Genesis 45:17

17 He said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers to load their animals and to return to the land of Canaan.

Genesis 45:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 45:17

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph
Who, it is highly probable, waited upon Pharaoh to acquaint him with the coming of his brethren; for it cannot be imagined that Pharaoh should say what follows upon a bare report, without having a further account of things from Joseph, or that he would neglect giving it, but take the first opportunity to inform him, whereupon he gave him the following order:

say unto thy brethren, this do ye;
give them directions and instructions to do as follows:

lade your asses:
with provisions for the present necessity of their father's household in Canaan, and for their journey back to Egypt:

and go, get you into the land of Canaan;
with all the haste they could make.

Genesis 45:17 In-Context

15 Then, still weeping, he embraced each of his brothers and kissed them. After that, his brothers began to talk with him.

16 When the news reached the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were pleased.

17 He said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers to load their animals and to return to the land of Canaan.

18 Let them get their father and their families and come back here. I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on.

19 Tell them also to take wagons with them from Egypt for their wives and small children and to bring their father with them.