Summary of Genesis 43:1-14:
Israel/Jacob and all of their family ate all of the grain that the brothers had brought back from Egypt. When they ran out, Israel told them to get more, at first without Benjamin. He blamed them for telling “the man” (aka Joseph) that they had another brother. The brothers told him they were simply telling the truth when asked, nothing more. How were they to know the man would demand to see Benjamin?
Judah said the man would not give them any more grain without Benjamin. Reluctantly, faced with the starvation of his family, Israel agreed to let them take Benjamin. He also sent twice the amount of silver to pay for the first grain, and he sent other, local gifts as well. Finally, Israel put Benjamin’s fate in the hands of God.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 2: Genesis 43:1-14
3) Because he did not want to send Benjamin and risk losing him.
4) Judah told Jacob that the man would not see them (sell them grain) if they came back without Benjamin. Judah also said that he would be responsible for Benjamin and bear the blame if he came back without him. He said that if they didn’t go, everyone would starve.
5a) “Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift — a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pisttachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benajmin come back wih you.”
b) God is in control. He grants mercy. He will let the man let Benjamin return to him.
c) Jacob has finally put his faith in God for the outcome of Benjamin. After all, Benjamin is God’s, not Jacob’s. He is resigned and accepting of what will happen.
6) Just putting my faith in God that my husband’s new ventures will be fruitful and profitable and that we will make it through.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 2: Genesis 43:1-14
Love how we see Jacob come full circle. I also love how it’s Jacob’s kids that are the voice of reason, ensuring they don’t die because of their father’s fears.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 2: Genesis 43:1-14
Jacob’s hand is forced to go back to Egypt for food. Perhaps he hoped he could forget about the whole thing and leave Simeon in jail. However, as the famine wore on, they needed food, and Egypt was the only place to get it. I’m wondering what Joseph is thinking all this time. It was quite some time since the brothers left. I’m wondering if Joseph felt sorry for Simeon in jail like he was for no fault of his own. The waiting and the procrastination of Jacob must have been hard on everyone involved. Yet, God’s plan would prevail.
Bible scholars are unsure of the age of Benjamin here. Some Bible translations refer to Benjamin as a lad. Yet, he is probably older, maybe even with a family of his own at this time (Genesis 46:21).
Judah offers to be responsible for Benjamin’s return. Perhaps he feels guilty since he was the one to propose the sale of Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27) and to treat Tamar horribly (Genesis 38).
Judah is the 4th son of Jacob, but emerges the leader here. Simeon and Levi were responsible for hte murder of the Shechemites. Reuben had slept with Bilhah, his father’s wife. Judah takes the lead here.
Jacob is giving gifts to Joseph in the hopes of winning his favor, like with Esau in Genesis 33:10-11) He orders them to take twice the amount of silver to pay for what they owe and to purchase more grain. Bible scholars say this is equivalent to 20 pieces of silver they sold for Joseph.(Genesis 37:28).
Some Bible scholars say Jacob’s prayer is not showing enough faith. To me, even a little faith is better than none at all.