Joseph Tells His Brothers Who He Is - The Life of Joseph - Part 6 - Genesis 45

Jul 17, 2026

A narrative retelling of Genesis 45 where Joseph, sold by his jealous brothers and imprisoned, rises to authority in Egypt and later reveals his identity to them. Joseph recalls how God sent him ahead to preserve lives through seven years of abundance followed by years of famine. He tests his brothers as they come to buy grain, detains one until Benjamin returns, then hosts them and makes his dramatic announcement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time49 min

The Story of Joseph (Part 6)

Genesis 45: Joseph’s Identity Revealed

Joseph’s Rise and Interpretation of Dreams

The Brothers Come for Grain and Are Tested

Joseph Tells His Brothers Who He Is THE LIFE OF JOSEPH: PART 6 GENESIS 45 English Spiritual Copyright © 2009, Kartidaya You may not use this work for commercial purposes. You may adapt and add to this work. You must keep the copyright and credits for authors, illustrators, etc. English Scriptures quoted are from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/Harper Collins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission. Joseph Tells His Brothers Who He Is THE LIFE OF JOSEPH: PART 6 GENESIS 45 English Jacob had twelve sons. His favorite son was Joseph. Because of their jealousy, the brothers captured and sold Joseph to Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt. The Ishmaelites sold Joseph to Potiphar, a rich and powerful Egyptian. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. When she failed, she convinced her husband to have Joseph thrown into prison. The LORD was with Joseph and blessed him even in prison. Joseph interpreted the dreams oftwo of the king’s servants who were also in prison. One servant was later released and the other executed. The king's wine steward, who was released, remembered Joseph when Pharoah had worrisome dreams that no one could interpret. Joseph was brought from prison to interpret Pharoah's dreams. He told Pharoah that the dreams meant there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharoah but Joseph in charge of his country making him subject only to Pharoah. Under Joseph's direction grain was collected in storehouses during the seven years of plenty. Then came the years of famine. People from all over the world came to Egypt to buy grain. When his brothers come to buy grain, Joseph recognizes them. He accuses them of being spies and detains one in prison until they bring his youngest brother Benjamin back with them. It was hard for the brothers to convince Jacob to let Benjamin go with them. He did finally allow it. So all the brothers went to Egypt to buy grain. When Joseph saw them he arranged for them to eat dinner with him at his home. Joseph was no longer able to control his feelings in front of his servants, so he ordered them all to leave the room. No one else was with him when Joseph told his brothers who he was. Genesis 45:1 He cried with such loud sobs that the Egyptians heard it, and the news was taken to the king's palace. Genesis 45:2 Joseph said to his brothers,“I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But when his brothers heard this, they were so terrified that they could not answer. Genesis 45:3 Then Joseph said to them,“Please come closer.” They did, and he said,“I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. Genesis 45:4-5a It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives. This is only the second year of famine in the land; there will be five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor reaping. Genesis 45:5b-6

FAQs

Why did Joseph’s brothers sell him to people traveling to Egypt?

They were driven by jealousy and captured Joseph, then sold him to Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt.

What did Joseph interpret from the dreams in prison, and how did it lead to his position?

Joseph interpreted dreams connected to the king’s concerns, explaining the meaning of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, which brought him from prison to interpret further for Pharaoh and place him in charge.

How does Joseph respond when his brothers come to buy grain?

He recognizes them, accuses them of being spies, and detains one until they return with his youngest brother Benjamin.

Jul 17, 2026

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