The answer is: 20 donkeys laden with provisions and the good things of Egypt

Gen 45:23

In the story of Joseph in Genesis, we witness not just a tale of resilience and forgiveness, but also of the complex relationships within a family. When Joseph, now a high-ranking official in Egypt, learns that his deteriorated family life could be mended, he acts quickly. His decision to send his father, Jacob, 20 donkeys laden with provisions isn't just a generous gesture; it embodies a profound rebirth of familial ties post-tragedy.

The fact that he sends 20 donkeys can symbolize both abundance and the raw remnants of his youthful spirit. The number 20 is significant throughout the Bible and often symbolizes redemption and a gap being filled. It mirrors the cycles of life, including returning to the source of one's identity and home. Often, in biblical narratives, gifts symbolize much more than their physical value; they convey deep emotions. Think of the titanic gift that Solomon brought to the Queen of Sheba!

Moreover, these provisions not only showed Jacob that his son was alive but also reflected the richness of Egyptian culture, a land ripe with resources after a time of famine. What's fascinating is that it carries echoes of a classic promise of sustenance made also during the Exodus, where God provided manna in the wilderness. Such themes resonate throughout the scriptures, reminding readers of redemption and the importance of lifting each other up in challenging times.