Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Psalms 105:17

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"But He had sent a man before them" [Psalm 105:17]. What man? "Even Joseph." How did He send him? "Joseph was sold to be a bond-servant." When this happened, it was the sin of his brethren, and, nevertheless, God sent Joseph into Egypt. We should therefore meditate on this important and necessary subject, how God uses well the evil works of men, as they on the other hand use ill the good works of God.

Exposition on Psalm 105 ↗

Ambrose of Milan

Not nature but foolishness makes the slave. Not manumission but learning makes a person free. Esau was born free, but he became a slave; Joseph was sold into slavery, but he was raised to power8 so that he might rule those who had purchased him. Yet he did not slight his obligation to work zealously; he clung to the heights of virtue; he preserved the liberty of innocence, the stronghold of blamelessness. So the psalmist beautifully says, "Joseph had been sold into slavery. …

Letter 53 ↗

Jerome

He sent a man before them. He speaks of Joseph himself. Joseph was sold as a slave. A well-born and holy man is sold.

Homily 31, on Psalm 104 ↗