Genesis 45:16

¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

And the fame {H6963} thereof was heard {H8085} in Pharaoh's {H6547} house {H1004}, saying {H559}, Joseph's {H3130} brethren {H251} are come {H935}: and it pleased {H3190}{H5869} Pharaoh {H6547} well {H3190}{H5869}, and {H5869} his servants {H5650}.

The report of this reached Pharaoh's house: "Yosef's brothers have come"; and Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Commentary

Genesis 45:16 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Joseph and his family, highlighting the widespread impact of Joseph's actions and the divine favor surrounding him.

Context

This verse immediately follows Joseph's emotional revelation of his identity to his brothers and his instructions for them to bring their father Jacob and all their households to Egypt. At this point, Joseph holds the position of second-in-command over all Egypt, a testament to God's incredible providence. The news of his long-lost brothers' arrival was not a private family matter but a significant event that quickly reached the highest levels of the Egyptian government, specifically Pharaoh's royal court.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The fact that the news "pleased Pharaoh well" underscores God's hand orchestrating events for the good of His people. Pharaoh's positive reception was crucial for the safe relocation and settlement of Jacob's entire family in Egypt, setting the stage for the formation of the nation of Israel. This aligns with the broader theme of God turning evil into good.
  • Pharaoh's Favor: The passage emphasizes that not only Pharaoh but also "his servants" were pleased. This collective approval from the highest echelons of power ensured that Joseph's family would receive the best treatment and provisions, including the fertile land of Goshen, as described in subsequent verses. This favor is a direct result of Joseph's integrity and wisdom, which had greatly benefited Egypt during the severe famine.
  • Family Restoration and National Development: The news of Joseph's family arriving signifies the culmination of a long period of separation and suffering. Pharaoh's pleasure validates Joseph's desire to reunite his family and provides the necessary political backing for the patriarchs to settle and multiply, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fame thereof was heard" simply means the report or news of the event spread. It highlights the prominence of Joseph in Egyptian society; his personal affairs were matters of state interest. The Hebrew word for "fame" (שֶׁמַע, shema') can also mean "hearing" or "report," emphasizing the rapid and official communication of this significant development within Pharaoh's household.

Significance and Application

Genesis 45:16 beautifully illustrates how God uses human relationships and political structures to advance His redemptive plan. Pharaoh's positive response was not accidental; it was part of God's overarching design to preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would come. For believers today, this verse is a reminder of God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even the hearts of rulers (Proverbs 21:1). It encourages trust in God's provision and timing, knowing that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, even when the path seems uncertain. The reunion of Joseph's family, endorsed by Pharaoh, is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and the restoration that God brings.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 30:4 (2 votes)

    And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.

  • Deuteronomy 1:33 (2 votes)

    Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents [in], in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

  • Esther 5:14 (2 votes)

    Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

  • Genesis 34:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.

  • Genesis 20:15 (2 votes)

    And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

  • Genesis 41:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

  • Acts 7:13 (2 votes)

    And at the second [time] Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.