Summary https://marksbiblejourney.blogspot.com/2019/10/genesis.html
"Jacob and his sons do not go back to Egypt immediately. Instead, they wait, eat all the grain, and the whole family is going to starve again because the famine is still severe. They have no choice but to return back to Egypt with Benjamin or they will all die. The sons of Jacob convince him to let all the brothers return back to Egypt including Benjamin. Jacob tells his sons to take gifts to Joseph in hopes that he will be lenient and fulfill what he has promised them. The brothers take the gift, they double the amount of money that was returned to their sacks, and they bring Benjamin along to Egypt. Jacob is worried and prays to God for mercy and their safe return. The brothers make their way back to Egypt and stand before Joseph once again. The brothers are taken to Joseph's house, and Joseph has a feast prepared for them. The brothers are worried that they are going to be taken prisoners because of the returned money in their grain sacks. They tell Joseph's steward the truth about what happened. Surprisingly, the steward says that they received the brothers' money, and there is nothing to fear. Simeon is brought out to the brothers. The brothers give Joseph the gifts that they brought from the land of Canaan. Joseph sees his younger brother Benjamin, is overcome with emotion, and goes into an inner room to weep. He regains his composure and orders that the meal be served to his brothers. An amazing feast is served, and they get drunk with Joseph as well."
Some key verses from the Amplified Bible (AMP) version..
- "Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this; take some of the choicest products of the land in your sacks, and carry it as a present [of tribute] to the man [representing Pharaoh], a little balm and a little honey, aromatic spices or gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds. Take double the [amount of] money with you, and take back the money that was returned in the opening of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother [Benjamin] also, and get up, and go to the man; and may God Almighty grant you compassion and favor before the man, so that he will release to you your other brother [Simeon] and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children [Joseph, Simeon, and Benjamin], I am bereaved.” v. 11-14
- "But the steward [encouraged them and] said, “Peace be to you, do not be afraid; your God and the God of your father has [miraculously] given you treasure in your sacks. I [already] had your money [which you paid to us].” Then he brought Simeon out to them. Then the steward brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed [the dust off] their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed." v.23-24
- "And Joseph said, “God be gracious to you and show you favor, my son.” Then Joseph hurried out [of the room] because his heart was deeply touched over his brother, and he sought privacy to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there." v.29-30
- "Joseph selected and sent portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely and celebrated with him." v.34
My personal observations and reflections...
- RETURN TO EGYPT. Just as the Lord said, the famine was very severe in the land (and it will last for 7 years..) After some time, when Jacob's family had finished eating all of the grain, there was no other choice but to return to Egypt to buy some more. This time, it was Judah who pleaded and dealt with his father Jacob, to allow Benjamin to come with them, as per the 'ruler of Egypt's' (Joseph) order.
* Study Guide Commentary from David Guzik:
"Necessity drove Jacob to do something he would normally never do. We might imagine Jacob prayed so hard for the famine to break, and asked God to send relief. We might imagine Jacob became angry and bitter against God for not answering those prayers. God knew what He was doing and had something so much better for Jacob than he could ever imagine."
"Judah put his own life on the line as a surety for Benjamin. This is the first good thing we see that Judah did. Previously, he was the one who had proposed the sale of Joseph. He was the one who wronged his daughter-in-law Tamar and had sex with her as a harlot.
i. Previously, Satan may have directed his attack against Joseph because he believed he
was the one who would ultimately bring the Messiah. To this point, God
had not yet revealed which of the 12 sons of Jacob the Messiah would
come from.
ii. Satan not only hated the children of Jacob for what they were, but also for what God would make of them. The devil directs the same kind of hatred against believers today, as Satan considers the destiny God has for His people."
ii. Satan not only hated the children of Jacob for what they were, but also for what God would make of them. The devil directs the same kind of hatred against believers today, as Satan considers the destiny God has for His people."
"a. Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man: Perhaps Jacob remembered how well it seemed to work when he showered Esau with gifts (Genesis 33:10-11).
b. Take double money in your hand: They took double money with them to Egypt to buy grain and the Egyptian leader’s favor. Since ten brothers went to Egypt and they took double money, there were 20 units of money. This answered exactly to the 20 pieces of silver they sold Joseph for (Genesis 37:28). The words for silver and money are the same."
* Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
"Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son had already tried to convince his father and had failed (Gen. 42:36); Simeon the next in birth order, was now in Egypt (Gen. 42:24), and Levi, possibly due to his actions at Shechem (Gen. 34:25), had lost his father’s respect. Therefore, Judah, being next in birth order, with the consent of his brothers, speaks to Jacob for the good of the whole community."
"It is at this point that he (Jacob) must completely let go of his own ability to control the circumstances of his family’s predicament and allow God to be his overcoming strength. Thus, Israel (Overcome in God). This is not so much the difference between human effort and Godly strength, rather it is the lesson of every disciple, we live to follow and serve in the strength we have been afforded, but when all strength is gone and every option exhausted, we learn that HaShem is sufficient."
"Rav Meir Zlotowitz suggests that the reason Jacob was willing to listen to Judah’s petition was related to Jacob’s words “Upon me has it all fallen” (Gen. 42:36), implying that only a father could realize the magnitude of the loss of his two sons. Of all the brothers only Judah could identify with the loss of two sons (Gen. 38:7, 10). Therefore, when Judah offered to accept personal responsibility for Benjamin, Jacob granted Judah’s request to return to Egypt with his youngest brother."
The balsam or balm carries with it the symbolism of healing. A symbol that will be recognized by Joseph as a voice of affirmation, but is yet to be understood by his father and brothers.
The gift of honey has particular significance because this is the first time it’s mentioned made in Scripture, and it’s being mentioned in relation to the land which will later be called the land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). Parts of the land of Israel (Ha-aretz) were famous for their honey production, such as in the region surrounding Ziph (Ez-Zeifeh. Located South-east of Hebron just below the Salt Sea [Dead Sea]: Josh. 15. 55; 1 Sam. 23. 14f., 24; 26. 2), subsequently called the honey of Ziphim (Misn. Machshirin, c. 5. sect. 9)."
b. Take double money in your hand: They took double money with them to Egypt to buy grain and the Egyptian leader’s favor. Since ten brothers went to Egypt and they took double money, there were 20 units of money. This answered exactly to the 20 pieces of silver they sold Joseph for (Genesis 37:28). The words for silver and money are the same."
* Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
"Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son had already tried to convince his father and had failed (Gen. 42:36); Simeon the next in birth order, was now in Egypt (Gen. 42:24), and Levi, possibly due to his actions at Shechem (Gen. 34:25), had lost his father’s respect. Therefore, Judah, being next in birth order, with the consent of his brothers, speaks to Jacob for the good of the whole community."
"It is at this point that he (Jacob) must completely let go of his own ability to control the circumstances of his family’s predicament and allow God to be his overcoming strength. Thus, Israel (Overcome in God). This is not so much the difference between human effort and Godly strength, rather it is the lesson of every disciple, we live to follow and serve in the strength we have been afforded, but when all strength is gone and every option exhausted, we learn that HaShem is sufficient."
"Rav Meir Zlotowitz suggests that the reason Jacob was willing to listen to Judah’s petition was related to Jacob’s words “Upon me has it all fallen” (Gen. 42:36), implying that only a father could realize the magnitude of the loss of his two sons. Of all the brothers only Judah could identify with the loss of two sons (Gen. 38:7, 10). Therefore, when Judah offered to accept personal responsibility for Benjamin, Jacob granted Judah’s request to return to Egypt with his youngest brother."
- THE MEANING OF GIFTS (a little balm and a little honey, aromatic spices or gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds). Sharing this interesting Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
The balsam or balm carries with it the symbolism of healing. A symbol that will be recognized by Joseph as a voice of affirmation, but is yet to be understood by his father and brothers.
The gift of honey has particular significance because this is the first time it’s mentioned made in Scripture, and it’s being mentioned in relation to the land which will later be called the land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). Parts of the land of Israel (Ha-aretz) were famous for their honey production, such as in the region surrounding Ziph (Ez-Zeifeh. Located South-east of Hebron just below the Salt Sea [Dead Sea]: Josh. 15. 55; 1 Sam. 23. 14f., 24; 26. 2), subsequently called the honey of Ziphim (Misn. Machshirin, c. 5. sect. 9)."
- BROTHERS WENT TO JOSEPH'S HOUSE. When Joseph saw Benjamin, he ordered the steward of his house to prepare lunch, and to bring the 10 men (brothers) to his house. Because the brothers didn't understand what was happening, they felt afraid. It is understandable because they were in a foreign country, and they were first accused as 'spies'. So they hurriedly explained to the steward what had happened in their first trip to Egypt, and that they intend to return the money. But the steward assured them that they didn't have anything to worry about, for he had already received the payment. I think Joseph paid it for them, wow! If that's the case, Joseph is really a great man of God.
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21
Simeon was freed and got reunited with his 10 brothers.
* Study Guide Commentary from David Guzik:
"a. Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me: This was unusual interest and kindness. The brothers must have wondered why the powerful Egyptian official took such an interest in them.
b. Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house: Perhaps they feared that the kindness from the Egyptian leader was just the prelude to an execution."
* Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
"The man who was over Joseph’s house (possibly Manasheh, or a member of As’nat’s family, because if this one had been a servant the text would read “the servant who was over Joseph’s house” rather it reads, “the man”), makes a point of comforting the brothers by saying that it has been their God Who has engineered events to bless them. Something that Joseph later expresses to his brothers. Whoever the one over Joseph’s house is, one thing is certain, he is aware of the God of Israel. Joseph is clearly teaching his Egyptian household about the merciful God of Israel from Whom he has received his name and calling."
- BROTHER'S BOWED DOWN TO JOSEPH. Joseph had two dreams when he was 17 y/o, and this is the second time the brothers bowed down to Joseph, in their 2nd return to Egypt. Then Joseph asked about their well-being, and how is their father. Joseph is really a compassionate man, and we read about that even in his treatment to the 2 prisoners before, when he was still in the dungeon.
"a. Gave them water, and they washed their feet: The brothers expected to be seized as slaves and have everything taken from them (Genesis 43:18). Yet Joseph treated them with kindness. This love and goodness from Joseph would win them over and bring them to full repentance.
i. The brothers received the blessings of love and kindness from Joseph without knowing who he was. In the same way, God showers love and blessing upon man even when man doesn’t know from whom the blessings come."
* Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
"In their fearful state Joseph’s brothers had expected to be pounced on, beaten and confined, and in truth that is what they deserved. However, they were instead given water to wash their feet. One recalls the actions of Yeshua during his final Pesach meal with His disciples. Joseph’s brothers had expected their donkeys to be taken from them. However, they were instead given fodder with which to feed their donkeys. Through the actions of the governor of Joseph’s house (Manasheh: forget), the brother’s sins are forgotten and Mercy is shown to triumph over judgement."
“He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve; nor repaid us according to our iniquities.” –Psalm 103:10
- JOSEPH WEPT. Joseph couldn't help but cry upon seeing his brother Benjamin, whom he was not able to spend time and grow with, for the last 20+ years.. Perhaps Joseph also remembered his mother Rachel, and his father Jacob.. All the years that he has spent alone in Egypt, without his family and loved ones.😭😭😭 But great calling and responsibility required great sacrifices. Tears of pain and tears of joy; I bet Joseph was grateful that he was able to see his full-blooded brother Benjamin again.
But it is not yet God's time to reveal his identity, the family is not yet complete.. Joseph had to compose himself, and face his brothers as Pharaoh's second-in-command ruler.
- LUNCH TIME. Joseph proceeded with the meal. Some Egyptians were also present, although they ate in another table because according to their customs, it is loathsome for them to eat with Hebrews. Knowing that Joseph was a Hebrew, did they not eat with Joseph on other occasions? Anyway, the brothers look at each other in astonishment, because of all that was happening.. Also, Benjamin's food portion was 5x more than his other brothers. One clear sign that the Egypt ruler before them was Joseph the dreamer that they sold to the Ishmaelites and Midianites before. If they are wise enough to figure it out..
"a. They set him a place by himself: Joseph did not eat with his brothers because at the time, Egypt was one of the most racially separated societies on earth. The believed that Egyptians came from the gods, and all other peoples came from lesser origins. There was little social mixing with foreigners in the Egypt of Joseph’s day.
b. And the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves: The Egyptians would not eat with Joseph, much less these strangers from Canaan. Even with all his status and power, Joseph could still not eat with real Egyptians.
i. “It is known from Herodotus that Egyptians so abhorred things foreign, that priests, at least, ate and drank nothing that was imported, nor would they use utensils for eating that had been used by Greeks.” (Leupold)
ii. Herein is the wisdom of God. Before Genesis is finished, God brought the entire family of Jacob into Egypt, where they were isolated from the surrounding people for some 400 years. In that time, they multiplied greatly, increasing to the millions. If God had allowed them to remain in Canaan they would have simply assimilated into the corrupt and godless peoples of Canaan. The rape of Dinah and its aftermath (Genesis 34) and the sin of Judah’s sons and Judah with Tamar (Genesis 38) revealed this danger.
iii. God not only had to take the family of Israel out of the corrupt environment of Canaan, but He had to put them among a racially separated people who would not often intermarry or mingle with them. God simply sent Joseph on ahead to make the arrangements."
"a. The firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth: No wonder the brothers were filled with astonishment. The arrangement of the brothers was so amazing because it couldn’t happen by chance. Statistically, the odds of placing 11 brothers in their precise order of birth are something like 1 in 40 million.
b. Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs: Joseph wanted to see how the brothers reacted when the younger brother (in this case, Benjamin) was favored, because they resented it so much when Joseph was favored by his father.
i. Joseph wanted to see if there was a change in the heart of his brothers, or if they were the same men who threw him into a pit and were deaf to his cries for help.
ii. This might have been his whole motivation in asking for Benjamin. He wondered if they would take care of Benjamin on such a journey, as they failed to do with Joseph.
iii. We should expect if we fail in a test somewhere, God will make arrangements for us to take the test again another time. This is a serious reason to take the test well the first time."
* Commentary from Yaakov Brown, Beth Melekh:
"Benjamin’s portion is half the number for completion. Half of Joseph’s prophetic dreaming had been fulfilled. Joseph gave Benjamin a significantly greater portion in order to test the brothers to see if their hatred for the sons of Rachel still consumed them. In response to this the Torah states “Yet they drank and celebrated with him”. They were not angered by the special treatment shown to Benjamin. To the contrary, they celebrated it. This shows true repentance and a genuine humility on the part of the 10 eldest sons of Jacob, and stands in stark contrast to the meal they had eaten when they had sat down after throwing Joseph into the well (Gen. 37:25; 42:21). Only the repentant can receive salvation."
POINT TO JESUS❤️✝️🙌:
https://marksbiblejourney.blogspot.com/2019/10/genesis.html"In order to convince Jacob to let Benjamin come with them back to Egypt, Judah comes forward and says that Jacob can hold him personally accountable if something bad happens to Benjamin. In essence, Judah becomes a surety for Benjamin. A surety is (1) security against loss or damage or for the fulfillment of an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc., (2) a person who had made himself or herself responsible for another, as a sponsor, godparent, or bondsman, (3) the state or quality of being sure, and (4) a person who is legally responsible for the debt, default, or delinquency of another. From J. Vernon McGee's series called Thru the Bible with J Vernon McGee: "Then Judah comes forward as a surety for Benjamin. Friend, you and I have a Surety today, and He came from the tribe of Judah. The Lord Jesus took that place and became my Shepherd, took my place and took my penalty. I was not able to meet His standard. I was not able to come up to His level. But the Lord Jesus stepped in and became my Surety and gave His life for me. What a picture of Christ we have here!" So Judah is going to be Benjamin's surety, and it just so happens that the brothers all need the bread of life in order to survive. Excellent foreshadowing for the need of Jesus in our lives!"
Read the Bible here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43&version=AMP
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