Genesis 45:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us now reflect on the events that followed, observing the return of Joseph's brothers to their father, Jacob's migration to Egypt, and how Jacob, upon hearing of Joseph, rejuvenated as if he were a young man once again. Who can adequately articulate the joy that filled Jacob when he discovered that Joseph was alive and had risen to such high status? You know that sudden happiness can generate immense delight. Upon learning that the son he believed had been devoured by wild animals was now the sovereign of all Egypt, how could he not be overwhelmed with joy? For immense joy can elicit reactions akin to those seen in profound sorrow. Many weep from overwhelming happiness, while others may faint when confronted with unexpected realities, especially when they encounter those they believed to be lost.

To clarify our narrative further, let us listen once more to the passages from Holy Scripture: “And they went out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan to Jacob their father, and informed him, saying, Joseph is alive, and is now ruler over all the land of Egypt. But his heart was troubled, for he did not believe them.”

As I mentioned, the news about Joseph seemed astounding to Jacob, leaving him in a state of turmoil as he suspected his brothers might be deceiving him. They had previously brought him Joseph’s garments, stained with the blood of a goat, claiming that wild beasts had slain his son. Now they asserted that he was alive and in a position of power in Egypt. Jacob's spirit was troubled, and he thought to himself, “What does this mean? If the earlier story is true, then this news seems impossible; if this new revelation is accurate, then the previous account must be false.” He was particularly troubled by the fact that he had received one narrative from his children previously, and could now be facing an entirely different reality.

He then expressed, "It is enough for me, if my son Joseph still lives; I will go and see him before I die." The cornerstone of faith firmly rests upon the belief in Christ’s Resurrection, for anyone who embraces this truth will earnestly seek the Risen Lord, approach Him with reverence, and worship God from a pure heart. Such a believer holds the assurance that, through faith in the Bearer of the Resurrection, they too shall conquer death.