Genesis 45

In this chapter, Joseph makes himself known to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-8); Joseph discloses his plans for moving the whole family of Jacob to Egypt until the famine is over (Genesis 45:9-15); the invitation is ratified and confirmed by the king who also offered wagons for transport (Genesis 45:16-20); the brothers depart with rich gifts and provisions for the family (Genesis 45:21-24); Jacob, after a momentary hesitation, decides to accept Joseph's invitation (Genesis 45:25-28).

Regarding the partitionists who have wrought such havoc in their false interpretations, they are again helpless to do any damage to this marvelous narrative. As Peake admitted, "It is not worthwhile to discuss the analysis!"[1] We cannot leave such an admission without observing that the same thing is also true of the entire madness regarding "the sources of Genesis." It should be noted that the usual principles followed in such discussions of the sources could be applied here. There is the use of [~'Elohiym] for God[2] in Genesis 45:8 and Genesis 45:9, but as Speiser admitted, "This is not an automatic indicator of E's authorship."[3] We do not believe that the appearance of various names for God is any valid indication whatever of various sources. If it is not true here, why should it be received as true anywhere else? As is perfectly evident throughout Genesis, the names for God are invariably related to the thought of the passages. Furthermore, there has never been any satisfactory answer to the proposition that various names for God could have been merely for the sake of variety, as in the use of all synonyms.

This chapter, of course, is the continuation of the [~toledowth] of Jacob, for as Noth said, "The theme here is really not Joseph, but Joseph and his brothers."[4] In other words, the theme is the posterity of Jacob. The same declared that, "The Pentateuch is concerned only with Israel as a whole and its common ancestors."[5]

We may entitle this dramatic chapter as:

JOSEPH REVEALS HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS