Genesis 45 Commentary
There are several very emotional points in Joseph’s story. Chapter 45 brings you tears, literally. The emotions climax here. Joseph makes himself known. The brothers are stunned! But Joseph knows far more than the immediate emotions of reunion or of even possible past recollections to be distracted.
The LORD sent him (via the brothers’ cruelty) to Egypt for a purpose. It is this knowledge that brings healing and peace for everyone. If only we knew the purposes of God for our lives! The pain and suffering we often go through would become insignificant.
And who wouldn’t love Joseph! Earlier we heard Joseph say it’s God who interprets dreams. Here Joseph says that his rough and cruel trip to Egypt was at God’s command. He further says that the LORD had made him father to Pharaoh and lord over his entire household. This man thinks and believes that in all things and by all things, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 NIV.
Pharaoh’s reaction to the arrival of Joseph’s brothers has volumes on it. Joseph is a good man and is hugely liked by the palace. This is only possible because Pharaoh himself appreciates the God of Joseph. This is an ideal situation where the nations begin to see the LORD through our lives and get blessed.
Again, remember the Abrahamic blessing. “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 12vs3.
Pharaoh has blessed Joseph and he, himself gets blessed. His nation is saved and the palace is enriched via Joseph’s commercial machinery.
Joseph stresses the reason for his presence in Egypt. Events that appear random and completely human…and actually out of anyone’s control (especially God’s control – so we think) are actually elements in God’s grand plan.
There are many times when we feel like everyone else is around apart from God. The truth is the other way around; God is around in everyone else’s presence! Everyone else is a piece in God’s master plan. That includes your enemies! We see that the LORD is present at all times, directing the movie towards His purposes.
Joseph no longer thinks of fame….that the brothers have actually bowed down to him. His focus is on a much bigger picture – the saving of many. As for Israel (Jacob), the LORD provisions for him in this very complex process which only becomes clear at the right time – when the Master Artist has finished His work and the completed work is displayed. Remember that the story of Joseph is still an account of Jacob.
How every man wants the story of his children to be his story – especially the sweet parts of it!
Reading the story of Jacob is like watching an ever-interesting movie. It never disappoints. The suspense is emotionally consuming. The brilliance of storytelling is unmatched. Except in this case, every bit of it is real-life experience in its raw form. And it’s not meant for cameras!
Our emotions are fully engaged at every point. You simultaneously love and hate Jacob. You feel for Esau but at the same time, you scold a man who sells his birthright for a bowl of soup!
Through these emotions, the LORD is taking us through our own lives. The holy script allows us to laugh at our own stupidity when we sin over nothing (and always for nothing); or hate our inability to wait for the LORD’S promises. We scorn our ungodly ambitions and love our correct decisions. We are encouraged when we can reflect on the LORD’S ‘back office’ work.
Jacob’s life is refreshed with the news of Joseph. It’s impossible to describe his emotions. The recovery of a son he once loved was clearly beyond his dreams. Joseph was to Jacob what a newlyborn son is to a young couple. The investment in the hope and anticipation of posterity through Joseph wasn’t after all lost. The aged Jacob quickly makes the trip to see Joseph. The pieces are all there coming together. Bethel is here once again….the LORD is in this place, and I knew it not.
We have seen the LORD of Bethel more clearly in these closing pages.
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