JACOB SERIES: THE RETURN WITH BENJAMIN

As recorded in my last blog in this series, Jacob and his sons did not know that the governor of Egypt was Joseph. From their encounter with him, they felt he was cruel and believed they were spies. He also gave them an ultimatum concerning their return visit.

Genesis 43 records that the famine continued to ravage the land, and that Jacob’s family had eaten all the corn they had purchased in Egypt. Jacob’s hesitancy in allowing Benjamin to go with his brothers prevented them from returning to Egypt to purchase more food. Judah reminded his father of the words of Joseph to them, “Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.” Ultimately, if Benjamin did not accompany them, the brothers would not go to Egypt.

Jacob once again lamented the brothers’ revelation that one of them had stayed home with their father. However, the brothers told him they were simply answering the governor’s questions, and they did not know he would require them to bring Benjamin when they returned. Additionally, Judah volunteered to take responsibility for caring for Benjamin and bringing him home safely.

After their unpleasant exchange, Jacob relented and instructed his sons to take a gift of balm, a little honey, spices, myrrh, nuts, and almonds for the governor, and to double the money they took with them. That way, they would be able to repay the governor for the food they had previously received and purchase more.

Reluctantly, Jacob sent them on their way with these words that acknowledged they need God’s intervention, “And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

After their discussion, Jacob relented and instructed his sons to take a gift of balm, a little honey, spices, myrrh, nuts, and almonds for the governor, and to take double the money so they could repay for what might have been a mistake.

In order for me not to repeat a previous detailed blog for those of you that are interested in the detailed account of this second encounter with Joseph, it can be found in the archives of theteacherspick.com in the posts titled, “JOSEPH SERIES: SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH BROTHERS,” “JOSEPH SERIES: THE TEST,” and “JOSEPH SERIES: THE REVEAL.”

Here is additional information and nuggets:

Due to Jacob’s reluctance to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt, the family was on the verge of starvation. In the time they waited, they could have traveled back and forth twice.

The loss of loved ones can cause you to hold on tightly to others.

Your decisions can impact your family’s future.

Possible starvation will cause you to make some painful decisions.

In the Orient, when approaching a person of authority, it was customary to do so with a gift; therefore, Jacob directed his sons to take the best fruits of Canaan for the governor. No doubt he felt that, as he had been able to placate Esau with gifts, his sons could do likewise with the governor.

Some old practices are hard to break.

When in doubt concerning financial transactions, seek answers.

By instructing his sons to take double the money with them, Jacob demonstrated honesty in business transactions.

Jacob’s prayer request was to El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, the almighty God, to soften the governor’s heart so that he would release Simeon and protect Benjamin.

Though he desired a different outcome, Jacob realized this return visit to Egypt could result in the death of Simeon and Benjamin.