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"O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever." Psalm 131:3

Text: Genesis 43:1-34

EFFECTS OF THE SEVERE FAMINE

Before too long, the grain bought from Egypt ran out. No matter how carefully the grain was used, the supply would be exhausted, for Israel had a fairly large household. Once again, Israel gave orders for his sons to purchase more grain from Egypt!

Judah reminded his father what the Egyptian governor had said! They would not be able to purchase grain again if they did not bring Benjamin with them on the next trip! Could Israel understand what they had been saying to him all this while?

A PAINFUL DECISION

First it was Reuben who offered to stand guarantee that Benjamin would be unharmed if he made the trip to Egypt. Now it was Judah’s turn to vouchsafe the safety of their youngest brother.

“I myself will be surety for him; from my hand
you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you
and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.
For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have
returned this second time.”
GENESIS 43:9-10

Judah’s earnest and sincere words must have gotten through somehow. At last Israel agreed to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt to purchase grain. Apart from hanging on to Benjamin for dear life, Israel did not do anything significant by way of reference to faith!

“If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits
of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man –
a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts
and almonds. Take double money in your hand, and take back
in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of
your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.”
GENESIS 43:11-12

EXERCISING OF A MUCH-NEEDED FAITH

Israel had not shown much faith and trust in the Lord in this crisis, until this moment.

“And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man,
that he may release your other brother and Benjamin.
If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!”
GENESIS 43:14

At last, Israel was willing to put Benjamin’s son on the line. It was a traumatic experience he went through. He must trust God on at least two counts. Firstly, he must rely completely on the Lord’s mercy for the release of Simeon and Benjamin! The second decision had to do with the fact that he might be bereaved! Notwithstanding the assuring words of Judah, Israel prepared himself for the worst! He might not see Benjamin ever again, unless the Lord granted grace and mercy!