Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 46:28-34

"And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to show the way before him unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen; and he presented himself unto him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, that thou art yet alive. And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father`s house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and will say unto him, My brethren, and my father`s house, who were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation? that ye shall say, Thy servants have been keepers of cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians." — Genesis 46:28-34 (ASV)

It was only right towards Pharaoh to let him know that such a family had come to settle in his dominions. If others place confidence in us, we must not be so dishonorable as to abuse it by imposing upon them. But how should Joseph provide for his brothers? There was a time when they were plotting to get rid of him; now he is planning to settle them to their advantage. This is returning good for evil.

He wanted them to live by themselves in the land of Goshen, which lay nearest to Canaan. Shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians. Yet Joseph wanted them not to be ashamed to acknowledge this as their occupation before Pharaoh. He could have obtained positions for them at court or in the army. But such advancements would have exposed them to the envy of the Egyptians and might have tempted them to forget Canaan and the promise made to their fathers.

An honest calling is no disgrace, nor should we consider it so, but rather consider it a shame to be idle or to have nothing to do. It is generally best for people to remain in the occupations they were raised in and are used to. Whatever employment and condition God in His providence has allotted for us, let us adapt ourselves to it, satisfy ourselves with it, and not aspire to high things.

It is better to be a credit to a humble position than the shame of a high one. If we wish to destroy our souls, or the souls of our children, then let us seek for ourselves, and for them, great things; but if not, it is fitting for us, having food and raiment, to be content therewith.