Genesis 43:11-14 – Peace Offering
Jacob realises that there is no other option but to send Benjamin with his brothers to Egypt. So, he agrees. But he advises his sons to do several things that will hopefully make the leaders in Egypt look more kindly on them. First, they are to take back the money they found in their sacks. It might have been a mistake and the honest thing to do is to return it. Not only that, they take double the money in case the price of food had risen, or they need to pay a ransom for Simeon, or to just leave a gift with the leaders. Jacob also sends various other things like honey and spices that they would not have had in Egypt but are in Canaan. He is hoping to make peace with the leaders of Egypt by offering them these gifts.
Jacob has also passed the test of being willing to trust God with the life of his beloved son. He recognises that God is in control of this situation, and he prays that God will cause the Egyptian leader to show mercy to his sons. He knows from experience that God holds the hearts of all men in His hands, and He is willing to wait for God’s way of doing things. He has resigned himself to the fact that God’s ways are best whatever they are.
Questions
- What does Jacob tell them to take back to Egypt?
- Why does he tell them to take these things?
- How does Jacob show that he wants God’s will and not his own?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.