This verse, Genesis 45:17, is part of the reconciliation story between Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"Pharaoh said to Joseph...": Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is speaking to Joseph. Pharaoh is now highly regarded by Joseph, who had just revealed his identity to his brothers. Pharaoh holds him in great esteem because of Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and his efficient management of Egypt's resources during the famine.
"Tell your brothers, 'Do this.'": Pharaoh is instructing Joseph to give his brothers instructions. Pharaoh is taking charge to ensure their safe return to Canaan and the well-being of Joseph's family.
"Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.": This is the specific instruction. Pharaoh is ordering Joseph's brothers to:
Load their animals: Prepare their animals (donkeys, camels, etc.) with supplies for the journey.
Go, travel to the land of Canaan: Return to their homeland, Canaan, where their father Jacob and the rest of their family are living.
In essence, this verse signifies Pharaoh's permission and active support for Joseph's brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt. It demonstrates Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph and his willingness to provide for Joseph's family during the famine. It also emphasizes that Joseph now holds significant power in Egypt, as he can act on behalf of Pharaoh. The famine was severe at that time, so moving the family to Egypt would save them from starvation.
The verse sets the stage for the subsequent events, where Pharaoh provides them with further provisions and instructions for bringing Jacob and their families to Egypt, effectively relocating the Israelite people to Egypt for the next several centuries.
This verse, Genesis 45:17, is part of the reconciliation story between Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"Pharaoh said to Joseph...": Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is speaking to Joseph. Pharaoh is now highly regarded by Joseph, who had just revealed his identity to his brothers. Pharaoh holds him in great esteem because of Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and his efficient management of Egypt's resources during the famine.
"Tell your brothers, 'Do this.'": Pharaoh is instructing Joseph to give his brothers instructions. Pharaoh is taking charge to ensure their safe return to Canaan and the well-being of Joseph's family.
"Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.": This is the specific instruction. Pharaoh is ordering Joseph's brothers to:
Load their animals: Prepare their animals (donkeys, camels, etc.) with supplies for the journey.
Go, travel to the land of Canaan: Return to their homeland, Canaan, where their father Jacob and the rest of their family are living.
In essence, this verse signifies Pharaoh's permission and active support for Joseph's brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt. It demonstrates Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph and his willingness to provide for Joseph's family during the famine. It also emphasizes that Joseph now holds significant power in Egypt, as he can act on behalf of Pharaoh. The famine was severe at that time, so moving the family to Egypt would save them from starvation.
The verse sets the stage for the subsequent events, where Pharaoh provides them with further provisions and instructions for bringing Jacob and their families to Egypt, effectively relocating the Israelite people to Egypt for the next several centuries.