Twice Israel’s children went down to Egypt to buy food because the deprivation became unbearable. It was a long journey they made to keep their family alive in their home country. Little did they realize that the man who sold food to them was their brother. In those days, Joseph dressed and groomed like Egyptians, and he grew up to be a man in the absence of his brothers. His brothers communicated with him through interpreter, and so, the words in this verse was made known to his brothers through interpretation. These words were reassuring because they felt the Egyptian, who hated them so much had lifted his hatred, and revealed himself to them as their brother who was lost.
He was the second youngest of sons born to Israel, but he was loved by his father more than his elder brothers. Apparently, Jacob had him in old age, so he came to cherish him very much. Further, to show just how much he loved him, the father made stylish clothes for him. That only raised his brothers’ resentment and they planned to kill him. On the other hand, he started dreaming of how his brothers gave him respect due kings, and even his father and mother gave him regal recognition. His brothers’ ire regarding him led to their inability to utter kind words to him, so they planned to get rid of him. Instead of killing him as was the original plan, they sold him to the home of a reputable Egyptian.
Soon, the wife of the Egyptian accused him of sleeping with her, which led to his being thrown in prison. He was elevated to be the second in command in the country. Those who wanted to purchase food provisions had to see him, no matter where they came from. His brothers met in that manner, and he recognized them immediately. Of course, they bowed before him, fulfilling the dream he once told them as they didn’t know that was Joseph. He treated them harshly, said one of them had to be in prison till they brought the last child, Benjamin to him. This was the only means they could use to convince him that they were not spies.
When they brought his brother to him, there were several twists which included his brothers bowing down to him again. It was at that point he revealed himself to them, and they were glad to be reunited. He sent words to his father that they should bring him so he could live where his son lived until the famine passed. Soon, their father died, his brothers were afraid he would revenge, and came to him for forgiveness. They referred to the words of their father before he died, appealing to him, that he forget everything they did. He offered the words in this verse, telling them that he would give them food to satisfaction. Also, he urged them to avoid fear, speaking kindly to them that God intended it to be the way it was so the family could survive the harsh famine.