NOTES for Быт 45:1-28
Joseph’s meeting and reconciliation with his brothers is the central moment of this entire story. Yet within this episode an even deeper meaning of what is taking place is revealed. Having passed through all their trials, the brothers become capable of seeing God’s action behind their adventures: it was He who brought Joseph to Egypt and thereby saved his family from famine. If their life had previously been filled with fear, uncertainty, and despair, then, after the anguish of losing Benjamin and the joy of meeting Joseph, they can hear his words: “It was not you who stood behind these events. It was God!” Scripture reveals to its reader the most important mystery of human destiny: a person can see the meaning of his path, the meaning that lies behind trials, suffering, joy, fear, and hope. But not before he has traveled that path, not before he has recognized his own wrongdoing and taken a desperate step toward the One who leads him along this difficult road.