Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Joseph could not refrain himself] The word qpath hithappek is very emphatic; it signifies to force one's self, to do something against nature, to do violence to one's self. Joseph could no longer constrain himself to act a feigned part-all the brother and the son rose up in him at once, and overpowered all his resolutions; he felt for his father, he realized his disappointment and agony; and he felt for his brethren, ""now at his feet submissive in distress;"" and, that he' might give free and full scope to his feelings, and the most ample play of the workings of his affectionate heart, he ordered all his attendants to go out, while he made himself known to his brethren. ""The beauties of this chapter,"" says Dr. Dodd, ""are so striking, that it would be an indignity to the reader's judgment to point them out; all who can read and feel must be sensible of them, as there is perhaps nothing in sacred or profane history more highly wrought up, more interesting or affecting.""
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-15 - Joseph let Judah go on, and heard all he had to say. He found his brethren humbled for their sins, mindful of himself, for Judah ha mentioned him twice in his speech, respectful to their father, and very tender of their brother Benjamin. Now they were ripe for the comfort he designed, by making himself known. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw. Thus Christ makes himself and his loving-kindness known to his people, out of the sight and hearing of the world. Joseph she tears of tenderness and strong affection, and with these threw off tha austerity with which he had hitherto behaved toward his brethren. Thi represents the Divine compassion toward returning penitents. "I am Joseph, your brother." This would humble them yet more for their sin in selling him, but would encourage them to hope for kind treatment. Thus when Christ would convince Paul, he said, I am Jesus; and when he woul comfort his disciples, he said, It is I, be not afraid. When Chris manifests himself to his people, he encourages them to draw near to his with a true heart. Joseph does so, and shows them, that whatever the thought to do against him, God had brought good out of it. Sinners mus grieve and be angry with themselves for their sins, though God bring good out of it, for that is no thanks to them. The agreement betwee all this, and the case of a sinner, on Christ's manifesting himself to his soul, is very striking. He does not, on this account, think sin less, but a greater evil; and yet he is so armed against despair, a even to rejoice in what God hath wrought, while he trembles in thinkin of the dangers and destruction from which he has escaped. Josep promises to take care of his father and all the family. It is the duty of children, if the necessity of their parents at any time require it to support and supply them to the utmost of their ability; this is showing piety at home, 1Ti 5:4. After Joseph had embraced Benjamin, he caressed them all, and then his brethren talked with him freely of all the affairs of their father's house. After the tokens of tru reconciliation with the Lord Jesus, sweet communion with him follows.
Original Hebrew ולא3808 יכל3201 יוסף3130 להתאפק662 לכל3605 הנצבים5324 עליו5921 ויקרא7121 הוציאו3318 כל3605 אישׁ376 מעלי5921 ולא3808 עמד5975 אישׁ376 אתו854 בהתודע3045 יוסף3130 אל413 אחיו׃251
