Jan 16 (Genesis 42-43)

Genesis 42

As Joseph's dreams come true, his father sends the rest of the brothers (save Benjamin) to Egypt to get food. They think their brother is dead, so when they see this man who looks like an Egyptian, they don't know that he's really their brother!

I like to share with my kids how Joseph has a little fun with his brothers and tests them to see if they are repentant at all.

Then they throw Joseph a curveball...he has a younger brother from the same mother, Rachel. Joseph is overcome, and sends them off with the knowledge that they will be coming back to him. Joseph demands to see his brother, and ultimately, his father as well, in order for the dreams to completely be fulfilled.

Genesis 43

I point out to my kids, that they should look at this situation from Jacob's point of view...he already lost Joseph, Simeon was in jail, and now the only other son by Rachel must go to Egypt and risk death or imprisonment. Jacob was extremely troubled, but he knew that the WHOLE family would perish if he didn't let the brothers take Benjamin to Egypt.

(v.26) All of Joseph's brothers bow to him, just like his dream! (Gen 37:7)

Joseph's emotions get the better of him and he weeps. Think of the emotions running through Joseph's mind as he sees all his brothers (and one he didn't know about) all these years later!

It's kind of funny to picture the brothers talking Hebrew, and thinking that Joseph doesn't know what they're saying...but he does!

Of course, seeing his only full brother, Benjamin, was powerful. All the other brothers were half brothers...from different mothers, but Benjamin was by blood, the closest brother to him.

(v.33) Here we see Joseph messing with his brothers again...seating them from oldest to youngest. You know they were all wondering, "How does he know the ages of all of us?"

(v.34) Benjamin is really the guest of honor...the full brother of Joseph, and he's being treated as such.

I stress to my kids that Joseph is testing his brothers, to see if they really have repented...Judah rises to the occasion in the next chapter!