“Genesis 43:11-15”

Saturday, April 11, 2020

“Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man; and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.’ So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin; then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.”

---End of Scripture verses---

“Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be so, then do this…” (verse 11) Realizing that to risk possibly losing another son would be better than for the whole family to definitely die of starvation, Israel gave in to the grim realities of the situation. Once resigned to the unescapable facts, Israel pulled himself from his despondency and formulated a plan of action to attempt to appease Simeon’s jailor and reclaim Benjamin once the ordeal was over. He determined that the best way to rectify the situation would be to greet Joseph what gifts in hand, and to return the money previously used to purchase the original load of grain.

“Take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.” (verse 11) This list of valuables greatly resembles the wares that the Ishmaelites where carrying to Egypt when the brothers originally disposed of Joseph. Recall the words of Genesis 37:25-27—“And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’” “It is ironic that these same products, and more, constitute the tribute the brothers now pay to Joseph himself.” (Nahum Sarna)

“Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake.” (verse 12) Israel hoped against hope that some sort of oversight accounted for the moneybags that contained the purchase price of the food returning with his sons from Egypt. He instructed them to pay that money back, and also to take “double the money” to purchase additional grain to sustain the family for the foreseeable future. Verse 22 reveals that the brothers “also brought down other money in” their “hand to buy food.” The money was “doubled” either because Israel anticipated the price of grain had risen sharply, or to purchase double portions to require less frequent trips to Egypt.

“And may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man…” (verse 14) Israel finally “let go and let God.” He turned loose of trying to control that which was beyond his ability to control, and gave it all over to powerful, capable, merciful hands of God Almighty (El Shaddai). He formulated a plan and put it into action and then prayerfully trusted that the Lord would work everything out in His time and according to His will. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (verse 14) Israel had done all that he could do, and had given the matter over to the Lord. He would wait, patiently or otherwise, for the conclusion, and would accept whatever the outcome might be. He hoped and prayed for the best, but seemed to be preparing himself mentally and emotionally for the worst. Those must have been some long, lonely, listless days and weeks following his sons’ departure and preceding their return.

Please read Genesis 43:16-25 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

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