“And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.”
In order to understand the significance of this verse, let’s provide some context. At this point in the story, Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, had been sold into slavery by his brothers and had risen to become a powerful figure in Egypt. Due to a severe famine, Joseph’s family in Canaan faced a shortage of food and needed to go to Egypt to buy grain. However, Joseph, who had not revealed his true identity to his brothers yet, demanded that they bring their younger brother Benjamin along with them in order to prove their honesty.
Trust and responsibility: This verse showcases the role of Judah, one of the brothers, who takes responsibility and speaks to Joseph (whom the brothers did not recognize) on behalf of the group. He explains that the man they had encountered in Egypt had made a solemn protest or declaration, emphasizing that they would not be permitted to see his face unless Benjamin was present. This highlights the importance of trust and fulfilling responsibilities. Judah recognized the gravity of the situation and understood the necessity of following the instructions given by the man in charge, whom they did not realize was their own brother Joseph.
Joseph’s test: Joseph’s demand to bring Benjamin was not simply about establishing the authenticity of his brothers’ claims. It was also a test of their character and their willingness to care for and protect their younger brother. Joseph wanted to observe if his brothers had truly changed and grown since the time they had sold him into slavery. The requirement to bring Benjamin demonstrated the need for unity and family loyalty.
Foreshadowing reconciliation: This verse foreshadows the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. It sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the story when Joseph reveals his true identity and forgives his brothers for their past actions. By demanding the presence of Benjamin, Joseph initiated a process that would lead to the healing of their family and the restoration of their relationships.
Overall, Genesis 43:3 teaches us about trust, responsibility, and the potential for redemption and forgiveness. It reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our commitments, and how God can work through difficult circumstances to bring about reconciliation and restoration in our lives.
