Joseph Reassures His Brothers

After their father died, Joseph’s brothers became afraid. They said to each other that perhaps Joseph would hate them and repay them for all the evil they had done to him.

They sent a message to Joseph. They said their father had given a command before he died: Joseph was asked to forgive his brothers’ disobedience and sin, because they had done evil to him. They called themselves servants of the God of Joseph’s father.

When Joseph heard this message, he wept. Then his brothers came themselves, fell down before him, and said, “We are your servants.” Their fear was plain, and they lowered themselves before the brother they had wronged.

Joseph told them not to be afraid. He asked whether he was in the place of God. He did not say that what they had done was good. He said they had meant evil against him, but God had meant it for good, to keep many people alive, as was happening then.

So Joseph told them not to fear. He said he would provide for them and for their little ones. He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. The brothers expected judgement, but Joseph answered with mercy and care.