Verses 25–28
To hear that Joseph is alive, is too good news to be true; Jacob faints, for he believes it not. We
faint, because we do not believe. At length, Jacob is convinced of the truth. Jacob was old, and did
not expect to live long. He says, Let my eyes be refreshed with this sight before they are closed,
and then I need no more to make me happy in this world. Behold Jesus manifesting himself as a
Brother and a Friend to those who once were his despisers, his enemies. He assures them of his
love and the riches of his grace. He commands them to lay aside envy, anger, malice, and strife,
and to live in peace with each other. He teaches them to give up the world for him and his fulness.
He supplies all that is needful to bring them home to himself, that where he is they may be also.
And though, when he at last sends for his people, they may for a time feel some doubts and fears,
yet the thought of seeing his glory and of being with him, will enable them to say, It is enough, I
am willing to die; and I go to see, and to be with the Beloved of my soul.
Chapter 46
Chapter Outline
God's promises to Jacob. (1–4)
Jacob and his family go to Egypt. (5–27)
Joseph meets his father and his brethren. (28–34)Verses 1–4
Even as to those events and undertakings which appear most joyful, we should seek counsel,
assistance, and a blessing from the Lord. Attending on his ordinances, and receiving the pledges
of his covenant love, we expect his presence, and that peace which it confers. In all removals we
should be reminded of our removal out of this world. Nothing can encourage us to fear no evil
when passing through the valley of the shadow of death, but the presence of Christ.
Verses 5–27
We have here a particular account of Jacob's family. Though the fulfilling of promises is always
sure, yet it is often slow. It was now 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make of him
a great nation, ch. 12:2; yet that branch of his seed, to which the promise was made sure, had only
increased to seventy, of whom this particular account is kept, to show the power of God in making
these seventy become a vast multitude.
Verses 28–34