Genesis: Joseph and his brothers

Joseph and the brothers

text: Genesis 42 – 45

Outline:

A. 42:1-5, Jacob sends the sons to Egypt (Benjamin stays behind)

  B. 42:6-25, First interaction between Joseph and the brothers

    C. 42:26-38, Sacks are full and with gifts

      D. 42:37 – 43:10, Reuben's and Judah's proposition

A'. 43:11-14, Jacob finally agrees to send Benjamin

  B'. 43:12-34, Second interaction between Joseph and the brothers.

    C', 44:1-13, Sacks are “loaded”

      D'.44:14-34, Judah approaches Joseph.

  B''. 45:1-15, Joseph discloses himself

A''. 45:16-28, Family moves to Egypt

Comments: This is the story when the Brothers are driven to Egypt by famine (by God, cp. Genesis 50:20). They have to interact with Joseph. For sure, they didn't recognize him. To begin with, I don't think they expected to be alive. Also, he looked like an Egyptian – shaved, make-up, etc. He is prepared to play a long game with them. As a result of his strategy, they came twice, approaching Joseph three times, making it very Biblical – every testimony is supported by two or three witnesses. At the end, he discloses himself, I'm your brother Joseph (Genesis 45:4).

Jacob sends the brothers. Even though 20 years passed by, the brothers live “around” the father. At some point Judah tried to separate himself – see Genesis 38 – but, apparently, he came back to be a part of the community. What it is important here, is they do not take an initiative to provide for the Family. Not Reuben, nobody (Genesis 42:1-2). It is Jacob who has to command them to go and get the bread – provide life. But his PTSD kicks in and Benjamin stays with the father – no way he is going to send another child of Rachel with these 10...

Brothers and Joseph. There are a few important points here. Fulfillment of the dreams, calling them “the spies,” and tricking them by the expensive gift(s). There is also a tear dropping narrative begins. So, let us take them one points at a time. First, the author of the Book of Genesis points out that Joseph remembered his dreams when brothers came and bowed down to him (Genesis 37:5-7; 42:9). Second, Joseph constantly accuses them being the spies – first of all, he is ready to be a little mean to them. At the same time, they acted like spies toward him in the beginning of the story – the saw him from afar, conspired against him, planning their murderous act (Genesis 37:18-20). Third, as they brought back to Jacob the expensive robe he gave to Joseph, they will bring back the gifts of money Joseph (Genesis 42:35). What does it mean? It means they he put them into a double debt. Now, leaving Simon behind, the only way to return is fulfill Joseph's demand – bring back Benjamin (Genesis 42:18-20).

What should be mentioned here is a series of seven moments when Joseph cries. First one is when the brothers give up Simeon (42:24). Maybe it remind him his own situation, being sold and left behind (Genesis 37:29). Then Joseph cries again – during their second visit, when he invited brothers into his house for a lunch (Genesis 43:30). The tears come because of his brother that he saw for the first time (or for the first time after long-long time, about 22 years). Then he'll cry three times during the “disclosure” scene (chapter 45:2,14,15, see later).

Reuben vs Judah. Two brothers came up with their respective plans how to handle the situation. Reuben offers a murder of two of his sons, if he won't bring back Simon and Benjamin. This shows that he was not the sharpest crayon in a box. Judah offers himself – a self-sacrificial act which at the end will promote him in the eyes of the father (Genesis 49:8-12). Therefore, we should not be surprised that in a critical situation Judah steps up – literally – talking to Joseph (Genesis 44:18).

Disclosure scene. Two things of importance. First, it is the self-sacrificial act of Judah that “breaks the spell” if you will. His willingness to be locked up instead of Benjamin was a sign of a radical change, for it was Judah who came up with idea of selling him to slavery (Genesis 37:26). Joseph sends everyone out of his headquarter (45:1), cries and introduces himself. The way he re-introduced himself deserves a note.

Joseph re-introduces himself to his brothers twice. The first one did not make their lives easier – I'm Joseph. How is MY father? No brotherly warmth, MY father (not your or our father, similar to what the brothers said – is this your son's clothing, Genesis 37:32). Life circled back to them... How is he going to treat them? Slavery? Grain fields? They just realized that the most powerful man in the world is a guys they sold out. So, prison?

Then Joseph comes again, I am Joseph, your brother (Genesis 45:3). Slowly they came to their senses. Hugs, kisses, more hugs, and lots of tears...

Pharaoh extends an invitation for the whole family to come to Egypt. Joseph sponsors their move giving them money – 300 shekels (15 times more than their price for Joseph) – and five changes of clothes. Donkeys, grain, and goods (Genesis 45:22-23). When Jacob learns that Joseph is alive – he is eager to come and see him. That's what we are going to talk next time...