Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Preparation was made for the journey to Egypt

a) The present Jacob gave

b) Benjamin

c) Double the money Genesis 43:15

2. The sons of Jacob arrived in Egypt

3. They were given a special invitation to dine in the home of the governor of the land Genesis 43:16

IN THE HOME OF JOSEPH, THE GOVERNOR OF THE LAND

1. The fears of the brothers acted up
They were afraid that they were invited in the house of the governor

2. Their fearful thoughts

Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.”

Genesis 43:18

a) They thought of the money in their sacks

b) They were afraid of being arrested

c) And they became slaves with their donkeys

3. Trying to seek help from the steward of the governor

19 When they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; 21 but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand. 22 And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.”

Genesis 43:19-22

a) They confessed that they found the money in their sacks

b) They were returning the money

c) They had extra money to pay for the grain they hope to buy

4. The steward’s response

23 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.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
24 So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. 25 Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.

Genesis 43:23-25

a) He tried to allay their fears

b) He would not take their money

c) He brought Simeon to them

d) He gave them water to wash their feet

e) They were to make themselves ready to have a meal with the governor of the land

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE LAND

26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth.
27 Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?”
28 And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.

Genesis 43:26-28

1. Joseph asked about the health of their father

2. They replied humbly

3. They prostrated themselves to Joseph

SEEING BENJAMIN

29 Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.”
30 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 43:29-30

1. He saw Benjamin

a) His brother

b) His mother’s son

2. His heart was deeply moved

a) His heart yearned for his brother

b) Joseph left the brothers

c) He went to his private chambers

d) He gave vent to his feelings and he wept

THE FEAST WITH THE SONS OF JACOB

31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.”
32 So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. 34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

Genesis 43:31-34

1. Egyptian custom

a) They do not eat with Hebrews

b) This was an abomination to them

c) Joseph sat apart from his brothers

2. According to their age

a) Firstborn

b) The youngest

c) This astonished the brothers

3. They were served by the servants of Joseph

4. Benjamin had 5 times as much as anyone else

5. They made merry with Joseph

For a while, their fears abated. But they could not fully comprehend what was happening!

CONCLUSION

1. The sons of Jacob

a) One astonishing thing happened after another

i) The Invitation

iI) The seating arrangement

b) But there were no answers forthcoming at all

2. Joseph had planned every detail

3. He would test his brethren again and soon