</p>
</div></div2>