” When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands.”
In this verse, we find Joseph, who had risen to a position of great authority in Egypt, during a time of famine. His brothers, unaware of his true identity, came to Egypt seeking food. Joseph had recognized them, but they did not recognize him. In order to test their integrity and assess their intentions, Joseph devised a plan to put them through various trials. One of these tests involved their money and possessions.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
- “When that year was ended”: This refers to the previous year, during which Joseph had sold grain to the people of Egypt and neighboring lands. The famine was severe, and Joseph had wisely stored grain during the years of plenty, ensuring a food supply for the people during the years of scarcity.
- “They came unto him the second year”: Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt in the second year of the famine. They had likely exhausted their own resources and had no other choice but to seek aid from Egypt once again.
- “We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent”: The brothers openly confess to Joseph that they have run out of money. Their admission demonstrates honesty and transparency. They acknowledge that they are in dire straits and are dependent on Joseph’s mercy and provision.
- “My lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands”: In addition to their money being spent, the brothers inform Joseph that they have already given him their livestock as payment. They express that they have nothing left except their own bodies and the land they possess. This reveals their desperate situation and emphasizes their complete reliance on Joseph’s assistance.
From this verse, we can draw several lessons:
- Honesty and transparency: The brothers’ willingness to openly admit their circumstances teaches us the value of honesty, even when facing difficult situations. They did not attempt to deceive Joseph but instead shared their circumstances truthfully. Honesty allows for genuine communication and invites the possibility of assistance.
- Recognition of dependence: The brothers recognized their dependency on Joseph. Similarly, we need to acknowledge our dependence on God for provision, guidance, and help. It is essential to humbly seek God’s aid rather than relying solely on our own resources and abilities.
- Trust in God’s provision: The brothers were in a desperate situation, but they turned to Joseph, who was used by God to provide for them during the famine. This reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. Even in times of scarcity or need, we can trust in His faithfulness and provision.
- Testing of character: Joseph’s actions can be seen as a test of character for his brothers. Throughout the story, Joseph wanted to discern whether his brothers had genuinely changed and repented for their past actions. In our lives, God also tests our character and integrity through various circumstances. How we respond reveals our true nature and relationship with Him.
Genesis 47:18 provides us with a glimpse of the intricate events and the transformative process taking place within Joseph’s family. It teaches us important lessons about honesty, dependence on God, trust in His provision, and the testing of our character.
