Old Testament - Genesis 43:1-34 - (Brother's Return)
Channel: Calvary Chapel Windward
Date: 2016-02-06

Old Testament - Genesis 43:1-34 - (Brother's Return) - CC Windward - Pastor Tim

Old Testament - Genesis 43:1-34 - Brother's Return - Calvary Chapel Windward - OAHU, HAWAII - Pastor Tim Newman - From Local Olelo / Oceanic / Time Warner Cable show "A View from Calvary" - Episode #: - Original Air Date:  A.D.

PASTOR TIM's NOTES:

Genesis 43:1-34
“The Brothers Return”

1. The CIRCUMSTANCES of their return to Egypt were severe.
Vs. 1-7
1a. The CIRCUMSTANCES included the severity of the famine.
The worldwide famine was just as severe in Canaan as it was in Egypt.
 Acts 7:11-12
1b. The CIRCUMSTANCES included the need to bring Benjamin.
What’s the implication of them showing up without Benjamin?
2. There were CONDITIONS set for their return to Egypt.
Vs. 8-14
2a. The CONDITIONS began with an offer from Judah.
Judah took charge at this point.
Why him?
Personal responsibility will help resolve a lot of issues.
2b. The CONDITIONS included a list of gifts and money to be returned.
These would have been the same gifts that traveled with Joseph when he was sold
into slavery. (Gen. 37:25)
Life was coming full circle.
2c. The CONDITIONS included a prayer for Mercy.
And this is really the turning point in the chapter.
The opening phrase—
14 And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man,
Mercy is the narrative key of this entire episode.
Along with this, note that Jacob’s prayer invoked mercy in the name of
“God Almighty” (El Shaddai),
El Shaddai in Genesis is associated with blessing and promises and a revelation of
himself.5
The closing words—“ If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"
Jacob submits himself to the will of God.

5 Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis: Chapters 18–50 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995), p. 545.
2 Sam 15:22-26
 Ps 62:5-8
3. The CONCERN of the returned money had brought fear in their hearts.
Vs. 15-25
3a. The CONCERN of the returned money was with them when they bowed before Joseph.
3b. The CONCERN of the returned money was with them when they came to Joseph’s
house.
Why would the Prime Minister single them out for special attention except that he
had some evil in mind?
3c. The CONCERN of the returned money was with them even though Joseph’s steward
greeted them in the name of God.
The Hebrew-speaking steward had responded Shalom lakem, “Peace to you,” the
traditional Hebrew greeting for receiving guests.
It meant that the arriving guests were received in concrete terms of “peace” and
security.7
Their father Israel’s prayer—
“May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man”—was being answered.
And amidst this, Simeon, who had been hostage for two years, was brought out—
no longer a hostage (cf. v. 23b).
4. Joseph would CONTINUE his disguise for another test.
Vs. 26-34
4a. Joseph would CONTINUE his disguise when he met his brothers at High Noon.
Joseph seeing Benjamin once again and his “God be gracious to you” is the same
word found in the Aaronic benediction of Numbers 6:25—
4b. Joseph would CONTINUE his disguise as he seated them according to age.
There is a test during the meal.
Joseph wanted to see what they would do with such favoritism. Would those old
animosities and envies resurface?
The feast was one of grace and mercy.
The celebration went on into the night—
A new day would bring an even greater test to the brothers of Joseph.

7 Ibid., p. 77.



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