Genesis 42:29-38 – Bad News
It is with heavy hearts that Joseph’s brothers return to Jacob to tell him about everything that has happened to them in Egypt. The news goes from bad to worse as they tell of how they were accused of being spies, thrown into prison, forced to leave Simeon, and now must bring back Benjamin to Egypt. Then they discover that all their money has been returned which thoroughly frightens them as they can only assume this will be used against them in Egypt in some way.
Jacob’s response is less than encouraging. Knowing his sons well, perhaps he suspects that they antagonised the Egyptian leaders in some way bringing the situation to this point. He assumes the worst – not only is his beloved Joseph dead, but now Simeon is dead to him as well, and if Benjamin leaves him, he too will die. He concludes that everything is against him, which is a sad statement for a believer in a sovereign, caring, and loving God to make. For those who believe in God, despite the way circumstances may feel or look, God is working in all things, not against His people, but for their best good.
Jacob is determined that Benjamin will not go to Egypt. Reuben rashly promises that he will bring Benjamin back without even adding on an “If the Lord wills” or taking into account the dangers. Not only this he foolishly gives his father permission to kill his own two sons if he fails as though the death of two grandsons will somehow make up for the death of a son. Jacob however refuses to trust his beloved Benjamin with any of them.
Questions
- Why does Jacob love Benjamin so much?
- Who promises to bring him back safely?
- Why is Jacob wrong when he says that everything is against him?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is working all things in our lives for our good and His glory and pray that we would see things that way.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.