Paragraph III
Did Joseph purposely select this as the most fitting moment to reveal himself? No. He revealed himself because he could not help it and because Judah's appeal had so worked upon his feelings. The first sentence of the paragraph indicates this.
Why did he send every man away except his brothers? He did not wish others to see his own lack of self-control or his brothers' shame and embarrassment. Moreover, it was a solemn situation, too sacred for vulgar eyes to gaze upon.
We are told that he "wept aloud", that "he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept", that "he kissed all his brethren", etc. Is he unduly demonstrative? Eastern people are much more emotional and demonstrative than Western people.
Why did he have to repeat his assurance that he was Joseph? The first announcement was so amazing that it seemed incredible to them. Moreover, all his previous communications had been through an interpreter and, no doubt, their amazement was increased by hearing him address them in their own tongue.
Upon what ground did Joseph tell his brothers that they should not blame themselves for selling him into Egypt? Upon the ground that God had brought good out of the evil they had done.
Is he quite right in telling them that they should not be grieved for the wrong they did him? They were free agents; God did not will that they should sin, though He brought good out of it. From this point of view Joseph is wrong. But he doubtless sees that his brothers have long ago repented their action and does not wish them to continue to blame themselves. His assurance is no doubt prompted by a noble generosity induced, to some extent, by Judah's appeal.
What seems to be Joseph's dominating motive? His love for his father. His repeated references to him show this.
We can understand his desire to provide for his father and Benjamin, but why for his brothers who had wronged him? Partly for his father's sake, perhaps. It was natural, in those patriarchal days, that Jacob, if he migrated to Egypt, should wish his family to do the same. Besides, Joseph sees that his brothers are changed men.
What inducements does he hold out to them? He shows them that his own power in Egypt is sufficient to protect them; he promises them the fertile land of Goshen, with sufficient food for themselves and their flocks and herds; and he points out that five years of famine are yet to be in the land, and that they must inevitably suffer if the invitation is rejected.