Genesis 43

Genesis 43:1

43:1-15 Finally Jacob was forced by the severity of the famine to take action. The brothers could not return without Benjaminthat was the condition laid down by the governor, Joseph. So Judah agreed to serve as surety for Benjamin, and Jacob accepted the offer. In this one respect at least, Judah here reminds us of his descendant, the Lord Jesus, who became our Surety at the cross of Calvary. Jacob sent a present to the governor of Egypt, consisting of balm, honey, gum, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almondsitems not affected by the famine. He also insisted they take double the amount of money in case the refunded money was an oversight. 43:16-25 Joseph was deeply moved when he saw his brothers again, but he still did not reveal his identity. He ordered his servants to prepare a banquet. When his brothers were brought to Joseph’s house, they thought they were on the carpet because of the money they found in their sacks. They made a complete explanation to the chief steward, and he in turn assured them there was nothing to worry about. His records showed that they had paid in full. Simeon was released from prison and joined them in preparation for the banquet. They got their father’s present ready to give to Joseph when he arrived at noon. If we ask whether the replaced money was in truth discovered on the way back to Canaan (Gen_42:27; Gen_43:21) or when they had arrived in the presence of Jacob (Gen_42:35), the answer is both. The discovery was in two stages. One brother discovered his plight en route, the others on arriving home. It is understandable that in relating the events to Joseph’s steward (43:21), a compressed account was given (Daily Notes of the Scripture Union). 43:26-34 When Joseph arrived, his brothers bowed down before him in fulfillment of his dream (Gen_37:7). He was overcome with emotion as he asked for the family and met Benjamin. At the banquet, he ate by himself; the eleven brothers were served separately; and the Egyptians likewise ate by themselves. The astonishment of the brothers was caused by their being seated according to their ages. How could anyone in Egypt know their order of birth? Special favor was shown to Benjamin, Joseph’s own full brother.