Genesis 43-45 Joseph Tests and Provides

Thoughts

Based on Judah’s response in verse 10, the time between Genesis 42 and 43 is anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

It was about 20 years since Joseph had been with all of his brothers.

How sad that Jacob only sent brothers back not to get Simeon but to get more food for themselves. I wonder how Simeon felt probably knowing they would never come back because Benjamin was the favorite.

Interesting that Joseph’s steward says “Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Do you think the steward learned of God from Joseph and now believes or was just trying to calm the brothers? Or maybe he was told to say that.

I like how many powerful or influential men in the Bible openly weep (Joseph, David, Jeremiah, Jesus, etc.) . I don’t know why it’s seen as a sign of weakness today in some cultures.

Even though Joseph was of high status, he still could not eat with Egyptians (I believe this isn’t just Hebrews but anything foreign including Greece, etc.)

Statistically, placing the brothers in the correct birth order at random would be 1 in 40 million (from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-43/)

In Genesis 43:34, the phrase “they were merry with him” is written in Hebrew as וַיִּשְׁתּוּ וַיִּשְׁכְּרוּ עִמּוֹ, which literally means “became drunk with him.”

Joseph’s brothers bowed before him three times: first when they came to buy grain (Genesis 42:6), again when they brought gifts with Benjamin (Genesis 43:26), and finally when they pleaded for Benjamin after the cup incident (Genesis 44:14), fulfilling his prophetic dreams.

The dream of the sheaves bowing down could also be represented by the famine.

Genesis 45:5 in Hebrew says “do not let there be hot anger in your eyes”

Goshen likely means “drawing near” or “fertile land,” symbolizing both the family’s closeness to Joseph and God’s provision during famine. Also a little symbol of Eden.

Map included from https://headwatersresources.org/map-of-josephs-brothers-going-to-egypt-to-buy-grain/

Bible Project points out rivalry throughout Genesis https://bibleproject.com/classroom/joseph/sessions/17

• Round 1: Humanity vs. the snake
• Round 2: Abel vs. Cain
• Round 3: Shem and Japheth vs. Ham
• Round 4: Abraham vs. Lot
• Round 5: Isaac vs. Ishmael
• Round 6: Yaaqov vs. Esau
• Round 7: Yoseph vs. his brothers

Questions

How far did the news spread that there would be 7 years of famine? Did Egypt keep that as a secret for themselves so other areas would not stock up on food?

Could Joseph eat with his wife?

Did Satan know which of the 12 sons would be the line of the Messiah?

What did Joseph do with his silver ‘divination’ cup?

Why did the brothers immediately offer up their lives? They knew the money was put in their bags before, wouldn’t they check for the cup first?

Joseph’s deception is morally complex it seems – was ALL of this part of God’s plan? Did this much testing have to happen? It did fulfill his dreams.

Who was the moon who bowed down to Joseph in his dreams? I assume sun was Jacob and 11 stars his brothers.

Application

This is an interesting group of chapters to try to apply to my life, as most of it is Joseph testing his brothers. Obviously it all led to God’s ultimate plan, even though at times it seems sort of manipulative? Makes me wonder about the tests in my own life- if God is strengthening me or setting the stage for something I can’t see. Honestly, I often feel more like Joseph’s brothers than Joseph. Instead of trusting, I find myself asking, “Why is this happening?” or slipping into a “woe is me” mindset. I forget that maybe I’m being brought to a place of growth and possible repentance without even realizing it yet.