January 24 – Joseph’s Brothers – Down to Egypt and Bowing Down

Genesis 42- 44

Canaan was having the famine along with the rest of the world.  Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt so he sent ten of his sons down to buy some.  He kept his youngest son Benjamin home with him.  When the brothers arrived in Egypt Joseph recognized them—but they did not recognize him.  He accused them of being spies.  To test them Joseph demanded that their youngest brother come down to Egypt.  He puts them in prison for three days and then releases all of them except one, Simeon, who must stay there until the youngest brother comes to Egypt.  Joseph sells them grain and gives orders to return their money in the bags of grain.  He also provides provisions for their trip home.  As one of the brothers is feeding his donkey along the way he discovers the money---and they find that all their money was returned.  “What is this God has done to us?”

Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt and later when they run out of grain he sends his sons down to Egypt again---but this time they know they must take Benjamin.  They also take double the money since their money had been returned for their earlier grain purchase.  They are reunited with their brother Simeon.  In gratitude they bow down to Joseph (Gen. 43: 28)---just like in Joseph’s dream. Joseph has a noon meal prepared and served to them at his home.  Joseph weeps privately, but he does not reveal who he is and does not eat with them, for it was loathsome for Egyptians to eat with Hebrews.  Joseph again tested his brothers by giving Benjamin a portion five times that of his brothers.

This must have been a feast fit for brothers of the king…or pharaoh since Joseph was treated just like the pharaoh in Egypt.  Because they were experiencing a famine, it must have been a special treat for them!  Were the brothers so in awe of all the food that they didn’t notice or react to the fact that Joseph gave Benjamin five times as much as the others?  Do you notice when others have larger portions than you?  Does it really make any difference?  There they were sitting in Joseph’s home---eating the bounty of the land of Egypt that Joseph had stored up and they didn’t even realize whose presence they were in.  Do you know that you are always in the presence of the King?  Choose to feel His presence and enjoy the feast of His Table today.

Lord, help us to see just what you have done for us. We thank you that you are always with us and provide for us and for our families.