THE KING’S BUSINESS
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mercy of "the man.’’ (2) He confesses in iquity in the sight of God, and sees His reproof in their calamity, and so suggests to the governor that all need mercy at the Divine tribunal. (3) He takes for him self and his brethren the place of bondmen to the Egyptian ( to .whom he had once said, “Shalt thou indeed have dominion over us,” ch. 37:8). Now see how: (1) humbly he pleads, how he entreats a patient hearing, and the high authority he as cribes to Joseph (v. 18) ; and (2) reminds him that it was at his insistence that they brought Benjamin into Egypt at all (vs. 19-23) ; and (3) refers to his “father,” “the old man,” “the son of his old age,” “a little one,” “his brother dead,” the probable ef fect on his father; and (4) the need that drove them again to Egypt, the father’s agonizing remonstrance, concerning his wife that bare him two children, one of them torn of wild beasts; and (5) the gtay hairs coming down to the grave, and his own inability to witness his father’s grief, etc., etc., note each clause, and its fitness to affect the responsive heart of Joseph; and then the climax, when Judah pleads to bear the penalty and suffer in, 'the place of Benjamin.
rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.’ In the presence of Joseph, ‘they fell before him on the ground’ in mute grief.” Terrible fulfillment of his dreams. . 3. Joseph’s Reproach. And Joseph showed, as yet, no pity; he only thrust the sword the deeper and increased the help less agony by his reproaches. But they were reaping. IV. J udah ’ s P lea . 1. Dr. Chalmers said of Judah’s plea, “In simplicity and touching pathos it ex cels every composition I ever read.” And Luther said, “I would that I could pray so well to our Lord God, as Judah here prays to Joseph, for it is a perfect example of prayer and of the earnestness which should be in prayer.” 2. The Spokesman. Judah had proposed to sell Joseph (ch. 37:26, 27) who now pleads for the liberty of Benjamin. Per haps his brothers appointed him advocate as being the most eloquent and persuasive speaker. More likely there was no de liberation about it, he had gone surety for the boy (ch. 43:9) and felt the responsi bility ; above all, his filial and fraternal affection impelled him, and God gave him in that same hour what he should speak. So Jesus is both our Surety, our Advo cate, our loving Brother. 3. The Argument. (1) He yields the case, the evidence is against them, there is nothing to say, he casts himself on the
4. The Result of the Test. The breth ren came out as gold tried in the fire. So Israel shall one day come through the tribulation repenting that they crucified their brother; and become eternally worthy to stand before their God. LESSON X.—June 8th. — J o s e p h F o r g iv e s H is B r e t h r e n .— Gen. 45:1—46:7. G olden T ex t : Behold how good and gether in unity. —Ps. 133:1. I. J oseph D eclares H imself .
how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to- 2. Alone With His Brethren. “Cause every man to go out.” Such a scene was not for the curious crowd. Sensitive na tures shrink from public demonstration of sacred emotion. None know when, where, or how Peter was reconciled to his Lord. So it shall be when Israel receives the Messiah, it shall be “apart” (Zech. 12:12- 14, “apart” occurs here 11 times). Alone yrith his brethren Joseph made himself
1. The Effect of Judah’s Plea. “Joseph could not refrain himself.” (After nearly 4000 years it is hard to keep back our tears on the mere reading of that pathetic appeal. Every word touched a tender spot in Joseph’s affectionate nature. It was a Spirit taught plea (Luke 12:11) and that same Spirit is our intercessor (Rom. 8:26) with our wronged but gracious Lord,
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