Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. Then their father Israel said to them,Jacob is called Israel, the covenant name given by God and the name by which the nation descending from him would be known. As father and patriarch, he bears the burden of directing the family through famine, loss, and uncertainty. Gen 42:36 Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons.… “If it must be so, then do this: Jacob reluctantly accepts that Benjamin must go to Egypt. His words reveal sober submission to a situation he cannot control, while later entrusting his sons to “God Almighty” (Genesis 43:14). Faith does not remove grief or fear, but places what is most precious into God’s hands. 1Sa 3:18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide… Put some of the best products of the land in your packs Canaan still possessed prized goods even during the severe famine. Jacob instructs his sons to bring what remains valuable from their land, showing wise stewardship and respect for the Egyptian ruler. Deu 26:2 you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce… and carry them down as a gift for the man— The “man” is Joseph, whom the brothers still do not recognize. Jacob uses a customary gift to seek favor and to show that his family comes in peace. Years earlier, Jacob had sent gifts ahead to Esau when seeking reconciliation (Genesis 32:13–21). Gen 32:13-21 Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought… a little balm and a little honey, Balm from the region of Gilead was highly valued for its healing properties and was traded beyond Canaan. Honey was also a desirable product, suitable for honoring an official. These gifts anticipate the healing of a family long wounded by sin, deception, and separation. Gen 37:25 And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up… spices and myrrh, Spices and myrrh were costly aromatic substances used in trade, anointing, and burial preparations. Joseph had first been carried toward Egypt by traders whose goods included balm and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). The same kinds of products now accompany his brothers as God brings the family back into Joseph’s presence. Exo 30:23 Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh,… pistachios and almonds. Pistachios and almonds were delicacies from the land of Canaan. Their inclusion demonstrates Jacob’s determination to offer a gift worthy of the Egyptian governor, even as famine presses upon the household. Sng 6:11 I went down to the walnut grove to see the blossoms… Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel (Jacob)The patriarch of the family, also known as Jacob, who is making a decision to send his sons back to Egypt with gifts. 2. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Israel who are tasked with returning to Egypt to buy more grain and to bring back their brother Simeon. 3. Egypt The land where Joseph, unbeknownst to his brothers, is a powerful official. It is the place of refuge during the famine. 4. The Man (Joseph) Referred to as "the man" by his brothers, Joseph is the governor of Egypt, who has demanded to see Benjamin. 5. The Famine A severe famine affecting the region, prompting the need for grain from Egypt. Teaching Points Wisdom in LeadershipIsrael demonstrates wisdom and prudence in his leadership by sending gifts to appease the Egyptian official. This teaches us the importance of using discernment and strategic thinking in difficult situations. The Role of Gifts The use of gifts to gain favor is a recurring theme in the Bible. It highlights the importance of generosity and thoughtfulness in relationships, especially when seeking reconciliation or favor. Trust in God's Provision Despite the dire circumstances, Israel's actions reflect a trust in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to trust God even when resources are scarce. Family Responsibility Israel's decision underscores the importance of family responsibility and taking action to ensure the well-being of loved ones. Faith in Action Israel's faith is demonstrated through his actions. Faith often requires us to take practical steps, trusting that God will work through them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Israel's decision to send gifts reflect his understanding of human nature and diplomacy?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of using gifts to build or restore relationships in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the theme of reconciliation found throughout the Bible? 4. What can we learn from Israel's leadership in times of crisis, and how can we apply these lessons to our own leadership roles? 5. How does trusting in God's provision during times of scarcity challenge or encourage your faith today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 37The account of Joseph's earlier life, including his dreams and his brothers' betrayal, sets the stage for the events in Genesis 43. Proverbs 18:16 This verse speaks about a gift opening the way for the giver, which parallels Israel's strategy of sending gifts to appease the Egyptian official. 1 Samuel 25 Abigail's gift to David to avert disaster mirrors Israel's use of gifts to seek favor and protection. Matthew 5:23-24 The teaching of reconciliation before offering gifts can be related to the brothers' need to reconcile with Joseph, even if unknowingly.
People Benjamin, Egyptians, Joseph, SimeonPlaces EgyptTopics Almonds, Aromatic, Bags, Balm, Balsam, Best, Carry, Choice, Fruits, Gift, Gum, Honey, Ladanum, Myrrh, Nuts, Perfumes, Pistachio, Pistacia-nuts, Praised, Present, Products, Spicery, Spices, Tragacanth, VesselsDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 43:11 4404 food Library GenesisThe Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 43:11 NIVGenesis 43:11 NLT Genesis 43:11 ESV Genesis 43:11 NASB Genesis 43:11 KJV Genesis 43:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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