Genesis Chapter 43

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

43

1. Now the famine was severe in the land.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 1)

The famine in Canaan was even more severe than it had had been before. The conditions had become worse than ever. The famine can be compared to a situation which may begin as being fairly complex but in times it escalates because, more problems crop up thus making the situation more complex than ever. A typical example that I can share with you is taken from my own experience. Currently my parents are separated in my father has initiated the process of terminating the marriage before the Church Tribunal of Malta and England. In time the situation escalated so much, that now my father is on heavy medication and showing signs of mental illness. According to primary sources he is hearing voices that are threatening his life if he comes to Malta.  However although the situation has escalated so much I still believe that the situation is in God's control.

2. And when they had eaten up the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go again, buy us a little more food." 3. But Judah said to him, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 2 to 3)

As the famine grew worse, Jacob and his family were, soon running out of food. Jacob commanded his sons to go back to Egypt and buy more food for the family, however, Judah replied to Jacob saying that the man in charge had strictly warned them, that they were not to return to Egypt unless they had brought him there younger brother.


When we end up going astray from God's presence, our stock of grain, or spiritual welfare starts depleting. In such cases we are to go back to our heavenly father and seek his forgiveness, through confession., or else we remain stuck in the famine of our sins. According to my colleague the author of this chapter;

"There are times when our resources become limited, we become worried and this hinders us from seeking the opportunities that god has made available to us."


However as in the case of Jacob, with every opportunity there are written in small words the terms and conditions to which we must abide if we are to reach our goal. As Christians God gave us His Commandments in order to guide us on our way, which as Jesus makes clear in the New Testament are based on the honest and sincere love of God and our fellow persons, with a special emphasis, on those persons, who hurt us and even wrong us by means of their actions. Love them until it hurts. He loved us so much that he wilfully carried his cross on which He gave us His life. 


 4. If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food; 5 but if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.'"

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 4 to 5)

Judah continued insisting that if Jacob would not send Benjamin with them they would not go down to Egypt to buy food for the family. In life we are at many times conditioned and limited by our limitations, that are both on a physical level, and maybe also on a spiritual, social or psychological level. An example from everyday life is the following. When we are young we aspire that when we grow up, we assume that role or the other. We are conditioned by the time factor. When we grow up we say when I have enough money I will buy this and that. I am conditioned by financial constraints. However on reflecting we might never have aspired to plan to live a good life so that on dying we will go to our heavenly home. In this case our only constraint is our sinful selves and the decisions that we take and make.However if we place our focus on having a healthy relationship on our spiritual welfare Jesus promised to give us the rest, meaning our other goals that are good for us, even if they are worldly ambitions, that do not lead us astray from our faith in Him.

6. Israel said, "Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?"

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 6)

In  a spirit of desperation and anguish Jacob projected his feelings on his sons and questioned their reasons for having had disclosed the fact that they had another brother, without ever considering the situation that his sons had found themselves in. It is as if Jacob who had grown in the spirit of God would have been more happy if his sons had lied to the Pharaoh's assistant instead of telling the truth.

In the immediate moments of the situation saying lies may seem to have solved the problem however even in the case of Joseph and his brothers which is a true reflection of reality as we live it in our everyday life, once the truth is revealed we will end up in more trouble than we had already been experiencing, therefore it is best to aim at saying the truth because the truth of God is enough to set us free and justifies us before both god and humanity. Lies get us into more trouble and are the fruit of evil darkness of the devil who is always ready to trap us in his evil schemes. 

7.They replied, "The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 7)

The sons of Jacob replied that the man who was in charge interrogated them in depth and asked them questions regarding other members of their family including the possibility of their having another brother and regarding the well being of their father. When reflecting on such circumstances we cannot fair to stop and reflect, thus placing ourselves in the brothers position when being in the presence of God at the point of our departure from this world. When God starts probing us with such inquisitive questions concerning ourselves, members of our family, and others who form part of our inner and outer circles, what is our response going to be. At this point it is best to stop and reflect, and consider going to confess our sins, while we still have the opportunity of repenting from our sins. Moreover if we have the opportunity of saying sorry, to the injured party or by compensating for the grievances in any way, now is the time to do so. We are to rest assured that when God sees our motivation to repent and change our ways, He is sure to give us the much needed support in order to reach this noble aim. So before moving on to verse 8 of chapter 43 of the book of Genesis it is best to stop, think, pray and most of all act....

8. Then Judah said to his father Israel, "Send the boy with me, and let us be on our way, so that we may live and not die - you and we and also our little ones. 9. I myself will be surety for him; you can hold me accountable for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 8 to 9)

Judah took responsibility of the situation and pledged full responsibility for whatever should happen to Benjamin.  As Christians we try to claim control and responsibility over our lives, however although we might claim before others that we have full control over our selves and that we are in control, we are mistaken, because although we do our best to gain control over ourselves and at time even over others as compensation for our human weakness, our sinful nature denies us the opportunity to have such absolute control over our selves. Moreover if we had such absolute control we could call ourselves God's and masters over our lives, which as a fact we can never be and God, forbid that we try to assume such a dangerous role as some humans have tried to do. As humans we are duty bound to be responsible for our actions, even society puts this pressure on us, however without the help of God we are not able to fulfil this role even in our limited ways.

10. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice."

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 10)

Judah emphasises that if it had it not been to procrastination they would have already concluded the matter by having gone and come back in safety and placed the issue behind them. It was as if Judah was placing the blame of their delay on Jacob, who rightly so was blocking the situation by denying them the permission to take Benjamin with them to Egypt.

When we are convinced that God is on our side, we are not to manifest doubts but make the leap of faith and do all that God wants us to do, without creating unnecessary delays. In obedience to the will of God I decided to respond to God's call and try and see where this would lead me in my life. Every day of my life, I ask God the same question. Please tell me what you want me to do today, give me the strength and the wisdom to do it and I will do what You desire of me.

11. Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man - a little balm and a little honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 11)

In order to bend the hand of the administrator in Egypt and gratify him as in Greek mythology, the monster was offered a gift to accept instead of eating the people who were offering it. Jacob did the same thing and sent gifts with which to impress his overlord in Egypt.

We often tend to impress others by giving them expensive gifts, or by showing off our wealth. We also tend to make then our friends on the basis of material class that in turn may reflect our own class. Such interactions may take place because humans may judge each other on the basis, of ones financial status and condition in society, however God 'judges' us on the basis of our faith and love towards others and towards him and not on our material welfare. According to the author of this chapter those people who are rich in material goods but are lacking in their experience of God (for it is not bad or evil to be rich)  are more prone to the temptations of the devil because their lives might be focused on power and the gain of even more material goods and prestige which is focused on themselves and not shared with others.  

12. Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the top of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 12)

In order to impress the Egyptian administrator even more, Jacob told his sons to take more money than they had been given back as the money that they had already paid to buy their stocks. In truth this may have been a way of saying 'if you are rich I am also well off''; therefore show me the merited respect we are equals.

13. Take your brother also, and be on your way again to the man; 14. may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, so that he may send back your other brother and Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 13 and 14)

Much against his will Jacob had to give his sons the permission to take his son Benjamin to Egypt with them. Jacob gave them his blessing, however, it seems that he did not do it in faith, but in an attitude of helplessness in the sense that due to the morbidity of the situation he was conditioned to obey.

At every turning point or difficult moment in our lives God blesses us. His blessings are always helpful in some form or other because, God has the power, to turn every negative situation into a positive outcome. We are to always thank God in all situations for having mercy and blessing us for as humans we really do not deserve it.

15 So the men took the present, and they took double the money with them, as well as Benjamin. Then they went on their way down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 15)

In a spirit of total obedience the brothers took Benjamin to Egypt  and went to Egypt as they are again about to meet Joseph. Without their knowing the brothers were being tested by God and even by their brother Joseph. During such moments of testing we are to thank God because by means of such moments, we know where we stand in the presence of both God and humanity. 

16. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon."

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 16)

When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers he told his servants not only to give them permission to enter before him in his presence but even invited them to have dinner with him. Without their being aware they were being given special treatment. On reflecting when we appear before God He also celebrates our presence as in the parable of the prodigal son. Together we will have fellowship with our heavenly father. Every day God invites us to have fellowship with Him in the breaking of bread during communion or mass, however not everybody accepts God's invitation.

17. The man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph's house.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 17)

Upon hearing Joseph's orders the servants did just as he was told. As children of God we are also to foster this attitude of obedience and practise it throughout our everyday lives, because if we do not obey in other in a spirit of humility how can we obey God?

At work every day I experience this issue of obedience. As a firm the company with whom I work, issues bills to cover the client's time parked in the capital city of Malta. Customers have a defined period of a month's time in order to settle the bill. For some reason there are clients who on their own free will decide to violate this rule by deciding to make a new rule, that of waiting until they receive the next bill in order to settle the bills. On receiving the charge for paying the original bill for having paid the bill after the defined time as customer care we are faced with a shower of protest thus reflecting the people's rebellion and spirit of disobedience to the rules of the company.  and wait In the New Testament God gave us a new status that of friends that is above that of servants or children. Therefore as people who make part of God's inner circles we are to listen, obey and practise obeying the will of God.

18. Now the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, "It is because of the money, replaced in our sacks the first time, that we have been brought in, so that he may have an opportunity to fall upon us, to make slaves of us and take our donkeys."

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 18)

The sons of Jacob were afraid that they been brought to Joseph because of the money that was planted in their sack. They thought that, he tried to frame us so that he could make them slaves and take their belongings. As part of his evil schemes the devil tries his best to frame us before God, persuading us to sin against Him. Moreover after helping us fall into his trap, the Devil accuses of having sinned against God at the time of our judgement.

19. So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the entrance to the house. 20. They said, "Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food; 21 and when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each one's money in the top of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it back with us. 22. Moreover we have brought down with us additional money to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 19 to 22)

Joseph's brothers went to his steward and confessed the issue of their having had found the money that they had brought with them to buy food in their sacks. They also admitted that they did not know how this had in fact happened. Moreover they explained that they had brought the money with them because it was not rightfully theirs to keep. When we go to confess our sins in the presence of God's stewards, the priests or monks, the same thing happens. We plead the steward to grant us the forgiveness of our sins, so that we will be cleansed from the hold of the devil. 

23. He replied, "Rest assured, do not be afraid; your God and the God of your father must have put treasure in your sacks for you; I received your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 23)

Joseph's steward assured the brothers that they did not need to be afraid, since it was by God's intervention that they had received the money back in their sacks and that he had received their payment. In fact the steward as promised by Joseph gave them back their brother Simeon. When we go for confession God's steward also advises us not to be afraid. Moreover in the name of God, the steward gives us the opportunity to reunite with God and make part of God's body that is the Church.  

24. when the steward had brought the men into Joseph's house, and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder,

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 24)

On reflecting God always send us his angels in our lives to wait on us. They helps us in fulfilling God's plan on earth. As the steward of stewards God by means of his ministers cleanses us of our sins and renews our broken spirit.

25. they made the present ready for Joseph's coming at noon, for they had heard that they would dine there. 26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present that they had carried into the house, and bowed to the ground before him.

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 25 to 26)

Upon hearing that Joseph's brothers were going to dine with him, at noon they prepared the presents and at noon they came presented him the gifts and bowed before him. Just as Joseph's brothers prepare gifts for Joseph before they could meet him and bowed in his presence on presenting such gifts, we are also to prepare our selves by confessing our sins before appearing before God to dine with Him when celebrating the Eucharistic Sacrament.   

27. He inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive. “ And they bowed their heads and did obeisance.

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 27 to 28)

Joseph asked his brothers regarding the well being of  their father Jacob to which they replied that he was fine. On reflecting although Joseph had firmly established his position in life, he still was sensitive and caring about his father and brothers, even though his brothers had treated him badly. Joseph still had a genuine concern for others, and was not focused on his egoistic self. Whenever we think that nobody cares for our well being we are to remember that we are always on the top of God's priority list and that He always cares for us even if everybody else shows indifference.

29.Then he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!" 30. With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 29 to 30)

When Joseph saw Benjamin who may have been a spitting image of himself at that age, Joseph blessed him . Although he tried his best to hide his feelings he could not and had to go to his private room and wept there. Joseph may have pictured himself at that age and may have had a flash back of what had happened in the past and re experienced the wounds of the past ,that are so hard to be healed of.

31. Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, "Serve the meal."

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 31)

After his having regained control of his emotions, Joseph came back and then ordered their servants to serve the meal. Joseph put on his 'mask' that was his authoritative self that he used behind to hide behind his role as second in command to the Pharaoh. Hiding behind the mask is a dangerous manoeuvre, because on a long term it creates a serious identity crisis in us which may cause us to forget or get muddled in relation to our real identity. Moreover during such moments our emotions may tend to get the better of us.

32. They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

(Genesis chapter 43 verse 32)

As found in verses 32 of chapter 43 of the book of Genesis there was a social bias or feud that prohibited Jews from eating with Egyptians. During the course of history we have experienced the negative consequences of such social divisions such as apartheid, and other negative systems. Although as humans we may create such negative social constructs in the eyes of God there is no distinction between humans, because the basic element that makes us alike is the fact that we are sinners. Therefore nobody has reason to feel proud or dominating over people of other race, religion, culture or creed.

33.When they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

(Genesis chapter 43 verses 33 to 34)


The brothers sat down to dinner in the presence of Joseph. Portions of food were given to each of them, however Benjamin's share was five times greater than that of their own. God's criteria is far different than human criteria or logic. In such circumstances God honoured the humble in the sense, that the pure and youngest of the brothers was given a higher priority and esteem more than his elder brothers. In God's eyes, we are to be like children. Our faith is to be obedient and submissive to God. We are to give Him full control of our lives, in the same way that our children place their trust in us. They would never even think that we may break our trust in them and stop believing in them, however in our relationship with God we often do so.

I would like to end this chapter with this prayer:

Every day of our lives is full of unexpected, troubles, misery and at times are lacking in love. Thank you God for helping us in this unexpected life because everything that happens does so for a reason that only you  can comprehend because you permit it to happen according to your holy will. As a human sometimes, I doubt you and for this I ask your forgiveness. Thank you God for your unconditional love blessing and forgiveness. Thank You for giving us our guardian angels to help us along the way. I accept what happens in my life as being part of God's plan for my salvation that brings me closer to you. 

Thankyou God for everything 

I would also like to include this reflection donated to me by one of my on line sources following this blog. The source goes by the name 'Yeshua's Friend'

Life Test’s

Life has many ways of testing our strengths, and our will. We will experience this by either having nothing much happen in our lives and having to cope with boredom, or the temptation that arise in our life to combat that boredom, or by having everything happen to us all at once, and be plagued by what we might think of as disasters. 


With everything that is happening to you, both good and bad, you can either feel sadness and grief or, by being positive, you can treat your experience as a gift from heaven. Everything is given to us as an opportunity to grow stronger, this we must all realise, or it will be interpreted by our selves as an obstacle that will keep you from growing stronger in your life, and it will hold you back in days to come. God gives these choices to us all as individuals. Choice in life is our birth right. You get to choose good or bad, right or wrong, happy or sad, Negative or positive. But in our hearts we already know which path gods has planned for us to take.


Success in your life shall come about from facing failure upon failure, but doing so without loss of enthusiasm.
We don’t always see life as it really is, we sometimes just see life as defined by our own perceptions through our own interpretations. If you can imagine something, or dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help other people get what they want. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The place where your dream is formed is where the plans of your life are made possible. All possibilities can be seen and created just by your own thinking and prayer.


Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
I myself may not have gone where I intended to go in life, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be, I have ended up where god intended me to be. Learning how to deal with life and its emotions is a gift from god. Even pain can be your teacher, it gives you experience of life, but most of all strength of the soul.Your past has no power over your present moment in time; your past can only govern your present if you give it a thrown to sit on.



I do believe all our individual souls are connected. I do believe in positive energy flowing from one to another, in thought, prayer and in deed. I believe in the power of sincere prayer, and I believe in putting love out into the universal world, and we should all be taking care of each other, even if we don't personally know each other.I do not know any of you personally, but you all give me strength through your word, through the feelings and emotions you all convey through your word. Words on a screen are not just words, they are tiny pieces of your soul and your emotions translated digitally so that others can share in your soul and in your life. Even though we are thousands of miles apart we can still celebrate each other, comfort each other, and care for each other as if we were living next door to each other. Truly we are in the brotherhood of God. We are all one family, just as God had intended us to be.



God Bless you all
Yeshua’s Friend

(Prayer and original compiling of chapter by Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar, editing by Vince Micallef concluding reflection by one of my online sources 'Yeshua's  Friend)