But God] Albeit God detesteth sinne, he turneth mans wickednesse to serve to his glory; as Joseph saith unto his brethren; Ye thought evill against me, but God meant it unto good to bring to passe (as at this day) to save much people alive, Chap. 50. vers. 20. So that Joseph in this speech doth not meane to cleare his brethren from all fault, but to cheere them up in contemplation of Gods providence, who turned their malice, and his misery into a meanes of great mercy; And indeed God is so good that out of the worst conspiracies, and deeds of the wicked, he can worke the greatest welfare; as from the bloody counsels of Herod, and Pilate, and many others against our Saviour, Acts 4:27. the salvation of the elect, Ephesians 1:7. This may minister comfort, and confidence against the plots, and attempts of the wicked; wherein though they meane nothing but mischiefe, God can by his omnipotent providence bring forth quite contrary effects to that they intend; and as he brings light out of darknesse, 2 Corinthians 4:6. so he can bring peace out of warre, quiet and orderly government out of confused rebellion; and the ruine of Antichrist by that way, whereby he hopes to reigne with glory, and securitie: and this may likewise moderate our minds towards the wicked (as we see in Joseph toward his brethren) that we neither malice their persons, nor breake out into any unwarrantable dealing towards them. a father to Pharaoh] That is, a counsellour or teacher; for such a one is called a father, Judges 17:10-11. For he that counselleth, and teacheth another, doth (if the one be wise, the other tractable) rule and governe him, as if he had the authoritie of a father over him; so was it betwixt Joseph, and Pharaoh, Joseph advised, and Pharaoh assented; and so much regarded his judgement, that in the publique affaires none might move a hand, or foot against his mind, Chap. 41. vers. 44.