“And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.”
Context: In the book of Genesis, the story of Joseph unfolds. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. Through a series of events, Joseph rose to prominence and became the governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. A severe famine had struck the land, and Jacob sent his sons, except for Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain.
Reunion: In Genesis 43, Jacob’s family had consumed all the grain they had brought from Egypt and faced the prospect of starvation. Jacob eventually agreed to send Benjamin, his youngest son and Joseph’s only full brother, along with his other sons, back to Egypt to buy more grain. They also took double the money required for the purchase and an additional present.
Benjamin’s Significance: Benjamin’s presence was crucial because Joseph had demanded that his brothers bring Benjamin to him in order to prove their honesty and loyalty. Joseph wanted to see if his brothers had changed over the years and if they would be willing to sacrifice for Benjamin’s well-being, as they had done with Joseph in the past.
The Present: Along with the double money, Jacob’s sons also took a present for Joseph. This gift was intended to show their respect and goodwill toward the governor of Egypt, not knowing that the governor was actually their long-lost brother, Joseph. The gift was a customary practice when approaching a high-ranking official, and it also symbolized their desire for reconciliation.
Standing before Joseph: Genesis 43:15 concludes with Jacob’s sons arriving in Egypt and standing before Joseph. Little did they know that this encounter would lead to a profound moment of recognition and reunion with their brother, Joseph, who they had betrayed years before. This event sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s plan for reconciliation and restoration within Joseph’s family.
Key Lessons:
- God’s Providence: Throughout Joseph’s story, we see God’s providential hand guiding events. Even though Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery, God orchestrated circumstances to bring about reconciliation and restoration.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The story of Joseph is a powerful example of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the pain and betrayal he experienced, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers and extend grace to them. This demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of reconciling broken relationships.
- God’s Faithfulness: Genesis 43:15 reminds us of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Despite the trials and difficulties the family of Jacob faced, God was working behind the scenes to bring about a greater purpose. God’s faithfulness extends beyond our comprehension, and He can use even the most challenging circumstances to accomplish His plans.
Genesis 43:15 serves as a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, where the stage is set for the revelation of Joseph’s true identity and the subsequent reconciliation of his family. It highlights themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and God’s faithfulness.
