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The patriarchs

Joseph reveals himself to his brothers

1706 BCUssher date

Genesis 43–45; 50:20

When Judah offered himself as a slave in Benjamin's place, Joseph revealed who he was and forgave his brothers.

Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

Genesis 45:5 (World English Bible)

Joseph's final test put Benjamin, Rachel's other son, in danger. This time the brothers didn't abandon their father's favorite. Judah, who had suggested selling Joseph years before, offered to take Benjamin's punishment himself.

Joseph broke down and told them who he was. He saw God's hand in all of it: what they meant for evil, God meant for good. Christians see in Joseph, rejected by his brothers and then exalted to save them, a picture of Christ.

Places

EgyptCanaanGoshen

Dating notes

In the second year of the famine (Genesis 45:6). Ussher places the second journey, the revelation, and Jacob's move all in 1706 BC.

Open on the timelineRead Genesis 43–45