Chapter 43 | Pastor Barry

Joseph Feasts with His Brothers

Just before chapter 43, Joseph’s brothers (Israel’s sons) are found in Egypt looking to buy food for their households as their land was undergoing a great famine. In doing so, they unknowingly run into Joseph (only identifying him as an Egyptian ruler), who accuses them of, and imprisons for being spies in the land. To undo their imprisonment and reestablish their trading abilities in Egypt, they are required to prove that they are honest men. Joseph works out a deal with the brothers that holds them accountable, releasing all but Simeon, while the others must return home for Benjamin, the youngest brother, and then come back to Egypt. Only then, when all twelve brothers were present before Joseph, would their accusation be annulled.

Thus, chapter 43 opens with Joseph’s brothers (minus Simeon) back home in the land of Canaan. Such a return would not last long, as they were required to grab Benjamin and go straight back to Egypt.

As one can imagine, Israel was not thrilled about this, especially when considering his favoritism for Benjamin. Moreover, Israel was now being forced to possibly lose two sons (in addition to Joseph), as Simeon was already being lawfully withheld from him. Because of this, such a situation was a dangerous one, offering no promise of a positive outcome.

Israel had been in a situation like this before when he had to meet his brother, Esau- an encounter that involved ill will and frightening consequences. So, in this new yet familiar circumstance, Israel does the same thing that he did with Esau [1]: He sends a multitude of gifts, along with his sons, to offer to the ruler in Egypt who accused them. Israel does this, hoping to soften any reaction of harmful intent towards his sons.

Once they get to Egypt, Joseph learns that they have brought Benjamin with them, accounting for the full twelve of all the brothers. Joseph tells the steward of his house to bring them inside and prepare for a feast. However, upon hearing this, the brothers are immediately riddled with fear. They begin to worry that such an invite is the tactic of an ambush- the invitation to their enslavement.

Isn’t this how we respond as well? When something good happens, we’ll say, “This never happens... something bad must be right around the corner.” The brothers not only assumed the worst was going to happen, but they began to try and reason away why such a fate would fall upon them. Yet, Joseph only wants to dine with and bless his brothers.

Isn’t this another great picture of Christ? Jesus, knowing all our sinful thoughts and actions, knocks on our door. He doesn’t want to judge or bring harm to us, but desires quite the opposite. Jesus wants to dine with us [2].

All the brothers come into the dining area, and Joseph meets them. At this point, they still only know him as the Egyptian ruler, not Joseph. When Joseph sees his brother, Benjamin, Joseph is filled with compassion. Joseph then leaves the dining area to find a place to weep.

Joseph had such a deep compassion for Benjamin, the brother he was never able to develop a relationship with, that he was overcome, every bit of him emotional and weepy. We see another beautiful picture of Jesus here. When Jesus saw his people in Jerusalem (those who had not developed a relationship with Him), He, too, wept [3].

This chapter ends with Joseph and all his brothers reunited, enjoying a meal and each other’s company. If you haven’t read the end of the Bible yet, Christ does the same thing for us. One day, we will all be reunited with Christ, in Heaven, for a wonderful meal and time of enjoyment and celebration [4]. No matter what you have or how far you have run, Christ stands ready to forgive, embrace, and dine with you.  

This is the Bible. Every word on every page whispers the Name of Jesus.

By Pastor Barry Ginn

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[1] – Genesis 32:3-5

[2] – Revelation 3:20

[3] – Luke 19:41

[4] – Revelation 19:1-9