God's Purposes Can Never Be Thwarted (Genesis 42-45)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Have you ever felt like a bad situation has slipped beyond God's control?

In Genesis chapters 42-45, the narrative focuses on Joseph's reunion with his brothers. Victor Hamilton writes, "In 34:31 Jacob's sons were upset with Jacob for his unwillingness to do anything about what happened to Dinah. Now Jacob is perturbed with his sons for doing nothing about the famine spreading over Canaan."^[1]

During this famine, Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, not recognizing Joseph, who is now a powerful Egyptian official. Joseph, recognizing them, tests their integrity by accusing them of being spies. He demands they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. When they return with Benjamin, Joseph continues his test by planting a silver cup in Benjamin's sack and then accusing him of theft.

Finally, unable to contain his emotions, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. This has a profound effect on his brothers. Gordon Wenham writes that the phrase "'I am Joseph' left them 'dumbfounded,' a term used of a paralyzing fear sometimes felt by those involved in war."^[2] But amid this astonishing family reunion, Joseph makes this profound point. In Genesis 45:8, Joseph emphasizes that it was not his brother who sent him to Egypt. It was God. Even amid his brothers' conniving and deception, God was accomplishing his purposes.

Robert Longacre writes,

"Here in the scene of recognition the narrator indicates clearly for the first time what is of paramount importance to him in the entire Joseph story: God's hand which directs all the confusion of human guilt ultimately toward a gracious goal."[3]

Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery years earlier, understanding it as part of God's plan to save their family from the famine.