Genesis 50:15-21

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Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church

Overcome an Earthly Mindset

Genesis 50:15–21

Joseph’s brothers still feared retribution for their past actions against him. (15–17)

Jacob had been a powerful unifying influence on his sons and his death could have been the signal for a rapid disintegration of the family. There is no clear record that at this point Joseph’s brothers had asked for forgiveness. The brothers express apprehension about how Joseph will treat them now that their father has died. Will Joseph now unleash his long-restrained resentment? Even though Joseph has already offered words of assurance on this score (Gen. 45:1–15) the brothers do not know if the assurances will hold. 

This is the only passage in which Jacob gives a clear indication that he knows what the brothers did to Joseph. When, where and how Jacob learned of their abandonment of their brother is not clear. What is important is that the patriarch is aware of the terrible and tragic act inflicted on one of his sons and at the hands of his other sons.

Joseph’s brothers displayed a fearful submission before Joseph. Joseph displayed a humble submission before God. (18–19)

In fearful capitulation the brothers come to Joseph, fall down before him and declare, “We are your servants.” The verb “fall down” brings this moment into relation with Joseph’s dreams in chapter 37, where the sheaves of grain and the stars bow down before him. Now Joseph’s dreams of old have come to fruition. For the brothers, the good news is that they are bowing to the brother who is now prepared to forgive them for past wrongs.

Joseph’s question, “Am I in the place of God?” does not of course deny that he had the power of life or death. His point is that when God had shown so clearly his loving and saving purposes could he, Joseph, hinder them by any attack on his brothers? In ways that his brothers still do not see Joseph recognizes how the Lord has worked in and through all of his trials and travails. Indeed out of the challenging circumstances he has thrived and saved the lives of many. Now it is Joseph’s desire and duty to provide for the whole family, putting away the sins of the past.

Joseph has the right perspective; he had an awareness of God’s involvement in all he experienced. (20–21)

It is important to note Joseph does not minimize the seriousness of his brothers’ sins. Although their intentions were evil, the brothers are assured that that their actions have been drawn into God’s larger purposes for goodness and these purposes have prevailed. 

The God who created the world and called it good is about life and its preservation in and through all things. By clearly naming the brothers’ actions as evil — something not done in chapter 45:3–9 — Joseph makes the matter public. His positive action has their behaviors in clear view and the brothers now know the evil they have done is no longer counted against them.

Joseph comforts his brothers and speaks kindly to them. He assures them he will provide for them with special attention to the children and hence their future. This involves not mere words but practical aid. Interestingly the brothers do not respond. However, verses 24–25 assume a positive response. One cannot help but suppose they are struck silent by the grace being shown to them. Might we be similarly struck when we consider Christ’s grace toward us?

The theme of goodness in Genesis comes full circle here. In Genesis 1, God created everything “very good.” Though humanity corrupted that original goodness, God has been working to restore that goodness through our tainted lives and history. Though we continue to commit evil, God is working it toward the good and ultimately toward the great goodness that awaits us at the end of life and history.