Final answer:
When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he was probably experiencing mixed emotions of forgiveness and reconciliation. This event is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' history, which includes prosperity in Egypt before facing enslavement and the birth and rise of Moses, who would lead them toward freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he was likely in a state of profound emotion, including possible feelings of forgiveness and reconciliation. The biblical account suggests a poignant moment where Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, could finally disclose his true identity to his siblings who had betrayed him years before. Joseph's revelatory moment is not just a personal one; it marks a turning point for the Israelites' story in Egypt. Starting around 1800 BCE based on biblical chronology, after Joseph's family joined him in Egypt, they experienced prosperity for a time before their circumstances drastically changed. Over time, the Israelites faced poor treatment and enslavement at the hands of a Pharaoh, culminating in the decree to kill all male Hebrew infants—which led to Moses's fateful rescue and eventual leadership towards freedom.