Genesis 45:1-28
Q.1. How did Joseph make himself known to his brothers? What made it hard for them to comprehend the disclosure? Was the news able to be contained? – (Gen.45:1-3)
Judah’s testimony, in which he shared his concern for his blood-brother and father, proved to Joseph that his brothers had changed – Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me … (Gen.45:1). The brothers must have wondered what would follow. Then he revealed – … “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence (Gen.45:3). If Joseph was surprised by the transformation in his brothers, they must have been totally shocked and afraid. They had told themselves that Joseph was no more and would not have survived slavery. Just as the disciples after the crucifixion of Jesus, they could not grasp his glory. The floodgates that had held back Joseph’s pent-up emotions broke – He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it (Gen.45:2). His wife and his house steward were probably aware of some of the background.
Q.2. How did Joseph understand the treachery of his brothers? What plans did Joseph have for them all? What was the reunion with his brothers like? – (Gen.45:4-15)
Joseph had barely escaped the murderous intent of is brothers, when they had sold their own brother for twenty shekels of silver (Gen.37:28). His divine dreams had sustained him, and his promotion to glory for the seven years of plenty and two years of drought had given him clarity about his mission from God (Gen.45:6). With enormous grace and forgiveness, he explained – 5 Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life … 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt (Gen.45:5 & 7-8). He spoke to his brothers through an interpreter no longer. He now spoke in their own language (Gen.45:12 c.f. Gen.42:23). He then outlined his plans to provide for them and their extended families, and their flocks and herds (Gen.45:10-11). It was an emotional reunion between the blood-brothers, Joseph, and Benjamin. Furthermore – he kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him (Gen.45:15). However, the brothers always carried guilt and a fear of retribution (Gen.50:15).
Q.3. Did Pharaoh agree with Joseph’s plans for his family? How did Joseph’s generosity overflow to his family? Why did he spoil Benjamin and his father? – (Gen.45:16-23)
Pharaoh loved the ‘feel-good’ story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, and offered all that was needed for a safe restoration of his family – Do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours (Gen.45:20). He was indebted to Joseph, because he had lifted Pharaoh to complete authority over his people – 25 they said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favour in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s slaves.” 26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt valid to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; only the land of the priests did not become Pharaoh’s (Gen.47:25-27). Though Joseph was generous to his brothers, he especially lavished the best that Egypt could offer on his father and Benjamin (Gen.45:22-23 c.f. Gen.43:34).
Q.4. What advice did Joseph give his brothers and why? How did Jacob take the news? What convinced him that Joseph was alive? – (Gen.45:24-28)
The brothers must have been in disbelief, and the trip back home could have opened old wounds, as they apportioned blame to the ringleaders. Joseph was already made aware of the feelings between Reuben and his other brothers (Gen.42:22-23). He wisely advised them – …”Do not quarrel on the journey.” (Gen.45:24). When told the news of Joseph’s elevation as – ruler over the land of Egypt … Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them (Gen.45:26). With the overwhelming evidence– the wagons of food, the special gifts, and words from Joseph – 27 … the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Gen.45:27-28).