Genesis 46 - "Israel moves to Egypt"

 

We learn that God has mysterious ways to keep His people safe in His domain. In this 46th  chapter  of Genesis we continue to learn of God’s surprising means of providence, as He Jacob (Israel) and his family to Egypt, and there in a region called Goshen He keeps them provided and protected until the fourth generation -  the time when the iniquity of the Amorites (Canaanites) will be complete (Gen 15:16). Here we are at the beginning of the fulfilment of that word.  The nation of Israel was conceived in Canaan, but Egypt will be the womb in which the nation will develop, until God sends her back to Canaan 400+ years later.

There is ultimately no  safe place in this fallen world. That is why God moves His people from place  to place. The only safe place will be  our heavenly Canaan.  

The re-union between Joseph and his brothers happened in Chapter 45 – a chapter of tremendous importance and perspective – particularly 45:4-8. now it is time to fetch their father from  the land of Canaan.   

OUTLINE

(i)                 46:1-4  Encounter with God  at Beersheba

(ii)               46:5-7 Leaving Beersheba

(iii)           46:8-27  Genealogy of  Jacob’s children, divided  into 4 groups, according to their mothers.  

(iv)          46: 28-34  Reunion of Joseph and Jacob. Preparation for the audience with Pharaoh.

 1.      6:1-7  An encounter with God  at Beersheba

Israel /Jacob   having heard the astonishing news of  Joseph’s  life and position in Egypt – the fulfilment of Chapter 37,  is now on his way to Egypt.  He is an old man by now. He knew that he was going to die there (45:28; 46:4). That in itself was a huge step for Jacob, since he knew that Egypt was not the land of promise. Canaan was.  But since this was in response to the providence, the leading  of God, Israel was now prepared to leave.  In Genesis 15:13, God had said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years.” God’s mills grind slowly indeed. His purposes stretch across many generations. That humbles us greatly.  Jacob knows that this is God’s plan.  He knew that this was not going to be a short  family outing. We are told that he took all he had (46:1).   

And so in response to God's word and God's providence, he makes his way down into Egypt. When he comes to Beersheba, on the southern border of Canaan, we read that  “he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac”. Beersheba was the place of  Isaac's  own encounter with God (26:23-25). It is here in 46:3,4 that  God  speaks  to Jacob/ Israel in visions of the night, reaffirming the promise given to Abraham and to Isaac.  Here God   says six things  to Israel,

(i)           I am God, the God of your father. God Himself, is always our greatest comfort. At Beersheba, on leaving the promised, the God of his father Isaac and of Abraham his grandfather  reminds him  concerning the covenant promises.  

(ii)     “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt”. Despite all misgivings and evil associations  concerning the place,  God  encourages  him  to go to  Egypt.  

(iii)        “There  I will make you into a great nation” – fulfilment  of  promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2.

(iv)         “I myself will go down with you to Egypt.” -  God’s reassuring presence with His people. God is not located or restricted  to a temple.  He is located among His people. The significance of the tabernacle later  was that God was moving with His people.   

(v)          “I will  bring you up again”. Israel himself will die in Egypt.  But  Israel /Jacob is the federal head of the family, and he lives on in His family. The covenant extends further than Israel Himself.   God is not going to leave the children of  Israel  in Egypt forever. But in faithfulness to His promise, made to Abram in Genesis 15:13ff, God was going to bring  the children of Israelback to the land of promise.  [Incidentally, Egypt is the picture of the world. The church is born in  bondage and affliction; her destiny is the heavenly Canaan] 

(vi)         ”Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”  The one son  Jacob thought he'd  never see again, he will see, and  he will close his eyes in death.  

2.      46: 5-7  Leaving Beersheba

“Jacob set out from Beersheba…”. Having been in the presence of God  and having obtained the promise of God, Israel  has the assurance of God.

“The sons of Israel carried Jacob their  father”. The phrase, 'the sons of Israel' or ‘children of Israel’ becomes a standard phrase   for the people of God – the people chosen by God.   In one sense this movement is the beginning of the formation of the nation.  God is taking Israel into Egypt in order to create a nation. He will forge  this nation in the furnace of affliction. Character is created in adversity. It is God specifically and personally working to shape the character of His people individually and collectively. Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines (Hebr.12:6). God's  providential plan in the lives of His people included an Egypt experience. 

Do not be surprised when God sends you into  deserts and other un-thought-of  places to form you.

3.      46:8-27  A Genealogy of Israel 

Here we find a list [1] of the descendants  of  Israel (46:8)  [sons of Israel (46:5)], as they make  their way to Egypt.  This is the small number of people which will grow and prosper. They will come out in a few hundred years as a great multitude- well over a million people.  The list is divided  according to the four mothers (Leah, Zilpah, Rachel, Bilhah)  of Jacob’s sons. 

A few observations…

(i)Leah’s sons  (46:8-15) : 

• Leah’s 6 sons   Reuben (the first-born of all), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun are  mentioned along with their sons. 
• Two of Judah’s sons, Er and Onan died in Canaan (38:6-10). 
• One of Simeon’s sons, Shaul (46:10) came from a Canaanite woman. 
• Judah himself also took  Shua, a Canaanite wife (38:2) and after  she died  he had  a set of twins from his  daughter in law Tamar (the wife if  Er, whom the Lord put to death because of his wickedness)  to whom Perez and Zerah were born.  
• This is an illustration, that despite  clear instructions  by God,  the covenant race falls  short (sins) time   and again.  No wonder that God will say to Israel in Deuteronomy 7:7,  on the verge of going into the land of Canaan, 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
• The daughter Dinah (Ch. 34) is mentioned along with her brothers. Remember that this society was patri- linear, by God’s design.  

(ii) Zilphah’s sons  (46:16-18)  

• She was Leah’s servant who bore Gad and Asher. 
• Note the mention  of Serah – the sister of the offspring of Asher.

(iii)             Rachel's sons  (46:19-22)

• Only Rachel is described as Jacob’s wife in this list.  
• She bore Joseph (now Egypt’s prime minister) and Benjamin, the youngest brother.  
• She died  as  a result of complications with his birth.  
• Special mention is made of Joseph’s sons,  Manasseh and  Ephraim. 
• Joseph’s Egyptian wife Asenath is the only wife mentioned  in the list. 
• Benjamin, the last-born is also  the most fruitful. He has 10 sons!

The  grand total of 70 persons given  cannot  be taken literally.  Joseph was in Egypt; His sons Manasseh and Ephraim were born in Egypt.  Er and Onan died in Canaan. The explanation is that  this number is limited to  those who came from Jacob’s  body  which includes grand -children and great grand- children. 

(iv)             Bilhah's sons  (46:23-25)

• Rachel’s servant who gave birth to Dan and Naphtali. 
• Dan is the least fruitful of the sons. He only had one son.

4.      Reunion of Joseph and Israel (46:28-34)

·    Judah is given the honour to prepare for the meeting with Joseph (46:28). This  is remarkable since Judah was responsible for  the debacle  of Joseph  when he was sold to the Ishmaelites,  who took him to  Egypt (37:27). 

•         46:29 What an emotional reunion. They did not see each other for  22 years. He never thought that he would see him again. Now he was ready to die (46:30). This is reminiscent of Simeon  in Lk 2:29-30.   Thank God for such happy moments in this life.

•         46:31-34  Preparations for meeting Pharaoh: Joseph  instructs  his family in view of their meeting with Pharaoh. He explains to them that shepherds are an abomination  to the Egyptians.   This will lead them into the land of Goshen. Goshen is located in the north-eastern Nile Delta region of Egypt, also referred to as the land of Rameses (47:11). Here they would essentially be separated from Egyptian culture. There will be no attempt on the part of Pharaoh to integrate them into the mainstream of Egyptian culture.  This is  God's hand of providence protecting Israel from integrating with the false gods of Egypt. He prepares the way for Israel to be secluded and protected in Egypt until the time of strong oppression and opposition comes – when the time  for the Exodus comes.

Thank God for His strong hand upon His people. 

This is our  confidence, both now, and for evermore. 

The doctrine of God’s providence, coupled with His steadfast, faithful love is a key doctrine for the believer to hold on to. 

---

[1] See a list of the 12 sons of Israel repeated in Exodus  1:1-5

GENESIS 45 " A Great Turning Point - Joseph reveals Himself "

 

Today we come to a glorious chapter – one that we have been waiting for. We all love a story with a good ending, and here it is – a broken family is finally reconciled.  But what is more, here we receive an amazing insight into the work of God behind the scenes. In fact here in 45:4-8 we  find some  of the profoundest   verses in Genesis, if not  in Scripture . It is summed up by Paul in his letters to the Romans  8:28, “God works all things for good.”

OUTLINE

1.      45:1-15 Joseph reveals himself, reveals God plan,  and is reconciled to his brothers

2.      45:16-24  Egypt’s Pharaoh  invites the family to stay  in Egypt.

3.      45:25-28 The return and report  given  to Jacob.

1.         45:1-15 Joseph reveals himself  and reconciles  himself to his brothers

We have previously seen in Chapter 44 how Judah spoke humbly and earnestly when he  confessed his sins, and their sins, in the presence of Joseph, even though as they did not yet know that this was their brother. Judah saw what had happened to them as God's judgment on them, all because, about 20 years ago, they had sold their brother into slavery and into an unknown future. They had also lied to their father concerning what they had done. But now Judah was broken by the past. He was not too proud to lay his and their sins open for all to see. And he showed that he and his brothers truly cared about their father. They were also truly concerned for their youngest brother Benjamin whose life was bound up in his father’s life (44:30).  In fact, Judah was ready to become a slave in Egypt in the place of Benjamin. They were a changed people. 

(i)                 Joseph reveals himself (45:1-3)

It was at this point that Joseph’s heart crumbled.  We read in 45:1, “Then Joseph could not control himself… and he made himself known to his brothers…. I am Joseph!”   He did this with loud weeping, so much so that the Egyptians whom he had just sent out from his poresence  heard it, and therefore Pharaoh heard about it. 

The brothers were naturally speechless (45:3). And as they try to come to grips with this, he immediately asks, “Is my father still alive?”  That seems to be a strange question, since they had been talking about their father all along. Of course he was still alive!  His  question needs to be understood in context.  All that he has heard  from them about his father until now was really ‘at a distance’. Before he had asked as a stranger; now he asks as a brother. Now he was really able to ask, “How is my father doing?”  Life is not just about having a heart -beat.  He is now able to enquire how his father was really doing in every way – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. How is he in his entire well - being?  Would he be able to make a journey to Egypt?  The question was also posed to  ‘take the heat off’. Please understand that the revelation that the brothers had just received was utterly  shocking. The translation in the ESV says that they were dismayed/ trembling (Hebr. nibh halu) at his presence.   The question, ‘how’s dad doing?’  and the statement  “I am Joseph” (twice) takes the heat off, and  prepares  the way for an amazing  interpretation of this event.  

(ii)               Joseph  reveals God’s plan (45:4-8)

Joseph wants them to know WHY all this has happened.  He wants them to know that  through it all, and by the grace of  God ALONE,  he was kept by God under difficult circumstances. God brought him to this privileged position in Egypt   which he now  holds.  Because of this understanding, that God was in charge here,  Joseph has been able to process   all the events that have led to his suffering and exaltation as prime minister in Egypt. This story is a wonderful application of Romans 8:28,

“ALL things work together for the good of those that love God, who are called according to His purpose.”  

Also, Joseph visibly demonstrates  that a root of bitterness can be conquered when one sees the hand of God  over and above one’s  circumstances. You will note that Joseph declares three times, “God sent me before you!” (45:5,7,8). That is a very clear  message and it has huge implications, and because God is the root cause of all this, he can say  to them: ”Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold  me here (45:5)…; “God send me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth…” (45:7) “So it was not (ultimately) you who sent me here, but God.”  This will be repeated again, after Jacob the father dies in 50:20 -  ”You meant it for evil; God meant it for good.”

That was a huge statement, and it showed these guilt riddled brothers that over and above their evil action (and it was evil!) the preserving, protecting and providential hand of God was guiding a process for their GOOD.  And Joseph was the first to see and understand this, and that is why he could say this. And so Joseph has no need to rebuke them for their sin against  him. He can point them  to the overriding providence of God, and so  there are no hard feelings and no bitterness.

Please note that the brothers’ evil action in itself does not absolve them. Sin always remains sin, and in order for sin to be dealt with effectively before God and man there must be genuine repentance. We have seen genuine repentance here, and so the process for reconciliation is  easy.   

But over and above that, we find in the Bible that even in the face of unconfessed evil and of hatred for God,  the truth is marching on.  No power of sin, nor schemes of man, no unbelief, no schemes of hell and  the devil can unsettle God’s purposes in the advancement of the kingdom of  God upon this  earth. Jesus says  and guarantees  us that   the gates of hell shall not hinder the building and advancement  of his church (Matt. 16:18)-which does not correspond to church buildings  or denominations  or man- made institutions. These will come and go.  All the wrath of the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and of other enemies of  our Lord Jesus could not keep Him in the grave.

This is important  to know, even as we consider the rising darkness of our own times.  We need to know this in these days of great blasphemy  against our glorious God and  Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to know this  in these days when  God’s creation design is so heavily mocked and inverted  and subverted. We need to know this  at a time  when  people and nations appear to be almighty, when anti- Christian  state control measures are  rising. We need to know  and hold on to the greater truth  that  in the end all these will have to reckon  with the sudden appearance of  the Lord Jesus  Christ: 

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…” (Matt. 24:30)  

God remains in charge. He rules and overrules  even our sinful actions and evil designs.

(iii)             45: 9-15 Reconciliation

This understanding is what makes reconciliation easy for Joseph and his brothers and therefore  they can be quick to implement  God’s plan to save them in the midst of this horrible drought  - which incidentally  is   a result of the curse of the fall. [Genesis 3:17,18  “cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life ; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you…”]

Joseph is not slow to give direction: 

(i) Hurry up and go back to my (our) father. Tell him where I am and what I am doing. Tell him that GOD has made him the lord of all Egypt.  (45:9)  

(ii) Come live with me in Goshen, a  fertile province of Egypt.  Be near me.  (45:10) 

(iii)   I will provide for you  because  there are 5 more years of  this brutal famine (45:11)   

(iv) Now hurry and bring my father (45:13).  It is important  that his father hears and sees this, because it will bring about real  closure for him. He, after all was a part of hearing  the original dream of Joseph in Chapter 37. He needs to know  how everything has come full circle  now. This is a fulfilment of the revelation of God. God is faithful!

All this then is sealed with an affectionate  falling on  the neck – first Benjamin, his own blood brother, the son of Rachel, and then the other brothers. Fathom this!  After all these years, God, in His grace  has enabled these brothers to  be reconciled. God has done this and it is marvellous in our eyes!

2.         45:16-24  Egypt’s Pharaoh  invites the family to come and stay  in Egypt

(i) The Pharaoh of Egypt who is extremely  kind  to Joseph,  and he  loses no time to provide logistical support to bring the family from Canaan (45:16-20)

(ii) Joseph  gives them generous  provisions plus clothing for the journey  (45:21-23). And he gave them  a stern warning  not to quarrel along the way.  We continue to live in this fallen world. Constant words of warning, exhortation and rebuke are necessary along our life’s highway – especially this one: Avoid   quarrelling!

Despite all this wonderful  happening we need to remember now what is in stall for them as the family is on the verge of  living in Egypt. This too is foretold  in  Genesis 15:13. They will be  slaves  in Egypt for more than 400 years.   But all this is providence within providence. Here in Egypt God will preserve for him a pure line   of Hebrews. He will build and bring out a nation. They would not mix with the Egyptians  for  the Egyptians  themselves had  strict laws about not intermingling with other races . 

3.         45:25-28 The return and report  given  to Jacob.

Here we  find  the return  of the brothers,  and the  initially hesitant response of Jacob.  They tell their dad that his son Joseph is alive, and that he is the ruler over all the land of  Egypt.  Jacob’s response is similar to the initial response of the brothers to the revelation of Joseph. His heart became numb. He is dazed.  But when he sees all the evidence, when he hears the words, and he sees the wagons, he believes.  And he responds: “ It is enough.. I will go  and see him before I die.” (45:28)

And  again we must see what is at stake here.  Jacob is asked to leave the land of God’s promise to go to a foreign land.  He is doing this when he is an old man, when his strength is spent – when he should be thinking of himself and his  home comforts.    By faith then he goes, because he has heard of a greater truth: his son is alive!  His response  is precious:"My son is still alive.  I will go to Him." Such truth overrides all objections  and  thoughts of  feebleness. He is  going, because he is moved by greater truth. 

Praise God then  for the Bible- the truth and  revelation  of God’s unseen hand behind  our lives. And He works all things for good. This moves me. 

Genesis 44: "A Severe Testing With A Sweet Outcome"

This is a story about true repentance. What a huge difference true repentance makes to relationships – both, with God and men.

In Genesis 42 and 43, we saw that Joseph's family had been brought to Egypt because of the famine. 

In Genesis 42 he had provided them with grain, though he had kept Simeon. They had been accused of being spies, and as an assurance that they would return, Simeon was kept. As proof of innocence they were also told that they needed to bring Benjamin, their youngest brother. Jacob, their father, needed much persuasion in this, but ultimately necessity and hunger drove them back to Egypt. Here we find them again, treated hospitably once more by Joseph. After obtaining their provisions they had a meal with him, and now we find them ready to depart. But Joseph had one more great test for them. This test  would ultimately reveal the truth about them.  We have seen that Joseph has  kept himself from revealing himself spontaneously to his brothers. Why? Joseph needed to test the hearts of his brothers, because he  had been   so  severely betrayed  by  them.  Were they still the same as they were 20 years ago? Had they changed? Was there a future for them as a family?  

OUTLINE

1.       Joseph’s test (44:1-17)

2.       Judah’s  plea (44:18-34)

1.            JOSEPH’S TEST (44:1-17)

In order to know  the heart of his brothers, he determines  to test them to the limit. Warning! Do not try this at home. Do not use this example to  put your husbands, wives, children  or parents to the test  to see how much they  do / do not love you. Joseph's dealings here  are not a role model nor an encouragement  for us to test  our  families.  That would  bring unnecessary stress or trouble  into  the family.

What we have here is much, much bigger than a sadistic pleasure or a desire for revenge. Joseph's testing of his brothers is really an extension of God's dealing with his brothers. Remember the big picture. God is in this. This family is God’s covenant family. It is God’s prospective covenant nation. At this time it is a broken family. God, through Joseph is going to test the brothers to reveal their hearts. This is going to be essential in order to move forward as a prospective nation.  At Joseph’s level, he will have to know what he is committing himself to, if there is any hope of going forward.  There can be no reconciliation, there can be no way forward without true repentance.  This is something which we forget so very easily.

There are two great questions  in Joseph’s mind.

How will they treat Benjamin and how much do they really care about their aged father?  Once again we need to be reminded that 20 years ago they cruelly disposed of Joseph and they told their father a gross lie.  Do they still possess this mind-set? Are these still the same men? As Joseph asks this question in his heart, I want  to remind you  that  we must never assume that people  cannot  or will not change. This week I was reading  2 Chronicles. There I was reminded of the example of an extremely wicked king - Manasseh (2 Chron.33:1-20) -  a man that  started  extremely badly but who truly changed. He truly repented of his evil ways.  I also read of king  Joash who started  so well and who  ended very badly (2 Chron. 24)]

44:1-2   Joseph wants to see the hearts of his brothers. The way he does that  is to return the money in their sack  (just like the first time- 42:25) – not to incriminate them,   but as an act of unmerited kindness towards them. But now, in addition a special silver cup is placed  in Benjamin’s sack. Let the test begin. It’s a very shrewd one.  

44: 3-15.  Not long after the brothers have left, Joseph tells his steward to pursue them in search of his ‘stolen’ silver cup.  After protesting innocence (44: 7-9), each one’s bag is checked beginning with the eldest (44:12).So confident they were they of their innocence, that they insisted on the death penalty for anyone who was found with this cup in possession. The steward in turn insists that no death penalty is needed. The guilty party would simply be taken into slavery (44:10). The others were free to leave. The cup is discovered in Benjamin’s  sack  (44:12).The brothers are devastated …”then they tore their clothes…” (44:13 extreme grief and anguish), having  to return back to Joseph to face the music. Note, again that  “they  fell (bowed)  before him on the ground” (44:14 cf. 43:26,28) 

Do you see what is happening here?  Joseph as God’s instrument has incriminated the most vulnerable  and most indispensable member of the family.  How will they react to this?  Do you see the ingenuity of this test? Having formerly abandoned Joseph and having lied to their father (Gen.37), they are tested in their concern for their youngest  brother Benjamin, and in their love for their father. 

How will they react? 

Will they now abandon Benjamin?  

Will they tell their father another lie? 

In 44:15, Joseph questions them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that a man like me can indeed practise divination?”   The word comes from the Latin ‘divinare’, meaning, “to be inspired by a god”, and thus to foresee. To practice divination is to uncover hidden knowledge by supernatural means. It is associated with the occult and involves fortune-telling. God forbids divination. “There shall not be found among you . . . anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who enquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.” (Deut.18:10-12).  Practicing divination is listed as one of the reasons for Israel’s exile (2 Kings 17:17). 

In the book of Acts we find a slave girl who had a spirit of divination bringing her owners much gain by fortune-telling (Acts 16:16). The girl’s ability to penetrate mysteries was due to a demon that controlled her. Paul was troubled by this and he exorcised the demon (Acts 16:18), freeing the girl from her spiritual bondage.

Divination is not harmless entertainment or an alternate source of wisdom. Christians should avoid visiting fortune-tellers, astrologers, witches and mediums, those that read tarot cards, consult the dead etc. The spirit world is real, but the spirit world is not innocent. The Bible teaches  us  about the world of demons and deceiving  evil spirits. We must have nothing to do with them.

So, if Joseph is in God’s hand, how can he practise something that God has so clearly forbidden?  You will remember earlier in Gen.41 where he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph was very clear that the interpretation of dreams was not in him. He said, “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favourable answer.” (41:16). I think that Joseph was simply using a scare tactic to make them believe that he had powers to see where the missing cup went.

44: 16-17   Judah takes the lead, and it is very clear that the brothers are lost for words.  You see no protestation of their innocence.  “God has found out the guilt of your servants“ (44:16) (Remember last week’s discussion of the powerful effect of the guilty conscience).They recognize that God has exposed them. 

Go back to that first  journey to Egypt in  Genesis 42:21, when they were accused of being spies, incarcerated for 3 days and then told that one of them needed to stay behind  until they returned with the youngest boy.  Notice there  how  the brothers interpret that happening: "In truth we are guilty concerning our brother  in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us, and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us."  And then Ruben says in 42:22, "So now there comes a reckoning for his (Joseph's)  blood".  You see how  this 20 year old  guilt remains deeply etched on their consciences. And now Judah says it again, "God has found out our guilt" (44:16). These brothers are guilt riddled. But the question is this. How will they deal with their guilt?  There  are two sides to this question. One will be answered in this chapter and the other  in  Chapter 45.

But it is 44:17  that constitutes the real test. Joseph  tells them  that they may leave  to go back to their father. Only Benjamin must remain. He offers them freedom at Benjamin's expense. 

What will they do? 

If they will only betray Benjamin, they are free to go.  

2.       JUDAH’S PLEA  (44:18-34)

Here we find one of the most powerful pleas in the Bible.  He is not asking for mercy. Judah declares his willingness to be a substitute for his brother. He is not  arguing, he is not denying guilt  - he is simply pleading  that his life should be exchanged for  Benjamin’s , and he does it  for the sake of his father  “whose life is bound up with the boy’s life”. He fears to see the evil that would find his father (44:34) if  Benjamin were not returned.  Notice how  he provides  Joseph  with a brief history  of the  family in verses 44:19-34 and in this  he makes two  pleas:  (i) he makes it clear that he will do anything he can to avoid hurting his father (ii) he makes it clear that he pledged himself (with  a curse – 43:9 ;44:32)  if he does not bring  Benjamin  back.   Look at the emotional language he uses in  44:20, 28-29.

That shows  us  the work of grace that has been done in the heart of Judah. And here is the first answer to how they must deal with their guilt.   And  you can see that  everything spills out of the depth of his soul, from the heart,   which is now filled with confession and repentance and the desire to do things right – all at once. Again, Judah  is not asking for mercy – but simply to be a  slave in the place of his brother.  This is one of the brothers who years before had  ignored the cries of Joseph. He was complicit in the cheating  against  his father. And here  he is – the man for others. Does this not remind you of  Another One from the tribe of Judah, who would offer Himself in the place of the guilty,  your and my guilt- so that  we, the guilty might go free?

All this showed Joseph that this was a changed family.

For unity to be  maintained among God’s people  it is important  that  sin must be confessed and dealt with.  Paul urges the Ephesians, (struggling with divisions – Eph. 2 &3),  in  Ephesians  4 that  one's Christian profession must have  substance:

“25  Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another... 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:25, 31,32)

Spiritual revivals often begin with the pain of confessing sins that have hindered blessing in local congregations. [1]

Judah's  heart has been truly changed by God  and it shows in the way he loves.   The stage is set for  a revival  of this family  in chapter 45 – the revelation of Joseph and the reconciliation of the family.

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[1] Philip Eveson:  The Book of Origins (Genesis)  , p529

Genesis 43 "Back to Egypt! Another Lesson in God's wonderful Providence"

 

 INTRODUCTION  

In keeping with God’s eternal plan, the book of Genesis anticipates in Gen. 12:1,2 that  God  would make the family of Abraham into a great nation.  And in Gen. 15:13,14 it is anticipated  that  this nation, called  Israel would providentially land up in Egypt – because of a drought, and to survive that drought. The story of Joseph (beginning in Genesis 37) is the beginning and fulfilment of that prophecy. The book of the Exodus is the story of that nation as they flee Egypt   in order that they may enter the promised land in fulfilment of Gen.  12.

Joseph will be God’s catalyst to Israel’s survival.  You know the story. He is the second youngest of 12 brothers, and he is not well loved by his brothers. One day, when he visits them in the pasturelands, they decide to get rid of him, selling him to some traders, who sell him to an Egyptian official. He does well there. He is a trusted servant, but the official’s wife gets him into trouble and he lands in jail. In Genesis 40/41 his life takes a drastic turn through a God given ability to interpret dreams, and half way through Chapter 41 we see him rise from prison to prime minister of Egypt! At face value this sounds like a true fairy tale with a happy ending, except that this story is SO much bigger than Joseph or anyone could understand.  This is God’s BIG story of deliverance and redemption of His chosen people and it stretches across many generations. Thankfully we are given the big picture – the rest of the story as God’s redemptive plan unfolds over many, many generation, ending with His Re-creation- a new heaven and a new earth. 

As we look at this text our primary interest is always this:  

What are we learning here about God? 

What is God doing NOW as we read this passage? 

What are we learning here about His dealings with us and this world which He has created?  

Last time (21/11/2021) we saw how God, always in charge and always overruling, used a famine in His providence to bring Joseph to Egypt. We always tend to think of famines and the like as ‘natural’ disasters. The Bible doesn’t. When Joseph informs Pharaoh about the drought, this is what he says: “God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do!” (41:25).Every natural disaster is a reminder from God that we are not in control.  

And now  back to Joseph’s family

Joseph is in Egypt, and as yet  his family is completely unaware of his lot,  as they now also make their way to Egypt because of this famine.  Chapter 43 & 44  sees them  going back to Egypt  as we see the keeping power, the providential  and   steady hand  of the God of Israel on their lives. This  too is written for  our comfort.    

OUTLINE

1.       43:1-10   Dilemma

2.       43:11-14  Resignation

3.       43:15-34  The  scary road into an unknown future

1.            43:1-10   Dilemma

“Now the famine was severe in the land”.  Famine ... a repeated theme. Things are serious. The family’s food supply  is running low. Having been to Egypt before to purchase food, Simeon was being held captive  by Joseph (who had recognised them) until they should return  with their youngest brother, as proof that they were not spies. We see the brothers, especially Reuben  (42:37) and  Judah (43:3,8) plead with their father, to take Benjamin the youngest  to  Egypt at Joseph’s insistence (cf. 42:20).

In 43:1-5 Judah is the spokesman. They cannot go back to Egypt unless they bring their youngest brother.  Jacob clearly does not trust his sons. Whenever he sends them, someone doesn’t come back. First Joseph, then Simeon, and now Benjamin? In 43:8,9  Judah   pledges himself as surety for the protection of  Benjamin.  What a picture. In future there will be One from the tribe of Judah who will give His life in pledge  for ours! 

The sheer need eventually overrides Jacob’s stubborn refusal to send Benjamin. Behind the scenes  is the hand of God who directs Joseph,  who is now the prime minister of Egypt.  Joseph is in turmoil. Behind him is his deep suffering at the hand of his brothers, and before him is a real longing for his family. Genesis 42 shows us that Joseph was not destined for a comfortable retirement in Egypt.  

What will happen?

2.  43: 11-14  Resignation

Our extremities are God’s opportunities. Jacob must let go. And to his credit he does!  After giving   his fatherly talk in 43:11-13, consisting of three points, (i) take some gifts from the land (ii) take double the money that was returned to you (iii) take your brother,  he surrenders his family  to an uncertain future in his mind, but  thankfully it is not uncertain in God’s mind. This is the question that we always struggle with: Is God really with us in this?  The required response is always this: Have faith in God. Trust Him.  

We see  now  that ultimately  his trust is in God (43:14):  “May God Almighty (cf. Gen. 17:1)  El Shaddai, grant you mercy (favour/ compassion) before the man”. And may he send back your other brother  and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” The last sentence indicates that Jacob has resigned himself to an outcome that is in God’s hands alone. This is no small thing! Remember what is at stake. The future of God’s covenant people is at stake as he sends all his sons to Egypt. This is a test of faith, but  thankfully, faith in God is not irrational.  

3.       43:15-34 The scary road into an unknown future

The eleven brothers  meet with Joseph again, and despite his strange and sometimes hostile behaviour, they receive a surprisingly lavish hospitality from him.  

Joseph is  moved at the sight of his brother Benjamin (43:16,29-30).  He literally melts with tears as his compassion grew warm for his brother. Joseph meets his brothers with extraordinary hospitality (43:16-34).  

The brothers  are surprised by  his lavish welcome, but it actually produces fear in them. They were afraid (43:18) and the fear relates to the money that was returned in our sacks. Remember, they haven't done anything wrong here, BUT remember that these brothers have done much  wrong in the past. They cheated on their dad many times. And Joseph tattletaled on them. And then they did the worst  thing imaginable. They got rid of Joseph and  told their dad that he was torn by wild beasts.   They live with a guilty conscience, and a guilty conscience can be over sensitive, and overly suspicious, even  when received with kindness. At this stage Joseph is literally killing them with kindness. They are not comfortable. The conscience cannot be erased. It keeps in mind the past history of our  sins, whether of thought, word or deed, and it may remind us of them at any time. John Bunyan in his  allegory “ The Holy war” gives  conscience the name of Mr Recorder.[1] And so it is.  The conscience keeps a record.

In 43:19-25, they approach Joseph's  household  manager. They tell the story about how the money was accidentally given back to them and they obviously want to give the money back. And once again, they are surprised by kindness. The household steward tells them that he had received their  money, and he maintains, ”Your God and  the God of your fathers, has put treasure  in your sacks…” .  And so, again  they are treated lavishly by their brother who actually knows all about them, and who  could now  enjoy his payback time. But no- there are no such  thoughts or actions expressed here!   Even their animals are cared for (43:24)

They prepared to bring their  gifts to  Joseph  as they are invited for lunch  at noon (43:25). But now, please notice a very important fulfilment of Joseph’s dream in Chapter 37. In  43:26,28 and 44:14   we find them  bowing  down three times, reminding us  of the fulfilment of God's revelation to Joseph more than 20 years ago. That  dream  back then caused them to  be jealous of him, though his father kept the saying in mind (37:11). In keeping with that dream then, we find the fulfilment  God's earlier revelation is coming true and here the eleven brothers all bow down before their brother Joseph.

Instead of jumping up and triumphantly shouting, “I told you so!”,  we find in  43:27-34  that Joseph considerately  enquires about their welfare and their father’s welfare, but when his eyes meet that of Benjamin, “his mother's son”,  he melts.  God is doing a miracle here. He is giving  Joseph capacity beyond himself. Oh, how marvellous is the life of grace in the ruined soul.   

CONCLUSION

Despite Jacob's fears, despite the brother's  fears  their path  into the future is under God’s direction. Therefore  the future is always promising.  Make no mistake- their paths will lead through many  dangers toils and snares.   but it is promising, because God is always  in charge of His people’s future.  His grace is always sufficient for every situation. It is sufficient for Jacob, the brothers, for Joseph and for you! In every situation ! 

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[1]  Peter Masters: What you should know about the conscience, p.7