Genesis 45 Commentary

“For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.”

Reaping, as in common years, though the places near the Nile might produce some little; (Menochius) and hence the Egyptians ask Joseph for seed, chap. xlvii. 19. (Calmet)

“So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”

Counsel. Joseph’s brethren had no design of elevating him to so high a dignity; but God’s will directed Pharao to appoint him his counsellor or prime minister. His father. (Haydock) — So the Roman emperors styled the prefects of the Prętorium, and the Caliphs their chief minister. (Calmet)

“And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:”

Gessen, to the north-east of Egypt, near me, at Tanis, in the Delta and near the promised land, being a part of Arabia. (Haydock) — This country is often refreshed by showers of rain, (Calmet) which never falls in most parts of Egypt. It is intersected by many canals, and is very rich and proper for pasturage. (Haydock)

“And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.”

Perish. Hebrew, be reduced to poverty. He fed them like the priests, chap. xlvii. 12, 22. (Calmet)

“And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.”

My mouth. You now recognize my features and my speech; particularly you, my dear Benjamin. (Haydock) — I speak no longer by an interpreter. (Menochius)

“And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well , and his servants. pleased: Heb. was good in the eyes of Pharaoh”

Family, and courtiers. They were all so enraptured with Joseph’s conduct, that they rejoiced in whatever gave him pleasure. (Menochius) — They thought, perhaps, that his relations would resemble him, and be of service to Egypt. (Haydock)

“And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.”

Marrow; which is an emphatical expression, to signify the best things of Egypt, Chaldean. Hebrew, “the fat, or the cream of the land.” (Calmet)

“Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. regard: Heb. let not your eye spare, etc.”

Leave nothing. Hebrew may have another meaning, which Calmet approves, “Let not your eye spare your furniture.” Be not concerned to leave what may be useless, as most of the husbandry utensils would be in Egypt, “for all,” &c.

“To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.”

Two robes (stolas) hanging down to the feet. These properly belong to women. But they are worn by men in the East. It was customary to make presents of such robes, as it is still among the great men and kings of that country. Lucullus kept 6000 cloaks in his wardrobe. (Horat.[Horace?] 1. sat. 2.) (Calmet) — Of silver, sicles. The Septuagint has “of gold,” as also chap. xxxvii. 28.

“And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. laden: Heb. carrying”

As much…besides. This is omitted in Hebrew or at least is left ambiguous, “He sent in like manner to his father ten,” &c. But the Syriac and Septuagint explain it like the Vulgate. — She-asses. Septuagint, “mules.” — Bread. Hebrew adds, “meat,” or provisions. (Calmet) — These presents might convince Jacob that Joseph was still alive. (Haydock)

“So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.”

Angry. A prudent admonition at all times, but particularly now, to Joseph’s brethren; lest reflecting on his excessive kindness, they should each wish to remove from themselves the stigma of cruelty towards him, by throwing it upon others. (Haydock)

“And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not. Jacob's: Heb. his”

He awaked, &c. His heart was overpowered between hope and distrust. He seemed to himself to be dreaming. Septuagint, “in an ecstacy.” Such a sudden transition has oftentimes caused death. (Haydock)

“And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:”

Revived; like a lamp, which was just going out, for want of oil, resumes fresh vigour when a new supply is poured in. (St. Chrysostom)