Genesis 43
April 12, 2010
2 Comments
Bible Passage: Genesis 43
Two elder brothers,
who loved their younger brother.
One who was willing to sacrifice his life for him,
the other who loved him with a heart of compassion.
“I myself will be a surety for him…”
The famine was severe in the land. Food was scarce. And they had just finished their last grains. They had to go back to Egypt. This time…they had to bring Benjamin along.
“Go back, buy us little food,” their father said to them.
Judah spoke to him, telling Israel of all the things the man had warned them about. There was only one choice: to send Benjamin with his brothers to Egypt as the man demanded.
One thing that Judah said to his father, “I myself will be a surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.”
So the men took the presents and double money which their father commanded to take, and they took Benjamin and went down to Egypt. And Israel hoped in God’s mercy that both his sons Benjamin and Simeon would be released. While Judah’s pledge gave his father some reassurance.
What three reasons did Judah give to Israel to let Benjamin go (43:5, 8-9)?
What were the three things that Israel asked his sons to take (43:12-13, 15)?
“His heart yearned for his brother…”
Joseph saw Benjamin with them. He told his steward to prepare a banquet for his brothers in his home. His brothers were afraid; afraid of the man, who was their brother Joseph. They did not know the happenings that they told the steward, but Joseph’s steward said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid…” Then he brought Simeon out to them. And they prepared to meet their brother.
They bowed down to Joseph on seeing him. Then Joseph enquired about their welfare and their father. They bowed to him again and made obeisance. And when Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he made supplication to God to bless him. His heart yearned for his brother so much that he had to go to his room and weep. Still he washed his face, restrained himself and they sat accordingly-the firstborn to his birthright, and the youngest to his youth. They were astonished at the arrangement. The servings Benjamin received were five times as much as any of the other brothers. So they drank and were merry with him.
How did Joseph react when he saw his brother Benjamin (43:29-30)?
How did Joseph treat Benjamin (43:33-34)?
In times of troubles or calamities,
A brother [sister] is always there for one another.
A brother [sister] would lay down his life for the other.
He [She] would say, “I am my brother’s [sister's] keeper.”
After long periods of not seeing a brother [sister],
They would long to see them again.
They would work by all possible means to meet.
Their hearts yearn to bless them when they greet.
Brothers [sisters] should not turn against each other.
They weren’t meant to dispute at home or church.
Instead when any of them meet trials or sorrow,
They pray together and cheer each other on today and tomorrow.
If I have not made peace with my brother [sister],
I would not be able to sit here and write this down.
Let’s try to remember this good example set before us,
Let this be the beginning or continuing of loving our brother [sister] in Christ.
“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
There was grains in Egypt bec of the God of Israel.
When Israel sent his eleven sons to buy grains in Egypt, he prayed to the same God Almighty to give them mercy before the man (who was sent by God Almighty) that he may release their other brother and Benjamin.(Gen 43:14)
God was the sovereign ruler even when man was oblivious of this fact.
If God can cast all my sins behind His back (Isaiah 38:17), can i not forebear with unwitting inadequacy in His house?
“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” (Matthew 6:12) humbly i pray.
Haughtily i demand apology.
May be it skip my mind that God is watching.
Interesting how you mention that “man was oblivious of this fact”…how it may skip our minds that God is watching and it reminds me of hymn 402, God’s Way:
“God’s way is the best way, though I may not see.
Why sorrows and trials often gather round me…”
In times of trials or distress, being short-sighted of God’s ways causes us to be bereaved (depressed) as Israel, and so we must ask for His mercy and providence. Unlike his father, Joseph could see God’s way and he rejoiced in knowing that he could provide for his family.
“God’s way is the best way, God’s way is the right way,
I’ll trust in Him always, He knows the best.”