Genesis 45:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon witnessing their father's distress and eager to reassure him of their honesty, they recounted all that Joseph had communicated to them. They also showed him the chariots and gifts Joseph had sent, struggling to persuade him that their account was true. When Jacob saw the chariots dispatched for him to journey to Egypt, it is said he was revitalized. Ancient, weary, and stooped, Jacob experienced a remarkable renewal of his spirit; he was said to be revived. What does this revival signify? Much like a lamp whose flame weakens due to dwindling oil, yet brightens again with just a small addition of oil, so too this aged man, on the verge of despair — for he had declared he would grieve until joining his son in the grave (Gen.

He observed the chariots and the provisions and accepted them with faith. His spirit was uplifted. Benjamin approached and embraced him, saying, “These words are true and fair, dear father.” He revealed to him all that Joseph had conveyed. At that moment, he accepted Benjamin’s words with trust.

How is it that they fail to grasp the very words they read and reject Moses, whom they revere, because they are unwilling to accept his writings? What could be more apparent than that they are invited here to transition into the Church of God, so that those who were once confined within the limited borders of Judah may join the people of God, gathered from all corners of the world, from every tribe and nation, and become a great nation? Indeed, their message has spread throughout the earth (Psalms 18:5). Thus, Jacob is summoned by his sons, signifying that the Jewish people are called to grace through Peter, John, and Paul.