Tyndale Open Study NotesGenesis 45

In one of the book's most dramatic scenes, Joseph told his brothers who he was. This brought the process of reconciling with them to a climax (see also 50:14–21).

This is the third time Joseph cried over his brothers in the story (see also 42:24; 43:30; 45:14; 50:17; compare 50:1).

The news shocked the brothers. They were unable to speak because of amazement and fear (45:5; compare 50:15).

it was not you who sent me here, but God: This is the main message of Jacob's family story (37:2). As the Lord had told Abraham, he was bringing the Israelites into Egypt (15:13). God sent Joseph ahead to prepare a way to save his family during the famine.

This is a clear statement about God’s sovereignty (his complete rule and control over all things). Joseph explained that God was at work through all events and human actions to carry out his plan.

Because God is in control, people can forgive and be restored to those who have hurt them. If people do not believe that God rules over all, they may blame others and try to get even. But those who trust God believe that he is at work, even through human evil (see also Romans 8:28–30).

Joseph told his brothers to inform Jacob. The entire family needed to move to Egypt and live in Goshen, a fertile area in the Nile delta (see 47:1–12). If they did not come to Egypt, they would not survive the upcoming five years of famine.

The region of Goshen was in the northeast corner of Egypt, a few days' walk from Canaan. Jacob's family stayed there because it had food and water for them and their animals. Later, the Egyptians forced them into slave labor there.

Joseph was reunited with his brothers, first with Benjamin and then with the rest. Their previous hatred and jealousy of Joseph (37:4–11) had come to an end. The brothers experienced forgiveness from God and from Joseph. Instead of commanding his brothers to bow down to him (see 42:6–7), Joseph welcomed them. Joseph held no grudge because he accepted what had happened as God’s work and saw the good that had resulted (see 50:14–21).

This is how wisdom rules: The wise leader will forgive and restore (see study note on 37:2–50:26).

Joseph instructed his brothers to bring Jacob and the whole family to Egypt. Grateful for Joseph saving Egypt (45:18; see 47:20), Pharaoh promised them the best land in Egypt. Joseph also gave them Egypt's finest products.

This section marks a transition as the family moved from Canaan to Goshen, where they would live for the next 400years.

Do not quarrel on the way!: When they were away from Joseph, they might begin to accuse one another about the past or argue about how to explain what had happened to Jacob. It was now time to put the past behind them and enjoy the reunion.

As expected, Jacob was shocked when he heard that his son Joseph was still alive and ruling all Egypt. But as he heard their full report and saw everything Joseph had sent, he became convinced it was true. At once, he prepared to go to Egypt and see Joseph again after 22 years.

Jacob was revived: This royal invitation was a turning point for Jacob and his sons. Jacob was old and had little hope left. The 10 brothers were weighed down with guilt and fear.

This moment also fulfilled what God had said earlier (15:13–16): his people would live in a foreign land for a time and there become a great nation, while remaining a distinct people.

The joyful news about Joseph changed the lives of this whole family for the better.