¹⁵Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers were worried. They said, “Remember all of the bad things we did to Joseph? What if he decides to hold those things against us? What if he pays us back for them?”

¹⁶So they sent a message to Joseph. They said, “Your father gave us directions before he died. ¹⁷He said, ‘Here’s what you must say to Joseph. Tell him, “I’m asking you to forgive your brothers. Forgive the terrible things they did to you. Forgive them for treating you so badly.” ’ Now then, please forgive our sins. We serve the God of your father.”

When their message came to Joseph, he sobbed.

¹⁸Then his brothers came and threw themselves down in front of him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

¹⁹But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Do you think I’m God? ²⁰You planned to harm me. But God planned it for good. He planned to do what is now being done. He wanted to save many lives.

²¹“So then, don’t be afraid. I’ll provide for you and your children.” He set them free from their fears. And he spoke in a kind way to them.

Joseph Dies

²²Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all of his father’s family. He lived 110 years. ²³He lived long enough to see Ephraim’s children and grandchildren. When the children of Makir were born, they were placed on Joseph’s knees and counted as his own children. Makir was the son of Manasseh.

²⁴Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m about to die. But I’m sure that God will come to help you. He’ll take you up out of this land. He’ll bring you to the land he promised with an oath to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

²⁵Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and make a promise to him. He said, “I’m sure that God will come to help you. Then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

²⁶So Joseph died at the age of 110. They prepared his body to be buried. Then he was placed in a casket in Egypt.

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