Genesis 43:33-34 - The
men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to
the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When
portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five
times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with
him.
The family of Jacob used up all the grain they had bought…but
the famine continued. Jacob told them to go buy some more… in his words “a
little more.” It took the persuasive powers and determination of Judah to
convince Jacob that Benjamin had to go with them. After going through denial
and blaming… Jacob finally relented…sending them not just with Benjamin…but
gifts of spices… honey…. Balm… and nuts from the land where they lived.
Joseph welcomed them…released Simon…and prepared a feast for
them at his house. His inquiries about his father’s health and seeing his blood
brother again brought those healing tears back to him….so much that he had to
excuse himself for them to flow until he could bring them under control.
Joseph was struggling with just how to proceed. His emotions tried to convince him that he
needed to reveal himself…to embrace them and let them know that he was not just
okay…but had become just what God had prophesied in his dreams as a boy. But Joseph held back…and decided to test them
one more time…to see if their hearts had truly changed over the years.
I always thought that Benjamin received more because he was
Joseph’s full brother by the same mother. But reading Matthew Henry’s
commentary introduced a more Godly reason. Joseph’s brothers had admitted their
wrong doing… but he was not sure that they would make better choices when faced
with similar circumstances the next time. Joseph purposely placed 5 times as
much food in front of Benjamin…perhaps to see if jealously was still making
decisions for them. (And it won’t be the last test he gives them before
revealing himself…I peeked at chapter 44.)
There are times when the spirit tells you do something…so
you just do it…without thinking of logic or reasons why God asked. But there
are other times that God expects you to use your faith in him and ask for
wisdom to help you discern what to do. That may include a bit of questioning
and testing…especially if those people have hurt you in the past.
Father…thank you for the reminder that you can give us a
spirit of discernment when we have to make important decisions that involve
people. Forgive me for the times that I
have trusted too much without questioning….or trusted too little for lack of
faith in you. Give me the spirit of discernment
that Joseph had… to fully test and question the things I need too before making
important decisions. Amen.
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