Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
Text: Genesis 43:1-34
A SURPRISING REPLY
The steward of the Egyptian governor turned out to be a very gracious and understanding person. Kindly, he spoke to them, seeking to allay their fears.
“But he said, ‘Peace be with you, do not be afraid.
Your God and the God of your father has given you
treasure in your sacks; I had your money.'”
GENESIS 43:23
The brothers probably couldn’t figure out exactly what the steward meant. What did he mean by the God of their father giving them their treasures in their sacks! They had never experienced anything special from God before!
UNITED WITH SIMEON
Shortly after this word, the steward brought Simeon back to his brothers. He was none the worse for his stay in prison (Genesis 43:23). Things seemed to be turning out well for them, though they could not say that they understood all that was happening!
ANOTHER SURPRISE
The brothers were even more surprised when they heard news that they were going to see Joseph at lunch time! Water was brought so that they might wash their feet and be made presentable for lunch! On their part, the brothers prepared to give their present to the man they regarded as a powerful Egyptian official. They couldn’t figure out why he would invite them for a meal in his home though!
PROSTRATION BEFORE JOSEPH AGAIN
The dream that God gave to Joseph was true! Besides Pharaoh, he was indeed the most powerful man in all Egypt. All bowed the knee to him, including foreigners like the sons of Israel. Prostrating themselves before Joseph they presented their gifts (Genesis 43:26).
A MOVING EXPERIENCE
What must have puzzled everybody was the interest shown with reference to their father Israel. Joseph kept asking questions about his well-being (Genesis 43:27)
At last, Joseph espied his younger brother. He had not seen him for years. He had missed seeing him grow up. He was a young lad now. Tenderly he spoke to him,
“God be gracious to you, my son.”
GENESIS 43:29
Seeing Benjamin was all that Joseph could take. So many years had passed by! Rachel his mother had died giving birth to Benjamin! He was his kid brother!
“Now his heart yearned for his brother;
So Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep.
And he went into his chamber and wept there.”
GENESIS 43:30