Joseph Reveals His Identity
May 29, 2022
Commentary
When Joseph saw their concern for their father and for Benjamin, he knew that they had really changed. Quickly he sent all the servants out of the room, and with a burst of emotion he revealed himself to his brothers (vv. 1-2). At first they were stunned by the news and feared he would seek revenge (v. 3). However, Joseph spoke kindly to them and explained that God, in His sovereignty had brought him to Egypt so that he could now take care of them and their father (vv. 4-5). It is only the person who is spiritual that can see the hand of God in every event, and consequently forgive those who have wronged him. Joseph explained how there were still five more years of famine (v. 6). The Lord had sent him there to save them (vv. 7-8). He told them to hurry back to Jacob to tell him he was the ruler of all Egypt (v. 9). They must move Jacob and all their families to Egypt and live in the land of Goshen (vv. 10-13). This was land suitable for cattle (Gen. 47:4-6) not in use by the Egyptians (Gen. 46:34), and thus provided good seclusion for the Israelites. Joseph and his brothers hugged, cried, and talked together (vv. 14-15).
When Pharaoh heard about Joseph’s brothers all coming to Egypt he was pleased and offered them the best of the land of Egypt. He even provided carts for transporting all the family. With the kings blessing, Joseph gave his brothers provisions for their journey: clothing and food. 10 donkeys were loaded with gifts for Jacob, and 10 more donkeys were loaded with supplies for their trip from Canaan to Egypt (vv. 21-22). As they left, he told his brothers not to quarrel on the way (vv. 23-24). It certainly was not a time for accusations but for joyful reunion. Joseph’s brothers left Egypt and journeyed to Canaan (v. 25). When they told Jacob that Joseph was alive and ruling in Egypt and that he wanted all of them to move there, he could not believe it (v. 26). Eventually he was convinced, however, by their story and by the amount of stuff Joseph had sent with them. He decided to make the move to see his son (vv. 27-28).
Application
As I look back over my life can I think of some unhappy experiences like Joseph did, and see how God allowed it to happen for my good? If so, perhaps there is someone I need to forgive.
Genesis 45:1– 28 (NET)
1 Joseph was no longer able to control himself before all his attendants, so he cried out, “Make everyone go out from my presence!” No one remained with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 He wept loudly; the Egyptians heard it and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” His brothers could not answer him because they were dumbfounded before him. 4 Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me,” so they came near. Then he said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 Now, do not be upset and do not be angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life! 6 For these past two years there has been famine in the land and for five more years there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God sent me ahead of you to preserve you on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now, it is not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me an adviser to Pharaoh, lord over all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Now go up to my father quickly and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not delay! 10 You will live in the land of Goshen, and you will be near me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and everything you have. 11 I will provide you with food there because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise you would become poor—you, your household, and everyone who belongs to you.”’ 12 You and my brother Benjamin can certainly see with your own eyes that I really am the one who speaks to you. 13 So tell my father about all my honor in Egypt and about everything you have seen. But bring my father down here quickly!”
14 Then he threw himself on the neck of his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers and wept over them. After this his brothers talked with him.
16 Now it was reported in the household of Pharaoh, “Joseph’s brothers have arrived.” It pleased Pharaoh and his servants. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and go to the land of Canaan! 18 Get your father and your households and come to me! Then I will give you the best land in Egypt and you will eat the best of the land.’ 19 You are also commanded to say, ‘Do this: Take for yourselves wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives. Bring your father and come. 20 Don’t worry about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt will be yours.’”
21 So the sons of Israel did as he said. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had instructed, and he gave them provisions for the journey. 22 He gave sets of clothes to each one of them, but to Benjamin he gave 300 pieces of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 To his father he sent the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best products of Egypt and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, food, and provisions for his father’s journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers on their way and they left. He said to them, “As you travel don’t be overcome with fear.”
25 So they went up from Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. 27 But when they related to him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to transport him, their father Jacob’s spirit revived. 28 Then Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive! I will go and see him before I die.”