He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
The verse records part of Israel's history, that God sent Joseph ahead of his family before their descent into Egypt, even though he was sold to be a servant. That sending came through much affliction, including being sold into servitude and imprisoned, by which God placed Joseph in the specific line of work chosen for him. God chose him to carry a heavy burden in the idolatrous nation of Egypt so that the knowledge of God might shine forth in that kingdom, and to prepare for the preservation of the family during famine. In that place of burden and affliction Joseph remained faithful and did not betray his sacred trust.
The verse shows the goodness, mercy and love of God and teaches the need to appreciate that goodness, mercy and love. It is to be taken into individual experience to increase faith rather than diminish it, giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring mercy and His wonderful works to the children of men, trusting Him without distrust in perplexity, and holding His Word as a stronghold. Together with Psalms 105, 106 and 107, it belongs to the account of Israel's experience that contains warning lessons for God's people in the last days, so all who claim to be God's children should read and study it carefully.
The verse records part of Israel's history, that God sent Joseph ahead of his family before their descent into Egypt, even though he was sold to be a servant. That sending came through much affliction, including being sold into servitude and imprisoned, by which God placed Joseph in the specific line of work chosen for him. God chose him to carry a heavy burden in the idolatrous nation of Egypt so that the knowledge of God might shine forth in that kingdom, and to prepare for the preservation of the family during famine. In that place of burden and affliction Joseph remained faithful and did not betray his sacred trust.
The verse shows the goodness, mercy and love of God and teaches the need to appreciate that goodness, mercy and love. It is to be taken into individual experience to increase faith rather than diminish it, giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring mercy and His wonderful works to the children of men, trusting Him without distrust in perplexity, and holding His Word as a stronghold. Together with Psalms 105, 106 and 107, it belongs to the account of Israel's experience that contains warning lessons for God's people in the last days, so all who claim to be God's children should read and study it carefully.