The Truth Revealed Genesis 45 Alex Poe, Page Forrest, Dana Holt

The Story Joseph reveals himself to his brothers by saying “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" (Gen 45:3) His brothers were frightened. Joseph tells his brothers that he is distressed that they sold him. He then says “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Gen 45:7) Benjamin and Joseph reunite and all of the brothers are happy. The Pharaoh told Joseph to load up his animals and go to Canaan but bring his people back to the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh promised to give Joseph his best land. The Pharaoh gave all of the brothers clothing but Benjamin received 300 shekels of silver and 5 sets of clothing. The sons say “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” (Gen 45:26) and he responded by saying “I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.“(Gen 45:28)

Joseph embraces Benjamin as his brothers look on

Literal Sense Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after asking all the servants to leave. He tells them what became of him and how he came to Egypt. The Pharaoh finds out that Joseph’s brothers are here, and he’s happy about it, so the Pharaoh and Joseph send the brothers home with money and animals to go get his father and bring him to Egypt.

Allegorical Sense Joseph revealing himself to his brothers is like Jesus revealing himself to his apostles after his resurrection. Both the brothers and the apostles were put through trials before the truth was revealed: the brothers had to deal with Benjamin’s imprisonment and the apostles with Jesus’ death. After Joseph and Jesus reveal themselves, there is much rejoicing in both cases. Joseph’s brothers are sent home with riches and to get their brother. The apostles are sent out into the world with God’s Grace to spread the word of Christ.

Anagogical Sense The story of Joseph helps us to know that God will always help us, even if things seem rough. At the lowest points in our life, when it feels as though we have been cast into a pit like Joseph, God will help us out and bless us. Joseph’s story gives us hope because God helped him to go from just one brother out of twelve to the second most powerful man in Egypt.

Moral Sense In the story of Joseph revealing himself to his brother, we should emulate Joseph and his forgiveness of his brothers. At first he wanted to punish them for making him suffer in slavery, but then he revealed himself. We should always forgive people who have wronged us, because we’re missing their presence the entire time we hold a grudge against them.