After all the back and forth, Joseph can no longer contain his emotions. He sends all the Egyptians out of the room and cries in front of his brothers. He’s so loud that every one can hear him anyway. He tells his brothers that he is their long lost brother Joseph, and they are devastated. Before they can explain or apologize, he tells them to come near him and not be distressed. 

He tells them it was by God’s design that he was sent ahead to Egypt to prepare salvation from the drought, which will go on for five more years. He promises to provide for all of them. He hugs and kisses his younger brother and they all talk. 

Pharaoh hears that Joseph’s brothers have arrived and invites the whole family to relocate to Egypt. He tells them not to bother packing their things because he will prove them the best land and wealth. Egypt had become rich selling the stored grain at a premium to the neighboring lands. All this is possible because of Joseph’s accurate interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. 

The brothers return to their father Israel wearing new clothes accompanied by wagons loaded with food. They tell him that Joseph is alive, wealthy and running Egypt. And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 45:28

I can’t help but wonder at Joseph’s forgiving attitude. Instead of bitterness or revenge towards his brothers for his mistreatment, he recognizes the bigger picture of God’s provision.

Pharaoh is completely won over and offers the family not only refuge, but honor and support because of Joseph, not for their own behavior. Joseph experiences his first dream coming true, just decades later than expected.