Genesis 45

Genesis 45 marks the dramatic moment when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery years earlier. This chapter showcases Joseph’s deep emotional connection with his family and his clear understanding of God's sovereignty in using their actions for a greater purpose. Joseph reassures his brothers that it was God’s plan for him to be sent ahead to Egypt to preserve life during the severe famine. This chapter is a powerful testament to forgiveness, reconciliation, and God's providential guidance.

Genesis 45:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.
3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.

Joseph’s emotions overwhelmed him, and he ordered everyone but his brothers to leave the room. The moment of revelation was so intense that Joseph wept loudly, and his cries were heard by the Egyptians. When he revealed his identity to his brothers, they were shocked and speechless, struck by disbelief and fear. This scene is a turning point where the hidden truth comes to light, and the brothers face the man they had wronged years earlier, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had happened.

Genesis 45:4-5 (NKJV)
4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

Joseph, seeing his brothers' fear and astonishment, reassured them by asking them to come closer. He directly reminded them of their past action of selling him into slavery but then comforted them by explaining that God had a greater purpose. Rather than seeking revenge, Joseph pointed to God’s providence, emphasizing that it was part of God’s plan to save many lives, including theirs. This perspective reveals Joseph’s deep faith and understanding that even painful events can serve a divine purpose.

Genesis 45:6-8 (NKJV)
6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Joseph explained the severity of the famine, which had lasted for two years and would continue for five more. He highlighted that God had orchestrated his journey to Egypt, not only to provide food but also to ensure the survival of their family and future generations. Joseph’s perspective is that God was in control of every step, positioning him in Egypt to become a powerful leader and a savior for his people. He attributes his rise to power directly to God, removing blame from his brothers and recognizing the larger divine plan.

Genesis 45:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry.
10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.
11 There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.” ’

Joseph urged his brothers to quickly return to their father Jacob with the incredible news that he was alive and a powerful ruler in Egypt. He instructed them to bring Jacob and their entire household to Egypt, where they could settle in Goshen, a fertile region where Joseph could personally ensure their well-being. His plan to provide for his family emphasized his desire to protect them from the devastating effects of the famine. Joseph’s generosity and concern for his family’s future demonstrated his complete forgiveness and love.

Genesis 45:12-13 (NKJV)
12 And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you.
13 So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.”

Joseph emphasized that both he and Benjamin, his full brother, were speaking directly to them to confirm his identity. He asked them to report to their father everything they had witnessed—the grandeur of Joseph’s position in Egypt and the blessings that awaited them. His eagerness to be reunited with Jacob is clear, and he urges his brothers to waste no time in bringing their father to him. This reflects Joseph’s deep emotional longing for his family’s reunion and restoration.

Genesis 45:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.

Joseph and Benjamin, the only sons of Rachel, shared an emotional embrace, both overwhelmed with joy and relief. Afterward, Joseph extended this love to all his brothers, embracing and weeping with them, a sign of total reconciliation. His tears were not only for the joy of reunion but also the sorrow for the years lost. This powerful moment broke the barriers between them, allowing them to speak freely and reconnect as a family. Forgiveness and love replaced past hostility, symbolizing the healing of broken relationships.

Genesis 45:16-20 (NKJV)
16 Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.
17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan.
18 Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.
19 Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come.
20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ ”

Pharaoh, upon hearing that Joseph’s brothers had arrived, was pleased and offered his full support. He commanded that Joseph’s family be brought to Egypt and promised them the best of the land. Pharaoh’s generosity extended to providing transportation and supplies for the journey, showing the favor Joseph had in Pharaoh’s eyes. Pharaoh’s offer to care for the entire family demonstrated not only his appreciation for Joseph but also the recognition of the hand of God in these events. The family was invited to share in Egypt’s prosperity during the famine.

Genesis 45:21-24 (NKJV)
21 Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey.
22 He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments.
23 And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey.
24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, “See that you do not become troubled along the way.”

Joseph, following Pharaoh’s command, equipped his brothers with carts and provisions for their journey back to Canaan. He gave all his brothers gifts of new clothes but showed special favor to Benjamin, giving him additional silver and garments, a reflection of their close bond. Joseph also sent generous supplies for his father, ensuring that the family would be well provided for on their journey. Before they left, Joseph urged them to remain united and peaceful on their way, perhaps to prevent any disputes or lingering guilt from disrupting their reconciliation.

Genesis 45:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father.
26 And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.
27 But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.
28 Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

When the brothers returned to Canaan and informed Jacob that Joseph was alive and ruling Egypt, the news was so overwhelming that Jacob struggled to believe it at first. However, when he saw the gifts and provisions Joseph had sent, his spirit was renewed. The thought of seeing his long-lost son before his death filled Jacob with joy and hope, bringing closure to years of grief. This moment of realization marked the beginning of their family’s relocation to Egypt, a fulfillment of God’s plan to preserve the nation of Israel during the famine.