Genesis 45:9 Commentary and Bible Study

All this time they are still silent before him in disbelief. How could the boy who was so helpless and unable to defend himself have become such a ruler? This must indeed be God’s doing. He urges them to go back and collect their father and bring him to Egypt where they will all be given the best that the land has to offer. They will be assigned their own territory and they will be protected throughout the remainder of the famine, for it is not yet over. They are only two years into the seven years of dearth. They are to tell Jacob that Joseph thanks God for what has happened to him – he is still a worshipper of the one true God. Even after more than twenty years his faith has not slipped. Furthermore, by coming down to Egypt, father and beloved son would be reunited again.They can see it is indeed Joseph now that they look closer. Even Benjamin, his beloved younger brother, who was a mere baby when Joseph was sold, hears what he says and knows this must be Joseph. Only Joseph could know and say these things. They are forced to believe what would otherwise seem incredible. They must take the message back to Joseph’s father, and convince him. They must hurry to bring him down in order to preserve his life and the lives of all their children. Joseph shows his skill at dealing with other human beings in gently leading them to see the truth of what he said. He did not tell his brothers to confess what they had done to him, but he knew it would eventually come out.They are given Goshen, an area in the north east of the Nile delta, a most fertile area, to dwell in. Jacob need not hesitate to come for the family will be well provided for.