And the rest, they say, is history; Joseph found and reconnected; peace restored in Jacob’s family; all forgiven and forgotten as Jacob and his entourage head for Egypt, reassured that this was all in God’s plan.

Pharaoh welcomed the contingent with open arms and gave Jacob’s clan the best of Egypt’s land, the fertile area in the Nile delta where they flourished and multiplied rapidly. Pharaoh smiled on Jacob and his family because of Joseph. Nothing was too good for them.

Only one shadow remained in the family. Was Joseph nursing a secret grudge and what would happen when the old patriarch died? Despite Joseph’s reassurances of forgiveness and confidence in God’s providence, this lingering doubt clouded the family until…

‭Genesis‬ ‭49:33‬ ‭NLT‬
[33] “When Jacob had finished this charge to his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and joined his ancestors in death.”

Now was the moment of truth.

‭Genesis‬ ‭50:14‭-‬21‬ ‭NLT‬
[14] “After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s burial. [15] But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. [16] So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us [17] to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. [18] Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. [19] But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. [21] No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”

So, Jacob’s family settled down in Egypt to multiply and flourish under both Pharaoh and Joseph’s protection until…

But that’s another story.

To be concluded…