Gen. 50 Joseph bewails his father’s death; and embalms him, Gen. 50:1–2. The Egyptians mourn for him seventy days, Gen. 50:3. Joseph with Pharaoh’s leave carries him stately accompanied to Canaan, Gen. 50:4–9.

And doubtless closed his eyes, as God had promised, Gen. 46:4, which may be implied in this general phrase.

The dead corpse of his father with spices, and ointments, and other things necessary for the preservation of the body from putrefaction as long as might be.

For him, i.e. for his embalming; that so the drugs or spices which were applied might more effectually reach to all the parts of the dead body, and keep it from corruption.

The house of Pharaoh; the household or family, namely, those of them which were chief in place and favour with the king. Joseph makes use of their intercession, either, 1. Lest he might seem to despise them, or to presume too much upon his own single interest. Or, 2.

Here is a triple obligation upon Joseph: 1. His duty to fulfil the will of the dead. 2. The obedience which he owed to his father’s command. 3. The the of a solemn oath: all which had weight even with the heathens, and were so many arguments to Pharaoh and his courtiers.

The heathens by the light of nature discovered the sacredness of an oath, and the wickedness of perjury.

All the servants, i.e. a great number of them, as that word is understood, Matt. 3:5, and oft elsewhere. For many of them were aged and infirm, and many could not be spared from their attendance at court, or upon their employments, &c.

And such as were necessary to take care of them, which must needs be understood. Chariots and horsemen, for their defence, in case of any opposition.

Atad, a man so called; or, of thorn, or thorns, as the word signifies, Judg. 9:14, Ps. 58:9. So it might be a place either abounding or encompassed with thorns.

This looks like a lie; for Jacob either did not know this fact, or rather, was so well assured of Joseph’s clemency and goodness, that he never feared his revenge. But guilt doth so awaken fear, that it makes a man never to think himself secure.

The God of thy father, for whose sake pardon those that join with thee in his worship. Joseph wept; partly in compassion to their fear and trouble; and partly because they still retained a diffidence in his kindness, after all his great and real demonstrations of it.

Ready and willing to undergo that servitude into which we so wickedly sold thee.

It is God’s prerogative to take vengeance, which I dare not usurp. See Deut. 32:35. Or, can I do what I please with you without God’s leave? Therefore fear him rather than me, and upon your experience of his wonderful care and kindness to you, believe that God will not, and therefore that I neither…

Ye thought evil against me, therefore I do not excuse your guilt, though I comfort you against despondency.

I will nourish you; expect not only a free pardon from me, but all the kindness of a loving brother.

Of the third generation, reckoning from and after Ephraim, i.e., Ephraim’s grandchildren’s children. So early did Ephraim’s privilege above Manasseh appear, and Jacob’s blessing (Gen. 48:19 take place. The children of Machir, Heb. sons. For though he had but one son, viz.

God will surely visit you, i.e. deliver you out of this place, where I foresee you will be hardly used after my decease; or, fulfil his promised kindness to you, as that word is used, Gen. 21:1, Ex. 4:31.

Joseph took an oath, for the same reason which moved Jacob to require an oath from him, Gen. 47:30–31, of the children of Israel: he saith not, of his brethren, but of Israel’s children; under which his grandchildren are comprehended, and seem principally intended here; either because his brethren…

So for about thirteen years of affliction he enjoyed eighty years of honour, and as much happiness as earth could afford him.