Study From the Book of Genesis,45

Today we study chapter 45 of the Book of Genesis. There are two biblical principles and their lessons which I believe they are useful in biblical counselling.

After Joseph had heard the story of his brothers and been assured of their repentance, he wept so loudly that his voice was heard throughout the whole palace. Joseph must have said in Hebrew: “I am joseph.” However, his brothers could not believe their ears. They had sold Joseph as a salve. He would certainly be dead. Coud it be true? The Egyptian lord who held their lives in his hands was their brother!

Joseph realized that his physical appearance, his Egyptian manner, his high position, and his total power over them all conspired his words unbelievable. He told them to come closer so that they could recognise his face and voice. Joseph identified himself as the brother whom they had sold. Fear overcome Joseph’s brothers again. Would Joseph take revenge?

Joseph used kindness to calm his brothers’ fear. He told them God had worked through the brothers’ evil actions and hateful attitudes to preserve not only Jacob’s family, but also the lives of many in the ancient world. Joseph repeated that God had accomplished His good purpose through the evil actions of his brothers.

Joseph told his brothers that they must live in Egypt during the famine.  This was God’s plan, for He had told Abram that his descendants would live in a foreign land (see 15:13-16). With his family close to Joseph, could make sure his family had enough during the famine. Benjamin was Joseph’s only full brother, finally they were reunited. Because Joseph preserved the nation from destruction, Pharaoh was providing the best for Joseph.

Joseph sent his brothers back to his father with Pharaoh’s blessings and gifts. Because Benjamin was at the greatest risk, now he received the greatest blessing. When the brothers back and told their father the great news concerning Joseph, Jacob was stunned. But he revived when he saw the gifts and believed his sons. Jacob could see his favoured son, Joseph whom he had believed to be dead.

Structure:

Verses 1- 28: Joseph revealed to his brothers.

Principle 73 verse 45:4,5: ----” And Joseph said to his brothers, --'Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent ne before you to preserve life’.”

Lesson 73: God calls us to have a forgiving spirit. Knowing that God remains in control of all that happens to us releases us to forgive others.

Principle 74: verse 45:7: ----“And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance---"

Lesson 74: God never asks any of us to sit down and wait idly for Him to vault us into success. God asks us to trust and obey Him day by day and to learn the lessons He sets before us. 26/07/2026