I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Genesis 45-47.

When Joseph realizes that his brothers are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect Benjamin, he breaks down.  In light of their loyalty to Benjamin, their father, and each other, Joseph realizes that he was sent by God into Egypt for a reason.  That reason was to provide succor to his family in their time of need.  I believe that Joseph had believed all along that God had sent him to Egypt for a purpose, but at this moment he realized what that reason was.  All of the troubles which Joseph had gone through served a purpose, and that purpose was more than just making him the second most powerful man in Egypt.  Joseph realized at this moment that his elevation to his great status was not a reward from God for his faithfulness.  It was yet another job which God had given him.

Joseph could have invited his family into Egypt and insinuated them into positions of power in the country in order to strengthen his own position there.  Instead, he encouraged them to come to Egypt and remain a separate people, an invitation which his brothers embraced.  The children of Israel could have become rulers in Egypt, but if they had they would have become Egyptians.  More importantly, Joseph remembered the promises God had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would possess the land of Canaan.  If they became rulers in Egypt that would not serve God’s purpose. So, instead, Joseph and his brothers arranged for their families to remain separate from the Egyptians and not be assimilated there in the way which had been happening in Canaan.