So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him. Genesis 42:3-4
I pause my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. The life of Joseph is well studied and likely most Christians are very familiar with Joseph's story - yet as with all scripture there is always more for God to teach us on our journey of sanctification as He molds us into more of His image. Joseph's biblical story starts in Genesis 37 where, although he was the most favored of his father Jacob's sons, he was hated by his brothers who sold him into slavery. Ultimately, Joseph lands in Egypt where he serves Potiphar and Pharaoh. Despite his captivity, Joseph serves his masters well and is given increasing responsibility, leading up to Genesis 41 where Joseph becomes the second most powerful official - below only Pharaoh - in Egypt. Key to Joseph's rise is his God-given ability to interpret dreams, and he interprets Pharaoh's dreams where he sees a coming famine in the land and is able to help Egypt prepare for this famine. Due to Joseph's planning, Egypt not only has enough food for itself but has enough to sell to neighboring lands and this is where Genesis 42 picks up as Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. The commentary chapter for Genesis 42-44 is A Party, a Cup, and a Substitute. The main idea of this chapter of the commentary shares: "[t]he work of God in Joseph’s life has led to Joseph’s ability to provide food for his family to deliver them from the famine, leading to their eventual migration to Egypt. This section concludes with the first instance in the Bible of a person offering himself as a substitute for another. Judah’s actions set a pattern that will culminate in the substitutionary death of Jesus." Three divisions are shared, each broken down with sub-divisions:
- Joseph Meets His Brothers’ Need (42).
- Joseph’s brothers and Jacob’s plan (42:1-4)
- Joseph’s brothers and Joseph’s accusation (42:5-26)
- Joseph’s brothers and Jacob’s despair (42:27-38)
- Joseph Shows His Brothers Kindness (43).
- The brothers return to Egypt (43:1-15).
- The brothers enjoy Joseph’s favor (43:16-34).
- Joseph Tests His Brothers’ Love (44).
- Joseph tests his brothers (44:1-13).
- Judah pleads for his brother (44:14-34).
My focus this morning is on the first division/sub-division or Genesis 42:1-4. Here the commentary provides important points for us to recognize before we dive into the text in more detail. The commentary shares: "[Joseph's] brothers unwittingly seek help from the one they previously harmed. Whereas the brothers’ disgust sent Joseph to Egypt in the first place, desperation reunites them with him there. And almost as soon as he sees them, Joseph begins testing his brothers, uncovering much about their character and maturity. More importantly, this story gives Christians a means for better grasping the breadth of God’s goodness, the depth of our sinfulness, and our need for reconciliation. It also spotlights one of the most important concepts in God’s covenantal plans—redemption through substitution."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessing - for my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
