Joseph Reveals His Identity

Imagine being the ruler of a great nation, and having the necessary resources to not only satisfy your own needs, but enough to sow into the lives of others. Thus was Joseph’s story. He had come a long way from being the young boy who had been sold into slavery by his jealous siblings.

This article begins at the point where Joseph awaits the return of his father’s youngest son, Benjamin, who is Joseph’s full brother (the only other son of his mother, Rachel).

Hunger and destitution had become very severe in the land of Canaan. Jacob’s sons knew they needed to return to Egypt to buy more grain, but not without bringing their younger brother as they had been commanded. This news troubled Jacob, realizing that as far as he was concerned, he had already lost one son.

Upon the brother’s arrival, they were brought into Joseph’s house and given water and accommodation for their animals. After returning home, Joseph sees his brothers and inquires of them about the welfare of their father. The brothers relay to Joseph that their father is alive and well. When Joseph looks up, he sees his younger brother and is brought to tears.

During dinner the brothers are wondering in amazement how so much is known about them. They had no clue that the brother they sold into slavery was the one they had to answer to. Talk about a turn of events!!

After having dined with his brothers, Joseph devises a scheme in which his brother Benjamin will be found guilty and the other brothers will have to return to Egypt as captives. Upon their return, the brothers relay all the information about their father and younger brother to Joseph. Little did they realize that Joseph was already aware of what they spoke. He knew that the young lad whom they had with him was Jacob’s other son, his brother Benjamin.

Fighting back tears, Joseph could no longer restrain himself. He wept and sobbed loudly, commanding all to leave except his brothers. With his brothers standing before him, Joseph reveals his identity. He said to them, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" With great amazement, Joseph’s brothers stood speechless, dismayed, and deeply troubled to be standing in his presence.

Joseph commands his brothers to not be dismayed because God had a purpose that involved him. According to Joseph, God’s purpose was to make him a posterity; to save the lives of many people. Joseph conveys to his brothers that although their selling him into slavery was done with jealousy and unrighteousness, his imprisonment and enslavement was an act of God. He may have been a slave at one time, but now he was ruler of Egypt. What a mighty God we serve.

Joseph commands his brothers to go get his father and let him know that his son is well and to return to Egypt without delay. When Pharaoh heard the news of Joseph, he, too was pleased and promised Joseph provisions for him and his family.

The story of Joseph has many themes. One I would like to share at this time is what the devil devises for our destruction, God turns it around for our good.

Jacob returns to see his son before he prepares to die. Talk about a great story. The daily soap operas are no match for the drama seen here.

Joseph was a victim with a reason to hate and seek revenge. He would have been justified in the eyes of many, but he had another agenda. He was a man of God who knew that it is God who vindicates us. May his story be a blessing as well as a message that circumstances do not determine our lot in life. Through faith and true devotion to God, we determine our course.

By Naomi J. Brown