This verse from Genesis 43:15 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"The men took that present...": This refers to the gifts that Jacob (their father) had instructed them to bring to the Egyptian official, hoping to gain his favor. These gifts likely consisted of local delicacies and goods from Canaan.
"...and they took double money in their hand...": This is crucial. On their previous trip to Egypt (Genesis 42), the brothers had discovered that the money they paid for the grain had mysteriously been returned to their sacks. They were returning to Egypt, concerned that the missing money could be interpreted as theft, so they were being proactive. They were bringing the original amount back and also adding more money to purchase grain again. This shows their honesty and attempt to rectify a potentially damaging situation.
"...and Benjamin...": This is also very significant. Jacob had been extremely reluctant to let Benjamin, his youngest son and the only full brother of Joseph, go to Egypt. He feared losing him as he had seemingly lost Joseph. The fact that Benjamin is now with them indicates that Jacob was forced by the severity of the famine and Judah's strong promise to protect him. This also fulfills the Egyptian official's (Joseph in disguise) condition for seeing them again.
"...and got up, went down to Egypt...": This simply states they obeyed Jacob's command and traveled to Egypt. The phrase "went down" is often used because Egypt is geographically lower than Canaan.
"...and stood before Joseph.": This is the culmination of the verse. They arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to the powerful Egyptian official, who was, unbeknownst to them, their brother Joseph. This sets the stage for the next stage of the story, where Joseph will test them further and eventually reveal his identity.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Obedience: The brothers are obedient to their father, Jacob.
Honesty: They are trying to correct a potential misunderstanding by returning the money.
Jacob's Reluctant Trust: Jacob, despite his fears, has finally entrusted Benjamin to his brothers.
Fulfillment of Conditions: They have met the conditions set by the Egyptian official (Joseph).
Rising Tension: The brothers are now in the presence of Joseph, unaware of his true identity, which creates suspense and anticipates the drama to unfold.
This verse is a crucial bridge connecting the previous events to the major revelation and reconciliation that will occur later in the story. It underscores the themes of family, deception, repentance, and ultimately, divine providence.
This verse from Genesis 43:15 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"The men took that present...": This refers to the gifts that Jacob (their father) had instructed them to bring to the Egyptian official, hoping to gain his favor. These gifts likely consisted of local delicacies and goods from Canaan.
"...and they took double money in their hand...": This is crucial. On their previous trip to Egypt (Genesis 42), the brothers had discovered that the money they paid for the grain had mysteriously been returned to their sacks. They were returning to Egypt, concerned that the missing money could be interpreted as theft, so they were being proactive. They were bringing the original amount back and also adding more money to purchase grain again. This shows their honesty and attempt to rectify a potentially damaging situation.
"...and Benjamin...": This is also very significant. Jacob had been extremely reluctant to let Benjamin, his youngest son and the only full brother of Joseph, go to Egypt. He feared losing him as he had seemingly lost Joseph. The fact that Benjamin is now with them indicates that Jacob was forced by the severity of the famine and Judah's strong promise to protect him. This also fulfills the Egyptian official's (Joseph in disguise) condition for seeing them again.
"...and got up, went down to Egypt...": This simply states they obeyed Jacob's command and traveled to Egypt. The phrase "went down" is often used because Egypt is geographically lower than Canaan.
"...and stood before Joseph.": This is the culmination of the verse. They arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to the powerful Egyptian official, who was, unbeknownst to them, their brother Joseph. This sets the stage for the next stage of the story, where Joseph will test them further and eventually reveal his identity.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Obedience: The brothers are obedient to their father, Jacob.
Honesty: They are trying to correct a potential misunderstanding by returning the money.
Jacob's Reluctant Trust: Jacob, despite his fears, has finally entrusted Benjamin to his brothers.
Fulfillment of Conditions: They have met the conditions set by the Egyptian official (Joseph).
Rising Tension: The brothers are now in the presence of Joseph, unaware of his true identity, which creates suspense and anticipates the drama to unfold.
This verse is a crucial bridge connecting the previous events to the major revelation and reconciliation that will occur later in the story. It underscores the themes of family, deception, repentance, and ultimately, divine providence.