This reunion recalls Jacob's former meeting with Esau (32:3). In both situations after a long period of separation Jacob sent a party ahead to meet the relative.
"The land of Goshen, where the Hebrews lived, adjoined Avaris--now known to have been sited at Tell el-Dab'a (notat Tanis, as so many textbooks wrongly aver)."894
Jacob had said that the loss of his sons would bring him to his grave in mourning (37:35; 42:38). Joseph's "resurrection"had enabled his father to die in peace. Similarly the resurrection of a greater Joseph has allowed many to face death with courage and hope (cf. Phil. 1:21-26; 1 Pet. 1:3).
Joseph encouraged his family to be completely honest with Pharaoh (v. 34). Dishonesty long plagued Jacob's family, but now Joseph led them out of this destructive behavior.
Believers should respond to divine providence by making their decisions in response to the initiative of His wise leaders. They should do so with confidence in His promises and dependent on His continuing guidance and provision.
