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The Life of Joseph – Day 18

Genesis 43:15-16

So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.”

The Thought

The brothers had tried to tell their father that they were not enthusiastic about going back to see the man in charge, but he insisted, and eventually they all agreed to go.

Joseph was very self controlled on meeting his youngest brother after so many years, and he didn’t let his own identity be known; that would be for later.

The emotion of his brothers was very different! Being “invited” to eat at Joseph’s table did not sound like a good idea. They thought they were going to be punished for taking what was not rightfully theirs! They apologised to the steward who was Joseph’s right hand man, and he calmed their fears assuring them that all was well, and acknowledging that their God had looked after them well! He also brought Simeon to meet them (verse 23).

(I find myself wondering what Simeon had to say!)

Exactly where Jospeh’s family lived is not clear in this text, and ideas about how long they were “on the road” varies between 10 days and 3 months! We can imagine that the brothers were worried about their reception, do you imagine them travelling in silence, each brooding on their own ideas? Do you think that would make them argumentative?

Action

Think today about how you react to stress. Do you panic or pray? Or both?

We can be excited in advance for the family reunion, and the fulfilment of Joseph’s dreams.

Pray for the broken families you know of, that truth would be told and God would bring healing. Ask God to give you specific verses to pray for each one.

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Day 18 of the study on “The Life of Joseph” explores Genesis 43:15-16, where Joseph’s brothers bring gifts and Benjamin to Egypt. Joseph, concealing his identity, invites them for a meal, calming their fears. Reflect on reactions to stress and pray for healing in broken families.