Genesis 45:3–11

Bible Studies for Life 
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church

Overcome Bitterness

Genesis 45:3–11

Forgiveness does not mean we forget the past. (3–4)

Judah’s speech on behalf of Benjamin is so moving that Joseph can no longer control his emotions. Standing alone with his brothers, Joseph reveals his identity. In view of Judah’s speech Joseph asks if their father is really still alive. (“Life” could refer simply to good health.)

Some interpreters identify this part of the story as a “gospel disclosure”: the dead one is alive. The abandoned one has returned in power. In the case of Joseph’s family, they now have to live with the reality of a live, powerful, ruling Joseph. Taking this “gospel disclosure” motif a step further, the terror and astonishment of the brothers is not unlike that of the early church with the discovery of the live Jesus (Mark 16:8). The family’s world has been irreversibly changed just as the entire world is changed with the reality of the resurrection.

Joseph asks his brothers to come closer not to see him more closely but to cross a barrier from distance and injustice to reunion and forgiveness. He identifies himself further by recalling their shared story and going directly to the heart of the issue: You sold me into Egypt.

Forgiveness focuses on the future. (5–8)

Joseph’s next comment proves decisive. He senses his brothers are frightened, distressed and angry with each other. They are wondering what this shocking news means for their future. Joseph does not scold them or blame them. Rather he allays their fears by making a bold faith proclamation. Joseph assures the brothers that in spite of their past history all will be well because what has happened has been used by God for His purposes. Joseph invites the brothers (and invites us) to view the past from the perspective of the present. The difficult past can be interpreted as having a positive dimension. The Sovereign God has “taken over” what they have done and used it to bring about this good end. Their actions have become God’s by being woven into His life-giving, reconciling purposes. What is more, even Pharaoh’s actions — including elevating Joseph as prime minister — have become God’s.

There is a wonderful salvific theme here. Joseph has helped a remnant of “lost” and hungry people to be saved from years of famine. One hears echoes of Christ’s story that comes later. Like Joseph, Jesus came to a foreign country and He was abused by His “brothers.” Like Joseph, Jesus was stripped of His coat. But instead of being thrown into a pit and then sold into slavery, Jesus was thrown on the ground and nailed to a cross. Yet like Joseph’s story what was meant for evil against Jesus, God turned around for good. God took that cross and by it sins were forgiven and lives were saved. And lives are still being saved.

Forgiveness seeks good for the forgiven. (9–11)

Joseph now seeks to preserve and protect his family in a way that reflects God’s gracious providence. Joseph acts as father, lord and ruler (all used as images for God in the Old Testament). Joseph tells his brothers to hurry home, report these events to their father, return with family and possessions and settle in the land of Goshen near him. The land of Goshen was a fertile area of Egypt where Jacob’s family and their descendants could live close to one another without fear. Joseph assures them that he will provide for all their needs — adults, children and animals — during the continuing famine.

As followers of Christ we are aliens in a foreign world. Nevertheless our Father, Lord and Ruler sees to our own needs as we pass through this land. All the more by His own suffering we have been restored as part of His family. As such we can live our days without fear and we can tell others the good news of the God who works all things for good.