Joseph #32: Joseph Sobs

Judah's offer to be a substitute for Benjamin brings Joseph's ploys and tests to an end, and he cannot control his emotions. Once everyone else leaves, he speaks to his brothers. And that is the first shock, for he speaks to them in Hebrew, their own language, for the first time. But what he says takes their breath away: "I am Joseph."

With that revelation, the ground shifts beneath their feet. Many thoughts would have crammed into their minds: the memory of their crimes against him; all his ploys and tests now make sense; and his youthful dreams, now fulfilled. They would also, however, remember his kindness—asking about their father, inviting them to his feast, returning their money, and abundant provisions of grain.

Observing their troubled silence, he quickly reassures them. He is not out for revenge, but Joseph acknowledges that "God did send me before you to preserve life." With the providence of God as the backdrop, he comforts their souls, even as they are reminded that they had sold him into Egypt. First, "Do not be not grieved," the Hebrew word for pain or hurt. In other words, do not let the emotional pain of your decisions overwhelm you. Do not focus on the consequences of your sins, how the brothers have hurt Jacob and Joseph. Instead, step back and consider the providence: God will save lives. Second, "Do not be … angry with yourselves." Do not blame one another and stir up contentions and quarrels among themselves. Rather than looking to your own sin and its consequences, observe, lay hold on, and embrace the kind providence of God.