Genesis 45:1-2
Joseph was struggling to maintain his composure. It hurt him deeply to see the pain this was causing his brothers. This is probably an indication that all this was directed by the Lord and not the actions of Joseph alone. The Lord knew exactly how deep the pain must be for the repentance to be complete. He knows how much is required in each of us expose the sin and bring us to repentance. This has to happen before we can be changed and sanctified to be like Him.
Joseph asked everyone to leave so that he was alone with his brothers. He told them who he was and cried loud enough that those outside heard him. Even Pharaoh heard about it. It was a significant thing for this Egyptian in power to openly weep before these Hebrews. Any Egyptian would wonder, what could bring him to that point?
Genesis 45:3-11
The brothers were in stunned silence. They had not seen him for twenty-two years. They had been dealing with this man as the second in command in Egypt. What a shock this must have been!
We really see how Joseph has matured and grown. He released his brothers from any hurt or grief by acknowledging God's plan that had played out in their life. Joseph asked them to come close to him, to be a family again. It was important that they be together because there was still five years of severe famine left. God had put Joseph in place to preserve this family. His understanding was looking over five years. But God's plan looked much further out.
The great deliverance of this family 'to' Egypt would lead to a great deliverance of a nation 'from' Egypt in 400 years.
Joseph's understanding came from the covenant promises. They moved him in his life, but they were eternal, changing lives for years to come. Even to changing our lives today. The offer to be saved into Christ is the covenant promise that all the nations would be blessed through Abraham.
Note: There is a new Pharaoh now. Joseph had been like a son to the previous Pharaoh; now he is like a father (v.8). The new Pharaoh is Senusert III.
What a roller coaster ride life can be sometimes. Judah was on his knees dreading that he had to return to his father without Benjamin. Now, just a short time later, he gets to go to his father and tell him that he gained the son that was once lost. He'll be able to tell of all that God has done to make a way for them.
Doesn't this give you hope in your situation. These brothers had done some pretty awful things in their life. But there is forgiveness in true repentance. Their life was never so far gone or so bad that God couldn't rescue them. Do you feel hemmed in by your sin sometimes? At times it feels like you're stuck in a hopeless circumstance from which even God can't rescue you? We've all been there. Joseph felt that way in the cistern, in the caravan on the way to Egypt, and in the prison. His brothers felt that way as they struggled with food, when they had to face their father without a brother, and when they were accused of being dishonest. There is hope in real repentance; there is hope in God.
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
Genesis 45:12-15
I can imagine Joseph saying, "It really is me!" Joseph is speaking of them settling in Goshen and what life will be like and their being a family. They are still standing their with their mouth hanging open in shock and dismay.
This then became a great time of reunion. They all experienced love and forgiveness in the reconciliation. There was no bitterness or hard feelings.
Genesis 45:16-20
This family went from scraping up food to survive to being the honored guests of the Pharaoh in a prosperous land with plenty of food. Yet they were worried, suspicious because they carried guilt and shame for their sin. They were really under conviction to deal with that sin and didn't understand why.
Joseph couldn't control his emotions and broke down. The Egyptians heard him and the word made its way to Pharaoh's household. Imagine that; the 2nd in command of the laind crying and upset over a bunch of Hebrews visiting (45:2). The news reached Pharaoh's house that Joseph's brothers had come. This had to have been a delicate subject. It seems Hebrews were looked at as being somewhat lower class, particularly herders. Had Pharaoh perceived them as a threat to Egypt, it could have gone bad. However, Pharaoh invited them into the land and offered his best for them
They were invited to leave their belongings and just bring the people. This family went from scraping up food to survive to being the honored guests of the Pharaoh in a prosperous land with plenty of food. For Joseph's family, the door was swing wide open. He would send the carts (moving vans) to bring the family.
Genesis 45:21-24
The riff between the brothers was started when Joseph was given a new garment (the famous coat of many colors). Now, in this restoration, the brothers all received new clothing and Benjamin got five garments and 300 shekels. Do you suppose any brother thought to himself, 'That's not fair'? They were apparently cured of their envy after the trouble it had caused them. A lavish gift for Jacob was loaded on the wagon.
The parting word from Joseph was instruction not to dispute. Joseph warned them not to become troubled along the way. There would be a temptation to begin to plot and blame. They had to confess their sin to their father when they got home. They had to tell what they had done to Joseph and how they had lived a lie for so many years. It would be a long trip home.
Many see the NKJV translation as closer to the thought, "See that you do not become troubled along the way." Twice they had left Egypt feeling good about things only to find themselves in the middle of a test. They found the gold in their bags the first time. The second time, Joseph's cup was found. What would it be this time? Joseph offered his assurance to them the tests were over. It may have been Joseph's intention to allay both of these concerns and fears.
Imagine what these brothers might look like as they returned home with the finest of Egypt. They had carts, clothing and a caravan of donkeys with the good things of Egypt. They were loaded with bread and food and grain. What a sight they would be as they returned home.
Note: The 'sons of Israel' is used the first time in 45:21
Genesis 45:25-28
When Jacob saw all that they brought he had to know something was up. They didn't take enough money to buy all this. When they told him about Joseph, his heart must have stopped for a moment. He couldn't believe that, could he? Imagine all the grief he lived through as a father not knowing exactly what happened to his son. How many thoughts and nightmares had he lived through of how Joseph must have died? He had probably learned to live with the grief. I don't imagine the pain of losing a son could ever really subside. In addition, can there be any doubt that Joseph's dream came to mind? In Gen 37 he told his family his dreams.
Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?" 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (Gen 37:10-11)
But now, his pain was gone; the dream had become reality. It was as if his son were resurrected. There would be reconciliation. What an incredible feeling this must have been. No one had to talk Jacob into going to Egypt. He was ready to leave right then. He wanted to see his long-lost son. At the age of 130, he had new life, a spring in his step. God is good!
©2019 Doug Ford
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