Antecedents? - Episodes of this intriguing story appear in other literature. (See Pritchard’s texts about the temptation and the seven year famine.) [1]

To Dream the Impossible Dream

We have waited since chapter 37 to find out about the power of the dream. The dream indirectly has concerned rule over Egypt . . . [and] rule over father and brothers. That has been advanced in 42-44. But none of the players is yet aware of the linkage of dream and fruition. Everything before this has pointed to this chapter. After this, everything is derivative. [2]

I Am Joseph - Such disclosure shatters the presumed world of the brothers; life is now turned on its head and they suddenly have a new context. At issue: the brothers now face the reality of a new and powerful, ruling, dreams-come-true Joseph. Such knowledge truly fills them with astonishment and terror-not unlike the first disciples’ response to the disclosure of the live Jesus. [3]

• What do you think caused Joseph’s deeply moving experience in chapter 45?
• Why does Zaphenath-Paneah decide to disclose his Hebrew identity to his brothers immediately following Judah’s speech?
• Mercy is “a disposition that forbears punishing . . .” (Webster's 10th); when has someone extended such mercy to you? When have you been “Joseph” and shown mercy to another?
• Why the change in attitude? Up to this point Joseph has played his Egyptian card well; he has used his authority and knowledge of them for his advantage. Now, he somehow decides to quit his own scheming. He comes clean with his identity. Why?

For an example of a narrative sermon based on this passage, please see, review the homily posted for the 7th Sunday in Ephipany (Year C), entitled, “Sweet Revenge.”

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[1] The Ancient Near East, vol. 1, James B. Pritchard, ed. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958), pp. 12-16; 24-27.
[2] Walter Brueggemann, Interpretation Series: Genesis (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982), p. 343.
[3] Ibid, page 344.