Joseph could no longer contain himself and demanded that his attendants leave him alone with his brothers. (Remember that we know they are his brothers but no one in Egypt does including them.)
Joseph's name in Egypt was Zaphnath-paneath, which translated means "the god speaks and he (the newborn child) lives," (The New American Bible) so Joseph blurts out while sobbing uncontrollably, "I am Joseph!" his brothers were dumbfounded! Then he asked them how his father's health was and they continued to look at him speechless. He asked them to step closer and he told them that he was their brother, the one they sold into slavery in Egypt. Then he comforted them telling them not to be distressed as it was part of God's plan in order to save the world from starving. They were only in their second year of the famine and the earth would produce no food for five more. The reunion was so loud that it came to the attention of Pharaoh who gave his blessings to the family.
He instructed them to go home and get their father and their families and journey back as he would provide for all of them. He hug and kissed each of them weeping over them and then they finally were able to speak. He loaded them down with gifts and provisions for their journey and advised them there should be no recriminations.
The father rejoiced greatly when he saw his sons and heard what they had to tell him. He anxiously prepared to travel as he awaited the sweet homecoming with his son.
Thank you so much for visiting me today. May God richly bless you and the reading of His word.
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