Genesis 45:24 - So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, “See that you don’t quarrel on the way.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 45:24

What does "Genesis 45:24" mean?


Genesis 45:24 comes at the end of Joseph's dramatic reunion with his brothers in Egypt. After testing them, revealing himself, and forgiving them for selling him into slavery, Joseph sends them back to Canaan to bring their father Jacob and the rest of their families to Egypt. The verse means:

"So he sent his brothers away, and they departed." This simply states that Joseph gave his brothers permission to leave Egypt and return to their father with the news and provisions he had provided.

"He said to them, 'See that you don’t quarrel on the way.'" This is Joseph's parting advice. It means:

"See that you don't quarrel": Joseph is warning his brothers specifically to avoid arguing or fighting with each other.
"On the way": The warning applies to their journey from Egypt back to Canaan.

Why does Joseph give this warning?

There are a few possible reasons for Joseph's concern:

Guilt and Tension: The brothers had been living with the secret of their betrayal of Joseph for years. The revelation of Joseph's true identity and his subsequent forgiveness likely stirred up a lot of guilt, shame, and potentially, renewed tension among them. Joseph knew that the stress of the journey and the weight of their past could easily lead to arguments and infighting.
Differing Accounts of the Reunion: They would have to explain the truth to their father, Jacob, who was still mourning Joseph's supposed death. Different brothers might have slightly different interpretations of what happened or how Joseph behaved, and these could lead to disagreements.
Competition and Jealousy: The brothers had a history of jealousy and rivalry, especially concerning their father's favoritism. They might have still harbored these feelings, which could resurface during the journey.
The Impact on Jacob: Joseph likely wanted to avoid any unnecessary stress or hardship for his elderly father. Arguing and fighting among the brothers could upset Jacob and make the journey even more difficult for him.
To avoid giving off a suspicious appearance: If they were to arrive looking as if they were squabbling or upset, people might think something was wrong and that they stole the gifts, which could cause them trouble.

In essence, Joseph's warning is a plea for unity and peace. He wants his brothers to put aside their past conflicts and work together to bring their family safely to Egypt, thus saving them from the famine. It's a practical piece of advice rooted in the brothers' history and the potential for future conflict. The verse emphasizes Joseph's desire for healing and reconciliation within his family.

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