We last left father Jacob putting his foot down, refusing to let his sons return to Egypt with his beloved son, Benjamin. As we begin today, the grain they bought from Egypt has all been eaten. Jacob is ready for the sons to go back and purchase more.

This time, Judah is the one to speak up. He reminds Jacob that they can not go to Egypt without Benjamin. As often happens, when we don’t like a situation, we question the whys, knowing full well that it won’t change the circumstances. Jacob asks:

“Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?” Genesis 43:6

Once again, Judah goes over the whole story step by step, explaining that they simply answered the man’s questions. They had no idea he would hold Simeon and demand that the younger brother be brought back to Egypt. Like Reuben, Judah makes a passionate plea.

“Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die. I will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you, I bear the blame before you all my life. As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned home twice.” Genesis 43:8 -10

Hmm, getting a little edgy—and hungry!

Jacob relents, sending them on their way with gifts of balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. “Oh, and be sure to take money for the grain plus the money that was left in the sacks.”

When Joseph sees his brother Benjamin, he instructs his steward to take the men to his house, slaughter an animal and prepare dinner. They will eat with Joseph at noon. Remember, Joseph is still speaking in the Egyptian language, so the brothers have no idea what’s up next. When they are taken to Joseph’s house the suspense builds. They reason:

“We were brought here because of the silver that was put back in our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.” Genesis 43:18

Nothing is as great as the fear of the unknown. Have you ever been told that a second lab test will be needed? Or your teenager is three hours past the appointed time to come home? Or your boss has called you in for an unexpected meeting? Often our first response is to wonder what doom is about to befall us.

The brothers approach the steward who evidently can speak their language. He assures them that everything is all right. He brings Simeon to them, brings them water to wash their feet, and fodder for their donkeys.

When Joseph comes home, they present their gifts and bow down before him to the ground. And so the dream Joseph had so long ago has come to fruition. “My sheave rose up and your sheaves bowed down to my sheave.”

When will Joseph reveal himself? He’s still not quite ready. Hang in with me.

~ Joyce ~