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

Gen 45:23

When Joseph reveals his identity and reconciles with his brothers in Egypt, his gesture of sending 20 donkeys laden with provisions to his father, Jacob, signals much more than just a thoughtful gift. It symbolizes restoration and abundance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, donkeys were considered valuable assets, often associated with wealth and means of transportation. They weren’t just practical creatures; relating to them echoed cultural significance, as they were frequently depicted as symbols of peace—much like Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey years later.

In the broader narrative of Genesis, Joseph's actions restore familial bonds strained by jealousy and betrayal—the irony isn’t lost here: the very brothers who had sold him into slavery are now beneficiaries of divine elevation in Joseph's life. When Jacob received the news, it rekindled hope, representing a reunion with a son long thought lost.

Speaking of family, do you know that Jacob had a total of four wives and twelve sons, who became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel? This adds layers to the complexity of his lineage and the creation of the nation of Israel—a constant theme of struggle and redemption runs deep throughout these familial tales. The abundance symbolized by Joseph's gifts could also be connected to the numerous promises found in the prophetic narratives that follow; blessings are intertwined within narratives of suffering, pointing to an overarching thematic tapestry that tells humanity’s story of triumph and hope.