Genesis — Chapter 45

AND JOSEPH SAID TO HIS BRETHREN: COME NEARER TO ME. AND WHEN THEY WERE COME NEAR, HE SAID: I AM JOSEPH YOUR BROTHER, WHOM YOU SOLD INTO EGYPT. — THE SELF-REVELATION OF JOSEPH: the supreme moment of the Joseph narrative. \"I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.\" The brothers cannot answer — they are struck with terror. But Joseph immediately adds (v. 5): \"Be not afraid, and let it not seem to you a hard case that you sold me into these countries, for God sent me before you into Egypt for your preservation.\" The type of Christ revealing Himself to the Jews at the end of time and saying: \"I am Jesus whom you crucified — but fear not, for God sent Me for your salvation\" (cf. Zach. 12:10; Acts of the Apostles). Lapide develops this parallel with great emotion and theological depth.

GOD SENT ME HERE BEFORE YOU TO SAVE YOUR LIVES. — Joseph's theological interpretation of his own sufferings: \"It was not you that sent me hither, but God.\" The master text on divine providence in human evil: God uses even the sin of men to accomplish His saving purposes. Lapide: \"This is the answer to all who ask why God permits the just to suffer at the hands of the wicked: He permits it because He is drawing a greater good from it — the salvation of many.\"