Genesis 45:16 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, Pharaoh’s kindness to Joseph and to Joseph’s family because of him. He welcomed Joseph’s brothers, even though it was a time of famine and they would likely depend on him (Genesis 45:16). In fact, what pleased Pharaoh also pleased his servants, or at least they acted pleased because Pharaoh was pleased. He told Joseph to send for his father to come down to Egypt and promised to provide everything needed for the move and for settling there.

If Joseph’s family needed the best of the land of Egypt, they were welcome to it all, because Pharaoh had already offered them “the fat of the land” (Genesis 45:18). So they did not need to worry about their belongings, since Egypt would more than make up for anything they left behind (Genesis 45:20). He thought of what they had in Canaan as just “stuff” compared with what he had prepared for them in Egypt. In the same way, those whom Christ means to share in his heavenly glory should not cling to the stuff of this world. Its best gifts are only temporary goods, and we cannot keep them here, much less carry them away.

Second, we see Joseph’s kindness to his father and brothers. Pharaoh honored Joseph out of gratitude, because Joseph had done great good for him and for Egypt. Joseph had not only helped save the land from disaster, but had also made Egypt respected among the nations. People would say that the Egyptians must be wise and discerning, since they were so well supplied in a time of shortage. For that reason, Pharaoh did not think anything he could do for Joseph was too much. Even people under us owe gratitude when they have received kindness, and they should try to repay it, not only to the giver but also to the giver’s family.

Joseph also showed honor to his father and brothers because they were his close relatives, even though his brothers had once treated him badly and his father had been separated from him for a long time. He provided for their needs by giving them wagons and supplies for the journey, both going and coming (Genesis 45:21). Jacob had not been very wealthy, and with the famine at its worst, he was likely poor. Joseph also provided for their comfort and dignity. He gave each brother two sets of good clothes, Benjamin five sets, and money besides (Genesis 45:22). To his father he sent a generous gift of Egypt’s best goods (Genesis 45:23). Those who have much should be generous and plan good uses for their wealth, because abundance is meant for doing good.

Joseph sent them off with a wise warning: “Do not quarrel on the way” (Genesis 45:24). He knew they were inclined to argue, and what had just happened could easily bring old sins back to mind. They had already been found disputing among themselves about their guilt before him (Genesis 42:22). One might say, “You were the first to mock him about his dreams,” another, “You took off his robe,” another, “You threw him into the pit.” Joseph had forgiven them all, and now he charged them not to blame one another.

Our Lord Jesus gives us the same charge, that we love one another, live in peace, and do not fall out over present troubles or old memories. We are brothers and sisters, all with one Father. We are Christ’s people, and it shames him, who is our peace, when we divide. We are guilty ourselves, and instead of quarreling with each other, we have plenty of reason to deal honestly with our own hearts. We are, or hope to be, forgiven by God, whom we have all offended, so we should be ready to forgive one another. And we are still on the way, traveling through a world where many watch for our failures, on the road to Canaan, where we hope to live forever in perfect peace.