How Did Joseph Reassure His Brothers After Jacob’s Death?
After Jacob died, a wave of fear swept over Joseph’s brothers. For years Joseph had shown them nothing but kindness, but they wondered if that kindness had only existed because their father was alive. Now, with Jacob gone, they feared that Joseph might finally take revenge for selling him into slavery decades earlier.
Joseph’s response is one of the clearest and most beautiful demonstrations of forgiveness, faith, and emotional maturity in the entire Bible. His reaction reveals a man who sees life through God’s purposes, not human wrongdoing.
1. The Brothers’ Fear and Guilt Resurfaced
After Jacob’s burial, the brothers said:
“What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”
—Genesis 50:15
Their fear came from:
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Guilt — Their past sin continued to trouble them
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Distrust — They assumed Joseph might act as they once did: with jealousy and cruelty
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Misunderstanding Joseph’s character — They misjudged his maturity and faith
Even after years of reconciliation, they still believed Joseph had reason to retaliate.
2. The Brothers Sent a Message Claiming Jacob Left Instructions
They sent Joseph a message, possibly hoping to protect themselves:
“Your father gave this command before he died… ‘Forgive your brothers their sin.’”
—Genesis 50:16–17
Whether Jacob truly gave this instruction is uncertain; Scripture never records it. But the message shows:
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Their desperation to secure safety
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Their continuing fear of judgment
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Their reliance on Jacob as a mediator
Their words reveal how deeply their past actions continued to burden them.
3. Joseph Wept When He Heard Their Message
Joseph’s emotional response is powerful:
“Joseph wept when they spoke to him.”
—Genesis 50:17
Joseph’s tears reveal:
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Sadness that his brothers still didn’t trust him
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Grief that they misunderstood his heart
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Compassion for their fear
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Pain that old wounds still affected the family
Joseph was not angry—he was heartbroken that reconciliation had not fully healed them.
4. The Brothers Fell Before Joseph in Submission
The brothers then came and bowed down before him:
“We are your servants.”
—Genesis 50:18
This gesture:
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Fulfilled Joseph’s old prophetic dreams once more
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Expressed their total humility
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Showed the depth of their fear
But Joseph had no intention of treating them like slaves.
5. Joseph’s Famous Words: “Do Not Be Afraid”
Joseph spoke tenderly and calmly:
“Do not be afraid.”
—Genesis 50:19
This is the same reassuring phrase spoken throughout Scripture when God comforts His people. Joseph’s words are gentle, father-like, and compassionate.
6. Joseph Explained That Vengeance Belongs to God
Joseph continued:
“Am I in the place of God?”
—Genesis 50:19
This statement reveals Joseph’s theology:
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Vengeance is God’s responsibility, not man’s
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Joseph refused to judge them
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He knew that bitterness and revenge had no place in God’s plan
His refusal to play God showed humility and spiritual maturity.
7. Joseph Declared God’s Sovereign Purpose Behind Their Sin
One of the most important verses in Genesis follows:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about the saving of many lives.”
—Genesis 50:20
Here Joseph explains:
Their intention:
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Evil
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Jealousy
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Hatred
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Harm
God’s intention:
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Preservation of life
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Fulfillment of His promises
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Salvation for Egypt and Israel
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Preparation for the future nation of Israel
Joseph wasn’t minimizing their sin—he was magnifying God’s sovereignty.
8. Joseph Promised to Provide for Them and Their Children
Joseph made a solemn promise:
“I will provide for you and your little ones.”
—Genesis 50:21
This meant:
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Food
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Safety
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Protection
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Stability
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Care for future generations
Joseph did not merely forgive—he blessed abundantly.
9. Joseph Comforted Them with Kind Words
Scripture says:
“He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
—Genesis 50:21
Joseph’s forgiveness was:
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Genuine
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Compassionate
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Full of grace
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Not just verbal but emotional
His kindness healed their fear and restored their confidence in the restored family relationship.
Conclusion: Joseph Reassured His Brothers with Forgiveness, Grace, and Faith
Joseph’s response to his brothers after Jacob’s death reveals:
1. Genuine Forgiveness
He refused to hold past wrongs against them.
2. Humility
He acknowledged that judgment belongs only to God.
3. Faith in God’s Sovereignty
He saw God’s plan even in their sin.
4. Compassion
He comforted them emotionally, not just practically.
5. Provision
He promised ongoing care for them and their children.
Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20 stand as a foundational truth of Scripture:
God can turn human evil into divine good.
Through Joseph’s reassurance, the family of Israel was united again, preserved for the future, and fortified in the promises of God.