Day 27: Genesis 43-45

Today’s passage continues with Joseph’s brothers. They are returning to Egypt to buy more grain because the famine is severe. Jacob tells them to go buy more food, but Judah tells him they will not go unless they can take Benjamin as the Egyptian ruler (Joseph) instructed. Judah takes responsibility for Benjamin’s well-being. This is an interesting shift because 20 years ago, he was the one who suggested they sell their brother Joseph. We see that God has been softening the heart of Judah for the past 20 years.

Jacob agrees to send Benjamin, and with them, he also sends the best gifts of the land and twice as much silver to cover what was placed in their bags and to cover more food. When the brothers arrive, they try to clear the misunderstanding, but the steward tells them not to worry, he received their money and it is their God that is blessing them. They feasted with Joseph, and they prepared to leave again.

Joseph arranged one final test by commanding his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. He wants to see if his brothers will defend Benjamin. The steward is sent by Joseph to catch up with the brothers and accuse them of stealing Joseph’s silver cup. They discover that it is in Benjamin’s bag, and they are so grieved that they tear their clothes. They refuse to abandon Benjamin.

We see that Judah steps up again. Remember, this is Judah, the one who sold Joseph into slavery. He lost his Canaanite wife and his 2 sons, Er and Onan. He ended up entangled with a “prostitute” after the death of his wife. He impregnated his daughter-in-law, Tamar, who was posing as a prostitute. Yet now, here is Judah, a new man, offering himself in place of his brother to be a slave. Just as Jesus did for us. 

Judah begs Joseph to show mercy. In his speech, is when we see that he is a changed man. He is willing to become a slave in Benjamin’s place. What a character transformation! Remember, Judah and Tamar are the ones we will see listed in the genealogy leading up to Jesus’ birth. God heals and uses the broken.

This is what our walk with Christ is all about. We all start out as sinners in desperate need of a Savior, making mistake after mistake. But once we accept Jesus as our LORD, and we surrender, change happens. We are a new creature. We are made new. We begin to see the change in ourselves, and others should be able to see those changes too. It’s all part of the redemptive work of Christ.

We conclude today with chapter 45. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers when they are alone. They are stunned. Joseph is kind, forgiving, and merciful toward his brothers. He can see the hand of God even in the evil that was done by his family. This is the essence of Romans 8:28.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

Joseph, who is backed by Pharaoh, invites his family to come to Egypt to live and be taken care of. They came under his authority and care just as God promised Joseph in his dreams. Pharaoh offered Joseph’s family the best of the land and provided travel accommodations for them. They went from being on the verge of starvation to being wealthy in a brief moment. 

Let this be a reminder to hold out until God reveals what He is doing. Don’t give up when things are tough. God always has a plan!

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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