Genesis 45:4-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 45:1-15

Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or brother. I. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw, Gen. 45:1. The private conversations of friends are the most free. When Joseph would put on love he puts off state, and it was not fit his servants should be witnesses of this. Thus Christ graciously manifests himself and his loving-kindness to his people, out of the sight... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 45:4

And Joseph said unto his brethren, come near to me, I pray you ,.... Very probably Joseph sat in a chair of state while they were under examination, and through reverence of him they kept at a proper distance; or being frightened at what he had said, he might observe them drawing back, as Jarchi remarks, and so encourages them in a kind and tender manner to return and come nearer to him, and the rather, that they might more privately converse together without being overheard; as also that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 45:5

Now therefore be not grieved ,.... To an excess, so as to be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow; otherwise it became them to be grieved for their sin, and to show a godly sorrow and true repentance for it: nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither ; reflect upon themselves, and afflict themselves in an immoderate way; or break forth into anger and wrath with one another, upbraiding and blaming each other for their conduct in that affair, and so foment contentions and quarrels... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 45:6

For these two years hath the famine been , in the land ,.... In the land of Egypt and in the countries round about: and yet there are five years ; still remaining, which he knew by the above dreams and the interpretation of them: in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest ; that is, no tillage of land, neither ploughing nor sowing, and so no reaping, or gathering in of the fruits of the earth, as used to be in harvest; at least, there would be very little ground... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 45:5

Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves - This discovers a truly noble mind: he not only forgives and forgets, but he wishes even those who had wronged him to forget the injury they had done, that they might not suffer distress on the account; and with deep piety he attributes the whole to the providence of God; for, says he, God did send me before you to preserve life. On every word here a strong emphasis may be laid. It is not you, but God; it is not you that sold me, but God who sent... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 45:6

There shall neither be earing nor harvest - Earing has been supposed to mean collecting the ears of corn, which would confound it with harvest: the word, however, means ploughing or seed-time, from the Anglo-Saxon erian , probably borrowed from the Latin aro , to plough, and plainly means that there should be no seed-time, and consequently no harvest; and why? Because there should be a total want of rain in other countries, and the Nile should not rise above twelve cubits in Egypt; See... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 45:4

Verse 4 4.Come near to me, I pray you. This is more efficacious than any mere words, that he kindly invites them to his embrace. Yet he also tries to remove their care and fear by the most courteous language he can use. He so attempers his speech, indeed, that he mildly accuses, and again consoles them; nevertheless, the consolation greatly predominates, because he sees that they are on the point of desperation, unless he affords them timely relief. Moreover, in relating that he had been sold,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 45:1-15

Joseph's discovery of himself to his brethren. I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT . " I am Joseph, whom ye sold into Egypt." 1. How it was made . 2. How it was received . II. THE COMMISSION . 1. To carry an invitation . "Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, and tarry not." 2. To deliver a promise . "And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen," and "there will I nourish... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 45:1-15

Darkness turned into light. Joseph's revelation of himself to his brethren in the atmosphere of the purest brotherly affection and grateful acknowledgment of Divine goodness. Only small natures are ashamed of tears. At first the men who had a great sin upon their consciences were only troubled at the presence of their injured brother, but soon the free and full manifestation of his love turns all their fears into rejoicing. Joseph wept for joy at their return to him, and they were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 45:4-13

And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. It is probable they had instinctively shrunk from his presence on learning the astounding fact that he was Joseph, but felt reassured by the kindly tone of Joseph's words. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt . It was impossible to evade allusion to their early wickedness, and this Joseph does in a spirit not of angry upbraiding, but of elevated piety and tender charity. Now... read more

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