Genesis 43:15-25 – Return to Egypt
Joseph’s brothers’ first trip to Egypt proves disastrous when they are accused of being spies, thrown into prison, and their brother, Simeon, is kept as a prisoner. They have been ordered not to return to Egypt without their younger brother Benjamin, an idea their father isn’t too pleased about. But now faced with the choice of starvation or returning to Egypt, they gather up gifts to take along with Benjamin and set out on their journey.
When they arrive in Egypt, Joseph gives his steward orders that the men are to be taken to his house and a meal prepared. Even though he probably sees Benjamin there, he will not leave his work at working time or trust another with it.
Joseph’s brothers are very afraid at being taken to his house. Their guilty consciences and their experience of how he treated them last time lead them to expect nothing good. They are afraid they are going to be accused of stealing the money that they have found in their sacks, so they go to the steward to explain that they have brought the money back. The steward encourages and comforts them. Even though he probably doesn’t know why Joseph is treating the men this way, he is confident that his master means them no harm. He urges them to look to their God as the one who has provided them money in their sack. This comment about God seems to indicate that Joseph sees it as his responsibility to teach all in his household about the Lord.
Questions
- Why do the brothers have to return to Egypt?
- Where does Joseph send them when they get there?
- What are they afraid of?
- Why might the steward have heard about the true God?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for all the good things God has given us.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.