“And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.”
Genesis 43:2 is part of the narrative of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. To understand the verse in context, let’s take a closer look at the preceding events.
After Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt. A severe famine struck the land, and Joseph, as the governor, was responsible for distributing food to the people.
In Genesis 42, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain due to the famine in their own land. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Joseph tested his brothers’ character by accusing them of being spies and imprisoning Simeon. He then sent them back to their father, Jacob, with instructions to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, in order to prove their integrity.
Now, in Genesis 43:2, we find Jacob, the father of Joseph and his brothers, instructing them to return to Egypt to buy more food. He tells them to go again because they had already consumed all the corn (grain) they had brought from Egypt on their previous visit.
This verse reveals several significant aspects:
- The Severity of the Famine: The fact that Jacob sends his sons back to Egypt to buy more food indicates the severity of the famine. The famine was so devastating that it required Jacob to make the difficult decision to send his sons, including Benjamin, to a foreign land.
- Jacob’s Concern for His Sons: Although Jacob was initially reluctant to send Benjamin, he eventually realized that their survival depended on procuring more food from Egypt. Despite his worry and the potential risks involved, Jacob recognized the urgent need to take action to ensure the family’s well-being.
- Trust in God’s Providence: While the verse does not explicitly mention God, the entire narrative underscores the theme of God’s providence. The famine was part of God’s plan to bring Jacob’s family to Egypt, where they would eventually be reunited with Joseph and find refuge from the famine. This story demonstrates that even in times of hardship, God can work through challenging circumstances for His purposes.
Overall, Genesis 43:2 highlights the challenges faced by Jacob and his sons during the famine and their need to rely on God’s provision. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
