Bible Commentaries

CHAPTER 45 Joseph Reveals Himself

1. He reveals himself (Genesis 45:1-3)

2. His address (Genesis 45:4-13)

3. He kissed his brethren (Genesis 45:14-15)

4. Pharaoh’s command (Genesis 45:16-20)

5. His brethren sent away and their return to Jacob (Genesis 45:21-28)

These three chapters belong together because they lead up to the great climax in the story of Joseph. The nobility of the character of Joseph is here fully brought out. Besides being a wise man, the great statesman of Egypt, he had a heart of tender love. Seven times we read of Joseph that he wept. The trial with the cup, which had been hidden in Benjamin’s sack, was the needful and decisive test. Benjamin had become the object of Jacob’s love. The trial with the cup was to bring out whether they cherished the same bitter feelings against Benjamin which had governed their conduct towards Joseph. Their behaviour now reveals the great change which had taken place. They confess that their iniquity has been found out and Judah, the spokesman, manifests the most affectionate reverence for his old father and the ardent love for his younger brother.

But who is able to describe the scene where Joseph made himself known to his brethren, when they had come the second time? It is a chapter of great tenderness. Some day He who was rejected and disowned by His brethren, the Lord Jesus Christ, will come the second time. Then when the deep anguish, the soul exercise of the Israel of the end time has reached the climax, He will come and they that pierced Him shall look upon Him. He will forgive them their sins and remember them no more (Romans 11:26-27).