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Genesis 45

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1Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he cried, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2He wept aloud. The Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard. 3Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?” His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were terrified at his presence. 4Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. “He said, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be no plowing and no harvest. 7God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance. 8So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t wait. 10You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children’s children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11There I will nourish you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’ 12Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here.” 14He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15He kissed all his brothers, and wept on them. After that his brothers talked with him. 16The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. 17Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this. Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan. 18Take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.’ 19Now you are commanded: do this. Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. 20Also, don’t concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.” 21The sons of Israel did so. Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. 22He gave each one of them changes of clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothing. 23He sent the following to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way. 24So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, “See that you don’t quarrel on the way.” 25They went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan, to Jacob their father. 26They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them. 27They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived. 28Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

World English Bible (public domain)

And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

Genesis 45:3

Summary

In Genesis chapter 45, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery. This dramatic reunion occurs after a period of famine that brings his brothers to Egypt in search of grain. Joseph, emotionally overwhelmed, urges his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him, as he sees God's providential hand at work in their actions. He explains that it was God who sent him ahead to preserve life and ensure the survival of their family. Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation showcase a powerful theme of redemption and divine purpose amidst human wrongdoing. The chapter culminates with Joseph inviting his family to live in Egypt, promising to provide for them during the remainder of the famine, illustrating the grace that overcomes past sins and the restoration of relationships.

Key Themes

Forgiveness and reconciliationDivine providenceRestoration of relationshipsThe sovereignty of God

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Genesis 45: frequently asked questions

What is Genesis 45 about?+
In Genesis chapter 45, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery. This dramatic reunion occurs after a period of famine that brings his brothers to Egypt in search of grain. Joseph, emotionally overwhelmed, urges his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him, as he sees God's providential hand at work in their actions. He explains that it was God who sent him ahead to preserve life and ensure the survival of their family. Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation showcase a powerful theme of redemption and divine purpose amidst human wrongdoing. The chapter culminates with Joseph inviting his family to live in Egypt, promising to provide for them during the remainder of the famine, illustrating the grace that overcomes past sins and the restoration of relationships.
What is the key verse in Genesis 45?+
Genesis 45:3: "And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence."
What are the main themes of Genesis 45?+
The main themes of Genesis 45 are Forgiveness and reconciliation, Divine providence, Restoration of relationships, The sovereignty of God.

Study Notes