The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 341

Ver. 22.-The faith of Joseph; or, assured confidence in the close of life. "By faith Joseph, when be died, made mention," etc. We have here- I. PHYSICAL LIFE EKDrNG IN ASSURED HOPE OF THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISES OF Goo To ms PEOPLE. The end of Joseph's life upon earth was at hand, and he was well aware that such was the case. Very extraordinary had been his career-remarkably chequered and eventful, now dark and anon dazzling, now full of trial and anon full of triumph, useful beyond any other in that age, and very illustrious; yet it is now nearly ended. It reminds us that the most distinguished and powerful, the most holy and useful life, must come to an end here. At this time Joseph's glances were not cast back regretfully to the greatness and grandeur which he was about to leave, but forward hopefully to a splendid future. He had a firm assure.nee that a great future awaited his family, and this faith rested upon that God who in his providence had so wonderfully led him and so richly blessed him. "By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel." "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die; and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he s"·are to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." 1. This assurance forms a fitting conclusion to a life of distinguished piety. The faith which had sustained him in the changeable and often trying experiences of life is clear and vigorous in its closing scenes. In Joseph';; case the testimony of his active and public lifo, and the testimony of his last hours, beautifully harmonize. 2. This assurance was suited to the needs of his kinsfulk at this time. (1) As a caution against entertaining the notion that Egypt was to be their home. The Israelites at this time were peaceful and very prosperous iu the land. They were in danger of losing sight of the destiny to which God had c:,.lled them, and of endeavouring to find a final settlement in the land of their tem- pcrary sojourn. The word of Joseph was fitted to guard them against this peril. It is in worldly comfort and prosperity that men are most prone to be unmindful of their heavenly calling. (2) As a comfort to them under the loss of his protection, It would not have been strange if the Israelites had feared for their peace and safely when their kind brother and powerful patron was removed by death. But Joseph's calm assurance would encourage them to believe in God's continued interest in them, in his providential care over them, and in the fulfilment of the promises which he made to their fathers. When friends die, when great and good men are summoned home, let this be our encouragemenL, that God ever lives to save his people and to carry on his work. lI. PHYSICAL LIFE E!.'DING WITH A BEAUTIFUL DESIBE FOB CONTINUED IDENTm0A• TION WITH TF...E PEOPLE OF GoD. Joseph was a great man in Egypt. His elevation aiid honour, the triumph of his genius and the success of his plans, his prosperity and power, had all been won and enjoyed in Egypt. Be had contracted a distinguished marriage with ali Egyptian princess. Pharaoh "gave him to wife A~enath the dau,,;liter of Poti-pherah priest of On." In Egypt "the priestly caste was the royal cask also." In authority and rank, in state and splendour, in greatness and power, Jotie1,L was iuferior only to the king himself, Yet he wished both in life and in death au. xr. 1-40.J THE EPISTLE TO THE IrnrmEWS.