INTRODUCTION: As our chapter opens, Simeon is in an Egyptian prison and Jacob's family is once again running out of food. Hunger forces Jacob to confront the situation he had tried to forget. As we shall see, God is not only preparing the chosen nation to go into Egypt, but He is also working in their spiritual lives.I. THE HORNS OF DILEMMA - verses 1-7.
Jacob in his sorrow seemed rather irrational. He knew that they must have food but he could not bear to part with Benjamin. It would seem that he even tried to forget what had happened to Simeon. Note, however, one encouraging sign. Jacob is called by his new name, "Israel." Was this not an indication that God was once again preparing to manifest His grace to Jacob. Often, when life seems so dark, the sunrise of God's gracious purposes is near.II. JUDAH BECOMES A SURETY - verses 8-10.
Judah appears here to have grown in character and trustworthiness. Jacob trusts him to carry Benjamin into Egypt. He had refused to entrust him to Reuben, the eldest [Genesis 42:37-38].Judah used three arguments that prevailed with Jacob:
A. Judah would become personally responsible for Benjamin. (In the next chapter we will note that this is a wonderful picture of Christ's suretyship for His people).B. Judah reminds Jacob that without food they will all die. This would include Benjamin.
C. Procrastination will not help.
III. JACOB'S DECISION - verses 11- 14.
There are three matters here worthy of comment: A. Jacob takes every possible precaution to insure the success of the trip. A timely gift of those luxuries still available in Canaan is sent along. Trust in God does not preclude the use of wisdom and our best effort [Proverbs 18:16].B. Jacob insisted that they be very honest in their dealings. Perhaps the money was returned by mistake. We must keep the "Golden Rule" even when others make the error.
C. Jacob displays evidence here of his personal spiritual growth and submission to God's will. He knew that only God could give a successful journey. Here he allows not only Benjamin, but all of his sons to depart at once. The last statement of verse 14 seems to reveal his willingness to leave them in God's hand. He is completely resigned to God's will [Job 1:2 1].
IV. AFRAID IN EGYPT - verses 15-25.
As the brothers return to Egypt, Joseph was no doubt thrilled to see Benjamin. Joseph's whole reason for demanding that they return with Benjamin was to examine their character. Had they murdered or sold Benjamin? Were they still resentful and jealous? Only with this knowledge could Joseph know how to respond to them.When the brothers were brought to Joseph's palace they grew very afraid. They feared being accused of stealing the former corn-money. Before they dared enter the house they felt compelled to explain the matter to Joseph's steward. He assured them that they were not in trouble and even brought Simeon out to them. Every kindness was shown them as they prepared to dine with Joseph.
Note: It would appear from verse 23 that Joseph had instructed his servants in the knowledge of God. The steward's words in verse 23 are not to be viewed as an untruth, but rather as a statement that all had occurred by God's providence.
V. DINNER WITH JOSEPH - verses 26-31.
In this scene we see that Joseph's love for his family had not cooled. He inquired concerning his father and hid himself to weep at the sight of his younger brother Benjamin. As already noted, Joseph was not playing a game or willingly troubling his brothers. His love was merely tempered with wisdom. To embrace his brothers with no knowledge of their character would have been to invite trouble.VI. TESTED - verses 32-34.
Joseph's brothers were seated at the meal according to their age. They marveled, not knowing how this was known. Joseph's purpose was no doubt to increase their sense of mystery. They seemed to have a deep feeling that God was at work.In these cultures it was common for the host to send choice morsels of food to certain guests. This was done to show honor. The more food given by the host, the more honor intended. When large portions were given the guest was not obligated to consume it all.
At this meal Benjamin, the youngest, was given five-times the amount of food received by his older brothers. Joseph's purpose was clear. He was testing his brethren to see if they still retained their jealous and envious attitudes. Would they resent Benjamin as they had resented Joseph with his coat of many colors? How Joseph must have watched their reactions. What a discerning test this was on Joseph's part.
CONCLUSION: Jacob's older sons passed the test. Joseph must have been pleased at their spiritual change. They had seen and been cleansed of the evil of envy. One more test, however, was needful. Would they stand by Benjamin in a trial? Did they care more for him and their father's feelings than their own well- being?
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