Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Genesis, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God, Humanity, and Creation
Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death
Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises
The Role of Women
Summary
Analysis
After hearing Judah’s plea, Joseph can no longer contain himself. He orders everyone but his brothers to leave the room, then bursts into tears. He identifies himself to his brothers and tells them not to be angry with themselves for selling him into slavery—God sent him here in order to preserve his family’s life. He urges his brothers to return to Jacob and bring him to Egypt without delay. They must all settle in Goshen, where Joseph will abundantly provide for them. The brothers embrace, with Joseph and Benjamin weeping the most.
Moved by his brother’s show of compassion, Joseph finally reveals who he is. He also reassures them that God had a purpose in the crime they committed against them. What’s more, Joseph not only wants their relationships to be restored; he also wants to care and provide for them, despite their past mistreatment of him. Joseph’s generosity and compassion reflect God’s character here: God has been kind to him, so he can afford to extend the same to his brothers.
Themes
When Pharaoh hears that Joseph’s brothers have come, he personally invites Jacob and the brothers’ households to move to Egypt and enjoy the best that the land has to offer. He gives them wagons for the journey, as well as new garments, livestock, and provisions. So the brothers return to Canaan and announce the good news about Joseph. Jacob is overcome with joy and eager to see Joseph before he dies.
Showing the high favor in which Joseph is held, Pharaoh welcomes and abundantly provides for Joseph’s family. Jacob’s overwhelming grief is brought to a joyful resolution.
Themes
