Genesis 43: A Story of Forgiveness and Second Chances

This chapter in Genesis picks up with Jacob and his sons still struggling with the famine in Canaan. They’ve already made one trip to Egypt to buy grain, but now they’re running out of food again. The problem? The mysterious ruler of Egypt (who is secretly their brother Joseph, though they don’t know it yet!) insists they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them if they want more grain.

Why is Benjamin so important?

Remember, Jacob is super protective of Benjamin because he’s the only other son of his beloved wife Rachel. He’s afraid something bad will happen to him like it did to Joseph (or so he thinks!). But this time, they have no choice. They’re starving.

Judah steps up

Judah, one of the brothers, promises to take responsibility for Benjamin’s safety. This is a big deal because Judah was one of the brothers who suggested selling Joseph into slavery! He’s showing real growth and maturity here.

Back to Egypt

The brothers return to Egypt, bringing Benjamin and gifts for the ruler. They’re scared, but they’re also hopeful. They need food, but they also want to see if this powerful man will keep his word.

Joseph’s reaction

When Joseph sees Benjamin, he’s overwhelmed with emotion. He remembers his little brother and all that’s happened. He has to excuse himself to cry privately! This shows us how deeply he still cares for his family, even after all these years.

A feast and a mystery

Joseph throws a feast for his brothers, but he seats them in order of their age, which really confuses them! He also gives Benjamin a much larger portion of food than the others. Why do you think he does this? Is he testing them?

Questions to ponder

1. Why is Jacob so reluctant to let Benjamin go to Egypt?
2. How has Judah changed since the last time they were in Egypt?
3. Why do you think Joseph gets so emotional when he sees Benjamin?
4. What do you think Joseph is trying to achieve by seating his brothers in order of age and giving Benjamin extra food?
5. What does this chapter teach us about forgiveness, family, and second chances?

Challenge

Think about a time when you had to forgive someone or ask for forgiveness. How did it feel? What did you learn from that experience?

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Genesis 43 recounts the dramatic return of Jacob’s sons to Egypt, Benjamin now in tow. Famine has tightened its grip, forcing Jacob to relinquish his beloved youngest son. As Spurgeon poignantly observes, “Necessity… has a wonderful power of opening the eyes.” The brothers’ desperation mirrors our own when confronted with circumstances beyond our control, pushing us to surrender our cherished idols of self-reliance.

Matthew Henry highlights the brothers’ changed demeanour: “They were now more humble and submissive than before.” Their previous deceit and cruelty towards Joseph have given way to fear and trembling. They approach Egypt not with arrogance, but with the heavy burden of past sins and present anxieties. Henry reminds us, “Afflictions are often made use of by the grace of God to bring down the proud heart.”

The narrative unfolds with Joseph’s complex emotional response to his brothers. He sees Benjamin, the son of his own mother, and “his bowels did yearn upon him.” Spurgeon captures the profound love on display: “Joseph’s heart yearned over his brother… Nature is mightier than education, mightier than circumstances.” Despite years of separation and the deep wounds of betrayal, the bond of brotherhood remains.  

Yet, Joseph does not immediately reveal himself. He tests his brothers, seeking assurance of their repentance and genuine concern for Benjamin. Henry wisely notes, “Joseph… though he knew them, tried them, that he might know them.” This resonates with God’s dealings with us. He often allows trials to refine our faith and reveal the true condition of our hearts.  

The chapter culminates in a tense meal where Joseph strategically places his brothers, favouring Benjamin with a larger portion. This echoes the favouritism Jacob showed Joseph, perhaps intended to stir conviction in their hearts. As Henry observes, “Providence dispenses its gifts variously.” Joseph’s actions, though seemingly arbitrary, serve a greater purpose in the unfolding drama of redemption.  

Genesis 43 leaves us on a precipice. The brothers remain unaware of Joseph’s true identity, their fate hanging in the balance. Spurgeon’s words resonate with the uncertainty: “We are often nearest to our deliverances when we are most despondent.” Even in the darkest hour, hope flickers. The stage is set for a powerful revelation of forgiveness, reconciliation, and ultimately, God’s sovereign plan of salvation.