Albert Barnes Commentary Genesis 45

1. גשׁן gôshen — Goshen, Gesem (Arabias related perhaps to גשׁם geshem “rain, shower”), a region on the borders of Egypt and Arabia, near the Gulf of Suez.

The appeal of Judah is irresistible to Joseph. The repentance of his brothers and their attachment to Benjamin have been demonstrated in the most satisfactory manner. This is all that Joseph sought. It is evident throughout the whole narrative that he never aimed at exercising any supremacy over his brothers. As soon as he has obtained an affecting proof of the right disposition of his brothers, he no longer conceals himself. And the speech of Judah, in which, no doubt, his brothers concurred, does equal credit to his head and heart.

Joseph now reveals to his brothers the astonishing fact that he himself, their long-lost brother, stands before them. Judah has painted the scene at home vividly, and Joseph can hold out no longer. He commanded, Have every man out from me. Delicacy forbids the presence of strangers during this unrestrained outburst of tender emotion among the brothers. Besides, the workings of conscience, bringing up recollections of the past and the errors to which some reference is now unavoidable, are not to be unveiled to the public eye.

He lifted up his voice in weeping. The expression of feelings is free and uncontrolled in a simple and primitive state of society. This still prevails in the East. And Mizraim heard; the Egyptians of Joseph’s household would hear, and report to others, this unusual utterance of deep feeling. I am Joseph. The natural voice, the native tongue, the long-remembered features—all would suddenly strike the apprehension of the brothers.

The remembrance of their crime, the absolute power of Joseph, and the justice of revenge would rush upon their minds. No wonder they were silent and troubled at his presence. Is my father yet alive? This question shows where Joseph’s thoughts were. He had been repeatedly assured of his father’s welfare. But the long absence and the yearning of a fond heart bring the question up again. It was reassuring to the brothers, as it was far away from any thought of their fault or their punishment. Come near unto me. Joseph sees the trouble of his brothers and discerns its cause.

He addresses them a second time and plainly refers to the fact of their having sold him. He points out that this was overruled by God for the saving of life; and, therefore, that it was not they, but God who had mercifully sent him to Egypt to preserve all their lives. For these two years. From this, we perceive that the sons of Jacob obtained a supply on the first occasion that was sufficient for a year. God’s purpose was To leave to you a remnant in the land.

This is usually and most naturally referred to a surviving portion of their race. Joseph was made a Father to Pharaoh; a second author of life to him. Having touched very slightly on their transgression and endeavored to divert their thoughts to the wonderful providence of God displayed in the whole affair, he lastly preoccupies their minds with the duty and necessity of bringing down their father and all their families to dwell in Egypt, In the land of Goshen. This was a pasture land on the borders of Egypt and Arabia, perhaps at some distance from the Nile, and watered by the showers of heaven, like their own valleys.

He then appeals to their recollections and senses, whether he was not their very brother Joseph. My mouth that speaketh unto you; not by an interpreter, but with his own lips and in their native tongue. Having made this needful and reassuring explanation, he breaks through all distance, falls upon Benjamin’s neck and kisses him, and all his other brothers; after which their hearts are soothed, and they speak freely with him. (Genesis 45:1–15)

The news that Joseph’s brothers have come reaches Pharaoh’s ears and calls forth a cordial invitation for them to come and settle in Egypt. It was good in the eyes of Pharaoh. They highly esteemed Joseph on his own account. That he should prove to be a member of a respectable family and have the pleasure of meeting his nearest relatives again were circumstances that afforded them genuine gratification.

Pharaoh offers them the good of the land of Mizraim—the good which it produces. Wagons were provided; two-wheeled carts, fit for driving over the rough country where roads were not yet formed. Pharaoh added, Let not your eye care for your stuff; meaning their houses or pieces of furniture that must be left behind. The family of Jacob thus comes to Egypt, not by conquest or purchase, but by hospitable invitation, as free, independent visitors or settlers. As they were free to come or not, so were they free to stay or leave. (Genesis 45:16–20)

The brothers joyfully accept Pharaoh’s hospitable invitation and begin the necessary arrangements for their journey. The phrase The sons of Israel includes Joseph, who had his own part to perform in the proposed arrangement. They acted At the mouth of Pharaoh, as he had authorized Joseph to do. Joseph gave them Changes of raiment—fine clothing for special or happy occasions. To Benjamin, he gives special marks of fraternal affection, which no longer excite any jealous feeling among the brothers, as their reasonableness is obvious.

Joseph also told them not to Fall out on the way. The original word means to be stirred by any passion, whether fear or anger, and interpreters explain it as they conceive the circumstances and the context require. The English version corresponds with the Septuagint ὀργίζεσθε orgizesthe and with Onkelos. It refers, perhaps, to the little flashes of heat, impatience, and contention that are accustomed to disturb the harmony of companions in the East, who behave sometimes like overgrown children. Such outbursts often lead to disastrous consequences. Joseph’s exile arose from petty jealousies among brothers. (Genesis 45:21–24)

The returning brothers inform their father of Joseph’s existence and elevation in Egypt. The aged patriarch is overcome for the moment but at length awakens to a full apprehension of the joyful news. His heart fainted—ceased to beat for a time, fluttered, sank within him. The news was too good for him to venture all at once to believe it. But the words of Joseph, which they recite, and the wagons which he had sent, at length lead to the conviction that it must indeed be true. He is satisfied. His only thought is to go and see Joseph before he dies. A sorrow of twenty-two years’ standing has now been wiped away. (Genesis 45:25–28)