“But I will nourish you, and your little ones, so that ye come not to poverty; for yet there are five years of famine.”
Genesis 45:12 is part of the account of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery. This verse is significant because it demonstrates Joseph’s forgiveness and love for his family, despite their past mistreatment of him. Here’s a closer look at the verse in context:
Genesis 45:1-15 (KJV):
- “Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
- and he wept aloud:and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
- and Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.: 4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
- now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither:for God did send me before you to preserve life.
- or these two years hath the famine been in the land:and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
- and God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.: 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
- aste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt:come down unto me, tarry not:
- And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
- And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.: 13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
- And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.: 15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.”
- In this passage, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and assures them that he forgives them for selling him into slavery. He explains that God had a bigger plan in allowing those events to unfold. Joseph recognizes that the famine was part of God’s purpose to preserve their lives and the lives of many others. He emphasizes that there are still five years of famine remaining, during which he offers to provide for his family to ensure they do not fall into poverty.
Key points to consider in this Bible study:
- God’s Sovereignty:The story of Joseph illustrates God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through even the most challenging circumstances. What his brothers intended for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20). Joseph recognized that God was at work throughout his entire journey and that he was part of a divine plan.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation:Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of letting go of past hurts and seeking reconciliation. He reassures his brothers that they need not be grieved or angry with themselves, as God’s purpose was at work. Joseph’s forgiveness paves the way for their restoration as a family.
- Provision and Faithfulness:Joseph’s offer to provide for his family during the years of famine reveals his generous heart and his commitment to their well-being. It highlights the importance of caring for one another and trusting in God’s provision during times of scarcity.
- Family Unity:Joseph’s desire for his family to be reunited and dwell together in Egypt demonstrates the value of familial bonds. He longs for his father and brothers to be near him, so they can experience the blessings he has received.
In summary, Genesis 45:12 showcases Joseph’s forgiveness, God’s sovereignty, and the importance of unity and provision within the family. It encourages us to trust in God’s greater plan, forgive those who have wronged us, and prioritize the well-being of our loved ones.
