4. could not speak peaceably unto him--did not say "peace be to thee" [Ge 43:23, &c.], the usual expression of good wishes among friends and acquaintances. It is deemed a sacred duty to give all this form of salutation; and the withholding of it is an unmistakable sign of dislike or secret hostility. The habitual refusal of Joseph's brethren, therefore, to meet him with "the salaam," showed how ill-disposed they were towards him. It is very natural in parents to love the youngest, and feel partial to those who excel in talents or amiableness. But in a family constituted as Jacob's--many children by different mothers--he showed great and criminal indiscretion.
JFB.
Outline
1 Joseph is hated of his brethren
5 Joseph has two dreams
13 Jacob sends him to visit his brethren
18 Joseph's brethren conspire to slay him
21 Reuben saves him
26 They sell him to the Ishmaelites
31 His father, deceived by the bloody coat, mourns for him
36 Joseph is sold to Potiphar in Egypt
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Ancient Customs
feeding the flock
dreams
binding sheaves
obeisance
pit that is in the wilderness
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