Genesis 45:5. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here.
"There is no heavier grief than sorrow of heart, for it is death and hell itself. Therefore it must be counteracted, whether it disturbs you or someone else. Let anyone who can do so close hell and open heaven. Then heaven must be opened, and hell must be closed lest the sick heart be consumed by awareness of sin and grief over it.
Thus Joseph deals here in a most kindly and friendly manner with his brothers to give them more courage. For he was a wise man. He had an understanding of the struggles of conscience. Therefore he applies remedies which soothe the grief. He applies them at the right time. “Let there be no anger in your eyes. Do not think that I am angry. All has been pardoned, forgiven, and consigned to oblivion. I love you heartily and like a brother.”
This indeed is what it means to forgive a brother his fault from the whole heart (cf. Matt. 18:35), especially when he is distressed and grieving. So far Joseph has aimed at humbling his brothers, in order that they might despair completely of their safety and of returning to their father and might have certain and perpetual slavery before their eyes. But when they have been disturbed and terrified, he pardons them with such great clemency and affability that he even weeps with them as they weep.
Therefore this is an outstanding passage and one that is worthy of accurate observation. For one cannot say or believe how difficult it is to buoy up and revive a heart in despair and a conscience overwhelmed by sadness. Those who are not being tried are easily gladdened, but it requires toil and labor to bring a man who lies oppressed by spiritual grief and sorrow back to a knowledge of and faith in the goodness and mercy of God."
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