Recap: (see Genesis 35b) Judah became the forefather of David, and Jesus. Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt, and when Pharaoh had dreams, Joseph explained that they pointed to impending famine. He was put in charge of the grain stores. When the famine severely affected Joseph’s family they too went for grain. Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him.
These final studies are short and could be combined
You may want to save time by simply reading the sections before commenting, rather than reading the whole of chapter 45 first.
Genesis 45:1-2 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, ‘Make everyone leave my presence!’ So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
This wasn’t a difficult emotional moment – it was a major breakdown! Even after sending all his attendants out the sound of his crying could still be heard so the confused officials told what was happening to Pharaoh’s household.
Genesis 45:3 Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph! Is my father still living?’ But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Joseph had done a good job in masquerading as a frightening Egyptian ruler, one with the power of life or death over foreign spies. The brothers were faced with the prospect of losing Benjamin and the dangerous effect that would have on their father’s life. What was more was that they had been accused of theft and faced a terrible punishment as the result.
But now the Egyptian had broken down in front of them and it terrified them. They simply couldn’t grasp what he was saying.
Genesis 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no ploughing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Joseph finally persuaded his brothers that he was actually Joseph. But instead of the punishment they might have expected he went on to explain that their actions had actually been used by God for the salvation of many, including their whole family.
Genesis 45:8-11 ‘So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, “This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me – you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.”
Joseph realised that simply selling grain to his family would not be enough. In five years’ time they would be destitute. So he suggests that they move, lock stock and barrel to Goshen.
What parallels can you draw with Jesus? He was unjustly treated, bore the punishment that was rightfully ours and provides a home for us in Heaven.
Genesis 45:12-15 ‘You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honour accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.’
14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterwards his brothers talked with him.
Finally the brothers accept the situation and reconciliation followed.
Genesis 45:16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased.
Their initial reaction may well have been that Joseph was having some kind of breakdown. Now that they knew the facts they were relieved – and pleased for Joseph. Pharaoh himself went to see them.
Genesis 45:17-20 Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Tell your brothers, “Do this: load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.”
19 ‘You are also instructed to tell them, “Do this: take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.”’
There was a language barrier ‘tell your brothers’ (v17) but pharaoh’s generosity was unmistakeable.
Genesis 45:21-24 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, ‘Don’t quarrel on the way!’
Now the donkeys are not just loaded with grain. What is mentioned in this passage?
Provisions for their journey (21), Provisions for Jacob’s journey (23), silver, clothes, grain and bread. And remember that they had twice their own silver to carry as well.
Genesis 45:25-26 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, ‘Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.’ Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them.
Would you?!
Genesis 45:27-28 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, ‘I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.’
