3. A JOYFUL REUNION 28-34 a. Judah goes before them. In this last paragraph of the chapter, we have two main things happening. First, we are told that Judah goes before Jacob to show the way before him in Goshen. Isn’t it interesting that we go back to Judah again? Of course, we are not surprised since we know what will become of Judah’s household. He will be the clan through which the Messiah, the lion of the tribe of Judah, will come. Just as Joseph was sent on ahead to prepare a place for his family, Judah is sent on ahead to show the way. This should remind us of our brother Jesus who went on ahead of us to show us the way, to be the way, and to prepare a place for us that where he is we may also be. b. Reunion and instructions. Finally, we have the reunion of Joseph and Jacob. They weep with each other while and must have been a very emotional scene for everyone. Jacob says, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” His life is now complete knowing that his favorite son was not killed by some wild animal but is alive and well and has two children. After there reunion, Joseph gives some advice on how his family is to go before the Pharaoh. Joseph will use the fact that the Egyptians believe that shepherds or keepers of animals are an abomination to their advantage. Joseph will tell the Pharaoh that his family has come as requested but they brought all of their herds as well. And when the Pharah asks what their occupation is they are to say that they are herdsmen like their forefathers so that they may dwell apart from the Egyptians in the land of Egypt. In this way, Jacob’s family can stay apart from the Egyptians yet be able to reap the benefits of living in the land. Again, the wise and discerning Joseph shows us why he is in the position God has put him in.