Day 14 · Part 2: Abraham’s Family

Joseph’s Brothers

Gen 42–45 · 134 verses

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In the Story

Chapter 14: Joseph’s BrothersAbout 15 minutes, or listen

In context

The famine reaches Canaan, and ten of Joseph’s brothers go down to Egypt to buy grain. They don’t recognize the governor, who speaks to them through an interpreter, but Joseph knows them, and he remembers his dreams as they bow to the ground before him (Genesis 42:6–9, 23).

Joseph tests them. He calls them spies, keeps Simeon in prison, and tells them to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, Rachel’s other son. On their second visit, to their amazement, they are seated in order of age, and they eat apart from the Egyptians, who, the text says, would not eat with Hebrews (Genesis 43:32–33). Then Joseph has his silver cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack.

When Joseph at last tells them who he is, he says, “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Five more years of famine are coming, so he invites the whole family to live near him in Goshen, in the north-east of Egypt near the Nile delta (Genesis 45:6–10). Joseph sends wagons, as Pharaoh ordered, and when Jacob sees them, his spirit revives (Genesis 45:21, 27).

A word of hope

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Psalms 30:11–12 · Jacob had worn sackcloth in mourning for Joseph (Genesis 37:34); this psalm thanks God, “You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness.”

For families

Judah, who had once suggested selling Joseph (Genesis 37:26–27), now begged to stay as a slave in Benjamin’s place: “How will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?” (Genesis 44:33–34). Joseph wept, held Benjamin and kissed all his brothers (Genesis 45:14–15). At first Jacob didn’t believe that his son was alive; then he said, “I will go and see him before I die” (Genesis 45:26–28).

Jacob was ready to make a long journey just to see his son. Who in your family would you travel a long way to see?

In the Bible

World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).

A hymn for today

Amazing Grace · words by John Newton

Organ and orchestra: an introduction, then each of the 4 verses. Tap a verse’s number to start there.

Amazing grace! how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,And grace my fears relieved;How precious did that grace appearThe hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,I have already come;'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.
When we've been there ten thousand years,Bright shining as the sun,We've no less days to sing God's praiseThan when we first begun.