15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead , they said , " What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" 16 So they sent a message to Joseph , saying , "Your father charged before he died , saying , 17 'Thus you shall say to Joseph , "Please forgive , I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin , for they did you wrong ."' And now , please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father ." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said , "Behold , we are your servants ." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid , for am I in God's place ? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive . 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid ; I will provide for you and your little ones ." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
22 Now Joseph stayed in Egypt , he and his father's household , and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years . 23 Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's sons ; also the sons of Machir , the son of Manasseh , were born on Joseph's knees . 24 Joseph said to his brothers , " I am about to die , but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham , to Isaac and to Jacob ." 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear , saying , "God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here ." 26 So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years ; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 50:15-26
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.
Commentary on Genesis 50:22-26
(Read Genesis 50:22-26)
Joseph having honoured his father, his days were long in the land, which, for the present, God had given him. When he saw his death approaching, he comforted his brethren with the assurance of their return to Canaan in due time. We must comfort others with the same comforts with which we have been comforted of God, and encourage them to rest on the promises which are our support. For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation of theirs, he charges them to keep his remains unburied till that glorious day, when they should be settled in the land of promise. Thus Joseph, by faith in the doctrine of the resurrection, and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment concerning his bones. This would keep up their expectation of a speedy departure from Egypt, and keep Canaan continually in their minds. This would also attach Joseph's posterity to their brethren. The death, as well as the life of this eminent saint, was truly excellent; both furnish us with strong encouragement to persevere in the service of God. How happy to set our early in the heavenly race, to continue stedfastly, and to finish the course with joy! This Joseph did, this we also may do. Even when the pains of death are upon us, if we have trusted in Him upon whom the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles depended, we need not fear to say, "My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."