Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page In the last article we learned that Judah had told Joseph everything, when it came to the disappearance of their brother Joseph some twenty years ago. Judah also revealed how they broke the terrible news to their father Jacob as well. Judah revealed to Joseph how they told their father that their brother was killed by a wild beast.
Joseph also learned that their father Jacob was devastated by this grim news. Judah would then tell Joseph that Benjamin was the younger brother of the one (Joseph) that was killed, and how their father at this point in his life, had fully embraced Benjamin. Jacob would try to use Benjamin when it came to filling the void that was created in his life after his other son (Joseph) was presumably killed. Judah would then go on to tell Joseph about how they could not return home without Benjamin, for it would destroy their father's heart if he were to lose him too. This is why Judah in return, offer to stay in the place of Benjamin and fulfill his duties as one of Joseph's slaves. And after Joseph had heard all that his brother had to say, and how Judah was willing to sacrifice his freedom for the sake of their father. Joseph would be moved by what he saw and heard from his brothers: "Have everyone leave my presence!" Joseph cried out. After hearing this command from Joseph, all of his officials and servants had left the room. It would be at this point, that Joseph and his brothers were left all alone with each other. Soon after this had happened, Joseph began weeping uncontrollably, so much so, that the Egyptians that were in the house had heard him. And because of this, word would get back to Pharaoh. And this is how Pharaoh would learn about the current happenings from within Joseph's Egyptian household. But in the meantime, back at Joseph's house, we find the unveiling of Joseph's true identity to his brothers begins to take place: "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" Now Joseph's brothers did not know what to say at this point, being that they knew Joseph only as "Zaphenath-Paneah the Revealer of Secrets." But they didn't know him as Joseph their long lost brother from twenty years before. And after reality had set in, Joseph's brothers would become terrified at his presence. For they knew, that if this was really Joseph, then he would surely have them killed for the wrong that they had done to him. But remember that Joseph had moved beyond his hurtful and angry emotions. For he no longer wanted to seek revenge against his brothers. For he knew now, that they were changed men and all he wanted at this point, was to be with his brother Benjamin. But now, Joseph also knew that taking Benjamin away from his father would be selfish and cruel, in spite of his tremendous love for his younger brother. But also know that something else would happen at this moment as well? For we find that Joseph had just discovered, that he also had great love his other nine brothers as well, this why he responded by saying: "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing or reaping. "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of this entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph's says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. "Come down to me; don't delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me -- you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.' "You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. Tell my father about the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly." -- Genesis 45:3-13 After saying these things, Joseph would embrace Benjamin and he wept and Benjamin started to weep as well. It would be at this point that Joseph would kiss all of his brothers as he wept over them. And after they all had calm down, they began talking and visiting with each other, and catching up on all that they had missed as a family for the past twenty years. While all of this was going on, Pharaoh had heard about it and the Egyptians weren't sure if Joseph was amongst friends or foes? How will Pharaoh react after he learns that Joseph's brothers were in his midst? Also keep in mind that Joseph had promised his brothers a lot, will Pharaoh go along with Joseph's plans for his family, or will he rebuke Joseph for making such promises? Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 99) Joseph Releases His Brothers 100) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE-> 
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