Genesis 45:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following this heartfelt discourse filled with tears and counsel offered to them, the brothers found it difficult to express themselves to him. It is recorded that they eventually communicated with him.

Joseph welcomed his other brothers warmly. Once they realized that he held no resentment towards them, they began to speak freely. At Joseph's heartfelt words, fear and terror gripped the brothers, leaving them feeling as if they were lifeless. Joseph, the Branch of Jacob, lovingly embraced each of them, harboring no ill will, as was fitting for him. He reassured them with generous gifts and immense joy.

You might have admired Joseph's purity, but let us now reflect on his remarkable generosity. He counters animosity with compassion. Upon seeing his brothers, or perhaps more accurately, recognizing them as his adversaries, he manifested his love and was deeply saddened as he opened his heart to them. He embraced each of them, shedding tears for every one. With tears of affection, he washed away the bitterness that had been directed at him. His love for them remained unwavering, akin to the affection of their living father and their deceased brother. He chose to forget the pit into which he had been thrown, and he did not dwell on his own betrayal as a brother sold for silver. By returning kindness for malice, he preemptively fulfilled the apostolic teachings that had yet to be given. Remembering the sweetness of genuine love, the blessed Joseph, supported by divine grace, sought to eliminate the envy that he knew plagued his brothers.

Then his siblings addressed him. Only after their astonishment had subsided were they able to converse with him as siblings.

Joseph was delighted to reunite with all his brothers, yet his joy was particularly pronounced for Benjamin; he embraced him warmly while merely kissing the others. At their previous meal, Joseph also demonstrated a special favor towards Benjamin, his half-brother, by instructing that he receive a portion five times larger than that of the others (Genesis 43:34). - “And after these things his brethren spoke unto him.” Up to this point, Joseph's brothers had remained silent, their lips sealed by fear and astonishment. It was only now, when the fear dissipated, that they felt free to engage in brotherly dialogue.