Genesis 45-46
Joseph’s revelation to his brothers in Genesis 45 is the moment where long‑held pain meets God’s larger purpose. We consider how events that have hurt us deeply can lead us to where we are meant to be. This passage also lays out Jacob’s lineage.
Summary
Joseph Reveals His Identity
Joseph could not continue with the ruse. He revealed his true identity to his brothers and asked if his father was still alive. The brothers did not respond due to shock and fear. To reassure them, Joseph told them not to be angry with themselves. He pointed out that God sent him to Egypt ahead of them so that he could be the highest officer and save many people’s lives.
Joseph told his brothers to go back to their father and tell Jacob that he is indeed alive. He told all of them to bring back their father, their families, and their livestock and to live near him in the land of Goshen. Joseph vowed to take good care of all of them. They all embraced and cried in joy. The king of Egypt learned of Joseph’s brothers and confirmed that he would give them the best land when they came back with their families, livestock, and father.
Jacob Goes to Egypt
After the sons of Israel (Jacob) were adorned with gifts and the best wagons for their trip, they went to their father and shared the good news. Jacob was thrilled and wanted to return to Egypt to see his son Joseph before he died. On the trip to Egypt, God came to Jacob in a vision. He told Jacob that He will go to Egypt with him and that He will make his descendants a great nation there. So, Jacob went to Egypt with all of his descendants.
As soon as Joseph saw his father, they embraced and cried. Joseph told his brothers and father to tell the king that they are shepherds. The king will allow them to settle in the land of Goshen (away from Egypt) once he knows what work they do. Apparently, the Egyptians don’t like to be near shepherds.
Jacob’s Family (total of 70 descendants)
Leah’s line (33 descendants) – Daughter: Dinah Sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
Grandchildren:
Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, Carmi
Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, Shaul
Levi: Gershon, Kohath, Merari
Judah: Shelah, Perez, Zerah (Er and Onan had died); Perez’s sons: Hezron, Hamul
Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, Shimron
Zebulun: Sered, Elon, Jahleel
Zilpah’s Line (16 descendants) – (Zilpah was Leah’s maid.) Sons: Gad, Asher
Grandchildren:
Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arod, Areli
Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah; Beriah’s sons: Heber, Malchiel
Granddaughter: Serah
Rachel’s line (14 descendants) – Sons: Joseph, Benjamin
Grandchildren:
Joseph: Manasseh, Ephraim
Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, Ard
Bilhah’s Line (7 descendants) – (Bilhah was Rachel’s maid.) Sons: Dan, Naphtali
Grandchildren:
Dan: Hushim
Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, Shillem
Sidebar
I was so moved by Joseph’s declaration to his brothers: “And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” [Genesis 45:5] He was no longer angry with them for selling him to the Egyptians all those years ago. He forgave his brothers. Joseph truly believed that God had a plan and everything happened the way it was supposed to happen. Joseph had a higher purpose.
The major message in all of this is that God can weave purpose out of what was so painful to us.
In 2008, Jennifer Hudson faced an almost unimaginable tragedy when her mother, brother, and young nephew were murdered over the course of three days by her sister’s estranged husband, William Balfour. In the wake of that grief, Hudson chose a path few could fathom. She learned to forgive, and she transformed her pain into purpose. She created the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in honor of her nephew, dedicated to providing stability, support, and positive experiences for children of all backgrounds so they can grow into confident, thriving adults. Years later, on July 31, 2013, Hudson was honored at the Do Something Awards for the healing work that grew out of her deepest loss.
Intention
Trust that God has a plan. Even if you face something so unbearable, try to forgive and hold space for what is meant to come out of that hardship.
