CHAP. 38.-B. C. 1727.

reprove with equity for
the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the

earth with the rod of
his mouth, and with
the breath of his lips
Isaiah, 11, 4.
shall he slay the wicked.

j Master, Moses said,

a man die, having no

shall marry his wife, children, his brother and raise up seed unto

turned in unto him, and his brother. Matthew,

the name of his brother which is dead, that his

name be not put out of

Israel. Deut. 25, 6.

1 was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

1 See Numbers, 26, 19.

were Er and Onan: and plied.

Psalm 139, 19. The LORD preservethall them that Psalm 145, 2). The wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. Proberbs, 2, 22. And his concubine Woe unto the wicked! played thewhore against it shall be ill with him; him, and went away for the reward of his from him unto her fahim. Isaiah, 3, 11. But lehem-judah, and was

26 And Judah' acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

с

27 And it came to pass, in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. 28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.

29 And it came to pass, as he drew back hand, that, behold, his brother came out: she said, How hast thou broken forth? breach be upon thee: therefore his name called Pharez.

his

and

this

was

2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD d made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

burnt with fire. Lev. See chapter 37, 32 See chapter 37, 33, vid, Thou art more

a And he said to Da

righteous than I: for
thou hast rewarded me
good, whereas I have re-
warded thee evil. 1 Sam.

24, 17

be

CHAP. 39.-B. C. 179.

vour in thy sight, pass

not away, I pray thee,

from thy servant. Gen.
18, 3.

f And Abraham said

unto his eldest servant

of his house, that ruled
over all that he had,
Put, I pray thee, thy
Genesis, 24, 2

hand under my thigh.

Joseph resisteth his mistress's temptation. all f that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread And I I will make of which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly

thee a great nation,
and I will bless thee,

and make thy name person, and well-favoured.

great; and thou shalt be

a 12, 2.

See verse 14
said unto God, I have

e Surely it is meet to

chastisement,

will not offend any
more: That which I see

have done iniquity,
34, 31, 32.

I

not teach thou me: if
will do no more. Job,
thou made this breach
7 Or, Wherefore hast
against thee?
and Zara of Thames
and Phares begat Es:

8 That is, A breach.

Thamar;

rom; and Esrom begat
Aram. Matt. 1, 3.

CHAP. 39.-B. C. 1729.
a And the Midianites
unto Potiphar, an offi-
cer of Pharaoh's, and

sold him into Egypt

a

captain of the guard.
man before them, even
for a servant. Psalm
See chapter 37, 29.

Genesis, 37, 36. He sent

Joseph, who was sold
105, 17.

c And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the

chief captain of his host

spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee Genesis, 21, 22 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed

in all that thou doest.

Abraham thy father:

7 And it came to pass after these things, that And Laban said unto his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph;

have found favour in
him, I pray thee, if I

thine eyes, tarry: for I and she said, Lie with me.

have learned by experi-
ence that the LORD hath
blessed me for thy sake.
Genesis, 30, 27.

ing, Fear not, Paul;

8 But he refused, and said unto his master's Say wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is thou must be brought with me in the house, and he hath committed God hath given thee all all that he hath to my hand;

before Cesar: and, lo,

them that sail with
thee. Acts, 27, 24.

h And he sent, and

he was ruddy, and

9 There is none greater in this house than I; brought him in. Now neither hath he kept back any thing from me withal of a beautiful but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against

countenance, and good

ly to look to. And Saul

sent to Jesse, saying,

Let David, I pray thee,

stand before me; for he God?
hath found favour in

my sight. 1 Samuel,
16, 12, 22

brought them unto him

to

And when she had
eat, he took hold of

her, and said unto her,
Come lie with me, my
sister. 2 Samuel, 13, 11.

10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11 And it came to pass about this time, that

So he that goeth in Joseph went into the house to do his business; to his neighbour's wife; and there was none of the men of the house

whosoever toucheth her

shall not be innocent.

But whoso committeth there within.

adultery with a woman
lacketh understanding:
he that doeth it de-

stroyeth his own soul.

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her And God said unto hand, and fled, and got him out.

Proverbs, 6, 29, 32.

him in a dream, Yea, I
know that thou didst
this in the integrity of
withheld thee from sin-

thy heart; for I also

for my servant Araning

And

sake. Gen. 26, 24.
David behaved
himself wisely in all his
ways; and the LORD was

with him.... And Saul
LORD was with David.
Every word of God

saw and knew that the
1 Samuel, 18, 14, 28.

is

pure: he is a shield unto
them that put their
trust in him. Proverbs,

30, 5. And the patri-
sold Joseph into Egypt:

archs, moved with envy,

but God was with him.
Acts, 7, 9.

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled against me; there forth,

fore suffered I thee not
to touch her. Gen. 20, 6.
Against thee, thee only,
have I sinned, and done

this evil in thy sight;
justified when
when thou
when thou judgest. Ps.

that thou mightest be

speakest, and be clear

51, 4

So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face Prov. 7, 13.

said unto him, etc.

1 great.

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a 1 loud voice:

15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his m Thou shalt not raise garment with me, and fled, and got him out. with the 16 And she laid up his garment by her until wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Exodus, his lord came home. 2p For a whore is

a false report: put not
thine hand with the

a deep ditch; a
he
strange woman is a

and whatsoever
doeth shall prosper.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass, from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over now I have found faprevent that. Note, There are many who are more solicitous to preserve their reputation with men, than to secure the favour of God and a good conscience; lest we be shamed, goes further with them, than lest we be damned.-H.

if

e And said, My Lord,

m

17 And she spake unto him according to these narrow pit. Proverbs, Words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou afflicted by it; and a hast brought unto us, came in unto meto mock me:

23, 27. A lying tongue
hateth those that are

lency was personal; and, though sinless, it suited the end of his appearance, to be "made in the likeness of sinful flesh."-S.

CHAP. XXXIX. PIETY AND PROSPERITY.-Those that have wisdom and A BIRD IN THE AIR.-The wickedness that has been most secretly committed grace, have that which cannot be taken away from them, whatever else they are and most industriously concealed, yet sometimes is strangely brought to light, robbed of. Joseph's brethren had stripped him of his coat of many colours, but to the shame and confusion of those who have said, No eye sees. A bird of the they could not strip him of his virtue and prudence. Those that can separate air may carry the voice; however, there is a discovering day coming, when all us from all our friends, yet cannot deprive us of the gracious presence of our will be laid open. Some of the Jewish writers observe, that as Judah had said God. When Joseph had none of all his relations with him, he had his God with to his father, See, is this thy son's coat? (ch. 37, 32,) so it was now said to him, "See, him, even in the house of the Egyptian. Joseph was separated from his brethare these thy signet and bracelets?" Judah, being convicted by his own consci- ren, but not from his God; banished from his father's house, but the Lord was ence, 1. Confesses his sin, She has been more righteous than I. He owns that a per- with him, and that comforted him. It is God's presence with us that makes all petual mark of infamy should be fastened rather upon him, who had been so we do prosperous. Those that would prosper, must therefore make God their much accessary to it. Note, Those offenders ought to be treated with the greatest friend; and those that do prosper, must therefore give God the praise. His tenderness, to whom we have any way given occasion of offending. If servants master preferred him; by degrees made him steward of his household, v. 4. Note, purloin, and their masters, by withholding from them what is due, tempt them 1. Industry and honesty are the surest and safest way both of rising and thrivto it, they ought to forgive them. 2. He never returned to it again; he knewing; Seest thou a man prudent, and faithful, and diligent in his business? He shall her again no more. Note, Those do not truly repent of their sins, that do not stand before kings, at length, and not always before mean men. 2. It is the wisdom forsake them.-H. of those that are in any sort of authority, to countenance and employ those with PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-Mirth, festivity, and vain company, furnish fuel whom it appears that the presence of God is, Ps. 101, 6. Potiphar knew what to licentious inclinations, and opportunity inflames the heart; then interest, he did, when he put all into the hand of Joseph; for he knew it would prosper credit, and conscience are sacrificed, and the wisest of men act as if bereft of better there than in his own hand. 3. He that is faithful in a few things, stands common sense: for, "wine and whoredom take away the heart," and stupify the fair for being made ruler over many things, Matth. 25, 21. Christ goes by this conscience.-What need have we then to "watch and pray, that we enter not rule with his servants. 4. It is a great ease to a master to have those employed into temptation!" Unthought-of consequences will soon prove the folly of those, under him that are trusty; Potiphar was so well satisfied with Joseph's conduct, who give license to their lusts; and they, who fear shame before men, more than that he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat, v. 6. The servant condemnation before God, often find the very thing come upon them which they had all the care and trouble of the estate, the master had only the enjoyment of feared, notwithstanding all their care to prevent it.-enjurious suspicions and un- it; an example not to be imitated by any master, unless he could be sure that he just treatment frequently drive those to evil practices, who were not previously had one in all respects like Joseph for a servant. God favoured his master for disposed to them: but miserable and infatuated beyond expression are they, who his sake; (v. 5.) He blessed the Egyptian's house, though he was an Egyptian, a barter chastity, reputation, and even their souls, for the paltry reward of sin. stranger to the true God, for Joseph's sake; and he himself, like Laban, soon Nor are any more hardened against compassion, or more disposed to treat others learned it by experience, ch. 30, 27. Note, Good men are the blessings of the with unrelenting severity, than they who are most indulgent to themselves, and places where they live; even good servants may be so, though mean and lightly heedlessly continue in unrepented wickedness. Yet, it is hopeful, when being esteemed. The prosperity of the wicked is, one way or other, for the sake of the put to shame before men, produces conviction of guilt, humiliating confessions, godly. Here was a wicked family blessed for the sake of one good servant in and renunciation of the sin thus exposed, never more to return to it.-But while it.-H. we compassionate pious Jacob, thus wounded on every side by the misconduct of SIN IN THE EYE.-Observe, 1. Joseph's mistress's sin began in the eye; she his family; let us admire the sovereign purpose and grace of God, who, by all cast her eyes upon Joseph, (v. 7,) who was a goodly person, and well-favoured, v. 6. these events, was preparing for the manifestation of his Son in human nature. Note, (1.) Remarkable beauty, either of men or women, often proves a dangerOur Redeemer sprang from Judah by Tamar, and from Pharez; for his excel-lous snare both to themselves and others; which forbids pride in it, and commands

that

his

of

AND
ND it came to pass after these things,
the butler of the king of Egypt and
baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two
his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and
against the chief of the bakers.

3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

5 T And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.

flattering mouth work- and, having made Blas-
lain their friend, de-
sired peace; because
their country was nour-

28.

n For jealousy is the
rage of a man: there-

fore he will not spare
He will not regard any
rest content, though

in the day of vengeance.
ransom; neither will he
thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs, 6, 34, 35.
o Whose feet they hurt
Psalm,

with fetters; he was

For this is thankworthy, if a man

for conscience toward

God endure grief, suf-
fering wrongfully. 1
Peter, 2, 19.

And he put them in

ward in house of
the captain of the guard,
into the prison, the
place where Joseph
was bound.... For in-
deed I was stolen away

out of the land of the
have I done nothing
me into the dungeon.

Hebrews; and here also

that they should put
Genesis, 14, 3, 15.

2 extended kindness
unto him.

And the LORD gave sight of the Egyptians.

7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers, that were ished by the king's with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore 1 look ye so sadly to-day?

country. Acts, 12, 20.

e See chapter 39, 20.
1 are your faces evil?

Why is thy counte-
art not sick? this is

nance sad, seeing thou
nothing else but sorrow
of heart. Neh. 2, 2
d See chapter 41, 15.

And it is a rare thing

that the king requireth,
and there is none other
that can show it before

the king, except the
not with flesh.... But

gods, whose dwelling is

there is a God in heaven
that revealeth secrets,
and maketh known to
the king Nebuchadnez-

8 And they said unto him, dWe have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

e

9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine

the people favour in the
Moreover the man Mo-
ses was very great in
the land of Egypt, in
the sight of Pharaoh's
servants, and in the
sight of the people.
Exodus, 11, 3. He made
them also to be pitied
of all those that carried
them captives. Psalm thoughts troubled him.
106, 46. When a man's
he maketh even his
with him. Prov. 16,
Daniel into favour and
prince of the eunuchs.

13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh 2 lift The king spake, and up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: not the dream, or the and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his Belte hand, after the former manner when thou wast the his butler.

ways please the LORD, said, Belteshazzar, let
interpretation thereof,
trouble thee.
shazzar answered and

enemies to be at peace

7

Now God had brought
tender love with the

Daniel, 1, 9.

r By the blessing of the
upright the city is ex-
thrown by the mouth

alted; but it is over.
of the wicked. Prov.

11, 11.

CHAP. 40.-B. C. 1720.
a O LORD, I beseech
thee, let now thine ear
be attentive to the
prayer of thy servant,

thy servants, who de
and prosper, I pray

sire to fear thy name;
thee, thy servant this
day, and grant him
mercy in the sight of
the king's cup-bearer.
b The wrath of a king
death: but a wise man

this man. For I was
Nehemiah, 1, 11.
is as messengers of
will pacify Herod was

16, 14 And
highly displeased with
them of Tyre and
Sidon: but they came

6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morn-with one accord to him, constant watchfulness against temptation that attends it; favour is deceitful, that is, deceiving. (2.) We have great need to make a covenant with our eyes, (Job, 31, 1,) lest the eye infect the heart. Joseph's mistress had a husband that ought to have been to her for a covering of the eyes from all others, ch. 20, 16. 2. She was daring and shameless in the sin; with an impudent face, and a harlot's forehead, she said, Lie with me; having already, by her wanton looks and unchaste desires, committed adultery with him in her heart. Note, Where the unclean spirit gets possession and dominion in a soul, it is as with the possessed of the devils, (Luke, 8, 27, 29,) the clothes of modesty are thrown off, and the bands and fetters of shame are broken in pieces. When lust has got head, it will stick at nothing, blush at nothing; decency and reputation, and conscience, are all sacrificed to that Baal-peor. 3. She was urgent and violent in the temptation; often she had been denied with the strongest reasons, and yet as often renewed her vile solicitations. She spake to him day by day, v. 10. Now this was, [1.] Great wickedness in her, and shewed her heart fully set to do evil. [2] A great temptation to Joseph. The hand of Satan, no doubt, was in it, who, when he found he could not overcome him with troubles and the frowns of the world, (for in them he still held fast his integrity,) assaulted him with soft and charming pleasures, which have ruined more than the former, and have slain their ten thousands.-H.

said. My lord,

dream be to them that
hate thee, and the in-

2 Or, reckon.

pretation thereof to 14 But 3 think on me when it shall be well thine enemies. Dan. 4,19. with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

of Babylon in the first
year of his reign lifted

Jehoia

chin king of Judah,
and brought him forth

out of prison. Jer. 52,

31.

3 remember me with thee.

h And he said unto

Jesus, Lord, remember

me when thou comest
into thy kingdom.
Luke, 23, 42

you, swear unto me by

15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

16 When the chief baker saw that the interNow therefore, I pray pretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also the LORD, since I have was in my dream, and, behold, I had three that ye will also show 4 white baskets on my head: ther's house, and give kindness unto my fame a true token. Josh. 2, 12

there. Integrity and uprightness qualify us for the divine favour, wherever we are. Joseph is not long a prisoner, before he becomes a little ruler even in the prison; which is to be attributed, under God, (1.) To the keeper's favour. God gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Note, God can raise up friends for his people, even there where they little expect to find them, and can make them to be pitied even of those that carry them captive, Ps. 106, 46. (2.) To Joseph's fitness for business. The keeper saw that God was with him, and that every thing prospered under his hand; and therefore entrusted him with the management of the affairs of the prison, v. 22, 23. Note, Wisdom and virtue will shine in the narrowest spheres. A good man will do good wherever he is, and will be a blessing even in bonds and banishments; for the Spirit of the Lord is not bound or banished, witness St. Paul, Phil. 1, 12, 13.—H.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-If Satan cannot induce us to sin, he will distress us: and we must expect the imbittered resentment of those whose wicked inclinations we disappoint, and with being accused of the very crimes which we abhor; yea, because we abhor them. It is, however, far "better, if the will of God be so, that we suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing;” a clear conscience, and the presence of a merciful God, will support us, not only under our trials, but under the most injurious calumnies: and we need not use much labour to vindicate ourselves; for in due time the Lord will vindicate us, and clear off every aspersion.-The more meekly and patiently we suffer, the less bitterness shall we Christian character. By all these things, the Lord is training up his people for glory; perhaps for better scenes, and important services, in this present world: and, if we are not in a wrong spirit, or out of the path of duty, we can never be out of the way either of comfort or usefulness.-But let us not forget, through Joseph, to look unto Jesus, who "suffered, being tempted," yet without sin; who was calumniated and persecuted, but without cause: 'who was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth," to recriminate, or to vindicate himself; and who by the cross ascended to the throne. May we be enabled, and contented, to follow in the same path of submissive suffering, to the same place of glory.-S.

THREE ARGUMENTS AGAINST SIN.-Three arguments Joseph urges upon himself. First, He considers who he was that was tempted. "I; others may per-experience in our trials, and the more consistent will our conduct be with the haps take their liberty, but I cannot. I that am an Israelite in covenant with God, that profess religion, and relation to him: it is next to impossible for me to do so." Secondly, What the sin was to which he was tempted; this great wickedness. Others might look upon it as a small matter, a peccadillo, a trick of youth; but Joseph had another idea of it. In general, when at any time we are tempted to sin, we must consider the great wickedness there is in it: let sin appear sin, (Rom. 7, 13,) call it by its own name, and never go about to lessen it. Particularly, let the sin of uncleanness always be looked upon as great wickedness, as an exceeding sinful sin, that wars against the soul as much as any other. Thirdly, Against whom he was tempted to sin, against God; "Not only how shall I do it, and sin against my master, my mistress, myself, my own body and soul; but against God." Note, Gracious souls look upon this as the worst thing in sin, that it is against God, against his nature and his dominion, against his love and his design. They that love God, for this reason hate sin.-H.

A PRISONER OF HOPE.-Joseph was at a distance from all his friends and relations, had not them with him to comfort him, or to minister to him, or to mediate for him; but the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, v. 21. Note, 1. God despises not his prisoners, Ps. 69, 33. No gates or bars can shut out his gracious presence from his people; for he has promised that he will never leave them. 2. Those that have a good conscience in a prison, have a good God

CHAP. XL. FELLOW FEELING.-Joseph's great tenderness and compassion toward them. He inquired with concern, Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day? v. 7. Joseph was their keeper, and in that office he was mild. Note, It becomes us to take cognizance of the sorrows even of those that are under our check. Joseph was their companion in tribulation, he was now a prisoner with them, and had been a dreamer too. Communion in sufferings helps to work compassion toward those that do suffer. Let us learn hence, 1. To concern ourselves in the sorrows and troubles of others, and to inquire into the reason of the sadness of our brethren's countenances; we should be often considering the tears of the oppressed, Eccl. 4, 1. It is some relief, to those that are in trouble, to be taken

AND

full

tains, and chief estates

to his lords, high cap-
Galilee. Mark, 6, 21.
mAfter a long time
vants cometh, and reck-

7 Or, reckoned.

the lord of those ser

oneth with them.
Matthew, 25, 19.

n And it came to pass

in the month Nisan, in
Artaxerxes the king,
him: and I took up the
the king. Nehemiah,
o So they hanged Ha-
that he had prepared

the twentieth year of
that wine was

wine, and gave it unto

man on the gallows

Mordecai.

Then

was the king's wrath
pacified. Esther, 7, 10.

Withhold not good

from them to whom it
is due, when it is in the
power of thine hand to

do it. Proverbs, 3, 27.
Now there was found

And one went in, and
told his lord, saying,
Thus and thus said the
maid that is of the land
of Israel. 2 Kings, 5, 4.
h And the Midianites

sold him into Egypt
cer of Pharaoh's, and

unto Potiphar, an offi

captain of the guard.
Genesis, 37, 36.

i See chapter 40, 12.
j See chapter 40, 22.

9 T Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: 10 Pharaoh was dwroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:

11 And f we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the The king sent and interpretation of his dream. ruler of the people, and

loosed him; even the

let him go free. Psalm

105,

20.

Then Arioch brought

in Daniel before the thus unto him, I have

king in haste, and said

found a man of the cap

12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he

tives of Judah, that will did interpret.
king the interpretation.

make known unto the
Daniel, 2, 25.

2 made him run.

m

j

13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to

poor out of the dust, and him he hanged.

He raiseth up the US, SO it was; me he restored unto mine office,

and lifteth the needy
out of the dunghill;
That he may set him

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, with princes, even with and they brought him hastily out of the

of

in it a poor wise man. people. Ps. 113, 7, 8.
and he by his wisdom
delivered the city; yet

no

man remembered that same poor man.

ND it came to pass at the end of two
years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, Eccles. 9, 15.

he stood by the river.

3 And, behold, seven other kine came up them out of the river, ill-favoured and lean-hour, and his thoughts fleshed; and stood by the other kine upon brink of the river.

king spake, and said,
dream, or the interpre
thee. Daniel, 4, 5.
called the wise men and

b Then Pharaoh also

the sorcerers: now the

magicians of Egypt,
they also did in like

manner with their en

wisdom

chantments. Ex. 7,11.
And in all matters of
and under-
standing, that the king
enquired of them, he
found them ten times

better than all the ma

gicians and astrologers
that were in all his
realm. Daniel, 1, 20.
e Now when Jesus was
born in Bethlehem of

Juden, in the days of

Herod the king, behold,
there came wise men
from the east to Jeru-

alem. Matthew, 2, 1.

d See chapter 40, 2, 3.
e And Joseph's master

notice of. 2. To inquire into the causes of our own sorrow. "Wherefore do I look so sadly? Is there a reason? Is it a good reason? Is there not a reason for comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"-H.

The secret of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed LORD is with them that his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

fear him; and he
show them his cove-
nant. Psalm 25, 14.
And I have heard of

thee, that thou canst
and dissolve doubts:
the writing, and make

make interpretations,

known to me the inter-
pretation thereof, thou
shalt be clothed with

scarlet, and have a
neck, and shalt be the
kingdom. Daniel, 5, 16.
est a dream thou canst

3 Or, when thou hear-
interpret it.

o But as for me, this secret is not revealed me wisdom

that I have more than

any living, but for
their sakes that shall
make known the inter-
pretation to the king,
and that thou mightest

15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: " and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: 18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

19 And, behold, seven other kine came up know the thoughts of after them, poor and very ill-favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:

our's, mediated with the King of kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, though we have promised never to forget him: thus ill do we requite him, like foolish people and unwise.-H.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.-High stations are slippery places; and from the presence-chamber to the dungeon is, in many earthly courts, only a short step; but a place in the favour of God, who will not forsake his true servants, is of unspeakable value.-In the voluntary actions of men who know not God, and pay no regard to him, we may discern his hand; and perceive how his purposes unfold, and his counsels work towards an accomplishment, slowly, but surely. While we are encouraged by the gracious dealings of the Lord towards his afflicted servant, let us mark how he resembled Christ; and may we, through the grace of God, resemble and imitate him, in fidelity, humanity, compassion, unaffected piety, and humility; in repressing the pride and resentment, which agitate our hearts, imbitter our spirits, and sometimes disgrace our conversation, when we meet with injurious treatment, or speak of that which we have met with; and in modestly pleading our own cause, without needlessly mentioning, or exposing, the faults even of our most malignant enemies.-The festive observation of birthdays by men, who are exceedingly desirous of living in this world, seems rather incongruous; for, in fact, they thus celebrate, with every indication of joy and gladness, the decease, as it were, of one year after another of their uncertain span; nor are the two instances of this vanity, recorded in Scripture, suited to recommend the practice. (Mark, 6, 16--29.) A Christian, however, may properly observe his birthday; with praise and thanksgiving to God for giving him life, and with gladness of heart that he approaches the conclusion of sin and sorrow, and the completion of his felicity. He may also take occasion, at these returning seasons, to bless the Lord for the mercies of the past year, to humble himself for the sins which he has committed, and to seek the Divine assistance and blessing in all he shall undertake during the year on which he then enters.

THE INTERPRETER.-There are interpreters, which those that are in prison and sorrow should wish to have with them, to instruct them in the meaning and design of Providence; (Elihu alludes to such, when he says, If there be an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness, Job, 33, 23, 24,) interpreters to guide their consciences, not to satisfy their curiosity. Joseph, hereupon, directed them which way to look, Do not interpretations belong to God? He means the God whom he worshipped, to the knowledge of whom he endeavours hereby to lead them. Note, 1. It is God's prerogative to foretell things to come, Isa. 46, 10. 2. He must therefore have the praise of all the gifts of foresight which men have, ordinary or extraordinary. Joseph premises a caveat against his own praise, and is careful to transmit the glory to God, as Daniel, ch. 2, 30. Joseph suggests, "If interpretations belong to God, he is a free agent, and may communicate the power to whom he pleases, and therefore tell me your dreams." -H. BASE INGRATITUDE.-The chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgat him, v. 23. 1. See here an instance of base ingratitude; Joseph had deserved well at his hands, had ministered to him, sympathized with him, helped him to a favourable interpretation of his dream, had recommended himself to him as an extraordinary person upon all accounts; and yet he forgat him. We must not think it strange, if, in this world, we have hatred shewn us for our love, and slights for our respects. 2. See how apt those that are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Perhaps it is in allusion to this story, that the prophet speaks of those that drink wine in bowls, and are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph, Amos, 6, 6. Let us learn hence to cease from man. Joseph, perhaps, depended too much upon his interest in the chief butler, and promised himself too much -We must not complain or be discouraged, if we are forgotten, or ungratefully from him; he learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot ex-requited, by those whom we have served. Ingratitude is, alas! the fault of our pect too little from man, nor too much from God. Some observe the resemblance nature; and we as well as others are guilty of it, especially in our base forgetfulness between Joseph and Christ in this story. Joseph's fellow sufferers were like the of God.-But, let us remember the sufferings, promises, and love of our Redeemer; two thieves that were crucified with Christ; the one saved, the other condemned. and mark in this narration of Joseph, a type of Jesus, in the depth of his humili(It is Dr. Lightfoot's remark, from Mr. Broughton.) One of these, when Joseph ation, mercifully assuring one of the malefactors which hung beside him of imsaid to him, Remember me, when it shall be well with thee, forgat him; but one of mediate and eternal felicity, and, with awful justice, leaving the other to hardthose, when he said to Christ, Remember me, when thou comest into thy kingdom, ness of heart and eternal perdition.-S. was not forgotten. We justly blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we conduct ourselves much more disingenuously toward the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out

CHAP. XLI. THE PRISONER IN THE PALACE.-The introducing of Joseph to Pharaoh. The king's business required haste; Joseph is sent for out of the dungeon with all speed; Pharaoh's order discharged him, both from his imprison

Joseph interpreteth Pharaoh's two dreams.

22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: 23 And, behold, seven ears, 5 withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. 25 ¶ And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath showed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.

27 And the seven thin and ill-favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears, blasted with the east shall be seven years of famine.

wind,

28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh.

29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

30 Ånd there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

t

in the

31 And the plenty shall not be known land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very 6 grievous.

32 And for that the dream was doubled unto

GENESIS, XLI

CHAP. 41.-B. C. 1715.
5 Or, small.

Then came in the
magicians, the astrolo-
gers,
the Chaldeans,
and the soothsayers:
before them; but they

and I told the dream
did not make known

unto me the interpreta-
tion thereof. Daniel,

4, 7.

Thy dream, and the
upon thy bed, are these;
thoughts came into thy
what should come to

visions of thy head
as for thee, O king, thy
mind upon thy bed
pass hereafter; and he
that revealeth secrets
maketh known to thee
what shall come to pass,
Forasmuch as thou
sawest that the stone

was cut out of the moun

tain without hands,
and that it brake in
pieces the iron, the

brass, the clay, the sil-
great God hath made

ver, and the gold; the
known to the king what
shall come to pass here-

after; and the dream is

certain, and the inter-
pretation thereof sure.
Daniel, 2, 29, 45. Af-

ter this I looked, and,
ed in heaven: and the

behold, a door was open-
first voice which I
heard was as it were of
a trumpet talking with
me; which said, Come
up hither, and I will
show thee things which
must be hereafter.
Revelation, 4, 1.

Then spake Elisha
unto the woman, whose
son he had restored to
life, saying, and
household, and sojourn
wheresoever thou canst
sojourn: for the LORD

and thine

hath called for a fa-
come upon the land

mine; and it shall also

seven years. 12 Kings,

8, 1.

t And there was no

bread in all the land;

Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is 7 esta-sore, so that the land

for the famine was very
of Egypt and all the
by reason of the famine.
Genesis, 47, 13.

blished by God, and God will shortly bring it to land of Canaan fainted

6 heavy.

7 Or, prepared of God.
-Remember the for-
mer things of old; for I
am God, and there is
none else; I am God,
and there is none like
me, declaring the end
and from ancient times

from the beginning,
the things that are not
counsel shall stand, and
sure,... yea, I have
bring it to pass: I have
do it. Isainh, 46, 9.

yet done, saying, My
I will do all my plea-
spoken it, I will also
purposed it, I will also

8 Or, overseers.

9 be not cut off.

u And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee

CHAP. 41.-B. C. 1715.

Joshua the son of Nun,

He is made ruler of Egypt.

against the seven years of famine, which shall man in whom is the be in the land of Egypt; that the land 9 perish hand upon him, Num- not through the famine.

a

spirit, and lay thine

bers, 27, 18. But there is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the understanding.

Almighty giveth them

8. Then this Daniel
was preferred above the
presidents and princes,
because an excellent
spirit was in him; and
the king thought to set
him over the whole
realm. Daniel, 6, 3

10 be armed, or, kiss.

is

The king's favour but his wrath is against

toward a wise servant:

him that causeth
shame. Prov. 14, 35.

And the king took

had taken from Ha-
off his ring, which he
man, and gave it unto
Mordecai. Esther, 8, 2.
11 Or, silk.
z Then
Belshazzar, and they
clothed Daniel with
scarlet, and put a chain

of

commanded

gold about his neck,

and made a proclama-
tion concerning him,
that he should be the
third ruler in the king-
dom. Daniel, 5, 29.
12 Abrech, or, tender
father.

37¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can We find such a one as this is, a man "in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people 10 be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I "have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

42 And Pharaoh " took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of 11 fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck:

43 And he made him to ride in the second 13 Which in the Coptic chariot which he had; and they cried before him, 12 Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up Saul, and stood before his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name 13 Zaphking Rehoboam conAnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath stood before Solo- the daughter of Poti-pherah 14 priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

he yet lived, and said,

How do ye advise
that I may answer
this people? 1 Kings,
communed with them;

12, 6. And the king
and among them all
Daniel, Hananiah, Mi-

was none like

shael, and Azariah:
therefore stood they
before the king. Dan.
1, 19.

That in blessing I

tiply thy seed as the

the sand which is upon

And

multiplying I will mul-
will bless thee, and in 48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven
stars of heaven, and as years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid
sea shore. Genesis, up the food in the cities: the food of the field,
dianites and the Ama- which was round about every city, laid he up
dren of the cast lay in the same.

the

22, 17. And the Mi

lekites and all the chil

along in the valley like
grasshoppers for multi-

tude; and their camels

49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of were without number, the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for multitude. it was without number.

as the sand by the sea

side

for

|| Judges, 7, 12.

||

the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive, v. 29.. 31. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while to labour for, John, 6, 27. They that make the things of this world their good things, will find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received them, Luke, 16, 25.-H. FOREWARNED, FOREARMED.-Here is, The good advice that Joseph gave to Pharaoh, which was, 1. That in the years of plenty he should lay up for the years of famine; buy up corn when it was cheap, that he might both enrich himself, and supply the country, when it would be dear and scarce. Note, 1. Fair warning should always be followed with good counsel. Therefore the prudent man foresees the evil, that he may hide himself. God has in his word told us of a day of trial and exigence before us, when we shall need all the grace we can get, and all little enough, “Now, therefore, provide accordingly." 2. Times of gathering must be diligently improved, because there will come a time of spending. Let us go to the ant, and learn of her this wisdom, Prov. 6, 6. .8. 2. Because that which is every body's work, commonly proves nobody's work; he advises Pharaoh to appoint officers who should make it their business, and to pitch upon some one person to preside in the affair, v. 33. Probably, if Joseph had not advised this, it had not been done; Pharaoh's counsellors could no more improve the dream, than his magicians interpret it; therefore, it is said of him, (Psalm 105, 22,) that he Better is a poor and a wise child, than an old and foolish king.-H.

36 And that food shall be for store to the land ment, and from his servitude, and made him a candidate for some of the highest trusts at court. The king can scarcely allow him time, but that decency required it, to shave himself, and to change his raiment, v. 14. It is done with all possi-both it and them, 1 Cor. 6, 13. There is bread which endures to everlasting life, ble expedition, and Joseph is brought in perhaps almost as much surprised as Peter was, Acts, 12, 9. So suddenly is his captivity brought back, that he is as one that dreams, Ps. 126, 1. Pharaoh, immediately, without inquiring who or whence he was, tells him his business, that he expected he should interpret his dream, v. 15. To which Joseph makes him a very modest, decent reply, v. 16, in which, 1. He gives honour to God: "It is not in me, God must give it." Note, Great gifts then appear most graceful and illustrious, when those that have them, use them humbly, and take not the praise of them to themselves, but give it to God. To such God gives more grace. 2. He shows respect to Pharaoh, and hearty good will to him and his government, in supposing that the interpretation would be an answer of peace. Note, Those that consult God's oracles, may expect an answer of peace. If Joseph be made the interpreter, hope the best.-H. THE TWO DREAMS.-1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the importance, of the event, v. 32. Thus has God often shewed the immutability of his counsel by two immutable things, Heb. 6, 17, 18. The covenant is sealed with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a dis-taught the senators wisdom. Hence, we may justly infer, with Solomon, (Eccl. 4, 13,) tinct reference to the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity, namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty and scarcity of herb for the service of man, by the full ears and the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that to-morrow shall be as this day, next year as this, and much more abundant, Isaiah, 56, 12. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of God, in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly.to thy word shall all my people be ruled, or armed, as some read it, and then it be Thus he sets the one over against the other, Eccl. 7, 14. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that great House-Keeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been, and the produce of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less, yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna, is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence. He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exodus, 16, 18. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR.-1. He gave him an honourable testimony; He is a man in whom the Spirit of God is; and that puts a great excellency upon any man; such men ought to be valued, v. 38. He is a nonsuch for prudence, There is none so discreet and wise as thou art, v. 39. Now he is abundantly recompensed for the disgrace that had been done him; and his righteousness is as the morninglight, Psalm 37, 6. 2. He puts him into an honourable office; not only employed him to buy up corn, but made him prime-minister of state, comptroller of the household, Thou shalt be over my house, Chief Justice of the kingdom, according speaks him General of the forces. 3. He put upon him all the marks of honour imaginable, to recommend him to the esteem and respect of the people, as the king's favourite, and one whom he delighted to honour. (1.) He gave him his own ring, as a ratification of his commission, and in token of peculiar favour; or it was like delivering him the great seal. (2.) He put fine clothes upon him, instead of his prison-garments. For they that are in kings' palaces, must wear soft clothing; he that, in the morning, was dragging his fetters of iron, before night, was adorned with a chain of gold. (3.) He made him ride in the second chariot next his own, and ordered all to do obeisance to him: "Bow the knee, as to