45:1 was not able to control himself Joseph has broken down emotionally twice before (Gen 42:24; 43:30), and he now reaches the point where he cannot continue to hide his identity from his brothers.

45:2 the household of Pharaoh Pharaoh and his household likely heard about the incident and its outcome later.

45:3 I am Joseph Joseph has to tell them twice in order to penetrate his brothers’ shock (v. 4).

they were dismayed The Hebrew verb used here, bahal, describes a state of terror (1 Sam 28:21; Job 22:10; Ezek 7:27).

45:4 Come near The Hebrew verb used here, nagash, meaning “to come close,” was used earlier to describe the brothers as they approached Joseph (Gen 43:19; 44:18). In each scene the verb is used; Joseph does not approach them; they approach Joseph. Here, Joseph seeks to calm and reassure them.

45:5 do not be angry with yourselves Joseph does not want his brothers to live in regret. His repeated belief that God was behind his pain reinforces the sincerity of this request.

45:6 five more years Joseph’s knowledge of this detail must have surprised his brothers.

45:7 preserve for you a remnant in the land Joseph repeats his belief that all that has happened is God’s work. This phrase connects what happened to Joseph to the preservation of the family of promise—Jacob (Israel) and his sons, who would become the 12 tribes of Israel.

45:8 father to Pharaoh In Egyptian literature, titles similar to this one are attributed to Egyptians other than just Pharaoh. It is used for the pharaoh’s physical father, tutor, and father-in-law. The title could also be used as an honorary title for someone who incurred special favor from the pharaoh, which likely describes Joseph’s case.

master of all his household, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt See 41:40–43.

45:10 Goshen This likely refers to the northeastern region of the Nile delta.

45:12 it is I who am speaking to you Joseph speaks to his brothers in their native language, having removed all others from the scene (Gen 45:1). His ability to speak their language affirms that he is who he claims to be.

45:16 it pleased Pharaoh Pharaoh approves of Joseph’s wish to move his family to Egypt.

45:18 you shall eat the fat of the land Refers to the abundance that the land or soil offers—its produce.

45:20 Do not worry about your possessions Pharaoh tells them not to worry about transporting their belongings, only their people. He’s agreed to give them the best of the land, which will far outmatch anything they can bring.

45:22 he gave sets of clothing This echoes the beginning of the saga, when Jacob gave a new garment to Joseph (Gen 37:3). The Hebrew word used here is not the same word used for Joseph’s robe, but the connection is evident.

Benjamin Joseph favors Benjamin, his full-blood brother from their mother, Rachel.

45:24 Do not be agitated The Hebrew verb used here, ragaz, often means “to tremble.” The statement may reflect Joseph’s desire for them to have a safe and uneventful journey. It may also indicate suspicion on the part of Joseph that the brothers will argue about their role in his past sufferings and their consequential guilt. Joseph desires neither of these.

45:27 he saw the wagons The caravan from Egypt convinces Jacob that his sons are telling the truth. Joy soon replaces his initial sense of shock.