Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

In Genesis 43 verse 7 Judah tells his father that there is no use returning without Benjamin and Jacob asks why they even told the Egyptian about the youngest boy.  He questioned us closely was the reply.  Joseph wanted to know about the rest of the family.

They had delayed longer than they should have leaving Simeon in Egypt for this extended period.  The hope was probable that the famine would end soon, and another trip would not be needed.  They would not be aware of what Joseph and Pharaoh knew that the lean years would be seven in number.

The reception in Egypt is much different.  A luncheon is planned, and Simeon is returned to the Israelites.  As the Egyptian ruler leaves to go to his private chamber both the brothers and his servants must be curious as to the reason.  Israel’s sons were also perplexed by the fact they were seated in birth order without ages being discussed and the extra portions that were given to the youngest.  The revealing next.

Genesis 44 has Joseph playing the kind of tricks that his father is known for.  A silver cup is placed in Benjamin’s sack.  He wants to see what the other brothers will do to protect Israel’s favorite living son.  They deny that any of them would steal the cup.  When it is found, they return to the Pharaoh’s right-hand man.

Judah explains why they cannot return without the youngest.  The scene demonstrates to Joseph that at least Judah is willing to sacrifice himself rather than cause pain to their Father again.  He now knows what he hoped to learn and is ready to reveal himself.

Joseph clears everyone from the room but his brothers in Genesis 45.  He reveals his identity and when they finally believe him, the older men are terrified.  They know he could have them all executed.  What they haven’t realized is that they have been forgiven.

After a tearful reunion, he has the Israelites return to Canaan to bring the patriarch and their families to Egypt to save them from the five more years of famine that God revealed to Joseph.

Returning to their Father they have difficulty convincing him that Joseph is alive.  Finally, they get him to agree to move the family to the only land that can survive this extended famine.  Tomorrow the reunion of Father and Son.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger