What does Genesis 45:22 mean?
Joseph is outfitting his brothers for their journey back to Canaan. Their mission, in part, is to convince their father Jacob to move the entire family to Egypt. There are good reasons for this, primarily to survive a devastating famine (Genesis 45:6). Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, has shown tremendous respect for Joseph and his family (Genesis 45:16). He commanded Joseph to send wagons to Canaan, promising that Jacob's family will have the best of everything when they resettle in Egypt (Genesis 45:17–20).As a way of preparing them for the journey, and as an act of love, Joseph gives each of his brothers new clothes. Some scholars suggest the phrase found in this verse can be translated "change of cloaks." This act may have a subtle meaning as well. One reason Joseph's brothers had been jealous of him, years before, was their father Jacob's favoritism (Genesis 37:1–4). Jacob showed this by giving Joseph an expensive cloak. It may be a sign of Joseph's good will to give them new cloaks.
Joseph showers his younger brother Benjamin with even greater and more extravagant gifts. The only other son of his mother Rachel (Genesis 35:24) receives five changes of clothes and significant amounts of money. Three hundred shekels would have been about 120 ounces of silver. All these gifts, in addition to those listed in the following verse (Genesis 45:23), will serve as evidence to Jacob. He should be convinced that Joseph is as rich and powerful as his brothers will describe.
Genesis 45:16–28 describes Pharaoh's enthusiastic response to learning about Joseph's reunion with his estranged family. With Pharaoh's blessing, Joseph urges his brothers to return to Canaan, pack all they own, and come back to resettle the family in Egypt. Their father Jacob agrees after eventually being convinced the story is true.
Genesis 45 is a series of revelations. Following an emotional breakdown, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his baffled brothers. After they realize the governor of Egypt is the one they sold into slavery two decades earlier, he rushes to tell them he does not hold them responsible. In His own way, God had arranged for Joseph's enslavement, for the purpose of saving many people from famine. With Pharaoh's enthusiastic support, Joseph arranged for his brothers to return to Canaan, pack up Jacob and all they own, and come back to resettle in Egypt. Jacob, finally convinced all this is true, agrees to the move.
