Joseph and his Brothers meet in Egypt
Tests
Genesis 42-45
Dec. 10-17, 2023
Genesis 42:1-26
Test #1 LIES
Joseph calls them “spies” and puts them in prison for 3 days.
They are to send one brother back to get Benjamin to “prove” their story.
After the 3 days, Joseph only keeps Simeon and lets the others go back for Benjamin.
Genesis 42:27-43:16
Test #2 MONEY
They find silver in their grain sacks.
Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt. (why?)
Jacob relents and they return to Egypt with double the silver and gifts.
Genesis 43:17-44:34
Test #3 JEALOUSY OF A BROTHER
At the feast, they are seated in birth order and Benjamin is served 5 times as much food.
The silver cup is placed in Benjamin’s sack.
All the brothers are grieved and Judah offers his life in place for Benjamin.
Themes from Genesis
Barren Women
Brothers in Conflict
Younger brother favored
Low Raised High
Change of Heart
Personal Responsibility for Sin
Testing
Others?
Joseph and his Brothers meet in Egypt
Forgiveness
Genesis 45
Dec. 23, 2023
Genesis 45:1-15
Remember the verses before this:
Genesis 44:20-34
Think of the implications of symbol and analogy:
The Father=God
The firstborn son of God= Israel/Adam
The youngest son=Christ
Other brothers=other men (perhaps Gentiles)
Genesis 45:1-15
Remember the verses before this:
Genesis 44:20-34
Notice the roles of the brothers:
Joseph: repairing broken relationship with the father
Judah: repentant sinner who understands his fault to deserving death and willing to give up his life because he understands that is a just punishment for this sin
Weep
Used 7 times in Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers (Gen. 42-45:15)
First used with Abraham, who is our first TEST as well
How are testing and weeping related?
Genesis 45:16-46:4
Jacob: The son he thought was lost, now is found
Jacob: the son he believed dead is alive again, and now his son is not only alive, but is Lord of Lords in Egypt (the most powerful and rich nation on earth) therefore King among the Kings
Jacob will bless his sons, but not equally. Judah and Joseph receive the greatest blessings Gen. 49.
Judah as the sinful, though repentant son, and Joseph as the faithful son who extends forgiveness to all of his brothers.
Maturity and Development
Consider how far we have come in Genesis:
Cain to Isaac to Jacob to Jacob’s sons
Jesus in Genesis
Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to those who are faithful.
Jesus came to facilitate forgiveness among brothers and sisters and nations.
Jesus came to help us reflect on our need for forgiveness and salvation.
Jesus was God’s second-born, favored and blessed, to save the world and forgive his brothers.
Interesting reading