Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Joseph Recognizes his Brethren

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Background and Context

The narrative of Joseph recognizing his brethren unfolds in the Book of Genesis, chapters 42 to 45. This account is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it marks the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers and the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt. This event is set against the backdrop of a severe famine that affected the entire region, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided.

Joseph's Rise to Power

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:28). Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier. His ability to interpret dreams, particularly Pharaoh's dreams predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, led to his appointment to oversee the land's preparations for the impending scarcity (Genesis 41:39-41).

The Brothers' Journey to Egypt

As the famine spread, Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain, keeping Benjamin, the youngest, at home (Genesis 42:1-4). Upon their arrival, Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him (Genesis 42:7-8). Joseph's initial interactions with them were marked by a series of tests designed to discern their character and repentance for their past actions.

Joseph's Tests and Revelation

Joseph accused his brothers of being spies and imprisoned them for three days. He then demanded that they bring Benjamin to Egypt to prove their honesty, keeping Simeon as a hostage (Genesis 42:14-20). The brothers, reflecting on their predicament, expressed remorse for their treatment of Joseph, unaware that he understood their language (Genesis 42:21-23).

Upon their return to Canaan, the brothers recounted their experiences to Jacob, who reluctantly allowed Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt (Genesis 43:11-14). When they returned, Joseph hosted a feast, during which he showed special favor to Benjamin, further testing his brothers' attitudes (Genesis 43:33-34).

The final test involved Joseph secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, accusing them of theft (Genesis 44:1-12). Judah's heartfelt plea for Benjamin's release, offering himself as a substitute, demonstrated a profound change in the brothers' character (Genesis 44:18-34).

Joseph Reveals His Identity

Moved by Judah's plea, Joseph could no longer contain his emotions and revealed his identity to his brothers. "I am Joseph," he declared, asking if his father was still alive (Genesis 45:3). His brothers were initially dismayed, but Joseph reassured them, attributing his journey to God's providence: "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5).

Theological Significance

Joseph's recognition of his brothers and the subsequent reconciliation is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace. It highlights themes of forgiveness, repentance, and divine providence. Joseph's ability to see God's hand in his suffering and his willingness to forgive his brothers prefigures the redemptive work of Christ, who offers forgiveness and reconciliation to humanity.

Migration to Egypt

Following the reconciliation, Joseph invited his family to settle in Egypt to survive the remaining years of famine. Pharaoh himself extended an invitation, offering them the best of the land (Genesis 45:17-20). Jacob, upon hearing the news, was overjoyed and set out for Egypt, where he was reunited with Joseph (Genesis 46:29-30).

This migration set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and the subsequent Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history. The account of Joseph and his brothers serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the lineage of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 42:7,8
And Joseph saw his brothers, and he knew them, but made himself strange to them, and spoke roughly to them; and he said to them, From where come you? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xlviii
... leaves the assurance with Joseph that Egypt is not ... His power ('Eloh??m) will bring
back Israel's children "to ... has a last bequest for his favourite son Joseph. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... a place for you in the time of famine." So sings the Psalmist, "He sent a man before
them, even Joseph, who was ... Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Chapter xxvi
... Isaac may actually have contemplated a temporary sojourn in Egypt. ... shall at least
occasionally be rid of Israel's yoke ... in the case of the sale of Joseph and the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... in North Africa, there occurred in Egypt and Palestine a ... brethren to be ambassadors
to bear his deprecatory supplication ... see what key: "Men of Israel, let what ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... Had he written in Egypt, as Chrysostom thinks, we can ... seed of Abraham and king of
Israel, Luke traces it ... of Joseph, and Luke that of Mary, Joseph being called ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... synods that in those things which are less understood one recognizes their authority ...
against this prohibition, let him be separated from all his brethren and be ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... say that Jesus indeed was born of Joseph and Mary ... of God, you are the King of Israel."
[1035] Peter ... and became] subject to Pharaoh, who then reigned in Egypt? ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... to brand us with the stain of this false teaching by speaking to some of our brethren,
and he repeats this by various letters, according to his recognized plan ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /