Genesis 45-46: Joseph Reveals Himself to his brothers and Father and Pharaoh Gives a Great Gift
Genesis 45 and 46 are two chapters that tell of great reunifications between Joseph and his brothers and then with his father. Of note, Jacob travels to Egypt after the reunification with all of his offspring.
Among the things he tells his brothers, Joseph told him the Pharaoh had made him Lord of all Egypt. The Pharaoh was so happy at the reunification of Joseph with his Brothers he gave Joseph “the best of Egypt” to take with him on his return to Canaan.
Genesis 45-46 Summary
Genesis 45-46 tells of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers. When he tells them he is their brother, he also tells them that the Pharaoh has made him the Lord of all Egypt, and that the famine will go on for another five years.
The Pharaoh orders Joseph to return to Canaan with his brothers to see his father. He says Joseph can take with him all the best of Egypt, and in a period of famine, they were loaded down with all kinds of food for their caravan to Canaan.
Upon arrival in Canaan, Joseph has a tearful reunion with Jacob. Joseph tells Jacob that the Pharaoh would like him to travel to Egypt. God also intervenes. He speaks to Jacob in a dream and tells him to go to Egypt with all of his offspring and a great nation will be made of them.
Jacob then goes to Egypt with his family. He has 70 descendants. Pharaoh greets him warmly. Most of the rest of the passage is a genealogy of Jacob’s family, so we know exactly how many people went to Egypt with Jacob.
Devotionals & Expressions of Faith
With both of these reunions, there were, as you might imagine, a lot of tears shed. One thing that is also noteworthy is the great expressions of faith and reverence shown, particularly by Joseph. Repeatedly, Genesis says that God is with Joseph; he not only kept the faith but shows everyone the strength of his faith.
Symbolism and Meaning
The reunification between Joseph and his brothers, and then his father, is quite symbolic. It is a happy ending to a long story. It is also a bad story, as Joseph’s brothers try to kill him, drop him into a pit, then sell him into slavery in Egypt.
Modern Relevance
These meetings also have non-trivial modern relevance. They show that good triumphs over evil in the end. That is a fact that is relevant to all of us as we have struggles in our lives and need some encouragement, which we can glean from these chapters in Genesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The topic of the two chapters of Genesis is Joseph announcing himself to his brothers. Then, at the urging of the Pharaoh, to his father.
This story originates from the book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible.
Every religious faith has stories of reconciliation and stories where good triumphs over evil. So, there is no doubt that they will view these reconciliations favorably.
The topic is especially important today. We live in dark days, so it is good to be reminded that things always turn out positive in the end.
Parting Shots
Joseph has been the subject of several chapters of Genesis, a long story. It culminates in a reunion between him and his brothers and then his father. There is an important lesson for us in these reunions. Namely, we learn that good triumphs over evil in the end. Soon we will be done with the book of Genesis, then we will move to the next book, the book of Exodus.
