Genesis 43
Genesis 43:1-10: Jacob Unwilling to Part with Benjamin In this passage, the famine in Canaan continues, and Jacob’s family uses up all the grain they brought from Egypt. Jacob tells his sons to go back to Egypt for more food, but they remind him that they cannot return unless Benjamin, the youngest son, goes with them. Judah takes the lead in reasoning with Jacob, promising to take care of Benjamin and to be responsible for his safety. This situation shows how hard times can lead families to make difficult decisions and how true repentance can be shown by actions, not just words.v. 1-2: The famine is still very bad in the land, and the food they got from Egypt is finished. Jacob, as the head of the family, tells his sons to go and buy a little more food (v. 1, 2 a). In hard times, people must be content with less and use what they have wisely. – v. 3-5: Judah reminds Jacob that the ruler in Egypt (Joseph) told them they could not return unless Benjamin came with them. Judah says they cannot go back unless Jacob lets Benjamin go, because the Egyptian ruler was very clear about his command (v. 3-5 b). This shows that sometimes, we must meet certain conditions to get what we need. – – v. 6-7: Jacob blames his sons for telling the Egyptian ruler that they had another brother. The brothers explain that the man asked them many questions about their family, and they could not have known he would demand to see Benjamin (v. 6-7 c). – v. 8-9: Judah again urges his father to let Benjamin go with them. He promises to be responsible for Benjamin’s safety and says he will bear the blame forever if anything happens to him. Judah is showing real repentance for his past actions against Joseph by now wanting to protect Benjamin (v. 8-9; Genesis 42:21 d). – v. 10: Judah points out that if they had not waited so long, they could have already gone to Egypt and returned by this time (v. 10 e). This teaches us not to delay when important action is needed. Genesis 43:11-14: Joseph’s Brethren Again Sent to Egypt In this passage, Jacob finally agrees to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt. He sees that there is no other choice if they want to get more food and save their family from hunger. Jacob shows wisdom by sending gifts and double money to Egypt, hoping to make peace and show honesty. He also shows faith by praying that God will give his sons mercy before the ruler in Egypt. In the end, Jacob accepts that some things are out of his control and leaves the outcome in God’s hands.v. 11: Jacob listens to his sons and realizes he must let Benjamin go. He tells them to take the best fruits of the land as a gift for the Egyptian ruler—balm, honey, spices, myrrh, nuts, and almonds. Jacob knows that sometimes, we must change our plans when the situation demands it (v. 11 f). v. 12: Jacob tells them to take double the amount of money and to return the money that was found in their sacks, saying, “maybe it was a mistake.” He wants to be honest and fair, showing that it is right to return what does not belong to us, even if it came by accident (v. 12 g). v. 13: Jacob finally lets Benjamin go with them, since it is the only way to get food and rescue their brother Simeon (v. 13 h). v. 14: Jacob prays for God Almighty to give his sons mercy in Egypt, so that both Simeon and Benjamin will return. He ends by accepting that if he loses his children, he can only trust God’s will. Jacob’s faith and patience show us how to face situations we cannot change (v. 14; 2 Samuel 15:25,26 i). Genesis 43:15-25: Joseph Entertains His Brethren In this passage, Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt, bringing Benjamin, gifts, and double money as their father Jacob instructed. When Joseph sees Benjamin, he tells his steward to prepare a meal for them at his house. The brothers are afraid when they are invited to Joseph’s house, thinking it is because of the money found in their sacks. However, Joseph’s steward reassures them and treats them kindly. This story shows how guilt can make us fearful, but honesty and God’s providence can bring peace and kindness from others.v. 15: The brothers take their gifts, double money, and Benjamin, and travel to Egypt. They go to stand before Joseph (v. 15 j). v. 16-17: When Joseph sees Benjamin, he tells his steward to bring his brothers to his house and prepare a meal, because they will eat with him at noon. The steward obeys and takes the brothers to Joseph’s house (v. 16-17 k). Joseph does not leave his work, showing that important duties come before social visits. – v. 18: The brothers become afraid when they are brought to Joseph’s house. They think it is because of the money in their sacks and worry they will be punished or made slaves (v. 18 l). Guilt often causes people to expect the worst. v. 19-22: The brothers explain their situation to Joseph’s steward at the door. They say they brought back the money they found and have more to buy food. They want to prove their honesty before any accusation is made (v. 19-22 m). This teaches us that honesty will defend us and bring peace. – – – v. 23: The steward tells them, “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks.” He assures them he received their money and brings Simeon out to them (v. 23 n). The steward’s words show respect for God and calm their fears. v. 24: The steward welcomes the brothers into Joseph’s house, gives them water to wash their feet, and provides food for their donkeys (v. 24 o). He treats them kindly as honored guests. v. 25: The brothers prepare their gifts to present to Joseph at noon, knowing they will eat with him (v. 25 p). They show respect and readiness to meet him. Genesis 43:26-34: Joseph Entertains His Brothers In this passage, Joseph’s brothers meet him in his house and present their gifts. They bow before him, showing great respect, and Joseph asks about their father. He is especially moved when he sees Benjamin, his younger brother. Joseph treats all his brothers kindly—he controls his emotions, arranges a special meal for them, and gives Benjamin extra food. This scene shows the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams and highlights both Joseph’s kindness and the brothers’ humility.v. 26-28: When Joseph comes home, his brothers give him their present and bow down to the ground. Joseph asks about their welfare and especially about their father, wanting to know if he is still alive. The brothers reply that their father is well, and they bow down again (v. 26-28 q). This double bowing fulfills Joseph’s earlier dreams (Genesis 37:10 r). – – v. 29-30: Joseph looks at Benjamin and asks if this is their youngest brother. He blesses Benjamin, saying, “God be gracious unto thee, my son.” Joseph is so moved with emotion that he has to leave the room to cry in private (v. 29-30 s). Tears of love and compassion are not a weakness, even for important people (Jeremiah 13:17; Matthew 26:75 t). – v. 31-32: Joseph washes his face, returns, and controls his feelings. He orders the meal to be served. The Egyptians eat separately from the Hebrews because they consider eating together to be wrong. Joseph eats at his own table, showing both hospitality and respect for customs (v. 31-32 u). – v. 33: Joseph’s brothers are seated in order by age, from the oldest to the youngest. They are surprised at this, not knowing how Joseph could know their ages (v. 33 v). v. 34: Joseph gives his brothers generous portions from his own table, but Benjamin receives five times as much food as the others. They eat and are happy together. Joseph does this to show special favor to Benjamin and to see if the brothers would be jealous, as they were of Joseph’s special coat in the past (v. 34; Proverbs 23:1-3 w).
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