“Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.”
This verse is part of the account of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers in the book of Genesis.
To understand the significance of Genesis 45:19, let’s explore the context and the events leading up to this verse.
In the preceding chapters, Joseph’s brothers had come to Egypt seeking food during a severe famine.
They did not recognize Joseph, who had risen to a position of great authority in Egypt.
Joseph tested his brothers and eventually revealed his identity to them, reconciling with them after the painful events that had transpired years earlier.
In Genesis 45:19, Joseph gives a command to his brothers, instructing them to go back to the land of Canaan, where their families resided.
The command includes three main elements:Take wagons out of the land of Egypt:Joseph provides transportation for his brothers to facilitate their journey back to Canaan. The wagons would have been useful for carrying their belongings, as well as providing a means of transportation for their elderly father, Jacob, who was also known as Israel.
For your little ones and your wives:Joseph instructs his brothers to bring their children and wives with them. This emphasizes the importance of family unity and demonstrates Joseph’s desire to reunite his family.
Bring your father and come:Joseph specifically mentions their father, Jacob, encouraging his brothers to bring him along. Jacob had thought Joseph was dead for many years, and Joseph’s revelation brought immense joy and relief to him. Joseph desired to be reunited with his father, and this command reveals his longing to see him.
Genesis 45:19 highlights the compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation that Joseph displays toward his brothers.
Despite the mistreatment he had suffered at their hands, Joseph chose not to hold a grudge or seek revenge.
Instead, he extended grace and mercy, offering a new beginning and a restored relationship with his family.
This verse also demonstrates the fulfilment of God’s plan.
Through the hardships Joseph endured, God used him to save his family and fulfil the promises made to Abraham and Isaac.
The events in Genesis ultimately set the stage for the Israelites’ journey to Egypt and their eventual deliverance from slavery, as described in the book of Exodus.
In summary, Genesis 45:19 showcases Joseph’s command to his brothers, urging them to bring their families and their father to Egypt. It symbolises Joseph’s desire for reconciliation and reunification with his family, highlighting themes of forgiveness and God’s providential plan.
