Upon hearing that Joseph was alive, Jacob did not blame anyone regarding the loss of Joseph. This is a sign that he not only had been transformed but also was mature, completely filled with the fullness of the divine life.

When Jacob received the good news regarding Joseph, his heart grew numb, but his spirit revived (v. 27), indicating that his soul and spirit had been divided (Heb. 4:12). This was a manifestation of Jacob’s maturity in life.

God’s intention was that the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would build Him a tabernacle (Exodus chs. 25—30; 35—40) so that He might establish His kingdom on earth. God sent Joseph to Egypt to preserve life so that a remnant of the chosen and called race might remain for the fulfillment of His purpose.

Joseph did not need to forgive his brothers, because he did not blame them (cf. note Gen. 45:28¹). He received as from God all that his brothers had done to him, and he comforted those who had offended him (vv. 5-8; 50:15-21). What grace, and what an excellent spirit, he had!

When Joseph’s brothers sold him, they hated him and did not care for their father or their younger brother. The attitude and spirit with which Judah spoke to Joseph about his father and brother (Gen. 44:18-34) convinced Joseph that Judah had been subdued and broken. This was the right time for Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers.