Genesis 44–45: On the Shift from Fratricide to Forgiveness, Famine to Feast (Bible Talk, Ep. 17)

Finally! Joseph tells his brothers who he is. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about Genesis 44–45.

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SHOW NOTES

1:17 / To recap, Alex breaks down what led up to Joseph and his brothers sharing a meal together.

2:06 / It seems as though reconciliation has happened. But Joseph is still skeptical. Genesis 44 begins another test. What is the test—and why does Joseph give it?

6:37 / Judah has become the advocate for his brothers. Here, he shows yet again how much he’s changed.

8:54 / Jim and Sam give insight behind Joseph’s reasoning to keep Benjamin.

9:47 / What case does Judah make to Joseph concerning Benjamin and the rest of the family? Jim reveals the importance of Judah’s heart change by comparing what he said in Genesis 37–38 with what he says now.

14:20 / Alex asks Sam: “Is Judah a type of Christ?” Baby Yoda receives an unexpected shoutout.

15:42 / What does a “type of Christ” mean? Jim discusses what typology is, tells us how the biblical authors establish it, and gives us examples of typology in the Old Testament.

17:18 / Finally, Joseph exclaims, “I am Joseph!” And Judah shows us his clearest sign of repentance.

20:01 / This is good news, right? So why are Joseph’s brothers dismayed?

21:52 / “There are two great revelations that come to these brothers in this moment. Number one, Joseph is alive, and number two, they are forgiven.” Sam and Jim explain what Joseph’s revelation has to do with Jesus’ resurrection.

23:57 / Alex starts “floating.” Why? Because Sam and Jim show how this Old Testament story—and others!—point to God’s plan of redemption through Jesus.

24:37 / Sam walks through Genesis 45:5–8 to show how this story can help us during our times of suffering.

29:46 / After Joseph gives blessings to his brothers, “his brothers talked with him.” What’s going on with this “dud” ending? Sam explains.

31:48 / What is the significance of Pharaoh and Joseph blessing the brothers? Is this a sign of God providentially providing for his people?

34:09 / How does Jacob respond to the news that Joseph is alive? Jim explains the meaning behind Jacob’s heart being “numb.” And then Sam tells us how Jacob “comes back to life” after hearing this news.

Artwork: Joseph Recognized by His Brothers, Charles Thévenin (1789)