Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. I am Joseph] Mr. Pope supposed that the discovery of Ulysses to his son Telemachus bears some resemblance to Joseph's discovery of himself to his brethren. The passage may be seen in Homer, Odyss. l. xvi., ver. 186-218.
A few lines from Cowper's translation will show much of the spirit of the original, and also a considerable analogy between the two scenes: - ""I am thy father, for whose sake thou lead'st A life of wo by violence oppress'd.
So saying, he kiss'd his son; while from his cheeks Tears trickled, tears till then perforce restrain'd.
Then threw Telemachus His arms around his father's neck, and wept.
Pangs of soft sorrow, not to be suppress'd, Seized both. So they, their cheeks with big round drops of wo Bedewing, stood.""
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 ויאמר559 יוסף3130 אל413 אחיו251 אני589 יוסף3130 העוד5750 אבי1 חי2416 ולא3808 יכלו3201 אחיו251 לענות6030 אתו853 כי3588 נבהלו926 מפניו׃6440
