There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’
Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or brother. I. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw, Gen 45:1. The private conversations of friends are the most free.
Commenting on Genesis 45:1-15
And there will I nourish thee,.... Provide for him and his family: for yet there are five years of famine; still to come, two of the seven only being past: lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty; his whole posterity be consumed, as it would be in all probability, if he did not procure food for his family during the famine.
Gen 45:9-11 Joseph then directed his brethren to go up to their father with all speed, and invite him in his name to come without delay, with all his family and possessions, into Egypt, where he would keep him near himself, in the land of Goshen (see Gen 47:11), that he might not perish in the still remaining five years of famine.
Commenting on Genesis 45:9-11