January 27, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Genesis 43 - With the continued famine Jacob agrees to send his sons, including Benjamin, back to Egypt after Judah assures Benjamin's safety.  Joseph is overcome with emotion as he sees Benjamin again.  All the brothers have dinner with Joseph and seek to return to Israel. 

Genesis 44 - Joseph sets a trap for his brothers.  After the brothers face the possibility of "losing" another younger brother to Egypt they now begin to see the anguish Joseph had when he was taken from them.  Judah volunteers to be Benjamin's substitute and gives an impassioned plea on behalf of Benjamin and Jacob.

Genesis 45 - Joseph can no longer control his emotions and he reveals himself to his brothers.  He makes clear that he could see "God's Good" in spite of "their evil" intentions.  He offers them life in Egypt with all their needs met and sends them back to get Jacob and their families and flocks.  Jacob is stunned with the news and agrees to move to Egypt.