Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren

◄ Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context:

The narrative of Joseph making himself known to his brethren is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of Israel's sojourn in Egypt. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 42 to 45. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier during a time of severe famine.

Joseph's Rise to Power:

Joseph's journey to power began with his ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God that first manifested during his time in prison. His accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, led to his appointment as overseer of Egypt's grain storage and distribution. Genesis 41:39-41 records Pharaoh's acknowledgment of Joseph's wisdom: "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.'"

The Famine and the Brothers' Journey to Egypt:

As the famine spread, it affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. In need of food, Jacob sent his sons, excluding Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. Unbeknownst to them, they would encounter Joseph, whom they did not recognize. Joseph, however, recognized his brothers and decided to test them to see if they had changed since the time they sold him into slavery.

Joseph's Tests and Revelation:

Joseph's initial interactions with his brothers were marked by a series of tests. He accused them of being spies, imprisoned Simeon, and demanded that they bring Benjamin to Egypt as proof of their honesty. The brothers' distress and guilt over their past actions became evident, as they recalled their treatment of Joseph. Genesis 42:21 captures their remorse: "Then they said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.'"

Upon their return with Benjamin, Joseph hosted a meal for them, during which he continued to conceal his identity. However, when he could no longer contain his emotions, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in a dramatic and emotional scene. Genesis 45:3-5 describes this moment: "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?' But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come near me.' And they did so. 'I am Joseph, your brother,' he said, 'the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.'"

Theological Significance:

Joseph's revelation to his brothers is rich with theological significance. It highlights themes of forgiveness, divine providence, and reconciliation. Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers and recognize God's hand in his journey underscores the biblical principle that God can bring good out of human evil. This event also sets the stage for the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, where they would grow into a great nation, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.

Implications for Israel's History:

The reunion of Joseph with his family and their subsequent settlement in Egypt marks the beginning of Israel's sojourn in a foreign land. This period of prosperity and growth eventually leads to the Israelites' enslavement, setting the stage for the Exodus. Joseph's account serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 45:1-8
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 to his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Grace of God Precedes or Follows Our Good Will.
... in order to bring about the descent of the children of Israel into Egypt, and that ...
might be made for them against the famine to come: as Joseph shows when ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xi whether the grace.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... the home of "Adam's primitive language." Joseph speaks Hebrew ... The Jews in Egypt,
if we may believe the ... the elevated position ascribed to the nation of Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Acts VII
... in Egypt, (18) until another king arose who knew not Joseph. ... wonders and signs in
the land of Egypt, and in ... Moses who said to the children of Israel, A prophet ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... of the humiliation, sufferings and exaltation of Joseph correspond to ... no mention
of the bondage in Egypt nor of ... and guidance are not confined to Israel but are ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Chapter xlvi
... be, to convey information to Pharaoh chiefly concerning the arrival of Israel in
Egypt. ... For Joseph is dealing with a somewhat delicate situation, the key to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is your's. And
the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... have assisted the shepherd kings under whom Joseph has risen ... task of leaving Midian
and championing the cause of Israel. ... the death of the king of Egypt and the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... four hundred years were passed, nay more, in Egypt. ... their own interests, both he
and Joseph, in order ... his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

Chapter l
... And Joseph imposed an oath upon the children of Israel saying: When ... And Joseph died
at the age of one hundred and ten ... him and put him in a mummy case in Egypt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... of the descendants of Jacob in the land of Egypt when, after ... arose up a new king
who knew not Joseph"; and in his days the children of Israel had "increased ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm