- Scripture: Genesis 45:16–28
- The Anchor: “But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.” – Genesis 45:27 (ESV)
In today’s passage, Pharaoh sees that Joseph’s brothers have come and he blesses their family with land in Egypt and lots of resources to help transport them over. All of the brothers got a change of clothes, but Benjamin got 300 shekels and five changes of clothes. Joseph told them not to quarrel. The brothers left Egypt and went to their father once again to convince him to come. When the brothers told him that Joseph was still alive, Jacob’s heart turned numb and he didn’t believe them at first. But once he saw the gifts that Joseph had provided for them, his spirit was revived and Israel said that he would go see Joseph before he died.
I find it funny that Joseph is still favoring Benjamin even though he already saw the brothers to be changed people. He also told them not to quarrel, which means he probably still doesn’t trust his brothers…
Jacob must have been shocked and speechless as well when he heard that Joseph was really alive. He originally didn’t believe them. However, his spirit was revived when he saw the evidence. Then he committed to going to Egypt. There’s a few things that I want to unpack from this part. First, I wanted to mention that in verse 27, it says that Jacob’s spirit was revived after he saw Joseph’s gifts and heard the words that the brothers told him. It doesn’t say that Jacob believed or that he accepted these as true. It says that Jacob’s spirit was revived. This wording is very particular because it shows that Jacob’s transformation in heart was purely by God. God revived Jacob’s spirits. The word for the Spirit of God and the word in this passage are the same. Although it probably just means Jacob was filled with life again, I still think it shows God’s work. Additionally, I think it’s really interesting that Jacob is called Israel in the last verse of this chapter. This is the name that God gives to Jacob, and I think it further represents the godly, transformed version of Jacob.
This reminded me that all the good things, blessings, peace, and strength that I get in life is really from God.
Reflection
- You noted that Jacob’s spirit was “revived” in a way that suggests a supernatural move of God, rather than just a simple shift in mood. When you look at the “revival” of your own heart—the times you feel hope returning after a long period of numbness—how do you see God’s hand at work in that transition?
- You pointed out the significance of Jacob being referred to as “Israel” at the end of the chapter, highlighting his godly, transformed identity. How does it change your daily walk to remember that you, too, have a new identity in Christ that is meant to supersede your old, “Jacob-like” tendencies?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of a revived spirit. Thank You that even when I am numb, overwhelmed, or slow to believe, You are the One who breathes life back into my soul. Help me to live fully in the identity You have given me, walking as a child of God, and recognizing that every blessing, strength, and peace I possess flows directly from You. Amen.