Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
Joseph and His
Brothers – Genesis Chapters 37, 39, 40, 41 and 42
There was a rift
in the nation of Israel. Joseph and his brothers were estranged because the
older brothers of Joseph envied Joseph. Why? Joseph carelessly shared his
dreams of global leadership with them. Secondly, their father loved Joseph more
and what began as envy progressed to hatred – they did not speak peaceably with
him.
His brothers came
to buy grain in Egypt in Egypt. Joseph recognized them but they did not
recognize Joseph. The healing process had begun. Joseph could have chosen to be
vindictive, throw them in prison for life, refuse them grain and send them away
empty handed to die of hunger and starvation, kill them on trumped up charges.
He did not tow any of these paths rather he tested them and when he saw that
they were repentant, the Bible records that Joseph turned away from them and
wept (Genesis Chapter 42 verses 21 to 26). He also filled their sacks with
grain, returned their money and gave them provisions for the journey. Joseph
was not the only one being healed. His brothers were also being healed. Deep
conviction of sin for the way they treated Joseph had come upon them. They
regretted their actions. So there was acknowledgment of sins and repentance on
the part of his brothers and forgiveness on the part of Joseph who did not hold
any grudges against them. Yet, he tested them again. He deliberately put his silver
cup in Benjamin’s sack and sent his steward after them. The brothers almost
died when the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. They opted to serve as slaves
in Benjamin’s place and when Joseph insisted that the rest of them could return
to Canaan, Judah offered to serve as a slave to Joseph just so Benjamin could
be free to return to his father. At that point, Joseph realized that his
brothers were changed men and he made himself known to them. Were they afraid?
Definitely! But Joseph told them they were serving the purpose of God when they
sold him to Egypt for indeed God was the One who sent him to Egypt in order to
preserve their own lives as the famine was also severe in Canaan. He advised
them not to blame each other. He then wept over them, kissed them and gave them
gifts.
Healing had taken
place in the nation of Israel – there was no longer a rift; the brothers were on their way to Canaan to bring their
father, children and wives to Egypt so as to be spared the ravages of famine.
They indeed relocated, God restored and expanded them and even when the
brothers expressed fear that Joseph might turn against them after the death of
their father, Joseph reassured them of his willingness to continue to provide
for them and protect them. They were one people, one nation unified by the love
of God, a nation healed of envy, jealousy, hatred and bitterness.
All the talk about
his honor in Egypt, the reassurance of his love and commitment to his brothers
was aimed at healing the rift in the family and nation, restoring the minds of
his brothers from the shame and guilt of their wrongdoing.
In the discussion
between Joseph and his brother in Genesis Chapter 45 verses 3 to 24, Joseph
embarked on a mental healing speech (Proverbs Chapters 12 verse 18; 10 verses
11, 20 to 21, 31 to 32 Isaiah Chapter 50
verses 4 to 5) that would dispel the guilt and shame felt and expressed by his
brothers.
The Bible says
they were dismayed in his presence. That is to say they were worried and sad –
their sin had caught up with them – the Joseph they spitefully sold into
slavery had become a leader and lord over them and right there and then had
great authority over them and could do with them as he desired. But Joseph was
not a vindictive person – he did not harbor bitterness or resentment in his
heart against them. He still loved his brothers despite what they did to him.
He therefore sought to allay their fears and reassure them of his love and
commitment to their well being. That explains why Joseph asked his brothers to
come near him. He also advised them not to be angry or grieved with each other
because of their action in selling him for though they were the ones who
carried out the physical act, it was actually the plan of God to have in Egypt
at that point in time “for God sent me before you to preserve life” (verse 6).
After informing
them that there were still five years of famine, he reiterated the fact that
God was the one at work when they sold him to Egypt (verses 7 to 8). To
demonstrate his love for them, he asked them to hurry back to Canaan and
relocate to Egypt. He also hugged and kissed them and wept and gave them gifts.
Finally, he cautioned them not to quarrel amongst themselves on the way (verse
24).
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