Genesis 45:17 Commentary and Bible Study

Pharoah himself intervenes and adds his seal to Joseph’s benevolence to his family. He commands Joseph himself to speak words of blessing to them in the name of Pharoah. They are to come down to Egypt and enjoy the fat of the land. They need not worry about bringing their possessions with them, for they are about to enter a new land and experience a new life in which all that they want is already provided. Spiritually this parallels the experience of those who enter the kingdom of heaven.Jacob knows that his father will be reluctant to accept the account of the sons, partly because it is so extraordinary, and partly because he has learned not to trust them. But when he sees the wagons he will be convinced of the reality of these things, and will dare to believe.He warns them not to fall out with each other by the way. He knows their former character, and, being brought to repentance, they are to have a new standard of conduct. They must no longer quarrel and argue with each other. They must not blame each other for the past. Rather, they must reflect on the goodness of God. This is the command of the one who has preserved their lives.