“And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,”
This verse is found at the end of the book of Genesis and occurs after the death of Jacob (also known as Israel), Joseph’s father. It provides us with some context about a message that was sent to Joseph by his brothers following their father’s passing.
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the surrounding events and the broader context of Joseph’s life. In Genesis, Joseph is known for being the favored son of his father Jacob. However, his brothers became jealous of him and sold him into slavery when he was a young man. Joseph’s life took several unexpected turns, including being falsely accused and imprisoned in Egypt. Eventually, through God’s providence and Joseph’s faithfulness, he rose to become a prominent figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
In the latter part of Genesis, a severe famine affects the region, and Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food. They do not recognize Joseph at first, but he eventually reveals his identity to them. Joseph forgives his brothers and reconciles with them, demonstrating a remarkable act of grace and mercy.
After the death of their father Jacob, Joseph’s brothers become concerned that Joseph may still harbor resentment towards them. They send a messenger to Joseph, claiming that Jacob had left a command before his death. This action can be seen as an indication of their lingering guilt and fear of retribution.
Genesis 50:17-18 continues the story, stating:
- “So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.”
- These verses reveal the message the brothers wanted to convey to Joseph through the messenger. They acknowledge their guilt, admitting that they had treated Joseph wrongly and sinned against him. They appeal to Joseph’s mercy and ask for his forgiveness, recognizing that they are now servants of the same God that their father worshipped.
- Joseph’s reaction to their plea is significant. He weeps upon hearing their words, indicating his deep emotional response to their acknowledgment of their wrongdoing. His tears and the subsequent actions of his brothers falling down before him demonstrate the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration within a broken family.
Genesis 50:19-21 records Joseph’s compassionate response:
- “And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”
- Joseph reassures his brothers, urging them not to fear or worry about his potential revenge. He recognizes that he is not in the position of God to judge or punish them. Joseph acknowledges that though they had intended evil towards him, God had turned their actions for good, bringing about the preservation of many lives through Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt.
- In his response, Joseph offers comfort and provision to his brothers and their families. His words and actions demonstrate his commitment to forgiveness, healing, and restoration. This account showcases the power of God’s sovereignty, redemption, and the transformative nature of forgiveness and reconciliation within families.
Overall, Genesis 50:16, along with the subsequent verses, illustrates the reconciliation and forgiveness that took place between Joseph and his brothers, leading to the restoration of their relationship. It highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness, acknowledging wrongdoing, and extending grace to one another, even in the face of past hurts and grievances.
