Genesis 45:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He could no longer endure it “to be held in the presence of all those who stood near him,” so after sending them all away and being left alone with his brothers, "he wept loudly, and revealed himself to his brethren." This revelation spread throughout the realm “and in the house of Pharaoh." He addressed his brothers with the words, “I am Joseph; is my father yet alive?” It is truly remarkable to consider the steadfastness of this blessed man; he managed to maintain his identity without revealing himself, and it is even more astonishing to ponder how his brothers resisted the urge to speak, how they did not falter in their senses, and how they did not collapse in that moment.

Judah addressed Joseph with deep emotion, as described in Genesis 44:18-34, which stirred profound compassion in Joseph for his brothers. He not only granted their wish by returning Benjamin to them but also surprised them by revealing his true identity. Joseph instructed his attendants to leave, having initially judged them based on a contrived accusation; however, he intended to evaluate them on a genuine matter and wanted to eliminate all witnesses. Upon hearing their anguished remarks and observing their shame, particularly Benjamin in distress, tearing his garments and weeping at the feet of those surrounding him, pleading for Joseph’s mercy, Joseph was greatly disturbed, profoundly affected in his innermost being. He then urgently directed those present to withdraw.

Joseph instructed everyone to leave, enabling his brothers to recognize him. For, as Jesus declared, He came solely for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (cf. Matt. 15:24). With great sorrow, he proclaimed, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" This signifies that He extended His hands to a faithless and defiant people, not sending a mere messenger, but choosing to save His people Himself (cf. Is. 65:2).

Joseph could no longer restrain himself or conceal his identity. He commanded everyone around him to leave, ensuring that even those nearby and at home were absent when he disclosed his true self to his brothers.

Take away everything from me. Joseph withdraws from his siblings, not merely in adherence to customary decorum, allowing his genuine emotions to surface without risking disgrace before outsiders and subordinates. He does this also to spare his brothers the shame of their wrongdoing being revealed before the Egyptians.

Joseph concealed his identity from his brothers for an extended period and treated them harshly. This was his method for gleaning honest information about their father and assessing their hearts, determining whether they had truly repented for their wrongdoing against him, Joseph. If they had not fully turned from their actions, he sought to provoke and deepen their remorse. His objective was ultimately fulfilled. During their initial encounter, as they conversed among themselves, they recognized that the stern treatment from the ruler of Egypt was a divine retribution for their past cruelty towards their brother. They then spoke openly in Hebrew, unaware that Joseph, being a natural Jew, understood every word they said (Genesis 42:21-23).