Joseph: Facing the past and forgiving

Joseph's brothers come before him again in hardship and with inadequate goods. They ask for full measure. Joseph reminds them of what they did to him and his brother out of ignorance. Thereupon, they ask if he is indeed Joseph; he confirms his identity.

His brothers acknowledge that they were in the wrong and that God has exalted Joseph. Joseph tells them there shall be no reproach for them that day and asks for forgiveness for them. He then tells them to take his shirt to their father, cast it upon his face, and bring the whole family to him.

When the caravan departs, Jacob tells those around him that he perceives the scent of Joseph, despite them not understanding him. When the bearer of glad tidings arrives and casts the shirt upon his face, his sight returns. His sons ask their father to seek forgiveness for them. Thus, the hidden sin becomes an openly acknowledged truth within the family.

The family gathers in Egypt with Joseph. Joseph welcomes his parents, recalls the fulfillment of the dream he had in the past, and recounts his experiences as a grace from God. The story describes both a confrontation and a reunion. The example of voluntary forgiveness here does not impose an obligation of reconciliation on every injured person at the same time and in the same way.