Joseph

The account of Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt has several features worth mentioning.  One of them involves Joseph's attitude towards them when they return with Benjamin.  At first Joseph is unable to keep from weeping, which he does in private.  Then he refrains himself before entering the room where they were seated. (Genesis 43:30-31).  After Judah's passionate plea to Joseph on behalf of Benjamin, Joseph again is unable to refrain himself as he reveals himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:1).  There are two lines of thought that can be followed in this account.  The controlled Joseph arranges for his cup to be hidden in Benjamin's sack and for the forced return of his brothers back to Egypt, upon which the weeping Joseph reveals himself.  The other is the straight line of love between the two.  The same reflexive verbal root connects the word "restrain."  In the former verse Joseph causes himself to be restrained.  In the latter, he is unable to cause himself to be restrained.  The connection is love.  Joseph has totally forgiven his brothers for their offense against him in selling him into slavery.  His great love for his brothers results in his inability to restrain himself any longer.

(For more information on the character of the patriarchs check out my book on the Patriarchs.  "Walking with the Patriarchs"