Summary

Genesis 43 continues the story of Joseph and his brothers during the severe famine. The food they brought home from Egypt is running out, so Jacob tells his sons they must return to buy more grain.

But Judah reminds his father that the Egyptian governor—who is actually Joseph, though they still don’t recognize him—made it clear that they cannot return without Benjamin.

Jacob is terrified of losing Benjamin because he has already lost Joseph. Eventually, Judah personally promises to take responsibility for Benjamin and bring him home safely. Jacob finally agrees.

The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, gifts, double the money, and the money that had mysteriously been returned to their sacks during their previous trip.

When Joseph sees Benjamin, he orders his servants to prepare a meal for his brothers. The brothers are frightened, thinking they are about to be punished because of the returned money. Instead, Joseph’s steward reassures them and brings Simeon back to them.

When Joseph finally sees Benjamin—the only brother who shares both his mother and father—he becomes overwhelmed with emotion. He quickly leaves the room and cries privately.

Joseph returns, controls his emotions, and eats with his brothers. He seats them in order from oldest to youngest, which completely amazes them. Benjamin is then given five times more food than the others.

They still have no idea that the powerful man sitting before them is their brother Joseph.

Observations

1. Sometimes faith requires us to release what we’re trying desperately to protect.

Jacob did not want Benjamin to go. After losing Joseph, Benjamin had become incredibly precious to him. But eventually Jacob had to release Benjamin into a situation he couldn’t control.

2. Judah is beginning to change.

Earlier in Genesis, Judah was the brother who suggested selling Joseph. Now he’s willing to take personal responsibility for Benjamin.

He tells Jacob:

“I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him.” — Genesis 43:9 (NIV)

We’re beginning to see transformation in Judah. His past mistakes aren’t the end of his story.

3. Joseph still loves his brothers despite what they did to him.

Joseph could have used his position to humiliate or punish his brothers. Instead, he feeds them.

And when he sees Benjamin, his emotions become so strong that he has to leave the room to cry.

Joseph hasn’t forgotten what happened—but we can see that his heart hasn’t become completely hardened by what happened to him.

Life Application

Genesis 43 reminds us that God can be working in situations that make absolutely no sense to us.

Jacob thinks he’s risking another son.

The brothers think they’re dealing with a powerful Egyptian official.

Benjamin doesn’t know he’s standing in front of the brother he probably grew up hearing about.

And Joseph knows exactly who everyone is.

Everyone sees only part of the story.

God sees the whole thing.

You may be looking at something in your own life right now wondering, God, what are You doing?

Genesis 43 reminds us that not understanding God’s plan doesn’t mean God doesn’t have one.

Questions 

1. Is there something I’m holding onto because I’m afraid of what will happen if I release control?
2. Where can I see evidence that God has changed me from the person I used to be?
3. Can I trust God even when I only understand one small piece of what He’s doing?

Memory Verse — 

“May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you.” — Genesis 43:14

Encouragement 💗

You don’t have to know how everything is going to work out before you trust God.

Jacob couldn’t see that the man he feared was actually Joseph.

The brothers couldn’t see that the table they were sitting at was part of something much bigger.

And Joseph’s years of pain were slowly moving toward restoration.

There are things happening in your life that you may not understand yet.

Don’t mistake “I can’t see it” for “God isn’t doing anything.”

He can be arranging things you haven’t even discovered yet.

Heavenly Father,

There are things in my life that I don’t understand and situations I wish I could control. Help me surrender them to You.

When fear makes me want to hold on tighter, remind me that You see what I cannot see.

Thank You for not defining me by my past. Continue changing my heart and helping me become who You created me to be.

Give me faith to trust You while the story is still unfolding.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📖 Read It Yourself

Read Genesis 43 slowly today.

Don’t Have a Bible?

You can still join Read Through the Bible With Me. 💗

If you don’t have access to a Bible and need help finding one, email me. I’d be happy to help you.

Everyone should have the opportunity to read God’s Word for themselves.

Up Next : Genesis 44