Genesis 43

Genesis 43 continues the narrative of Joseph's interactions with his brothers, focusing on their return to Egypt due to the ongoing famine. Judah steps forward as a key figure, promising to take responsibility for Benjamin. The chapter highlights themes of family reconciliation, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises, even through difficult and seemingly dire circumstances.

Genesis 43:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now the famine was severe in the land.
2 And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, "Go back, buy us a little food."
3 But Judah spoke to him, saying, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'"

The severe famine forced Jacob’s family to face their dire need for food, driving them to return to Egypt. Judah reminds Jacob of Joseph’s strict command to bring Benjamin with them. This reveals the tension in the family, as Jacob is torn between protecting his youngest son and the need to provide for his household. Judah’s response shows his increasing leadership role and sets the stage for a deeper trust in God's plan for them.

Genesis 43:4-5 (NKJV)
4 "If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.
5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'"

Judah emphasizes the importance of Benjamin accompanying them to Egypt. He speaks plainly, stating that they cannot secure food without their youngest brother. His words demonstrate his resolve and sense of responsibility for his family’s welfare. This moment also underscores the brothers’ growing maturity as they face the consequences of their actions and the reality of their situation.

Genesis 43:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And Israel said, "Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?"
7 But they said, "The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"

Jacob (referred to as Israel) is distressed and blames his sons for mentioning Benjamin to the Egyptian ruler. His response reflects his deep fear of losing Benjamin, the only remaining son of Rachel in his eyes. However, the brothers explain that Joseph had questioned them thoroughly, and they had no way of predicting his demand to bring Benjamin. This exchange highlights the continuing emotional strain within the family and Jacob’s struggle with faith.

Genesis 43:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.
9 I myself will be surety for him; 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."

Judah steps forward as the spokesman and assumes full responsibility for Benjamin's safety. He assures Jacob that he will personally guarantee his brother’s return, demonstrating both leadership and selflessness. Judah’s willingness to bear the blame forever if anything happens to Benjamin marks a turning point in his character, contrasting with his earlier actions toward Joseph in previous chapters. This also prepares the reader for Judah’s future role in the lineage of Christ.

Genesis 43:10-11 (NKJV)
10 For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time."
11 And their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds."

Judah’s urgency persuades Jacob to take action. He realizes the delay has cost them precious time and agrees to send Benjamin. Jacob instructs his sons to bring gifts to the Egyptian ruler, showing his attempt to appease the man who has power over their fate. The gifts symbolize Jacob’s strategic thinking, hoping to gain favor through traditional offerings. These items, despite the famine, represent the last of the family’s resources, emphasizing their desperate situation.

Genesis 43:12-13 (NKJV)
12 "Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.
13 Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man."

Jacob advises his sons to return the money from their previous trip, hoping to avoid any misunderstanding or accusations of dishonesty. His decision to send double the money reflects his desire to clear their name and ensure they can purchase more grain. By finally agreeing to send Benjamin, Jacob shows a reluctant acceptance of the necessity of the journey, albeit with a heavy heart.

Genesis 43:14 (NKJV)
14 "And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"

Jacob, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, commits the outcome to God. His prayer for God’s mercy reveals his deep reliance on divine intervention despite his fears. The phrase "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved" shows his resignation to God’s will, understanding that he can no longer control the situation. It’s a moment of surrender and trust in God’s providence, even in the face of potential loss.

Genesis 43:15-17 (NKJV)
15 So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph.
16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon."
17 Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house.

The brothers, prepared with gifts and money, return to Egypt with Benjamin. When Joseph sees his youngest brother, his reaction is immediate and warm. He orders a feast to be prepared in their honor, a gesture that contrasts with the brothers’ expectations. Joseph’s actions indicate his deep affection for his family, despite the ongoing disguise. This moment sets the stage for a more personal interaction between Joseph and his brothers, as their journey toward reconciliation progresses.

Genesis 43:18 (NKJV)
18 Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, "It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys."

The brothers misinterpret Joseph's hospitality, assuming the worst. They are filled with fear, thinking that they are being brought to Joseph’s house to be punished for the money that was found in their sacks during the last trip. Their guilty consciences cause them to expect punishment rather than kindness. This fear reflects their unresolved guilt over what they had done to Joseph many years ago and their mistrust of the situation.

Genesis 43:19-22 (NKJV)
19 When they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house,
20 and said, "O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food;
21 but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand.
22 And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."

The brothers, anxious about their situation, explain the money issue to Joseph’s steward before entering the house. They are trying to clear up any misunderstanding and emphasize their honesty by returning the money they found. Their open confession shows their fear of being accused of theft and their desire to make things right. It also demonstrates their vulnerability as they stand at the mercy of the Egyptian ruler.

Genesis 43:23 (NKJV)
23 But he said, "Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.

Joseph’s steward reassures them, telling them not to be afraid and attributing the return of their money to divine providence. This statement must have surprised the brothers, as the steward mentions "your God and the God of your father," acknowledging the role of their God in the situation. The release of Simeon brings further relief, showing that they are not in danger as they feared. The steward’s kindness and calmness add to the mystery surrounding Joseph’s intentions.

Genesis 43:24-25 (NKJV)
24 So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed.
25 Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.

The brothers are treated with unexpected hospitality, receiving water to wash their feet and food for their animals. This kindness was contrary to their expectations of punishment, further deepening their confusion. They prepare the gifts they had brought for Joseph, hoping to win his favor, still uncertain about his motives. This moment continues to build tension as the brothers try to interpret the situation while waiting for Joseph.

Genesis 43:26-27 (NKJV)
26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand, and bowed down before him to the earth.
27 Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"

Joseph’s brothers present their gifts and bow before him, unknowingly fulfilling Joseph’s earlier dreams of his brothers bowing down to him. Joseph, hiding his identity, asks about their father, demonstrating his deep concern for Jacob’s well-being. His inquiries show that he still cares for his family, even though he has not yet revealed himself. The brothers, unaware of Joseph’s true identity, continue to interact with him cautiously.

Genesis 43:28 (NKJV)
28 And they answered, "Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.

The brothers respectfully respond to Joseph’s question, informing him that their father is alive and well. They bow down again, an act of submission that mirrors Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37. This repeated act of bowing fulfills the prophetic dream that had once caused tension between Joseph and his brothers, though they remain unaware of the significance of their actions at this moment.

Genesis 43:29-30 (NKJV)
29 Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, "Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son."
30 Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.

Upon seeing Benjamin, Joseph is overcome with emotion. This is the first time he has seen his full brother, the only other son of his beloved mother Rachel, in many years. His blessing over Benjamin, wishing him God's grace, reveals his deep affection for him. Overwhelmed by his feelings, Joseph retreats to weep in private. This moment highlights the depth of Joseph’s love for his family and the pain of his long separation from them.

Genesis 43:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, "Serve the bread."
32 So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

After regaining his composure, Joseph returns and orders the meal to be served. The seating arrangement reflects the cultural and social barriers between Egyptians and Hebrews, as Egyptians considered it abominable to dine with Hebrews. Joseph, although in power, still respects these customs, highlighting the tension between different cultural groups. This separation at the meal adds to the suspense of the narrative, as the brothers remain unaware of Joseph’s true identity.

Genesis 43:33-34 (NKJV)
33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another.
34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

Joseph arranges his brothers in order of their birth, a detail that leaves them astonished, as they cannot understand how the Egyptian ruler could know this. Joseph's special treatment of Benjamin, giving him five times more food, further adds to the mystery. This favoritism towards Benjamin mirrors Jacob’s earlier favoritism toward Joseph, creating a moment of testing for the brothers to see how they would react. Yet, the brothers seem content, drinking and feasting together, unaware that their ultimate test is still to come.