SEV Biblia, Chapter 50:15
¶ Y viendo los hermanos de José que su padre era muerto, dijeron: Por ventura nos aborrecerá José, y nos dará el pago de todo el mal que le hicimos.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Genesis 50:15
Verse 15. Saw that their father was dead] This at once argues both a sense of guilt in their own consciences, and a want of confidence in their brother. They might have supposed that hitherto he had forborne to punish them merely on their father's account; but now that he was dead, and Joseph having them completely in his power, they imagined that he would take vengeance on them for their former conduct towards him. Thus conscience records criminality; and, by giving birth to continual fears and doubtfulness, destroys all peace of mind, security, and confidence. On this subject an elegant poet has spoken with his usual point and discernment:- Exemplo quodcumque malo committitur, ipsi Displicet auctori. Prima est haec ultio, quod se Judice nemo nocens absolvitur, improba quamvis Gratia fallaci Praetoris vicerit urna. JUV. Sat. xiii. 1, &c.
Happily metaphrased by Mr. Dryden:- He that commits a fault shall quickly find The pressing guilt lie heavy on his mind. Though bribes, or favour shall assert his cause, Pronounce him guiltless, and elude the laws, None quits himself; his own impartial thought Will damn, and conscience will record the fault. This, first, the wicked feels.We have seen this in the preceding history often exemplified in the case of Joseph's brethren.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 15-21 - Various motives might cause the sons of Jacob to continue in Egypt notwithstanding the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondag there. Judging of Joseph from the general temper of human nature, the thought he would now avenge himself on those who hated and injured his without cause. Not being able to resist, or to flee away, the attempted to soften him by humbling themselves. They pleaded with his as the servants of Jacob's God. Joseph was much affected at seeing thi 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. Se what an excellent spirit Joseph was of, and learn of him to render goo for evil. He comforted them, and, to banish all their fears, he spak kindly to them. Broken spirits must be bound up and encouraged. Thos we love and forgive, we must not only do well for, but speak kindly to.
Original Hebrew
ויראו 7200 אחי 251 יוסף 3130 כי 3588 מת 4191 אביהם 1 ויאמרו 559 לו 3863 ישׂטמנו 7852 יוסף 3130 והשׁב 7725 ישׁיב 7725 לנו את 853 כל 3605 הרעה 7451 אשׁר 834 גמלנו 1580 אתו׃ 853
