Read Genesis 46:28-34
Verse
28-34 - It was justice to Pharaoh to let him know that such a
family was come to settle in his dominions. If others put confidence
in us, we must not be so base as to abuse it by imposing upon them.
But how shall Joseph dispose of his brethren? Time was, when they
were contriving to be rid of him; now he is contriving to settle
them to their advantage; this is rendering good for evil. He would
have them live by themselves, in the land of Goshen, which lay
nearest to Canaan. Shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians.
Yet Joseph would have them not ashamed to own this as their
occupation before Pharaoh. He might have procured places for them at
court or in the army. But such preferments would have exposed them
to the envy of the Egyptians, and might have tempted them to forget
Canaan and the promise made unto their fathers. An honest calling is
no disgrace, nor ought we to account it so, but rather reckon it a
shame to be idle, or to have nothing to do. It is generally best for
people to abide in the callings they have been bred to and used to.
Whatever employment and condition God in his providence has allotted
for us, let us suit ourselves to it, satisfy ourselves with it, and
not mind high things. It is better to be the credit of a mean post,
than the shame of a high one. If we wish to destroy our souls, or
the souls of our children, then let us seek for ourselves, and for
them, great things; but if not, it becomes us, having food and
raiment, therewith to be content.
Return to Outline
Henry's Genesis 47
