Welcome to my Hebrew reading & language series.

Genesis 45:1-4

So, we are starting a new chapter today but still on the topic of Joseph and the saga of the famine in the land. His brothers heard that Benjamin would have to stay in Mitsraim (Egypt) because of the apparent theft of the master's golden cup last week. There was a tense moment where it was the brothers against the ruler and his servants.

This week, the tests are over. Joseph could not continue to be the crazy ruler who puts their money back in their sacks and sends them off to go get more of the family, calling them spies. The text says, "Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him..."

I think he was worried about emotionally falling apart in front of the warriors and servants. He orders them all to leave, which could have been a suicidal call because of the tension in the air. Imagine the President sending his detail out of the room, leaving combatants alone with the leader of the "free" world. That would not fly.

Then Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in the same way Yeshua revealed his risen self to his talmedim (disciples) on the road to Emmaus (hot baths). I imagine that Joseph took off his headdress and jewelry and told them who he was. Then Joseph cried loudly, so much so that all the Mitsraim (Egyptians) heard him, even to the house of Pharaoh.

When he composed himself, he asked them if his father was alive. The text says that they could not answer. After all, their brother who was dead for so many years was standing there alive before them, again this is like the reaction of all who had seen Yeshua walking around days after the had all seen him killed in a barbaric and brutal way.

To shake his brothers out of their shock, he invited them to come closer saying, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.

Today's reading

English

Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, "Make everyone go out from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.

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Hebrew

The story continues next week with reconciliation...

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Thanks for reading.

Shabbat Shalom