Genesis 45:13
Tell my father about all my splendor in Egypt and everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."
Tell my father
This phrase highlights Joseph's deep longing for reconciliation and connection with his family, particularly his father, Jacob. The Hebrew word for "tell" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which implies making something known or declaring it openly. Joseph's desire to communicate with his father reflects the importance of family ties and the restoration of broken relationships, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. It underscores the value of truth and transparency in familial bonds.

about all my splendor in Egypt
The word "splendor" in Hebrew is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), often translated as "glory" or "honor." Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is a testament to God's providence and favor. His splendor is not merely about wealth or status but signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the manifestation of His divine plan. This phrase invites reflection on how God can elevate His faithful servants, even in foreign lands, to positions of influence for His purposes.

and everything you have seen
Joseph urges his brothers to share their firsthand experiences of his life in Egypt. The emphasis on "everything" suggests a comprehensive testimony, reinforcing the authenticity of Joseph's transformation and God's work in his life. This phrase encourages believers to bear witness to God's faithfulness and the miracles they have witnessed, serving as a powerful testament to His sovereignty and grace.

And bring my father down here quickly
The urgency in Joseph's request is palpable. The Hebrew word for "quickly" is "מַהֵר" (maher), indicating haste and eagerness. Joseph's longing to reunite with his father reflects the urgency of love and the desire for family unity. It also symbolizes the swiftness with which God's plans can unfold, urging believers to respond promptly to His call and to prioritize reconciliation and unity within their own families.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is now a powerful leader in Egypt. He reveals his identity to his brothers and instructs them to inform their father, Jacob, of his status and to bring him to Egypt.

2. Jacob (Israel)
Joseph's father, who has been mourning the loss of Joseph for many years, believing him to be dead. Joseph's message is intended to bring him joy and reunite the family.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power as the second-in-command under Pharaoh. It represents both a place of refuge and a place of testing for the Israelites.

4. Joseph's Brothers
They are the messengers tasked with delivering the news of Joseph's status to their father. Their journey reflects themes of reconciliation and redemption.

5. Pharaoh's Court
The setting where Joseph's authority and splendor are evident, showcasing God's providence in elevating Joseph to a position of influence.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Providence
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is a testament to God's control over circumstances. Believers can trust that God is working behind the scenes for their good and His glory.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers and seek reconciliation is a powerful example for Christians to follow in their relationships.

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's life encourages believers to hold fast to God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire or confusing.

The Importance of Family
Joseph's desire to reunite with his father highlights the value of family and the joy of restored relationships.

Witnessing God's Work
Joseph instructs his brothers to tell of his splendor, reminding believers to share testimonies of God's work in their lives with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's account illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and providence in our lives today?

2. In what ways can Joseph's example of forgiveness and reconciliation be applied to conflicts in your own life?

3. How does Joseph's faith in God's promises challenge you to trust God in difficult circumstances?

4. What can we learn from Joseph's desire to reunite with his family about the importance of maintaining and restoring family relationships?

5. How can you share your own experiences of God's work in your life with others, as Joseph instructed his brothers to do?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
The beginning of Joseph's account, where his dreams and his brothers' jealousy set the stage for his journey to Egypt.

Genesis 50:20
Joseph's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in turning his brothers' evil intentions into good, which parallels his current position of power.

Exodus 1:8-14
The eventual enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, which contrasts with Joseph's initial favor and highlights the cyclical nature of God's deliverance.

Romans 8:28
The New Testament affirmation that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, reflecting Joseph's life account.

Hebrews 11:22
Joseph's faith is commended, emphasizing his trust in God's promises even in foreign lands.
Darkness Turned into LightR.A. Redford Genesis 45:1-15
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 45:9-13
People
Benjamin, Egyptians, Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Goshen
Topics
Accorded, Bring, Declared, Egypt, Glory, Haste, Hasted, Hasten, Hither, Honour, Hurry, Quickly, Splendor
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 45:5-15

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Library
Sermon
"And God has thus sent me before you to prepare for you a permanence on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."--Genesis xlv., v. 7. In a time of effort, suffering and grief such as this country has never before known, it is well that we should have frequent occasions for a review of the position in which we stand for a strengthening of our sinews to continue the struggle in the spirit of the high and noble resolve which induced our participation in it. This week-end will be a
B. N. Michelson—No. 4, Intersession

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
"And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die."--Genesis 45:28. I THINK THAT THE PATRIARCH JACOB may well serve as the type and emblem of a doubting soul, one who has been told the good news of salvation, the gospel of God's grace, but who cannot bring his mind to believe it. Let us think for a few minutes of old Jacob. First of all, he was a man who was very ready to believe evil tidings. When his sons held up before him a coat dipped in the blood
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

Jesus and his Brethren
"Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 43: 1897

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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