It was justice to Pharaoh to let him know that such a family was come to settle in his dominions.
If others put confidence in us, we must not be so base as to abuse it by imposing upon them. But
how shall Joseph dispose of his brethren? Time was, when they were contriving to be rid of him;
now he is contriving to settle them to their advantage; this is rendering good for evil. He would
have them live by themselves, in the land of Goshen, which lay nearest to Canaan. Shepherds were
an abomination to the Egyptians. Yet Joseph would have them not ashamed to own this as their
occupation before Pharaoh. He might have procured places for them at court or in the army. But
such preferments would have exposed them to the envy of the Egyptians, and might have tempted
them to forget Canaan and the promise made unto their fathers. An honest calling is no disgrace,
nor ought we to account it so, but rather reckon it a shame to be idle, or to have nothing to do. It is
generally best for people to abide in the callings they have been bred to and used to. Whatever
employment and condition God in his providence has allotted for us, let us suit ourselves to it,
satisfy ourselves with it, and not mind high things. It is better to be the credit of a mean post, than
the shame of a high one. If we wish to destroy our souls, or the souls of our children, then let us
seek for ourselves, and for them, great things; but if not, it becomes us, having food and raiment,
therewith to be content.
Chapter 47
Chapter Outline
Joseph presents his brethren to Pharaoh. (1–6)
Jacob blesses Pharaoh. (7–12)
Joseph's dealings with the Egyptians during (13–26)
the famine.
Jacob's age. His desire to be buried in (27–31)
Canaan.Verses 1–6
Though Joseph was a great man, especially in Egypt, yet he owned his brethren. Let the rich
and great in the world not overlook or despise poor relations. Our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call
us brethren. In answer to Pharaoh's inquiry, What is your calling? they told him that they were
shepherds, adding that they were come to sojourn in the land for a time, while the famine prevailed
in Canaan. Pharaoh offered to employ them as shepherds, provided they were active men. Whatever
our business or employment is, we should aim to excel in it, and to prove ourselves clever and
industrious.
Verses 7–12