Connecting Scriptures:  Genesis 17:1, Genesis 37:18, Numbers 32:23, Genesis 37:3

These two chapters are action packed.  There is the pressing issue of famine, a reality that none in the known world can escape.  There is the problem of Simeon, left behind as collateral in Egypt, as the brothers wait on their fathers willingness to release Benjamin.  There is the money found in the returning brothers bags in the previous chapter, making them seem as if they stole the grain, when in reality, it was a gift from Joseph to his family.  Two big things stand out to me in these verses—Judah’s willingness to intercede for his family, and the return of “Israel”.  

There is a no-nonsense, directness about Judah’s words, “I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.”  Judah puts himself up as the main holder of blame if something goes wrong.  Israel accepts this offer, as opposed to the offer of Ruebens that was rejected in chapter 42.  Why was this one acceptable?  Maybe the passing of time and feeling the weight of having lost Simeon as well as Joseph?  Maybe it was Ruebens past mistakes and the vulgarity of him offering his own children up for sacrifice?  Or, maybe it was the right time and the right son to make the judgement call.  I am leaning toward that one.  

Judah’s future connection in the lineage of Christ (which we have discussed here) is shown as a foretaste.  While not a complete picture of the gospel, Judah’s plan was an “if this goes sideways” one.  Nevertheless, it was one man standing in the gap for a family that was soon to perish if they did not retrieve more food from Egypt.  In Christ, we see the fullness of the gospel displayed in the fact that everything had already gone wrong here and He came anyway. He took all our blame and put it on Himself.  Later in chapter 44 we see an even broader picture of self sacrifice, as Judah alone makes intercession for his guilty brothers.  While guilty too, he pleads in humility, not for the sake of his own hide, but for the life of his father.  The man who had lived a half-life for decades mourning Joseph.  Judah knew, because Israel had made it clear, that the loss of Benjamin would be the death of him.  Judah’s love for his family and respect for his father were too strong.  He begs to be enslaved instead of Benjamin, he puts himself on the altar.  What growth is seen in Judah!  Time doesn’t always heal wounds, but it can shape us into the people we are supposed to be.  Here, God was shaping Judah into a man who would reflect a Savior he didn’t even know was coming yet. The One who gave promises to his grandfather and wrestled Israel. The One who’s power would reach back far enough to touch him, see his faith, and surely call him righteous.

In chapter 42, when the sons return one less and asking to return with Benjamin, their father is referred to as Jacob.  The old man.  The one who fought, and doubted, and schemed—and now only seemed to dwell in grief.  In chapter 43, after time and reason and a brave sons words, Israel has returned.  Remember, his name means to persevere with God.  I think there are times in our lives where belief is so hard, where circumstances and change are so raw, that we are tempted to revert back to where it felt like we were in control.  Into spaces and identities that don’t require much and keep us stagnant in what we believe to be safety.  I think this happened to our patriarch.  In this moment of chapter 43 though, something comes alive in him.  In faith, he sends his beloved Benjamin at the word of Judah.  Although reluctantly, he trusts that whatever happens to his remaining sons, isn’t up to how firmly he holds on to them.  His heart was opening up and soon he would see a miracle.  He would see Joseph and his whole family would be saved and kept by God.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  How do you see the fear and guilt of Israel’s sons manifest as they are brought to Joseph’s house?  What does it tell you about their heart condition? 

2.  What was Joseph’s motivation for testing his brothers at the start of chapter 44?  What was he hoping to see in them?

3.  How does the unity the brothers display as they all pack up and head back to Egypt to defend Benjamin contrast to their hearts in chapter 37?

3.  Have you ever been tempted to return to your “before God” identity because of life circumstances?  How did God call you back and how did your faith change because of it?