You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father's family. He lived a hundred and ten years
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Read all of Jeremiah 17 NIVMake every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Read all of Hebrews 12 NIVThis day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Read all of Deuteronomy 30 NIV"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Read all of Acts 4 NIVWith his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Read all of Proverbs 11 NIVKeep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Read all of Hebrews 13 NIVBetter a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
Read all of Proverbs 16 NIV
Commentary on Today's Verse
Commentary on Genesis 50:15-21
(Read Genesis 50:15-21)
Various motives might cause the sons of Jacob to continue in Egypt, notwithstanding the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondage there. Judging of Joseph from the general temper of human nature, they thought he would now avenge himself on those who hated and injured him without cause. Not being able to resist, or to flee away, they attempted to soften him by humbling themselves. They pleaded with him as the servants of Jacob's God. Joseph was much affected at seeing this complete fulfilment of his dreams. He directs them not to fear him, but to fear God; to humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek the Divine forgiveness. He assures them of his own kindness to them. See what an excellent spirit Joseph was of, and learn of him to render good for evil. He comforted them, and, to banish all their fears, he spake kindly to them. Broken spirits must be bound up and encouraged. Those we love and forgive, we must not only do well for, but speak kindly to.