Genesis Chapter 43

Summery

Genesis 43 continues the narrative of Joseph and his brothers. Famine still grips the land, and Jacob instructs his sons to return to Egypt to buy more grain. However, he refuses to send Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, fearing for his safety. Judah intervenes, promising to take personal responsibility for Benjamin’s well-being and persuades their father to let them take him along. They bring double the money to repay the previous purchase and also gifts for the Egyptian governor.

Upon their arrival in Egypt, Joseph recognizes his brothers but conceals his identity. He invites them to dine with him, and they are seated according to their birth order, surprising the brothers. Joseph arranges Benjamin’s portion to be five times larger, testing his brothers’ reaction. They are treated hospitably and given grain to carry back home.

Before departing, Joseph instructs his steward to secretly place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. As the brothers leave, Joseph’s steward overtakes them, accusing them of stealing the cup. The brothers, unaware of the setup, protest their innocence and offer to search their sacks. To their dismay, Benjamin’s sack is found to contain the cup, and they return to Joseph in distress.