Genesis 45 explained: Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

"I am Joseph" (vv. 1-4)

Joseph sends his Egyptian staff out and weeps so loudly that the palace hears. His brothers knew him only as a powerful Egyptian official, so learning that he is the brother they sold as a slave leaves them too terrified to speak.

God sent me ahead (vv. 5-8)

Joseph does not pretend the brothers did nothing wrong, but he tells them God worked through it to keep the family alive through a seven year famine. "Father to Pharaoh" was probably a title for the king's chief adviser.

Come and live near me (vv. 9-15)

Goshen was grazing land in the northeast of Egypt, the part closest to Canaan and suited to a family of herders. Joseph first embraces Benjamin, his only full brother through their mother Rachel, and only after all the hugs and tears do the brothers find the nerve to talk with him.

Pharaoh's welcome (vv. 16-20)

The king himself invites the family and promises them "the fat of the land," meaning its richest food and best ground. They are told not to worry about leaving belongings behind, because Egypt will supply what they need.

Gifts and a warning (vv. 21-24)

Fine clothes were a common gift of honor, and the extra silver and clothing for Benjamin show Joseph's special love for his full brother. His parting words most likely mean "don't quarrel" over who was to blame, though the Hebrew word can also mean "don't be anxious."

Jacob hears the news (vv. 25-28)

Jacob had believed for about twenty years that Joseph was dead, so at first the news leaves him numb and unable to believe it. When his sons repeat everything Joseph said and he sees the carts sent to carry him, his spirit revives, and the old man decides to go and see his son before he dies.

Key verse: Genesis 45:5

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on what it means that God "sent" Joseph through his brothers' cruelty: some read it as God planning even the wrong itself, while others read it as God allowing a free human choice and then bringing good out of it.

Something to think about

Can a person see good come out of something that was done to them without saying the wrong itself was acceptable?