Genesis 43:1-34
Jacob’s permission was needed!  Famine was great and the grain – used up.
  Jacob told ten of his sons to go back to Egypt and buy grain.  Judah stated what the man (prime minister of Egypt, actually Joseph) warned them of, “you won’t see my face unless you bring your youngest brother.”
  Jacob had a hard time with that!  Judah appealed to his father, If you send Benjamin with us, we’ll go and buy grain, but if you don’t let Benjamin go with us, we won’t go.  Then Judah repeated what “the man in Egypt” told them.

  Judah promised his father that he, Judah, would be insurance, he would be held responsible for Benjamin.  Judah was willing to bear the blame if Benjamin did not return.  Then Judah snuck in a jab, if we had left earlier we would already be back with the grain.  

  Jacob conceded.  Take gifts to this man, and take double the money, since all of the money returned to us, take Benjamin too.  May the blessings of God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of “the man”.  Maybe he will release Simeon from prison and let Benjamin return – if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

  The eleven brothers made the trip to Egypt and stood before Joseph (“the man”).
  Joseph saw his brother, Benjamin, and ordered a feast at his house at noon.

  The eleven brothers were fearful at this point that the prime minister (Joseph) would take them all slaves along with their donkeys.  They tried to explain to the house steward what happened with the money on their first trip.  The steward said, don’t worry about it.  Then Simeon was allowed to join the brothers.  The donkeys were given food.  

  Joseph came home to the palace. The brothers gave the gifts their father sent to him and they bowed down to the ground.   Joseph asked about their father and acknowledged Benjamin.  Joseph hurriedly left for another room, to weep.
  Joseph controlled himself and rejoined the brothers.  The meal was served.  

  The brothers were seated apart from all others, and seated in order of their birth.  Benjamin was given five times as much as the brothers… no one said anything.
  Joseph’s compassion is shown by his hosting his brothers and giving them a feast.

  Jacob expected the worst.  The brothers expected the worst.  Joseph’s compassion is a picture of Christ’s compassion for each one of us.  We are sinners and we deserve the worst… but as a follower of Christ we can expect compassion from our Savior.

God’s Word ~ Alive!

Lamentations 3:22
“The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.”
Expect God to be compassionate, not mean spirited!

Categories: God's Word ~ Alive!