Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, please study this chapter and then answer all 48 questions at the end of this chapter.

Verses 1-8: Stunned by the revelation of who it really was with whom they dealt, the brothers then heard expressed a masterpiece of recognition of and submission to the sovereignty of God, i.e., His providential rule over the affairs of life, both good and bad (see note on 41:43-45).

Genesis 45:1 “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.”

“Then Joseph could not refrain himself”: That he should not weep, as the Targum of Jonathan adds. At least he could not much longer refrain from tears, such an effect Judah’s speech had on his passions.

“Before all them that stood before him”: His servants that attended him and waited upon him, the steward of his house, and others, upon whose account he put such pressure upon himself. So as to keep his passions from giving vent; so that they might not discover the inward feelings of his mind. But not being able to conceal them any longer.

“And he cried”: Or called out with a loud voice, and an air of authority.

“Cause every man to go out from me”: Out of the room in which he and his brethren were. Perhaps this order was given to the steward of the house to depart himself, and to remove every inferior officer and servant upon the spot. Or other people that might come in to hear the trial of those men, and to see how they would be dealt with.

“And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren”: Not that Joseph was ashamed of them, and of owning before them the relation he was with them.

But that they might not see the confusion his brethren would be thrown into, and have knowledge of the sin they had been guilty of in selling him which could not fail of being mentioned by him, and confessed by them. Besides, it was not suitable to his grandeur and dignity to be seen in such an extreme passion he was now going into.

Joseph could stand this no more. He broke down and began to cry in front of everyone. The Egyptians, who were with Joseph, were asked to leave the room. Joseph told his brothers who he was.

Genesis 45:2 “And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.”

“And he wept aloud”: Or “gave forth his voice in weeping”; as he wept he cried aloud. For having put such a violent restraint on himself, as the flood of tears was the greater, so his voice was the stronger and louder for it.

“And the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard”: The Egyptians, that were in the room or rooms adjoining to that where Joseph was, heard his cry, and perhaps a great deal of what was said. Which they soon reported to others, and it quickly reached Pharaoh’s court, which might not be at any great distance.

He was not just sobbing; this was a wrenching cry to wash away the hurt of twenty years. The Pharaoh’s house and the Egyptians were not in the room with Joseph, but this loud crying could be heard throughout the dwelling. It, possibly, could be heard in adjoining buildings.

Genesis 45:3 “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.”

“And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph”: As soon as he could compose himself a little, and utter his words, the first thing he said was that he was Joseph. That was his right name, his Hebrew name. Though he was called by the Egyptians Zaphnath-paaneah, and by which name Joseph’s brethren only knew him, if they knew his name at all.

And it must be very startling to them to bear this sound, and to be told by himself that was his name. And which was not all he meant and they understood, but that he was Joseph their brother as afterwards expressed.

“Doth my father yet live?” This he knew before, for they had told him he was alive. Therefore he puts this question not through ignorance, or as doubting but to express his affliction for his father, and his joy that he was alive.

“And his brethren could not answer him”: They were so surprised and astonished; they were like men thunderstruck. They were not able to utter a word for a while. In spite of many assurances, this uneasiness persisted for many years (50:15).

“For they were troubled at his presence”: The sin of selling him came fresh into their minds, the guilt of it pressed their consciences, and the circumstances that Joseph was in, filled them with fear that he would avenge himself on them.

They were literally “terrified, trembling.”

When Joseph revealed who he was, panic rose up in them, and they were speechless.

They had thought before that they might lose their lives, but now they knew that they deserved to die. What would they do? We need to look at the next few lines and see a type of Jesus. We deserved to die the cruel death of the cross but Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, took our place to give us eternal life. Joseph the beloved son of Jacob made a way for his family to live.

Genesis 45:4 “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.”

“And Joseph said unto his brethren, come near to me, I pray you”: Very probably Joseph sat in a chair of state while they were under examination, and through reverence of him they kept at a proper distance.

Or being frightened at what he had said, he might observe them drawing back, as Jarchi remarks, and so encourages them in a kind and tender manner to return and come nearer to him, and the rather, that they might more privately converse together without being overheard.

As also that they might, by approaching him discern and call to mind some of his features still remaining, by which they might be assured he was Joseph indeed.

“And they came near, and he said, I am Joseph your brother”: Not only his name was Joseph, but he was that Joseph that was their brother. He claims and owns the relation between them, which must be very affecting to them, who had used him so unkindly.

“Whom ye sold into Egypt”: Which is added, not so much to put them in mind of and rebuke them with their sin, but to assure them that he was really their brother Joseph. Which he could not have related had he not been he, as well as to lead on to what he had further to say to them for their comfort.

Genesis 45:5 “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”

“Now therefore be not grieved”: To an excess, so as to be swallowed up with too much sorrow; otherwise it was necessary for them to be grieved for their sin, and to show a godly sorrow and true repentance for it.

“Nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither”: Reflect upon themselves, and afflict their selves in an immoderate way. Or break forth into anger and wrath with one another, lecturing and blaming each other for their conduct in that affair. And then provoke contentions and quarrels among themselves.

“For God did send me before you to preserve life”: The life of thousands of persons in Egypt, Canaan, and other countries. And particularly to preserve their lives was he sent before them into Egypt. Where, by interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, by which he understood and did foretell the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine; he was to be given great honor and trust.

And had laid up a sufficiency of corn in the time of plenty to answer the needs of various countries in the time of famine; including his own family. Therefore, would have this attributed by them to the wise disposing protecting care of God.

There are symbolisms in this. We are Jesus’ brethren. Jesus has forgiven us. We do not deserve it, but it is part of God’s plan to save us. Joseph forgave his brethren. They did not deserve it. He tried to explain that they were doing what God wanted them to do in order to save them.

Genesis 45:6 “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.”

“For these two years hath the famine been, in the land”: In the land of Egypt and in the countries round about. Joseph would have been 39 years old and away from his brothers for 22 years (37:2).

“And yet there are five years”: Still remaining, which he knew by the above dreams and the interpretation of them.

“In the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest”: That is, no tillage of land, neither ploughing nor sowing, and so no reaping, or gathering in of the fruits of the earth, as used to be in harvest. At least, there would be very little ground tilled; only it may be on the banks of the Nile, since they had no corn to spare for seed.

Besides, as the Egyptians knew by Joseph’s prediction that the Nile would not overflow, it was to no purpose to attempt to plough their land, which through seven years of drought was become very difficult, or to sow, could they get the seed into the ground, since there was no likelihood of its springing up again.

Genesis 45:7 “And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

“To save … posterity in the earth”: Words reflecting, on Joseph’s part, an understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant and its promise of a nation (chapters 12, 15, 17).

Joseph gave a clear testimony to God’s working His divine intervention in his own life when he said “God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity … and to save your lives … so now it was not you that sent me here, but God” (verses 7 and 8).

Sometimes, when God sends us out to do a job for Him, we are not aware, at first, what the mission is for. Often is seems so futile, as it did when Joseph was in jail. If we are God’s, nothing happens to us accidentally, it is part of God’s plan. Joseph was telling them of five more years of famine.

He was trying to make them understand that he was sent ahead to prepare a place, where his family can be saved. Joseph was not holding a grudge. He realized that his time here was part of a great plan that God had, to get the children of Israel into Egypt. God told Abraham they would spend 400 years in Egypt. This was fulfillment of that prophecy.

Genesis 45:8 “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.”

“Father to Pharaoh”: A title which belonged to viziers and which designated one who, unrelated to Pharaoh, nevertheless performed a valuable function and held high position, which in Joseph’s case was “lord of all Egypt” (verse 9). A new and younger Pharaoh now reigned (Senusert III, 1878 – 1841 B.C.).

The phrase “he hath made me a father to Pharaoh” is an expression applied to Egyptian viziers as far back as the third millennium B.C.

God had worked out the selling of Joseph to Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife had been used, as well, to get Joseph in jail. There he met the butler who told the Pharaoh about Joseph’s interpretation of dreams. God can use ungodly people to accomplish His goals. Joseph had to be ruler in Egypt, so that he would be allowed to bring his family to safety. Thus, began Israel’s stay in Egypt.

Genesis 45:9 “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:”

“Haste you, and go up to my father”: In Canaan, which lay higher than Egypt; being desirous he should know as soon as possible that he was alive, and in what circumstances he was.

“And say unto him, thus saith thy son Joseph”: Without any title, such as the father and counsellor of Pharaoh and governor of Egypt, only Joseph his son, which would be enough to revive the heart of Jacob.

“God hath made me lord over all Egypt”: His exaltation to this dignity he ascribes, not to Pharaoh, but to God. Civil honor and promotion to worldly grandeur and dignity are from God, and not from man.

“Come down unto me, tarry not”: The great business on his hands not permitting him to go to his father and fetch him to Egypt. He desires that he would come to him without delay, which would be greatly to the advantage of him and his family, and to their mutual comfort.

Genesis 45:10 “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:”

The “Land of Goshen” was an Egyptian region (47:6 – 27), in the eastern delta area (47:11), not far from the court at Memphis. It was in the area around the Wadi Tumilat, a valley that was about 40 miles long.

It was highly suitable for cattle (47:4-6), but hated by the Egyptians (46:34). Thus, it provided good seclusion.

This isolation would provide for Israel’s distinctive cultural preservation under conditions favorable to their growth and unity.

Genesis 45:11 “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.”

“And there will I nourish thee”: Provide for him and his family.

“For yet there are five years of famine”: Still to come, two of the seven only being past.

“Lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty”: His whole future generations would be consumed, as it would be in all probability, if he did not procure food for his family during the famine.

Joseph had shared, with his brothers, the dream God had revealed to him. There would be seven years of famine. If Jacob’ family was already needing food after two years, then they would starve to death in five more years. Joseph sent his father word that he would take care of them through this terrible time.

Here is another symbolism. These seven years of famine is like the seven years of tribulation about to come to the earth. Woe be unto those who are left during the seven years of tribulation. We, like Joseph, must be prepared.

Genesis 45:12 “And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that [it is] my mouth that speaketh unto you.”

“And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin”: They were eyewitnesses of his being alive, having themselves seen him, and even Benjamin, who could not be suspected by his father of a fraud in imposing on him.

And some of them could doubtless remember his features, and had a visual proof of his being the very person, which they could with great evidence relate unto Jacob; as also his voice in speaking.

“That it is my mouth that speaketh unto you”: Without an interpreter, as Aben Ezra, and in the Hebrew language, as the Targum and Jarchi. Which might confirm them, and likewise their father upon their report, that the governor was not an Egyptian, but a Hebrew. So by that and other concurrent testimonies that he must be Joseph.

Genesis 45:13 “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.”

“And you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt”: His wealth and riches, his grandeur and dignity, his power and authority.

“And of all that you have seen”: What a magnificent house he dwelt in; what a numerous train of servants he had. In what majesty he rode in the second chariot to the king; and what authority he exercised over the people. And what reverence they gave him, and what power he had, particularly in the distribution of corn.

“And ye shall haste, and bring down my father hither”: For Joseph had an eager desire to see him, wherefore this is repeated.

The urgency of the hour was what Joseph was trying to get over to his brothers. He was, also, telling them, it was not second-hand information.

When the Trumpet blows to call us out of tribulation, it will be Jesus, Himself blowing the trumpet.

Verses 14-15: Reconciliation was accomplished with much emotion, which clearly showed that Joseph held no grudges and had forgiven them, evidencing the marks of a spiritually mature man (see note on 50:15-18). It had been 22 years since the brothers sold Joseph into slavery.

Genesis 45:14 “And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.”

“And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept”: On his neck first, because he was his own brother by father and mother’s side. And he wept over him for joy that he had a sight of him once more. The word for “neck” is in the plural number, and being used, may signify that he fell first on one side of his neck, and then on the other, to show his great affection for him.

“And Benjamin wept upon his neck”: Their love and the signs of it were reciprocal.

Genesis 45:15 “Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.”

“Moreover, he kissed all his brethren”: In their turns, to testify his real affection for them, and hearty reconciliation to them.

“And wept upon them”: That is, upon their necks, as he had on Benjamin’s.

“And after that his brethren talked with him”: Being emboldened by this posture of his to them, and encouraged to believe that he really forgave them their sin against him.

And was truly reconciled unto them, and had a real affection for them, and had no reason to fear he would avenge himself on them. They entered into a free conversation, and talked of their father and their family, and the concerns of it and of what passed since the time he was separated from them.

Here too, the symbolism cries out. Benjamin represented the original (physical) Israel. We Christians are represented by the other brothers. Benjamin was a whole brother. The others were half-brothers.

The Jew is the natural branch. We have been adopted and grafted into the tree. They were no longer afraid, when he hugged and kissed them. All was forgiven, never to be remembered again.

Genesis 45:16 “And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.”

“And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house”: The report was carried to court, and there it was told by some from Joseph’s house, who had overheard what had passed, at least somewhat of it.

“Saying, Joseph’s brethren are come”: Perhaps they might call him by his Egyptian name, though the historian gives him his Hebrew name, and which was his right name, and by which he was best known to the Hebrews, for whose sake chiefly he wrote.

“And it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants”: For Joseph being greatly beloved both by the king and his courtiers, who are meant by his servants. They were glad of an opportunity of showing their further regard to him, by their respect and courtesy to his relations and friends, who had been the means of providing for the welfare of the whole kingdom, and of saving all their lives.

Pharaoh’s expressions of pleasure on this occasion were, no doubt sincere; whatever were those of his courtiers. Who might not make a difference to a stranger, and one that had been in a very low estate of life, to be raised above them, and have so much trust be placed in him. And the honor conferred upon him, and might dissemble in their respect to Joseph before their sovereign.

Though such might be the prudence and geniality of Joseph, and such the sense they had of their obligations to him in point of gratitude, that they might be really pleased to hear that his brethren were come. And the rather Pharaoh and his court might be the more delighted, because that it appeared that he came of a good family in Canaan.

Whereas they knew no more of him than of his having been a slave in Potiphar’s house, and then cast into a prison for a crime charged upon him, out of which he was taken, and made the great man he was.

The final seal of approval for Joseph’s relatives to immigrate to Egypt came unsought from Pharaoh (verses 17-20).

Pharaoh was delighted because Joseph’s brothers had come, and it had made Joseph so happy. All this time, Joseph was highly respected by the Pharaoh and his servants. All Egypt was grateful to Joseph for his plan to keep them alive. Whatever it takes to made Joseph happy made everyone happy.

Genesis 45:17 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;”

“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph”: Who, it is highly probable, waited upon Pharaoh to acquaint him with the coming of his brethren. For it cannot be imagined that Pharaoh should say what follows upon a bare report, without having a further account of things from Joseph.

Or that he would neglect giving it, but take the first opportunity to inform him, whereupon he gave him the following order.

“Say unto thy brethren, this do ye”: Give them directions and instructions to do as follows.

“Lade your beasts”: With provisions for the present necessity of their father’s household in Canaan, and for their journey back to Egypt.

“And go, get you into the land of Canaan”: With all the haste they could make.

Genesis 45:18 “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.”

“And take your father, and your households”: Or families, for they were all married persons, and had children, and no doubt servants also: all were to be brought with them.

“And come unto me”: Into his kingdom, to his metropolis, and to his palace, and into his presence.

“And I will give you the good of the land of Egypt”: The best things which it affords, and the best and most fruitful part of it, as he afterwards did, which was the land of Goshen.

“And ye shall eat the fat of the land”: The choicest fruits of the earth, such as were produced in fields and gardens. Meaning that they should have the finest of the wheat for themselves, and the fattest pastures for their flocks.

Joseph was now hurriedly sending his brothers to get his father, Jacob, and all the family. He told them he would take care of their needs.

Isn’t that just what Jesus is telling us? He is building us a mansion. There will be a river of clear water and a tree that gives off fruit each month of the year. Jesus will see to our every need. Can you see the type and shadow here in that Joseph was promising his brethren and what Jesus promises His? The time is urgent for the Christian, as well. Time is running out.

Genesis 45:19 “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.”

“Now thou art commanded, this do ye”: Had his orders from Pharaoh; had full power and authority to do the above things, and what follows.

The sense Joseph Kimchi gives of this clause is, that Joseph was ordered by Pharaoh not to let any wagons go out of Egypt with corn, lest the Egyptians should want. But now Pharaoh said to him, though thou wert thus ordered, yet bid thy brethren to do as follows.

“Take you wagons out of the land of Egypt”: And lade them with corn, as the same writer observes; the Targum of Jonathan adds, which were drawn by oxen.

“For your little ones, and for your wives”: The wagons were to carry the women and children in when they returned.

“And bring your father, and come”: In one of the carriages or in what way was most agreeable to him in his old age.

Genesis 45:20 “Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt [is] yours.”

“Also regard not your stuff”: Or “your vessels”, utensils and household goods. He would not have them to be concerned if they could not bring all their goods with them.

But were obliged to leave some behind, and which, because of the distance of the way and difficulty of the road, lying through sandy deserts, could not well be brought, since there was enough to be had in the land of Egypt.

Therefore, as it may be rendered, “let not your eye spare”, or “pity”: do not be grieved at it, or say it is a pity to leave these good things behind.

“For the good of all the land of Egypt is yours”: Whatever good things were in it, whether for food or use for themselves, their houses, or their flocks, all were at their service, and they were welcome to them; or the best or most fruitful part of the country was designed for them, and would be given to them, or was at their option.

Here, they were told to carry wagons from Egypt to bring their families back in. He was, also, telling them not to use their material things in Canaan as an excuse to stop them from coming. The things prepared for them in Egypt, a place of refuge, was much better. Just leave all that behind, and begin a new life here.

Genesis 45:21 “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.”

“And the children of Israel did so”: As Pharaoh commanded, and Joseph from him directed them to do.

“And Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh”: And beasts, either horses or oxen to draw them. And these not empty, though the principal use of them was to fetch his father and his family, and their goods.

“And gave them provision for the way”: Both going and returning, as much as would suffice for both.

This was fully approved by Pharaoh. Jesus will come and get us when God the Father says it is time. Jesus will remain in the clouds in the air, and we must go to him. The shadows of things to come are all throughout this lesson.

Genesis 45:22 “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.”

“To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment”: Rich apparel, two suits of clothes, to shift and change upon occasion, such as Homer calls, “changeable garments”.

Those he gave to every one of his brethren, partly that they might have something to show to their father and to their wives, which would cause them to give credit to the report they should give of Joseph, and his great prosperity.

And partly that they might, upon their return, be provided with suitable apparel to appear before Pharaoh, and chiefly this was intended to show his great respect and affection for them, and reconciliation to them.

“But to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver”: Or shekels, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, which amounted to between thirty and forty pounds of our money.

“Five changes of raiment”: Because of his greater love and affection for him.

We are told over and over not to show partiality, but throughout the Bible, there were favorites. Joseph showed so much favoritism, because he was his own brother. They had the same mother and the same father. It is extremely difficult not to show partiality to your own flesh and blood.

Jesus said even sinners knew how to give good gifts to their own children. This change of clothes, here, has a shadow, also. When we leave this earth, we will put on our white robes of righteousness, furnished for us by Jesus. Not our righteousness, but His.

Genesis 45:23 “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.”

“And to his father he sent after this manner”: Or “according to” this; either in like manner, as he gave his brethren change of raiment, etc., so he sent the like to him.

As Aben Ezra and Ben Melech interpret it, referring it to what goes before; or rather as Jarchi, according to this account or number, even which follows. Namely:

“Ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt”: The best things the land afforded; the Targum of Jonathan says with wine, but that Egypt did not abound with; and so Jarchi, out of the Talmud, observes, that it was old wine that was sent, such as is agreeable to ancient men.

“And ten she asses laden with corn”: For bread, next mentioned, and so distinguished from it.

“And bread”: Readymade and baked.

“And meat for his father by the way”: Food and fruit of various sorts. Aben Ezra reckons many, peas, beans, lentils, millet, fetches, figs, currants, and dates.

Joseph loved his father very much. You can easily see, this, by the things he sent to help his father make this journey.

Genesis 45:24 “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.”

“So he sent his brethren away, and they departed”: From Egypt to Canaan with the wagons, asses, and rich presents.

“And he said unto them, see that ye fall not out by the way”: The Targum of Jonathan adds, about the affair of selling me. Which he had reason to fear they would, from what they, and particularly Reuben, had said in his presence (Genesis 42:21).

He was concerned this would be the subject of their discourse by the way, and that they would be blaming one another about it, and so fall into contentions and quarrels. That one would say it was owing to the reports of such a one concerning him, that they entertained hatred against him.

That it was such a one that advised to kill him, and such one that stripped him of his clothes, and such one that put him into the pit, and that was the cause of his being sold.

And thus, shifting of things from one to another, and aggravating each other’s concern in this matter, they might stir up and provoke one another to wrath and anger.

As the word used signifies, which might have a bad issue. To prevent which Joseph gives them this kind and good advice. And especially there was the more reason to attend to it, since he was reconciled unto them, and was desirous the whole should be buried in oblivion.

A needed admonition because they would have so much sin to think about as they readied their confession to their father.

Here, he was saying make your path strait. Do not let things of this world make you stray.

Genesis 45:25 “And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,”

“And they went up out of Egypt”: That lying lower than the land of Canaan.

“And came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father”: They found him alive and well.

You can imagine the joy of the father when he saw them coming? His greatest fears had not come to pass. They were home safely. Benjamin and Simeon were both with them unharmed. Even at a glance, he could see all the food stuff they were bringing.

Genesis 45:26 “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.”

“And told him”: What had happened to them in Egypt.

“Saying, Joseph is yet alive”: Who was thought by him and them to have been dead long ago.

“And he is governor over all the land of Egypt”: Deputy governor, and had such power and authority that nothing was done without his order. The executive power or administration of government was put into his hands, and all the officers of the kingdom were under him, he was next to Pharaoh.

“And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not”: It was too great and too good news to be true; though it was desirable, it was unexpected. It amazed him, he knew not what to think, or say or believe about it. There was such a conflict of the passions in him, that he could not compose himself, or reason with himself about it.

Like his sons (verse 3), Jacob was shocked by the totally unexpected good news. Even though the record is silent on the matter, this was the appropriate occasion for the sons to confess their crime to their father.

And what might serve the more to hinder his belief of it was, that this report of theirs was contrary to what they themselves had before related of his death. And very likely upon the mention of the thing he fell into a swoon, and was not himself for a while. When he came to himself, they went on with their account.

Jacob was shocked at the news that Joseph was not dead. He was alive and had been made governor of all Egypt. Their father could not believe it. It has been twenty two years since he had seen or heard of Joseph. He had thought him dead for many years. How can this be true?

It was almost too much for Jacob. Good news can shock you sometimes, almost as much as bad news. How would the same sons who lied to him before, be able to convince their father that Joseph is alive?

Genesis 45:27 “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:”

“And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them”: Not concerning their selling of him and his forgiveness of them, and reconciliation to them, which perhaps Jacob never heard of to his dying day, since he makes no mention of it.

Nor hints at it in his dying words to them; but of his great advancement in the court of Pharaoh, and how desirous he was to have his father and family with him, and provide for them, since there were five years of famine yet to come.

“And when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him”: And his son’s wives and children, down to Egypt in; and which were so grand and magnificent, that he was easily persuaded could never have been provided by his sons, if what they had said concerning Joseph was not true.

“The spirit of Jacob their father revived”: Not the Holy Spirit, or spirit of prophecy, as the Targums, which the Jews say departed from him, and had not been with him since the loss of Joseph, but now returned. But his own natural spirit, he became lively and cheerful, giving credit to the report of his sons.

Jacob had been depressed for twenty two years. The younger son, Benjamin, of his precious Rachel, had helped, but Joseph had been his favorite for so many years.

They, also, told him that Joseph felt this had been planned by God Almighty to bring them to Egypt.

They told of Joseph’s stay in Potiphar’s house, how he was cast into the dungeon and brought out when the butler told Pharaoh about Joseph’s interpretations of his dream. They told of Pharaoh’s dreams, and how Joseph interpreted them. He was given the high Office of the governor of Egypt.

Joseph was in charge of the food during the famine. The one thing that finally convinced Jacob was the abundance of food on the wagons. Joseph had to be the one who sent it.

Genesis 45:28 “And Israel said, [It is] enough; Joseph my son [is] yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.”

“And Israel said, it is enough, Joseph my son is yet alive”: Or it is “much” or “great”; he had much joy, as the Targums; this was the greatest blessing of all, and more to him than all the glory and splendor that Joseph was in.

That he was alive, that was enough for Jacob, which gave him content and pleasure. Not so much the news of his grandeur in Egypt, as of his being in the land of the living.

“I will go and see him before I die”: Though his age was great, the journey long and difficult, so great was his desire of seeing Joseph that he determines at once upon going, expecting death shortly.

No doubt but this was said in submission to the will of God, and in seeking him by prayer and supplication, and in the exercise of faith, believing that God would grant him his desire, than which nothing in life could be more desirable to him, and he only wished to live to enjoy this favor.

In Joseph’s making himself known unto his brethren, he was a type of Christ, who manifests himself to his people alone, and as he does not unto the world, saying unto them, that he is Jesus the Savior, their friend and brother, and whom they crucified, whose sins were the cause of his sufferings.

And yet encourages them to draw nigh unto him with a humble and holy boldness, giving them abundant reason to believe that he will receive them kindly, seeing that all that were done to him were by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, and for their good, even for their eternal salvation.

And that they might not perish, but have everlasting life; and to whom he now gives change of raiment, riches and honor, yea, durable riches and righteousness. And declares it to be his will, that where he is, they may be also, and behold his glory.

And this is sufficient to engage them to reckon all their worldly enjoyments as mere stuff, contemptible things in comparison of the good and glories of another world they are hastening to. Where there will be fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore; and therefore, should not fall out by the way, as they too often do.

The only thing I can compare this to our day, would be a son missing in action from twenty nine years ago, and suddenly and unexpectedly be found. What a joy. Like Jacob, we would want to see this son before we die.

Genesis 45: Questions