Let’s wrap up this part of the reunion of Joseph and his brothers with a surprising observation of what did NOT happen. There were multiple major offenses committed, but there is no record of forgiveness because there is no record of condemnation. For example, Jesus didn’t forgive the woman caught in adultery in John 8:

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8.11, ESV)

We’ve already observed that Joseph did not hold his brothers accountable for selling him into slavery:

And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. (Genesis 45.5, ESV)

What other potential offenses were not called into account?

• Jacob could have been angry with the 10 brothers who sold Joseph and pretended he was dead. “What?! You sold your brother into slavery and essentially lied to me about it for 13 years?! What kind of men are you???”
• The brothers could have been angry with Joseph for deceiving them and scaring them half to death.
• The brothers could have taken issue with their father for making them feel like second-class members of the family. I have friends whose adult children have made them apologize for all the hurt they caused by not raising them “properly.”

There’s no record that any of these offenses were mentioned again.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19.11, ESV)

PS I could have practiced overlooking an offense a few days ago when a restaurant didn’t have my takeout order ready when promised. But I didn’t…