Take Two: Genesis 42, Proverbs 2

Gen 42 describes the travels of the brothers of Joseph to Egypt to buy grain since the famine was in Canaan also. Ten brothers made the journey to Egypt to buy grain. Benjamin was left behind with his father (Gen 42:3-4).

When the brothers approached Joseph, he recognized them but they did not recognize him. He accused them of being spies and placed them all in prison for 3 days. This was part of his cover story...not an act of vengeance (Gen 42:8-17).

After three days, Joseph went to the brothers in Egypt and told them to take their provisions, but leave one of the brothers with him as surety that they would return with Benjamin. Doing so would verify that their story was true. His rationale for treating them in this way was that he "feared God" (Gen 42:18-21). Joseph's actions toward them caused them great distress for now they would have to choose which brother to leave behind. This raised up the old memory of Joseph and their evil deeds toward him. They began to argue with one another that this was "bad karma" for the way they had treated Joseph (Gen 42:21-23). Their distress caused Joseph to cry (Gen 42:24), but he continued with the course of action. Joseph took Simeon as a prisoner and then gave grain to the other brothers and told them to return to Canaan. Once they brought Benjamin back, Simeon would be returned and they would be welcome to trade in Egypt (Gen 42:25-28).

Joseph also returned all of the money they brought to pay for the grain. This added an interesting wrinkle in the story. The meaning has been variously interpreted, but a couple of things seem clear. The continued possession of the money caused anxiety for the brothers. Perhaps they were concerned that, in addition to be accused of being spies, they would now be accused of theft. Or, it is possible that Jospeh wanted to bless them. I tend to rest in the belief that Joseph wanted them to have to go to Jaocb once again with their pockets full and missing a brother. All of the events seem to be designed to bring conviction for their past sins, while at the same time provide for their immediate needs.

The brothers go to Jacob and share the details. Jacob is conflicted and states his refusal to send Benjamin to Egypt (Gen 42:36-38). Jacob is suspicious that the brothers have conspired to gain at Jacob's loss. (The thing about a "con" is they believe that others are always acting as cons too). Jacob states that he intends to cut his losses because losing another son would be more than he could bear.

As I process this event, the "man" part of me wants to "fix it." I want to step in to correct the events and take away the pressure. However, there are some things in life that it is better for a person to wrestle through themselves. Sometimes God intends for the pressure to become overwhelming so that a person learns the value of what's before them. (Consider the sacrifice of Isaac, or the restoration of Peter in John 21). This set of events is intended to become overwhelming because God desires for it to be so. I know that doesn't fit within the scope of the "prosperity gospel" teaching, but it is true nonetheless.

Proverbs 2:21-22 is the takeaway today. It is the righteous who are established and experience blessing. The wicked (in contrast) are cut off and uprooted. It may not appear to be so at first glance, however, God does not lie. The wicked never prosper or gain ultimately. Their reward for but for a season, then judgment comes. The key to blessing and security is to always seek righteousness by knowing and doing the will of God in everything. Then HE secures and blesses...and no one can stop Him.

Grace,