Simeon is languishing in an Egyptian prison (perhaps a taste of what Joseph had) but Jacob couldn’t bring himself to send for more food. However, times must — severe famine, nothing left so nothing else for it. Jacob is almost afraid to mention it — “Go back and buy us ‘a little food’ “ (v2)
Now we see a changed man — Judah. Previous records of him — ch.38 tucked away as if in a parenthesis in the early days of Joseph, show what an evil character he was, but now he pleads with his father to send Benjamin reminding him that the Governor warned them that without Benjamin they wouldn’t get past the front door. (v5) He says that he will take the blame if Benjamin doesn’t come back alive. Remember it was Judah who suggested selling Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders.
You will recall from chapter 38 that Judah married a Canaanite named Shua. They had 3 sons with not very imaginative names — Er, Onan and Shelah. Judah also went with a harlot who turned out to be his daughter-in-law Tamar by whom he had twin boys. This happened because he wouldn’t let Tamar (Er’s widow) marry Shelah (a common practice to carry on the line). Both Er and Onan had been killed by God because of their wickedness (38v7, 10). Isn’t it wonderful that God can change anyone by His grace in our hearts?
It is obvious that some time has passed before they go back — v10 “If we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice. “ So, Jacob resigns himself and sends presents for the Governor (v11) double money as well as money returned last time (v12) and Benjamin (v13). He is resigned to the worst (v14). There is absolutely no need for him to reach this situation just as there is no need for us to reach this situation. Faith and trust in Almighty God is required.
When Joseph saw Benjamin (v16) he pretended he didn’t know him, and he instructs his men to take them to his house and prepare a meal for them. The brothers were very afraid that he was going to punish them. They explain to Joseph’s steward about the money being in their sacks last time. This steward was totally committed to his master (v23). How much are we committed even when things seem to be unclear? When they arrive at Joseph’s house, they are petrified but the steward assures them, “Don’t be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver. “
What an amazing statement from Joseph’s steward, probably a heathen man reminding them that God had something to do with all this. It is probable that this man trusted in his master’s God. Joseph has had a big influence on him. He tries to put them at ease and brings Simeon to them. He then brings water to wash their feet and feeds their donkeys. (v24) Joseph arrives (v26) and “They bow down to him” not once but (v28) twice and on the second occasion they prostrate themselves. Joseph’s dream fulfilled again!
Joseph receives their present, but he is more interested in their father (v27). When he sees Benjamin who is probably in his 20’s by now, he cannot contain himself having welcomed him and blessed him (v29). “Deeply moved …. Joseph hurried out . . .. And went to his private room and wept “(v30)
I’m sure that Joseph wants to reveal himself, but he restrains as he has further to go yet in his testing. He washes his face and wipes away his tears (v31) and on his return he calls for the meal. He eats by himself as Egyptians were not to eat with Hebrews. The brothers had been seated in order of age and they looked in astonishment at one another, how did he know? Benjamin was given 5 times as much food as the others. Was this a test of their feelings towards Benjamin? They could have resented it.
