Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of Joseph extending hospitality to his brothers is a profound example of forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as the biblical virtue of hospitality. This account is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 42 through 45, and it highlights Joseph's journey from betrayal to a position of power in Egypt, where he ultimately provides for his family during a time of famine.Background Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:28). Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's chief administrator (Genesis 41:41-43). During a severe famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain, not recognizing that the man in charge was their own brother. Joseph's Initial Encounter with His Brothers When Joseph first saw his brothers, he recognized them, but they did not recognize him (Genesis 42:7-8). Despite the past wrongs they had committed against him, Joseph did not immediately reveal his identity. Instead, he tested their character and sincerity by accusing them of being spies (Genesis 42:9). This initial encounter set the stage for a series of interactions that would eventually lead to reconciliation. Hospitality and Testing Joseph's actions towards his brothers can be seen as a blend of hospitality and testing. He provided them with grain and secretly returned their money in their sacks (Genesis 42:25). This act of generosity, coupled with the test of their honesty and integrity, was a means to assess whether they had changed since the time they sold him into slavery. Revelation and Reconciliation In Genesis 45, Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers. Overcome with emotion, he said, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!" (Genesis 45:4). Joseph's response to his brothers' fear was one of grace and forgiveness. He reassured them, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you" (Genesis 45:5). Provision and Invitation Joseph's hospitality extended beyond mere forgiveness. He invited his entire family to come to Egypt, offering them the best of the land to live in during the remaining years of famine (Genesis 45:10-11). Joseph's actions were not only a fulfillment of God's providential plan but also a demonstration of genuine hospitality, as he provided for their physical needs and welcomed them into a place of safety and abundance. Significance The account of Joseph and his brothers is a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of hospitality. Joseph's ability to see God's hand in his circumstances allowed him to extend grace and provision to those who had wronged him. This narrative serves as an enduring example of how believers are called to practice hospitality, even towards those who may have caused them harm, reflecting the love and mercy of God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 43:31-34And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. Nave's Topical Index Library Genesis Letter Xlii. To Chilo, his Disciple. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... From Abraham to Egypt. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers The Letter of the Church of Rome Resources Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Monasticism? | GotQuestions.org What is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |