Genesis 45:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not let this trouble you, nor should it seem harsh to you what has occurred, for it took place as part of God's divine plan.

Noticing their sorrow and inability to meet his gaze due to their shame, he consoled them by saying these words.

What a profound expression of brotherly love! How precious is our fellowship! He even forgave the act of fratricide, recognizing it as part of God's divine plan rather than mere human malice, for it was not mankind that handed Him over to death but the Lord who sent Him forth to live. And what greater example of intercession exists than that of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved beyond all kinship, as He hung upon the cross, pleading for the people by saying, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). Furthermore, what a manifestation of Holiness it was when He addressed His disciples with reassurance, saying: Peace be with you! It is I; do not be afraid (cf. Lk. 24:36; Jn. 20:19; Mt. 14:27).

Do not mourn any longer. The trial of Joseph's brothers has concluded, and they find solace in their repentance. To alleviate their sorrow stemming from remorse and to put an end to their mutual accusations and grievances, Joseph seeks to redirect their focus from their wrongful actions to the positive outcomes that Divine Providence has wrought from them. However, Joseph's statements should not imply that God compels individuals to sin for the sake of fulfilling His purposes, nor should it suggest that every transgressor can find comfort in the favorable results of their sinful actions. Josephus later elaborates on his perspective more thoroughly (Gen. 50:20). We must be careful to differentiate: the nature of sin as it originates from the free choice of the will.

“Do not let sorrow overwhelm you": do not allow any concerns or anxieties to trouble your heart; you are secure: it is not your master who stands before you, but rather your sibling. “Should it indeed come to pass that you acted harshly towards me, that you would sell me in this manner”: set aside the memory of your wrongdoing and find solace in the positive outcomes that Divine Providence has brought forth from your actions. “God sent me before you for sustenance." In the divine plan, my relocation to Egypt was for your benefit and the benefit of many others. Did you believe, when you sold me into Egypt, that God would use me as an agent of salvation for not only your lives but also for the lives of countless others?