Joseph forgives his brothers
Genesis 45:1-15
Because of the famine, Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt to buy grain, and they did not recognize him. Joseph put them to the test, and Judah offered himself as a slave in place of Benjamin. Then Joseph, in tears, told them who he was, embraced them, and told them that God had sent him to save their lives. Genesis 45:1-15
The story, in plain words
The famine reached Canaan too. Ten of Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt to buy grain; Jacob kept Benjamin at home. Genesis 42:3-5
The brothers came before Joseph and bowed down to him. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him. He spoke harshly to them and accused them of being spies. Genesis 42:6-9
He told them that if they wanted him to believe them, they had to bring him their youngest brother. Genesis 42:20
The brothers said to one another that they were paying for what they had done to Joseph. Joseph understood them; he turned away and wept. Genesis 42:21-24 Later, Judah asked…
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See the mapWhat the Bible says
Genesis 45:1-15
1Joseph could no longer refrain himself before many that stood by: whereupon he commanded that all should go out, and no stranger be present at their knowing one another. 2And he lifted up his voice with weeping, which the Egyptians and all the house of Pharao heard. 3And he said to his brethren: I am Joseph: is my father yet living? His brethren could not answer him, being struck with exceeding great fear. 4And he said mildly to them: Come nearer to me. And when they were come near him, he said: I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5Be not afraid, and let it not seem to you a hard case that you sold me into these countries: for God sent me before you into Egypt for your preservation. 6For it is two years since the famine began to be upon the land, and five years more remain, wherein there can be neither ploughing nor reaping. 7And God sent me before, that you may be preserved upon the earth, and may have food to live. 8Not by your counsel was I sent hither, but by the will of God: who hath made me as it were a father to Pharao, and lord of his whole house, and governor in all the land of Egypt. 9Make haste, and go ye up to my father, and say to him: Thus saith thy son Joseph: God hath made me lord of the whole land of Egypt: come down to me, linger not. 10And thou shalt dwell in the land of Gessen: and thou shalt be near me, thou and thy sons, and thy sons’ sons, thy sheep, and thy herds, and all things that thou hast. 11And there I will feed thee, (for there are yet five years of famine remaining), lest both thou perish, and thy house, and all things that thou hast. 12Behold, your eyes, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaketh to you. 13You shall tell my father of all my glory, and all things that you have seen in Egypt: make haste and bring him to me. 14And falling upon the neck of his brother Benjamin, he embraced him and wept: and Benjamin in like manner wept also on his neck. 15And Joseph kissed all his brethren, and wept upon every one of them: after which they were emboldened to speak to him.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
To talk about together
- Joseph could have taken revenge on his brothers, and he chose to forgive them. What do you think helped him?
- Judah, the one who suggested selling Joseph, now offers himself in place of Benjamin. What changed in him?
- For the child: who is it hard for you to forgive? What could you do?