In the midst of what is an otherwise incredibly joyous reunion, Joseph has some stern instructions for his brothers: “Bring my father here” (Genesis 45:13).
It’s a distinct show of familial love; after all, if Joseph was the favorite, it stands to reason that he has some love for his own father as well. By this point in the narrative, Joseph has seen basically everyone in the family, so the only person left to see is his father.
Even though he doesn’t know it yet, this moment is also important for Jacob. If you trace his life through the last 15 chapters of Genesis, you know that he’s had huge ups and huge downs. Big blessings and even bigger heartaches.
One of the biggest disappointments in his life had to have been the loss of Joseph. Now, the brother’s departure for Egypt with their youngest brother Benjamin threatens a loss on top of a loss. Losing Benjamin alongside Joseph would most likely send Jacob to the grave.
Imagine the joy he felt when he found out that Joseph was alive! And not only alive, but thriving as the second-in-command of all Egypt! For Jacob to see Joseph in that condition is the ultimate vindication of his faith, the final stamp on a life that has walked with God – both physically and spiritually.
One question does come to mind, though: If Joseph has been in this position for around nine years (seven in the good years and one or two in the “lean”), why didn’t he reach out to his father sooner? Why not tell Jacob that he was alive and whisk him off to live in luxury?
This is a question that Jewish scholars have wrestled with for centuries. Some argue that Joseph knew his purpose for being in Egypt was to secure his family line. But if so, couldn’t he have done that with his family in Egypt?
It makes more sense (to me) to base it on his relationship with his brothers. Until the moment that his family arrives, Joseph has no idea what their condition is. He doesn’t know if his father is alive, how they’ve treated Benjamin, or, the ultimate question, if any of them have actually changed.
If his brothers hadn’t changed at all, then bringing them to Egypt would most likely end up in disaster. The test that Joseph put them all through verified a real contrition and repentance.
Once that was taken care of, Joseph couldn’t wait to see his dad again.
