Verses 1–3: Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt for a second time to buy grain during the worldwide famine, this time with his younger brother Benjamin. Over twenty years earlier they had wanted to kill him, but instead, at the oldest brother’s urging, stopped short at selling him into slavery. While they hadn’t recognized him yet, Joseph could no longer contain his emotion over seeing them, and commanded all his attendants to leave. Then—the moment of truth: he revealed himself to his brothers. They were stunned—they had no words. To their astonishment, God had raised him to the head over all of Egypt. They were terrified that this brother they had betrayed so long ago had absolute power over them. With a word he could have commanded their execution.
4–8: Instead, Joseph reassured them, calling them close: “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” (v. 5 NIV). He prophesied five more years of famine, according to the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream that God had given him. God sent him ahead of his family into Egypt to save their lives—and no doubt, the lives of countless others—and to preserve his promise to make Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (renamed Israel by God) into a great nation, that through the Messiah, Jesus, they would bless every nation on earth. Salvation for the entire world would come through their lineage.
9–11: Joseph told his brothers to hurry back to Jacob, his father, and tell him to bring his entire household to Goshen (in Egypt) to escape the ravages of the famine.
12–15: Trying to spur them into action, Joseph noted that they could see it was truly him, and encouraged them to tell Jacob of his honored position and all they had seen in Egypt. He urged them to bring Jacob and everyone with him to Egypt quickly. Then he wrapped his arms around each one, weeping over the grief of the past and the beauty of their reunion.
16–20: We see Pharaoh's heart and concern for Joseph as Pharaoh told him to send his brothers back to Canaan and bring his family “to him” (i.e., to Pharaoh, v. 18). God truly made Joseph a father to Pharaoh, and it was as if Pharaoh took on Joseph's family as his own. He determined to give them the best of all the land of Egypt, so they could live off the abundance of it. He also directed Joseph to tell his brothers to get some carts to ease the trip from Canaan to Egypt for Jacob as well as the women and children in his family. He didn't want them to worry about bringing all of their possessions, as he would bountifully provide the best of Egypt to them once they arrived.
21–24: Joseph’s brothers agreed, and Joseph gave them carts, new clothes, and supplies for the trip home. We see God’s amazing ability to restore broken relationships: Joseph cared for his brothers as if the past had never occurred. He'll work this incredible restoration in our lives today, in so many areas, if we’ll just follow his lead!
Joseph blessed Benjamin with extra portions of silver and clothing, as he was just a boy and uninvolved when the other brothers sold Joseph into slavery. Then, Joseph loaded twenty donkeys with the best articles of Egypt, bread, and other provisions for his family’s move from Canaan to Egypt. Joseph sent them off with a final word as they left for home: “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (v. 24).
25–28: Once the brothers returned to Canaan, they were finally able to give Israel the news his heart had so longed to hear: “Joseph is still alive!” (v. 26). He was not only alive, he was the ruler of all Egypt! Jacob was in shock, and at first didn't believe them. But after the brothers related all that Joseph had said and showed Jacob the wealth and provision they’d been given, he was convinced. His spirit rose up, alive again, and he determined to travel to Joseph and see him before his time was up on planet Earth.
God is able to take all that seems to be dying, all that seems empty, and bring it back to life again. He truly is able and willing to make all things new in our lives too—as we trust Him and follow Him with all that we are!
