Symmetry of the second half of the Joseph story

chiasm

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   brothers return to Egypt from Canaan and bow to Joseph43:1–44:3they fear that Joseph will make them his slaves (ʿăḇāḏîm); Joseph speaks kindly to them; reassures them, don't be afraid (ʾal-tîrāʾû); provides for them; weeps
2. b
   Joseph's great weeping when he hears Jacob is alive44:4–45:15Joseph weeps a long time over Benjamin and brothers and kisses them, weeping so loud that the Egyptians hear him; when he hears that Jacob is still alive he gives instructions to bring Jacob from Hebron to Egypt
3. c
   Jacob comes down to Egypt with all twelve sons (listed in order of birth)45:16–47:12Jacob joyous: having thought Joseph dead, he sees Joseph alive!; he declares he can now die in peace
4. d
   CENTER: Joseph's exaltation over all Egypt and his successful administration during the famine47:13–26
5. c′
   Jacob blesses all twelve sons in Egypt (blessed in order of birth)47:27–49:32Jacob joyous: "I never expected to see you [Joseph] again, and now I see your sons too!"; he is about to die
6. b′
   Joseph's great weeping when Jacob dies49:33–50:14Joseph weeps over his father and kisses him; Joseph gives instructions to take Jacob's body from Egypt to Hebron for burial; Egyptians weep a long time in Canaan
7. a′
   brothers return from Canaan and bow to Joseph50:15–26they fear Joseph and say, "We are your slaves (ʿăḇāḏîm)"; Joseph speaks kindly to them; reassures them, don't be afraid (ʾal-tîrāʾû); promises to provide for them; weeps