If we were in Joseph's shoes, we might begin our message to our father by saying, "I am alive!" or "Those scoundrels, my brothers, sold me into slavery, but my dreams came true, and I am the Prime Minister of Egypt." Instead, he begins with God.
Joseph had emphasized that God had sent him to Egypt "to preserve and save." Now, the great administrator swings into action and starts issuing instructions. Joseph has been thinking about a possible reunion with his family for a long time and he has a plan. Joseph has picked out a place for his family: Goshen.
But Joseph needs to ensure the message will be delivered to his father and communicated accurately. Yes, the brothers have repented but have yet to prove themselves trustworthy. So, he calls upon his brother Benjamin who will vouch to his father that it is indeed Joseph who sends the message. It is not a trick by that austere Egyptian ruler to confiscate their wealth.
At last, the emotional embrace—hugging the neck, kissing, and weeping. But notice only Joseph and Benjamin weep. The older brothers do not. Why not? It has to do with something in Joseph's speech that would give the brothers pause. When Joseph says, "Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, Joseph your son says…" it means that they have to face the music—they must confess their sins to Dad.
The first report to Pharaoh was of Joseph weeping. It sounded the alarm bells among Joseph's staff and the palace. Now, Pharaoh and his court learn the reason for all the commotion. Joseph has been reunited with his brothers. Pharaoh gladly placed his stamp of approval on Joseph's invitation for them to move to Egypt.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
