15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead , they said , " What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" 16 So they sent a message to Joseph , saying , "Your father charged before he died , saying , 17 'Thus you shall say to Joseph , "Please forgive , I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin , for they did you wrong ."' And now , please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father ." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said , "Behold , we are your servants ." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid , for am I in God's place ? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive . 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid ; I will provide for you and your little ones ." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 50:15-21
Commentary on Genesis 50:15-21
(Read Genesis 50:15-21)
Various motives might cause the sons of Jacob to continue in Egypt, notwithstanding the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondage there. Judging of Joseph from the general temper of human nature, they thought he would now avenge himself on those who hated and injured him without cause. Not being able to resist, or to flee away, they attempted to soften him by humbling themselves. They pleaded with him as the servants of Jacob's God. Joseph was much affected at seeing this complete fulfilment of his dreams. He directs them not to fear him, but to fear God; to humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek the Divine forgiveness. He assures them of his own kindness to them. See what an excellent spirit Joseph was of, and learn of him to render good for evil. He comforted them, and, to banish all their fears, he spake kindly to them. Broken spirits must be bound up and encouraged. Those we love and forgive, we must not only do well for, but speak kindly to.