Year 1, Week 7, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 7, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Genesis 42-43.

Today’s reading begins with Jacob’s (Israel’s) knowledge that food can be found in Egypt. Genesis 42 records the first journey to Egypt by ten of Joseph’s brothers. Once in Egypt, Joseph recognizes his brothers but they do not recognize him. Not being recognized by his brothers affords Joseph the opportunity to discern what his brothers are now like. Joseph detains Simeon as leverage for Benjamin to return with them, and sends the other brothers back to Canaan with purchased food. But without their knowledge, Joseph has their money returned to them. The discovered money frightens the brothers. Genesis 43 records the hesitancy to return back to Egypt for more food. Jacob is unwilling to let Benjamin journey to Egypt. Finally, after they are near the brink of starvation, Jacob allows Benjamin to journey with his brothers. While they are still unaware of who Joseph is, the brothers are invited to a dinner upon their return to Egypt. It was during this dinner that Joseph showed compassion toward his brothers.

What struck me from today’s reading is how it shows the manner in which the LORD brought about the occasion of a true reunion between Joseph and his family. Earlier, we noted something of a reunion between Jacob and Esau, but they each went their own way and there was not much of a subsequent bond between them. But the reunion that occurs in today’s reading forges a true family unification: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). There are several things to note from today's reading as to how God was at work establishing unity in the family of Jacob.

While Jacob was still holding on to favorites, the LORD was at work. Unbeknownst to anyone in the family, their trip to Egypt will confront them with the reality of Joseph’s rise to power. They do not know they are appearing before Joseph, but in accordance with Joseph’s dreams noted in Genesis 37, the brothers recognize his authority: “Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.” (Genesis 42:6b). Joseph is neither vengeful nor gullible; instead he examines them to decipher if they are the same brothers who sold him into slavery. The brothers (most of them, but Reuben is still off) show some indication that they are not dishonest as they once were: "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan, and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more.” (Genesis 42:13). Joseph tested them by detaining Simeon and allowed the others to return home with their purchased food, but also with the money they used to buy the food. Perhaps Joseph is exploring if they will abandon another brother for their own sakes. But what Joseph overhears shows they possess a conscience: “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” (Genesis 42:21). After they depart and soon learn that they still had their money, their consciences are stricken again: “At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” (Genesis 42:28). There is hope for these brothers.

For the second time in this larger episode focused on Joseph, the brothers return home with extra silver and one less brother. But as the famine lingers and the food is low, the family must work out something. They need to journey to Egypt for food again, but they cannot go without Benjamin. Jacob is unbending; Benjamin will not be returning with them. Judah emerges as a leader with a sacrificial plan. The last time we heard about Judah, was the incident with his daughter-in-law, Dinah. But Judah reappears as a different man: “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” (Genesis 43:8-10).

The family is left to the realization that their only hope is God’s mercy: "May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man” (Genesis 43:14). Yes, it is mercy that they need, and yes, it is mercy that they will receive. But the surprising twist is the one through whom the LORD’s mercy will come to them. Once the brothers returned to Joseph and he met his brother Benjamin, Joseph was overcome with emotion: "Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep.” (Genesis 43:30). But more significantly, Joseph was moved by mercy (the word “mercy” used in verse 14 is the word “compassion” in verse 30). God’s mercy came to them-we might say-was mediated to them by Joseph. Mercy is at the heart of what reunited them: “The LORD is gracious and merciful…The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” (Psalm 145:8-9).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe