(19) Until the time that his word came--i.e., until his (Joseph's) interpretation of the dreams was fulfilled (Genesis 41:12). (For the expression "his word came," equal to "came to pass," comp. Judges 13:12.)

Word of the Lord.--As a different Hebrew word from that in the previous clause is used, better render, saying (or, oracle) of Jehovah.

Tried him.--Better, purified him, i.e., proved him innocent of the charge for which he was imprisoned. (For this sense of the verb, see Psalm 17:3; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5, margin.) The psalmist means that by enabling him to foretell the dreams of Pharaoh's servants, God brought about the proof of his innocence.

Verse 19. - Until the time that his word came; i.e. "came true," "came to pass" (comp. Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 17:15). Joseph's "word came," when the chief butler was restored to favour, and the chief baker hanged (Genesis 40:20-22). The word of the Lord tried him. It is difficult to decide what "word of the Lord" is meant. Hengstenberg suggests "the promise of the possession of Canaan." But this had not been made to him. Dean Johnson thinks that there is an "implied promise" to Joseph himself in Genesis 37:5, 9, etc. - a promise that he should be raised to an eminent rank above his brethren, and that it was this promise which, during the time of his affliction, "tried" or tested him.

105:8-23 Let us remember the Redeemer's marvellous works, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. Though true Christians are few number, strangers and pilgrims upon earth, yet a far better inheritance than Canaan is made sure to them by the covenant of God; and if we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, none can do us any harm. Afflictions are among our mercies. They prove our faith and love, they humble our pride, they wean us from the world, and quicken our prayers. Bread is the staff which supports life; when that staff is broken, the body fails and sinks to the earth. The word of God is the staff of spiritual life, the food and support of the soul: the sorest judgment is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Such a famine was sore in all lands when Christ appeared in the flesh; whose coming, and the blessed effect of it, are shadowed forth in the history of Joseph. At the appointed time Christ was exalted as Mediator; all the treasures of grace and salvation are at his disposal, perishing sinners come to him, and are relieved by him.Until the time that his word came,.... Either the word of Joseph, interpreting the dreams of the butler and baker, till that came to be fulfilled; so the Syriac version, "till his word was proved by the event": or rather till the fame and report of that came to Pharaoh's ears, Genesis 41:13, or else the word of the Lord, concerning his advancement and exaltation, signified in dreams to him, Genesis 37:7, as it follows:

the word of the Lord tried him: it tried his faith and patience before it was accomplished; and when it was, it purged him and purified him, as silver in a furnace, and cleared him of the imputation and calumny of his mistress; for, even in the view of Pharaoh, he appeared to be a man in whom the Spirit of God was, Genesis 41:38. Some think that Christ, the essential Word, is intended, who came and visited him, tried and cleared him.