" By contrast, Joseph weeps (50:17). He cannot help but see that these groveling lies betray how little he is loved or trusted, even after seventeen years (47:28) of nominal reconciliation. His verbal response displays not only pastoral gentle- ness-"he reassured them and spoke kindly to them," promising to provide for them and their families (50:21)-it also reflects a man who has thought deeply about the mysteries of providence, about God's sovereignty and human responsibility "

― D.A. Carson , For the Love of God (Vol. 1), 1: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word