Joseph and His Brothers: Epilog
Joseph called for his father Jacob and the rest of the family to live in Egypt in the third year of the famine. We know this because Joseph told his brothers to tell Jacob and the rest of the family to come to Egypt; “…for yet there are five years of famine;” (Genesis 45:11)
Genesis 47:28 says, “And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years:” Genesis 47:29 also says, “And the time drew nigh that Israel (aka Jacob) must die:” Jacob died in Egypt twelve years after the famine ended. Before he died, Jacob told Joseph to bury him in the same cave in Canaan where Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, as well as Isaac and his wife Rebekah and Jacob’s wife Leah.
The Bible also doesn’t say this, but as Jacob neared death, the older brothers may have started talking between themselves about what would happen to them after Jacob died. Many years had passed since they had sold Joseph into slavery, but they were obviously afraid he was only treating them well for his father’s sake. They feared that after Jacob died, they would be in deep trouble. Apparently, they talked with Jacob about asking Joseph to forgive them, thinking their best hope was to invoke Jacob’s name.
Jacob died. Joseph asked Pharaoh to give him leave to carry out his father’s wishes about his burial. Pharaoh not only granted him leave, but he also sent a contingent of Egyptian dignitaries: “…all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,” (Genesis 50:7) The Canaanites saw the funeral procession and how highly respected Jacob had been in Egypt. They said, “This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians:” (Genesis 50:11)
After Joseph and his brothers returned from Jacob’s burial, his brothers knew that if payback was coming, now would be the time. They said among themselves, “Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.” (Genesis 50:15) They obviously expected some kind of revenge, but they didn’t know how bad it would be.
They sent a messenger to tell Joseph Jacob had asked him to forgive them for what they had done. Genesis 50:18 says, “And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.” Yet Joseph didn’t demand revenge or even give them a stiff-jawed, “I’ll forgive you ONLY for my father’s sake.” Genesis 50:17 says, “And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.”
Joseph said to them, “Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:19-20) God took their wrongdoing and used it to save lives. Joseph also assured them of his mercy. “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” (Genesis 50:20-21)
After Joseph’s great mercy to his brothers, what else could they do but serve him (remember, he was the governor) willingly with loyalty and love? What a great picture of Jesus’ love and mercy! God took the wickedness of man and the cruelty of the cross and turned it into an instrument of love and forgiveness!
Jesus has given us forgiveness of our sins, fellowship with Him, a home in heaven to look forward to, and the greatest purpose in the world to live: to share the gospel of His love and the truths of His word.
Joseph’s love and grace toward his brothers is a picture of Jesus’ great love and mercy toward us. Thinking of our Lord’s continuous love and grace to us helps us to serve Him enthusiastically, If you want to see how to receive Jesus Christ, God the Son, as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 9/14/2023