Page 78 - BibleKnowledgeFormOne

Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) Form One

Activity 4.12
Explain the importance of reconciliation in society.

Reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45:1-28)
Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he
cried, “Make everyone go out from me” (Genesis 45:1). So, no one stayed with him
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly such a way
that the Egyptians and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers,
“I am Joseph; is my father still alive?” (Genesis 45:3). His brothers were dismayed
at his presence. He spoke to them assuring that what they did was a plan of God for
him to serve their lives. He told them to go and tell their father to make haste to come
to Egypt and live in the land of Goshen.

When the report was heard that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh.
Pharaoh told Joseph to tell Jacob and his family to come and live in the land of Egypt.

In response to Pharaoh’s invitation for Jacob and his family, Joseph gave the following
provisions to bring Jacob to Egypt. First, he gave wagons to bring his father and family
members, and made provisions for the journey. Second, he gave a set of garments to
each of the families. Third, he gave 300 shekels of silver and five sets of garments
to Benjamin. Fourth, he sent ten donkeys to Jacob loaded with good things of Egypt.
Finally, he sent ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread and provision for Jacob’s
journey. At last, Joseph insisted them by saying, “Do not quarrel on the way” (Genesis
45:24).

When Jacob saw his sons and the convoy, he fainted for he did not believe when
he saw the wagons, his spirit revived and he said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is
still alive; I will go and see him before I die” (Genesis 45:28). Reconciliation and
unconditional forgiveness are powerful tools for reconstruction and integration in
the community.

Joseph’s unconditional forgiveness to his brothers foreshadows that of Jesus Christ in
the New Testament. Therefore, it is a good lesson to Christians that they are called to
forgive others and should always be able to forgive those who trespass against them.

Jacob’s migration to Egypt
Jacob (Israel) started the journey with all what he had. When he reached at Beer-sheba,
he offered sacrifice to God of his father Isaac. At Beer-sheba, God spoke with Israel
in the vision at night saying, “Jacob, Jacob…I am God, the God of your father, do
not be afraid to go down to Egypt; for I will make you great nation. I will go down
with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s hand shall close
your eyes” (Genesis 46:2-4).

Bible Knowledge 69

29/11/2024 17:29
BIBLE KNOWLDEGE FORM ONE.indd 69 29/11/2024 17:29
BIBLE KNOWLDEGE FORM ONE.indd 69