The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-26
JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
(Gen. xiv. 1-15.)

Context-The seven years of plenty passed and the famine followed accord ing to Joseph's word, In Egypt there was abundance of food. and the people of other countries went thither to buy. The ten sons of Jacob came. leaving Berjan'tn with his father who feared that mischief might befall him. Gen., xiii, 4) Joseph recognized his brethren who failed to recognize him, as he had assumed the garb of an Egyptian. They were sent away with supplies. but with the purchase money concealed in the mouths of their sacks and with instruc- dons to bring Benjamin on their next visit. When the corn was exhausted the brethren went second time to buy Benjamin having been reluctantly en- trusted to them: As before the sacks were nlleo and the money restored and Jcsephs cup was placed in the sack of Ben.smin. When this was found Joseph claimed Benjamin as his slave, but Ju- father. interposed. recited the story of bereavement in the family, and offered to take Benjamin's place as bondman. Here the lesson begins.
 Overcome e.-(Verses 1 and 2.)-For a time Joseph maintained his dignity and reserve, assuming the attitude and bear ally, as he looked into the faces of his kindred anl listened to their speech which was in the language of his boy aged father and to the affection that father had for the only full brother who then stood before him. his heart
 
 not be restrained. He therefore dis missed from his presence the entire re- tinue of Egyptian servants, and when he was alone with his brother he made had sold to the Midianites was the lord of the land. Overcome with joy at the meeting. he wept aloud. with all the demonstration common among oriental ists. The simpler life of those times permitted displays of feeling which In our Western life would be considered plv nd nf haf fparf fIl hour was borne from the apartment to the ears of Egyptian servants.
 conferreo:-verses and 42Lhe 9 who in the presence of the one injured. The smitings of conscience cause offenders to fear and to shun the evidence of their guilt. The ten brothers drew back in anazement as they saw their long ab- sent brother now the chief man in membrance of their unbrotherly and brutal treatment and had no right to expect anything but his displeasure. But he invited and they came to him. timidly and reluctantly, no doubt, re- spectfully and humbly in all probability. A conference followed. q am Joseph" brother" Claiming Relationship, whom ye sold,' he added. a word of accusation and explane tion combined. slave, a prince! Wonderful transformation! He had by these statements descended to the level from which he had risen, for the time laying down royal preroga- lives To him blood was more than title. Having thus restored the relations so long broken by treachery he thinks of home. Doth my father yet live?' Fill | iai affection as well as fraternal regard been corrupted in his honorable station. | (Ron., xii, 16.)
 Excused.-(Verses 5 to s.)-There are two modes of looking upon an injury. | It may be trs ced back to the motive in | the heart of him who inflicted it. By | that process the brethren would have n (Gen, xxxvii, 2O.) Or it may be taken es an event in a chain of influences by which a good God overrules the evil de- | purpose, Psalm, lxxvi, 10) This latter is the more comfortable view, and it was the one taken by Joseph. It might erous in excusing his brethren, and yet undsr the circumstances he could scarce ly ref rain from it. After all that had transpired it seemed to him that he had been sent into Egypt in advance that he might at this trying time care for his fathers family. His lock was men as at the wise dealing of God He had become father to Pharaoh, ruler over the land. He had occupied this position for nine years. There were to be five years more of famine. He was the man for the hour. Hence. they need not griave over their conduct. So he
 Dnected.-Verses g and 1O.)-With | these noble words of apology spoken | to men who deserved little or no kindly | consideration. Joseph gave directions to | his brethren looking to their future well fare. In this he exhibited still further his strong attachment for his Kindred. which had survived the years of sepa- ration and the ill-treatment he received. He told them to return to their father in Canaan. and tell him what honor and | power had been given the son whom he | had so long mourned as dead. Gen, xxxvii, 35.) He sent a message to that | father to come down at once into Egypt, | because there were to be vet five other | years of famine. and to bring with him | all that he had-his flocks, his herds | his children and grandchildren. He said | that the family should reside in Goshen. | whMh was in lower Egypt, one of the most fertile sections. well adapted to l stock raising. It thus appears that be- tween the first and second visits of the brethren Joseph had matured his plans | Assured that they would return he had decided what should be done with them