from Genesis 46-50

Having been assured by the Lord, Jacob arose, with his descendants, to make the journey with their property and livestock to Egypt, God’s ordained place. And to Goshen, the final destination, Joseph headed in his chariot for their reunion, where he wept on his father’s neck upon seeing his face.

He wept there a long time; and Jacob spoke of the peace he would have now in death, due to seeing that his beloved Joseph was, wonderfully, still alive. In acknowledgement of God’s love, Joseph likely thought of all he could now offer, which was worth all the adversities with which he’d had to strive.

So Joseph took five of his brothers to appear before Pharaoh, where they stated their desire to sojourn as shepherds in Goshen, a choice part of Pharaoh’s land. Pharaoh’s answer, to Joseph, was that Egypt was at their disposal–and that if some of them were capable, then put his own livestock under their command.

Joseph presented also his father to Pharaoh, who inquired as to his age, which Jacob shared; and he blessed this Pharaoh who had exalted his son. Then Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them a possession in the land, and provided them food–all of which his obedience to God had won.

“I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your children as well,” Jacob said to Joseph; and he blessed his children in this true Bible story. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers needed reassurance of his forgiveness, which he freely gave, comforting them kindly–and it was to God that Joseph gave all of the glory!

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

P. A. Oltrogge

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

from Genesis 45, 46

Joseph could no longer control his emotions, and he ordered his servants to leave. Things on his heart for his brothers, he now was ready to share. His feelings over the years came out as he loudly wept. Then he began to tell his brothers who really was standing before them there.

“I am your brother, Joseph,” he said; and he asked again if their father was alive. But they couldn’t answer, for they were taken aback. He told them not to be grieved or angry with themselves for what they’d done to him years before–for God had His purposes behind their attack.

He said he was to go before them into Egypt to become lord over it, preserving the lives of many, for great deliverance from a famine’s blight. He asked them to come closer–to know that it really was the voice of their brother, Joseph, and that this “lord” was actually him in their sight.

So, God’s plan was ongoing; and now Joseph wanted them all to come to Goshen, for there would be five more years of famine before its cessation. He fell on his brother, Benjamin’s neck and wept. Then he kissed also all of his brothers, and there was weeping and conversing in celebration.

When Pharaoh heard that Joseph’s brothers had come, both he and his servants were pleased; and he then instructed Joseph on what to do. He said they should take Egyptian wagons on their journey back to their father in Canaan. Pharaoh would give them much before he was through.

He didn’t want them to be concerned about bringing all their goods, because the best of all the land would be theirs by Pharaoh’s decree. So Joseph provided greatly for their journey; and, in many things, gave more to Benjamin, who he was so happy again to be able to see.

Then the brothers traveled back to Canaan, bringing the wagons and donkeys loaded with gifts from their brother, Joseph, who was alive and not dead. When they told Jacob he was still alive, he was at first stunned and couldn’t believe it. But he finally believed because of the gifts and having heard of all that Joseph had said.

The spirit of their father, Jacob, was revived that day; and he rejoiced that Joseph was alive–and so highly esteemed, by an act of God’s own hand. Jacob made an offering unto God and received visions from Him in the night; and the things relayed in them would be exactly as God had planned.

P. A. Oltrogge

The story of Joseph will conclude in the next post.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

from Genesis 44

When it came time for their departure, Joseph commanded that the brothers’ sacks should be filled–with food and their money, too. But he had his steward put his silver cup into the sack of Benjamin, because he wanted to further test their integrity and what they would do.

At first light of day, the men were sent away with their donkeys and had just gone out of the city, when Joseph sent his steward in pursuit. He told them that Joseph’s silver cup had been stolen; and he needed to search their bags–to find out which of them had taken it as loot.

“Far be it from your servants to do such a thing,” they told him, and again restated their honesty and integrity in coming to Pharaoh’s land. So they lowered their sacks to show their innocence, but were shocked when the cup was found in Benjamin’s, which they couldn’t understand.

So distraught were they, knowing that this would kill their father, that they tore their clothes in despair before returning to the city. Upon arrival again at Joseph’s house, they fell to the ground before him; and Joseph began to accuse them, without showing them any pity.

Then Judah approached Joseph, who was threatening to take Benjamin as his slave and let the others go back to their father in peace. Judah explained, in desperation, the entire story regarding their brother, Benjamin–and his brother, Joseph–who, he said, was deceased.

Repeatedly, he emphasized that he had promised his aged father that his youngest son would be protected and brought back to him for sure. So Joseph saw their sincerity and how his brothers had changed. They showed remorse for their jealousy and motives that were pure.

P. A. Oltrogge

Judah even offered himself as a substitute for punishment so that Benjamin could be free to return to his father. Many years later, Judah’s descendant, Jesus Christ, offered himself as a substitute for our punishment so that we could be free to return to relationship with our heavenly Father.

The story of Joseph will be continued in the next post.