the world 11ccording to the JP,WS. There may be something in the combination of numbers. Seventy is 7 X 10. Ten is the symbol of the complete deYelopment of hum11nity. Seven of perfection. Therefore seventy may symbolise the elect people of God ns the hope of humanity-Israel in Egypt. In the twelve patriarchs and seventy souls we certainly see the foreshadowing of the Saviour's appointments in the beginning of the Christian Church. The email number of Israel in the midst of the great multitude of Egypt is a great encouragement to faith. "Who bath despised the day of small things? "-R. Vera. 28-34.-The meeting of the aged Jacob and his lost son Joseph. I. FuL- FILMENT OF DIVINE PROMISES. Both father and son examples of grace. Reminding us of Simeon, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace," &c. (Judah is sent forward to Joseph-again a distinction placed upon the royal tribe). The meeting of father and son takes place in Goshen. For the people of God, although in Egypt must not be of it. II; SEPARATION and DISTINCTION from the heathen world - enforced from the beginning. The policy of Joseph again is a mingling together of- III. SIMPLICITY and WISDOM. He does not attempt to conceal from Pharaoh the low caste of the shepherds, but he trusts in God that what was an abomination unto the Egyptians will be made by Lie grace acceptable. It was a preservation at the same time from intermarriage with Egyptians, and a security to the Israelites of the pastoral country of Goshen. It was better to suffer reproach with the people of God than to be received among the highest in the heathen land, at the cost of losing the sacredness of the chosen people. A lesson this on the importance of preserving ourselves" unspotted from the world."-R. Vers. 3, 4.-Guidance. Convinced that Joseph really liver!, Jacob's first impulse was to hasten to him. But at Beersheba, ere he left the land of Canaan, he sought guidance of God. The promise made him reminds of that at Bethel. Each on the occasion of leaving the land; each revealing God's protecting care. His presence is the only pledge of safety (cf. Exod. xxxiii. 14, 15). It was not a word for Jacob only. Had it been so it would have foiled, for Jacob never returned to Canaan. It was like the promise to Abraham (Gen. xvii. 8; cf. Heb. xi. 9, 10). It was the assurance that God's word would not fail. Though he seemed to be leaving hie inheritance, he was being led in the way appointed for its more complete possession. God was with him in all. This folly made known to us in Immanuel, without w horn we can do nothing, but who by the Holy Spirit abides in his people (John xv. 4; :xvi. 14). I. JACOB 1S EXAMPLE. Before taking a step of importance he solemnly drew near to God (cf. Neh, ii. 4; 2 Cor. xii. 8). Not even to see Joseph would he go with0ut inquiring of the Lord. Christ by his Holy Spirit is to hie people wisdom (1 Cor. i. 30). The h11bit of prayer for guidance, or for wisdom to discern the right way, rests on sure promises (Isa. xx:x. 21 ; Luke xi. 13), and is a thoroughly practical resource. Wo look not for visions or direct manifestations. But guidance is given through clumnels infinitely varied, though our way may seem strange; and it m11y be long ere we find that our prayer has been nil along nnswered in the course of events. Why so much neglect of this? so much uncertainty? Because often men do not really seek to be guided by God, Their real wish is to be led as they them- selves wish. II. They who would be sure of God's promises MUST LEAN ON ms GUIDANCE. They may seem to be led far from what they hoped for. 'l'hey would fain have great spiritual elevation, and are kept low. They would like to do great work, and are led through homely duties; to have great powers for God's service, and are mado weak. The cross must be home (Rev. iii. 19), and it is sure to taken form they do not like. Otherwise it would not be really a cross. Many would willingly enduro pain or poverty if they might thereby gain fame. III. Gon's CARE Fon INDIVIDUALS. "I will go down with thee." 'l'he universe in its la.we shows power, wisdom, and love. But what inspires trust is the confidenco that each one is remembered and cared for by God, n confidence called forth by tho human sympathy of Christ (Mutt. ix. 36; Luke vii, 13; John xi. 35).-M. 508 'l'HE BOOK OF GENESIS. [011. XLVII. 1-10.
EXPOSITION.