Genesis 43 Chapter Commentary: Joseph and His Brothers Meet Again

In this chapter, Joseph’s brothers must bring their younger brother, Benjamin, as evidence of their sincerity when they travel back to Egypt to purchase additional food amid a famine. Their father, Jacob (Israel), hesitates to let Benjamin depart but ultimately decides to.

Israel sent his sons to go buy additional food when their supplies from Egypt ran out. He didn’t want to let Benjamin go, but he had to get the family some fresh supplies.

The brothers gathered twice as much money as they had the previous time before setting off on their adventure in case the money that they found in their sacks was an oversight. They also prepared fruits and spices as gifts for Joseph.

While in Egypt, the brothers once more stood before Joseph. Joseph left them in the care of a trusted servant until later in the day since he was preoccupied with his official activities at the time. He informed them that he would join them for lunch at noon.

The men were frightened to death as they went inside the house. They explained to the servant that the money they had previously used to purchase food had been discovered in their sacks once more. He dissuaded them by claiming that since he had their money, God must have given them greater blessings. They prepared their present for Joseph inside the home after he had taken them there.

At midday, Joseph arrived and welcomed them. He enquired about Benjamin’s health and the condition of their father. They happily enjoyed the time while enjoying food and drinks.

What’s the Main Point?

The famine is still going on in Genesis 43. When the grain they purchased in Egypt runs out, Joseph’s brothers and Benjamin come back to make additional purchases. They are welcomed into Joseph’s home and have dinner together.

What Can We Learn from This Chapter?

There are several lessons that can be learned from Genesis 43.

The importance of honesty and integrity: Joseph’s brothers were required to bring Benjamin to Egypt as proof of their honesty, and they did so. This demonstrates the value of honesty and integrity in our relationships with others.

The power of forgiveness: Joseph forgave his brothers for their past actions and showed them kindness and generosity. This demonstrates the power of forgiveness in healing broken relationships.

The importance of family relationships: Jacob was hesitant to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but he eventually agreed. This demonstrates the importance of family relationships and the sacrifices we make for our loved ones.

The consequences of jealousy and betrayal: Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery, which had lasting consequences for their family. This demonstrates the destructive nature of jealousy and betrayal and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

The role of divine providence: Throughout the story of Joseph, it is clear that God is guiding and directing events to bring about His purposes. This demonstrates the role of divine providence in our lives and the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the lessons we can learn from the story of Joseph and his brothers. Help us to value honesty and integrity in our relationships with others, to practice forgiveness and kindness, to cherish our family relationships, and to avoid jealousy and betrayal.

We trust in your divine providence and ask for your guidance and direction in our lives. May we always seek your will and follow your plan for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Featured image attribution:

Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brethren. A Bible illustration by Gustave Doré. This image is in the public domain. Cropped from original.