His Word Today

²⁷ And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” ²⁸ They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. ²⁹ And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” ³⁰ Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there” (Genesis 43:27–30 (ESV)

Unbeknownst to the eleven brothers, their brother Joseph who they knew only as the governor of Egypt, was their host for lunch. Joseph asked them, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” Little did they realize the significance emotional weight their response would be to this Egyptian leader when they said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.”

Then Joseph saw his younger brother Benjamin, the second son of his mother Rachel. Joseph said, “God be gracious to you, my son!” The word “God” indicates that Joseph invoked the name of Elohim; the One, True, and Living God. He was not using the name of any Egyptian god.

Finally, Joseph came close to being overcome with emotion. This scene was more than he could bear. The text says, “For his compassion grew warm for his brother.” Joseph’s heart was filled with strong feelings of love and affection for his brother Benjamin, who he had not seen in over twenty years. Imagine the level of self-control Joseph displayed in leaving his brothers for his private room in order to deeply sob and mourn.

Joseph was reunited with most of the family who he had known for the first seventeen years of his life. He was rejoined to his full brother Benjamin, the other son of his mother. He discovered his father, Jacob, was still alive. He was also with his elder brothers, who had once sought to kill him, but now bow in homage before him.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Simeon was returned to them (v. 23), and a noon meal was prepared for Joseph’s 11 guests. When they presented their gifts to Joseph … they bowed down before him in fulfillment of Joseph’s dream (37:7). Joseph, seeing his brother Benjamin, could not hold back his tears of joy. Benjamin, of course, was his full brother; the others were half-brothers. As before when he talked with the 10 (42:24), he went aside and wept.”

The stage was set for Joseph to see if his elder brothers had really changed in the present from what they were in the past. More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁴ “And when the man had brought the men into Joseph’s house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, ²⁵ they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there. ²⁶ When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground” (Genesis 43:24–26 (ESV)

Joseph’s steward brought Jacob’s eleven sons into Joseph’s house. It was at this time that they received water to drink and to refresh themselves following their long, hot, and dry journey. The steward also gave their donkeys food. Egyptian hospitality could not have been better.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “We must own ourselves indebted to God, as our God and the God of our fathers (a God in covenant with us and them) for all our successes and advantages, and the kindnesses of our friends; for every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. The steward encouraged them, not only in words but in deeds; for he made very much of them till his master came, v. 24.”

Anticipating Joseph’s appearance at noon, the brothers prepared their gift of fruits and nuts (Gen. 43:11). When Joseph arrived, the brothers presented their gifts. In doing so, they also bowed down to him to the ground. The dreams Joseph dreamed as a youth became a reality as a man (Gen. 37:5-11). His brothers gave him homage and respect. What a difference from when they encountered him as a teenager (Gen. 37:12-28).

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Jacob trusted in God’s providence, and the Lord did watch over Jacob’s sons once he sent them back into the land of the Nile. In today’s passage they arrive at Joseph’s house in Egypt. Given how their brother treated them earlier, they are rightly afraid (Gen. 43:18), and they hear strange news when they attempt to pay for the grain they received for free on the earlier visit. Joseph’s steward tells them he received their payment and that God returned their money to their sacks (v. 23), putting into words the divine superintendence revealed in their circumstances. This reminds them of their vulnerability, preparing them to understand the depth of their past sins and to show they have changed since dropping Joseph in a pit (chap. 37). Joseph gives his brothers an opportunity to prove they are now different when he eats with them.”

There are no coincidences. Everything which occurs in our lives happens for a reason. This is true even when we do not yet understand the reason. God’s timing is often not our own. Let us learn to trust in Him.

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹ So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the door of the house, ²⁰ and said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. ²¹ And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, ²² and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” ²³ He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them” (Genesis 43:19–23 (ESV)

Joseph invited his brothers to his Egyptian house to have lunch. However, they thought that the individual they knew only as the Egyptian governor was going to accuse them of theft. This was because they discovered they still had their money in their sacks, which they previously used it to buy grain (Gen. 43:1-22).

Today’s text reveals to us that this thought dominated Joseph’s brothers’ minds, emotions and will. They immediately said to Joseph’s steward, “²⁰Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. ²¹ And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, ²² and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.”

The steward replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “An indication of Joseph’s steward either having come to faith in God or having become very familiar with how Joseph talked of his God and life. So concerned were the brothers to protest their ignorance of the means of the money being returned and to express their desire to settle this debt (vv. 20–22), that they missed the steward’s clear reference to the God of Israel (“the God of your father”) and his oversight of events in which he had played a part (“I received your money”).”

It was after this exchange to clear up any misunderstanding about the money that the steward brought Simeon to his brothers. One reunion of brothers occurred, while another reunion is waiting in the wings.

God always makes a way when there seems to be no way. He always works in way we cannot see. That is why we must trust Him with all our being (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ “When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” ¹⁷ The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph’s house. ¹⁸ And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys” (Genesis 43:16–18 (ESV)

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV) says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” King Solomon was stating that an individual, or individuals, with a guilty conscience imagine accusers everywhere (cf. Num. 32:23; Ps. 53:5). However, a person’s clear conscience gives boldness for them to face anyone

When Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt, he showed them genuine hospitality. He had them brought into his home and gave orders to have an animal slaughtered and prepared for a festive noontime lunch.

The brothers, with the obvious exception of Benjamin, were afraid. They felt great distress and deep concern. Why? There was no obvious reason for them to fear. Or was there?

Today’s text says that they were afraid because they reasoned that Joseph would soon accuse them of theft. This was due to the replaced money in their individual sacks. They believed that Joseph would assault them, enslave them and seize their donkeys.

Perhaps the elder brothers’ fear stems from their actions over twenty years in the past. They assaulted Joseph, sold him into slavery to the Midianites, and seized his many colored tunic (Gen. 37:18-28). It is clear that the elder brothers do not have clear consciences. Therefore, they feared Joseph when he gave them no reason to fear.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “They were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house, v. 18. The just challenges of their own consciences, and Joseph’s violent suspicions of them, forbade them to expect any favor, and suggested to them that this was done with a bad design upon them. Those that are guilty and timorous are apt to make the worst of everything. Now they thought they should be reckoned with about the money in the sacks’ mouths, and should be charged as cheats, and men not fit to be dealt with, who had taken advantage of the hurry of the market to carry off their corn unpaid for.”

Have you ever been afraid of someone, or some situation? Why? Was it because of some past indiscretion or sin you committed which created in you a guilty conscience in the present?  Confess whatever sin in your life and rest in the forgiveness found in Christ Jesus alone.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph” (Genesis 43:15 (ESV)

Much has happened since Jacob’s sons returned from Egypt. Much has happened as they prepared to return to Egypt.

Jacob instructed his sons to gather various choice fruits, spices and nuts to give to the Egyptian governor. He also directed them to give back the money they found in their sacks on their return trip to Canaan (Gen. 43:11-14). Finally, he entrusted his youngest son Benjamin into their care, especially Judah’s (Gen. 43:1-13).

Moses did not record the time interval between the brothers’ first visit to Egypt and their second. He also did not indicate how long it took them to travel to Egypt. What he did write, which is contained in today’s text, is that they took the present for the governor, and double the money with them. Presumably they took double the money in order to compensate for the first load of grain along with the new purchase. They also took their most precious item: Benjamin.

They travelled south to Egypt. Having visited that region, it is a hot and arid area. In other words, it is a desert. Perhaps even more so during this devastating famine. However, they eventually reached their destination and stood before Joseph.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “When Jacob finally allowed Benjamin to go to Egypt, his trusting in the Almighty no matter what might happen was not stoic acquiescence to fate (Gen. 43:14). He took action to help smooth the way forward for his sons, knowing that the Lord uses the decisions of His people to work out His sovereign plan. Jacob understood trusting the Lord is not only intellectual assent, it also means doing what God tells us is right (James 2:14–26). Israel prayed for Benjamin’s safe return and sent a present to the pharaoh’s steward (Gen. 43:11–13), a wise move for those who approached royalty in those days. The honey, which could be found in diverse places such as rocks (Deut. 32:13), animal carcasses (Judg. 14:8–9), and trees (1 Sam. 14:25–27), was an extra-special treat during a famine. Jacob trusted in God’s providence, and the Lord did watch over Jacob’s sons once he sent them back into the land of the Nile.”  

More to come as the journey of Joseph, and his family, continues. Have a blessed day as you trust in the LORD’s providence.

Soli deo Gloria!

11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man. 14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (Genesis 43:11-14)

Jacob realized that for his family to survive the continuing and devastating famine, he must agree to the terms set by the governor of Egypt. When his sons return to Egypt for more grain, Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin, must accompany them. There was no alternative.

Jacob then directed his sons to prepare an appropriate gift for the governor. He simply refers to him as the man. He does not know that he is his son, Joseph. The gift includes choice fruits, balm, honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Apparently, these items would be unavailable in Egypt.

Additionally, Jacob instructed the brothers to carry back the money that was returned to them. He reasoned that perhaps it was an oversight on the governor’s part.

Finally, the patriarch tells his sons to take Benjamin, the youngest. He then orders them to return to the man.

His final words before his sons depart is a prayer. He prayed that God Almighty, El-Shaddai, would grant them mercy. In other words, that Yahweh would give the brothers His compassion before the governor. He also prayed that their other brother and Benjamin would return. Perhaps Jacob did realize that Joseph was still alive and perhaps had been sold into slavery by his brothers.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “In trusting his sons, Jacob must also trust the Lord, for he cannot be certain that he will see Benjamin again. His faith in God’s providential care is revealed in the benediction he offers before his sons depart (v. 14). He calls on the name of God Almighty, the name our Creator gave to Himself when the Abrahamic covenant was sealed (17:1–14). This is significant. Just as Abraham earlier had to trust the Lord to do the impossible and give him a son in his old age (17:15–21), so too must Jacob now trust God to accomplish His promise to multiply his family (35:11) even if the unthinkable happens and he loses more sons (43:14).”

Puritan Matthew Henry concludes by saying, “Though men value very highly their gold and silver, and the luxuries which are counted the best fruits of every land, yet in a time of famine they willingly barter them for bread. And how little will earthly good things stand us in the day of wrath! How ready should we be to renounce them all, as loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ! Our way to prevail with man is by first prevailing with the Lord in fervent prayer. But, Thy will be done, should close every petition for the mercies of this life, or against the afflictions of this life.”

Soli deo Gloria

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2022. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Seven. Of the Sacraments. Part Two.

3. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it,^a but upon the work of the Spirit,^b and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.^c

a. Rom 2:28-29; 1 Pet 3:21. • b. Mat 3:11; 1 Cor 12:13. • c. Mat 26:27-28.

4. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.^a

a. Mat 28:19-20, 19; 1 Cor 4:1; 11:20, 23; Heb 5:4.

5. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.^a

a. 1 Cor 10:1-4.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Now the famine was severe in the land. ² And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.” ³ But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ ⁴ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. ⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’ ” ⁶ Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” ⁷ They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” ⁸ And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. ¹⁰ If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” (Genesis 43:1–10 (ESV)

Judah made a solemn pledge to his father Jacob. This was the same Judah who orchestrated the sale of Joseph to the Midianites so many years before (Gen. 37:25-27) and who had an inappropriate relationship with his daughter-in-law Tamar (Gen. 38).  

The Scriptures always depict God’s people as they truly are, bad choices included. Always remember that the believer’s righteous standing before God is always based upon the imputed righteousness of Christ and not our own (Romans 3:21-26; Philippians 3:1-9). While God’s calls each believer in Christ to obedience, our hope and confidence is solely in the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ.

Judah steps up when apparently no other brother would. The tone of what he says displayed a sincere heart.

⁸ And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. ¹⁰ If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice” (Gen. 43:8-10).

Judah’s pledge contained four promises. First, he would protect Benjamin. The youngest son would be in his charge.

Second, Judah would personally be a pledge for Benjamin’s safety. The Hebrew word for pledge means to put up a security, mortgage, make a guarantee, or to give a pledge. It is to give an object or personal security in an agreement to ensure that an agreed future event in fact happens (Gen. 44:32; Neh. 5:3; Job 17:3; Prov. 6:1; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13).

Third, Judah stated that Jacob could hold him accountable if anything happened to Benjamin. This would result in any punishment if Judah did not keep his promise of protection.

Fourth, Judah indicated that he alone would bear the blame. He would bear any punishment necessary.

Dr. R.C. Sproul states, “Judah steps forward as the leader of the clan and refuses to go back to Egypt without his youngest brother. Twice he tells his father that they have been “warned” not to return without Benjamin, and so if all of the brothers do not go into the land of the Nile, none of them can go (vv. 4–5). Judah is the oldest son still in Jacob’s favor (29:31–35; 34:30; 35:22) and the logical choice to head the expedition. Yet Judah’s age is not his most important qualification to lead the others. Seeing that his father’s concern to preserve Benjamin alive must be satisfied, he steps forward and makes himself the guarantee of his brother’s safety (43:8–10). This is a risky and chivalrous move for Judah to make, for he is putting his life on the line for his brother. It is model behavior for the righteous ruler, seen most prominently in the life of Jesus, Judah’s greatest son through King David (Matt. 1:1), who laid down His life for His brothers (John 10:11).”

Today’s text shows that Judah is a type for the Lord Jesus Christ. Take the time today to thank the Lord Jesus who took your place on the cross.  

Soli deo Gloria!

“Now the famine was severe in the land. ² And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.” ³ But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ ⁴ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. ⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’ ” ⁶ Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” ⁷ They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” ⁸ And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. ¹⁰ If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” (Genesis 43:1–10 (ESV)

Following an indefinite period of time, Jacob’s family had exhausted their food supply, which had been purchased in Egypt (Gen. 42). Jacob instructed his eldest sons who were with him in Canaan to return to Egypt and buy some more food. Perhaps Jacob, given his advanced age, forgot the conditions placed by the Egyptian governor, who in reality was his son Joseph, for their return and the release of Simeon. However, his son Judah was quick to remind him.

³ But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ ⁴ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. ⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you’ ” (Gen. 43:3-5). The brother in question was Benjamin, the youngest.  

Jacob’s reply was consistently self-centered as it was when his sons returned from Egypt (Gen. 42:36-38). He said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?”(Gen. 43:6).

Moses recorded their answer. “They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’” (Gen. 43:7)?

Dr. R.C. explains, “Jacob was afraid when money was found in the sacks of grain from Egypt (Gen. 42:35), but he did not fear divine retribution like his sons did (v. 28b). Scholars suggest he was afraid his sons had planned some kind of a coup d’état. His favorite son Joseph disappeared after looking for these brothers (chap. 37), and now they wanted to take his beloved Benjamin, Rachel’s other son (35:24), into the desert. Moreover, Jacob’s sons returned from Egypt with money, but no Simeon. Jacob likely surmised that the brothers sold Simeon into slavery and suspected his sons would remove Benjamin, who like Joseph, would not champion any attempt to supplant their father. Jacob’s focus on himself supports this contention.

What follows was a solemn pledge given by Jacob’s son Judah. This was the same Judah who orchestrated the sale of Joseph to the Midianites so many years before (Gen. 37:25-27). We will examine Judah’s pledge when next we meet.

The Scriptures depict God’s people as they truly are, bad choices included. Always remember that the believer’s righteous standing before God is always based upon the imputed righteousness of Christ and not our own (Romans 3:21-26; Philippians 3:1-9). While God’s calls each believer in Christ to obedience, our hope and confidence is solely in the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁵ “As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. ³⁶ And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” ³⁷ Then Reuben said to his father, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” ³⁸ But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.” (Genesis 42:35–38 (ESV)

In Genesis 42:29-34, Jacob’s eldest sons, with the exception of Simeon, return from Egypt after buying grain. They related to their father the circumstances of why their brother Simeon did not return home with them. They also shared that for Simeon to be released, the elder brothers must return to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin.

On the return trip to Canaan, one of the brothers discovered his money was in his sack (Gen. 42:26-28). When they all returned home, the remaining brothers discovered their own money in their respective sacks. Both they, and their father Jacob, were afraid. This was an ongoing fear and not just a momentary fright. Perhaps it was fear of the Egyptian governor, Joseph, or it may have been an even greater fear of the LORD.

Today’s text shares Jacob’s initial reaction to his sons regarding what he has just learned. “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” Jacob’s reaction was apparently self-centered. All that seemed to matter was how these circumstances affected him alone. All that was lacking was the exclamation, “Woe is me.”

Dr. John MacArthur explains, “Jacob could not handle the prospect of losing another son, and didn’t trust the brothers who had already divested him of two sons by what he may have thought were their intrigues. The whole situation overwhelmed Jacob who complained against his sons (cf. 43:6) and would not release Benjamin (42:38).”

Reuben then made a solemn, if not an exaggerated pledge to his father. “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” Perhaps Rueben should be excused for his hyperbole, but not for his sincerity. The brother who protected Joseph (Ge. 37:18-22, 29) now pledged to protect Benjamin.

However, Jacob would not have it so. “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

Jacob’s only concern seemed to be his youngest son Benjamin. He seemingly did not care what would happen to either Simeon or his other sons if, or when, they returned to Egypt. Jacob appeared to be only concerned for himself and how these circumstances would impact him. When we begin studying Genesis 43, we will see another possible reason for Jacob’s hesitancy.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “Jacob gives up Joseph for gone, and Simeon and Benjamin as being in danger; and he concludes, All these things are against me. It proved otherwise, that all these were for him, were working together for his good and the good of his family: yet here he thinks them all against him. Through our ignorance and mistake, and the weakness of our faith, we often apprehend that to be against us which is really for us. We are afflicted in body, estate, name, and relations; and we think all these things are against us, whereas these are really working for us the weight of glory.”

May the experiences of Jacob and his family, in real history and real time, impact our lives being lived in real time and history. Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!