sent a messenger] Hebr. they gave charge, or, advertisement to Joseph, without any expresse mention of a messenger, or messengers; yet such were used, two say some Hebrewes, and they name them, Dan and Naphthali, who were brought up together with Joseph, and sociably imployed in attendance on Jacob flocks, Chap. 37. 2. Others take it to be rather Benjamin, who was most gracious with Joseph; both are uncertaine; all that may be safely affirmed in this matter is, that some one was employed in the message who was no stranger, and such a one as was worthy of such trust. thy father did] It is not like their father knew it, (so charitable was Joseph to his brethren, so chary of his good fathers contentment) for if he had known, he would have given some touch of it in his speech to his sonnes, Chap. 49. as well as he did of the faults of Reuben, Simeon and Levi; and if he had known it, Jacob knew Joseph to be so good that he would need no such message to doe them no hurt; It is probable then, that their guilt making them afraid, they fained somewhat in their fathers name that might deliver them from their brothers displeasure.