1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I [am] Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
6 For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that [it is] my mouth that speaketh unto you.
13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
16 And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
18 And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt [is] yours.
21 And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.
22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred [pieces] of silver, and five changes of raiment.
23 And to his father he sent after this [manner]; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
26 And told him, saying, Joseph [is] yet alive, and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.
27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
28 And Israel said, [It is] enough; Joseph my son [is] yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
Summary of Genesis Chapter 45
Genesis Chapter 45 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph and his brothers. It marks the climax of Joseph’s journey from slavery to power in Egypt and the reconciliation with his family. This chapter is significant for its themes of forgiveness, redemption, and divine providence.
Context
This chapter occurs after a series of events where Joseph, now the governor of Egypt, has tested his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. The famine has brought them to Egypt seeking food, and Joseph recognizes them but conceals his identity.
Key Events
- Joseph Reveals His Identity (Verses 1-3):
- Joseph can no longer contain his emotions and reveals himself to his brothers.
- He identifies himself as their brother, whom they sold into slavery.
- The brothers are initially shocked and terrified at the revelation.
- Joseph’s Forgiveness (Verses 4-8):
- Joseph reassures his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him.
- He emphasizes that it was God’s plan for him to be in Egypt to save lives during the famine.
- Joseph acknowledges that he has been placed in a position of power for a divine purpose.
- Joseph Invites His Family to Egypt (Verses 9-13):
- Joseph instructs his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father Jacob and their families to Egypt.
- He assures them that he will provide for them during the remaining years of famine.
- Joseph expresses his desire to see his father again.
- Joseph’s Gifts and Reassurances (Verses 14-15):
- Joseph embraces his brother Benjamin and weeps, showing the depth of his emotions.
- He also weeps over all his brothers, indicating a strong desire for reconciliation.
- Pharaoh’s Support (Verses 16-20):
- Pharaoh hears about Joseph’s family and offers to provide for them.
- He encourages them to bring their father and their households to live in Egypt.
- Pharaoh provides them with resources for the journey, including carts and provisions.
- Joseph’s Instructions to His Brothers (Verses 21-24):
- Joseph sends his brothers back with gifts and provisions.
- He instructs them not to quarrel on the way, emphasizing unity and peace among them.
- Jacob’s Reaction (Verses 25-28):
- The brothers return to Canaan and inform Jacob that Joseph is alive and is the governor of Egypt.
- Jacob is initially in disbelief but is eventually convinced by the evidence and the gifts from Joseph.
- He expresses a desire to see Joseph before he dies.
Themes
- Forgiveness: Joseph’s ability to forgive his brothers highlights the importance of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness in healing familial relationships.
- Divine Providence: The chapter emphasizes the belief that God orchestrates events for a greater purpose, as Joseph interprets his suffering as part of a divine plan to save many lives.
- Family and Unity: The reunion of Joseph with his family underscores the significance of familial bonds and the need for unity in times of crisis.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 45 serves as a powerful narrative of redemption and reconciliation. Joseph’s journey from betrayal to forgiveness reflects a profound understanding of divine purpose and human relationships. The chapter not only resolves the tension between Joseph and his brothers but also sets the stage for the future of the Israelite people in Egypt.
