that gathers much, has nothing over; and he that gathers little, has no lack, Ex 16:18. And see the
perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great harvests of the years of plenty were quite
lost, and swallowed up in the years of famine; and that which seemed very much, yet did but just
serve to keep the people alive. There is bread which lasts to eternal life, which it is worth while to
labour for. They that make the things of this world their good things, will find little pleasure in
remembering that they have received them.
Verses 33–45
Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel.
God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can
have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is
a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph
marks of honour. He gave him such a name as spoke the value he had for him, Zaphnath-paaneah,
“a revealer of secrets.” This preferment of Joseph encourages all to trust in God. Some translate
Joseph's new name, “the saviour of the world.” The brightest glories, even of the upper world, are
put upon Christ, the highest trust lodged in his hand, and all power given him, both in heaven and
earth.
Verses 46–57
In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1.
He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven
plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of
our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in making
good use of opportunity. Years of plenty will end; what thy hand finds to do, do it; and gather in
gathering time. The dearth came, and the famine was not only in Egypt, but in other lands. Joseph
was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted. He was prudent and careful in giving out, when
the famine came. Joseph was engaged in useful and important labours. Yet it was in the midst of
this his activity that his father Jacob said, Joseph is not! What a large portion of our troubles would
be done away if we knew the whole truth! Let these events lead us to Jesus. There is a famine of
the bread of life throughout the whole earth. Go to Jesus, and what he bids you, do. Attend to His
voice, apply to him; he will open his treasures, and satisfy with goodness the hungry soul of every
age and nation, without money and without price. But those who slight this provision must starve,
and his enemies will be destroyed.
Chapter 42
Chapter Outline
Jacob sends ten sons to buy corn. (1–6)
Joseph's treatment of his brethren. (7–20)