What Joseph Taught Me About God's Plans (Genesis 42-45)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Have you ever felt like a bad situation has slipped beyond God's control?

In Genesis chapters 42-45, the narrative focuses on Joseph's reunion with his brothers. Victor Hamilton writes, "In 34:31 Jacob's sons were upset with Jacob for his unwillingness to do anything about what happened to Dinah. Now Jacob is perturbed with his sons for doing nothing about the famine spreading over Canaan."^[1]

During this famine, Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, not recognizing Joseph, who is now a powerful Egyptian official. Joseph, recognizing them, tests their integrity by accusing them of being spies. He demands they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. When they return with Benjamin, Joseph continues his test by planting a silver cup in Benjamin's sack and then accusing him of theft.

Finally, unable to contain his emotions, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. This has a profound effect on his brothers. Gordon Wenham writes that the phrase "'I am Joseph' left them 'dumbfounded,' a term used of a paralyzing fear sometimes felt by those involved in war."^[2] But amid this astonishing family reunion, Joseph makes this profound point. In Genesis 45:8, Joseph emphasizes that it was not his brother who sent him to Egypt. It was God. Even amid his brothers' conniving and deception, God was accomplishing his purposes.

Robert Longacre writes,

"Here in the scene of recognition the narrator indicates clearly for the first time what is of paramount importance to him in the entire Joseph story: God's hand which directs all the confusion of human guilt ultimately toward a gracious goal."[3]

Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery years earlier, understanding it as part of God's plan to save their family from the famine.

This narrative should bring us hope. Sometimes, we face situations that feel overwhelming. For years, we feel like the bad guys have won and that those who should be doing good are doing wrong. But Joseph's story tells us that God has a beautiful way of taking what was meant for evil and turning it for good. 

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, thank you for taking terrible situations and using them for good.

Release | I consent to your will, in good times and bad.

Ask | Help me trust you, even when I don't see evidence of your activity.

Yield | Increase my reliance on you today through the situations and interactions I face.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ  

Joseph's story teaches us that God is sovereign in every situation.

David Garland writes, "God's ultimate goal in saving humanity is to bring himself glory and praise as the unrivalled and rightful Sovereign of creation."[4] The real story of Joseph is not just his descent into slavery, rise to power, and forgiveness of his brothers. The real story is God, and what this story tells us about how he works in messy situations.

Sometimes, God permits grave human injustice, even human trafficking. He does so, knowing that he will accomplish his purposes and receive praise in the end. And as humanity gives him praise, they discover the primary reason they were created and find their ultimate satisfaction, which cannot be found elsewhere.

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^[1]Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 18–50, New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Accordance electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), 514.

^[2] Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 16–50, vol. 2, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1994), 427.

[3] Robert E. Longacre, Joseph: A story of divine providence: A text theoretical and linguistic analysis of Genesis 37 and 39–48: 2nd edition (Dallas, TX: SIL International, 2002), 43.

[4] David E. Garland, Expositor’s Bible Commentary Revised (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008), 196.