Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh.] But why did not Joseph apply himself? Because he was now in his mourning habits, and in such none must appear in the presence of the eastern monarchs. See Esth. iv. 2.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Though pious relatives and friends have lived to a good old age, and we are confident they are gone to glory, yet we may regret our own loss and pay respect to their memory by lamenting them. Grace does no destroy, but it purifies, moderates, and regulates natural affection The departed soul is out of the reach of any tokens of our affection but it is proper to show respect to the body, of which we look for glorious and joyful resurrection, whatever may become of its remains in this world. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and love to his father. He ordered the body to be embalmed, or wrapped up with spices to preserve it. See how vile our bodies are, when the soul has forsake them; they will in a very little time become noisome, and offensive.
Original Hebrew ויעברו5674 ימי3117 בכיתו1068 וידבר1696 יוסף3130 אל413 בית1004 פרעה6547 לאמר559 אם518 נא4994 מצאתי4672 חן2580 בעיניכם5869 דברו1696 נא4994 באזני241 פרעה6547 לאמר׃559
