December 15, 2023

Genesis 45:16-28 (HCSB)
The Return for Jacob
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and go on back to the land of Canaan. 18 Get your father and your families, and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can eat from the richness of the land.’ 19 You are also commanded, ‘Do this: Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives and bring your father here. 20 Do not be concerned about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’” 21 The sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them provisions for the journey. 22 He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. 23 He sent his father the following: 10 donkeys carrying the best products of Egypt and 10 female donkeys carrying grain, food, and provisions for his father on the journey. 24 So Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Don’t argue on the way.” 25 So they went up from Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They said, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. 27 But when they told Jacob all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to transport him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 Then Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go to see him before I die.”

Neil Andrews
Genesis 45:16-28 presents a profound narrative filled with wisdom that emphasizes the significance of divine timing and the reassurance of God's providence. In these verses, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, urging them to return to their father, Jacob, and bring their households to Egypt to survive the ongoing famine. Pharaoh and Joseph both provided wagons, garments, and provisions as a sign of their support and goodwill. Rabbinical tradition teaches us the importance of recognizing divine timing in our lives.
Joseph's revelation to his brothers comes at a crucial moment when their family faces famine. It underscores that God's plan unfolds in His perfect timing, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. Furthermore, the gifts of wagons and provisions symbolize God's abundant provision for His people. In challenging times, we can trust that God will provide the necessary resources for our journey, just as He did forJacob's family.This passage encourages us to have faith in God's timing and provision. Even in the midst of uncertainty, we can find solace in the belief that God's plan is at work, guiding us on our journey and providing for our needs. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember the rabbinical wisdom of Genesis 45:16-28 and trust in God's perfect timing and abundant provision.