Joseph demonstrates an amazing amount of patience, wisdom, and forgiveness in managing his meeting with his brothers when they return to Egypt with Benjamin. It was emotionally a stirring moment for Joseph to see Benjamin again… so much so that he had to leave to gather control of his emotional response. Further, he continues to not let on to his brothers who he is, even as they fulfill again the dreams given to him by God in his youth by bowing down before him.
Joseph desires to test his brothers to see if they have changed from their evil ways so long ago when they sold him into slavery. He avoids the emotional response of revenge to just hurt them. He avoids even rejoicing publically at seeing Benjamin. He avoids what must have been temptation to gloat or boast in the fulfillment of the dreams he shared with them so long ago. Instead, Joseph demonstrates wisdom and patience in continuing in a very intentional way to manage the reunion with his brothers. He seeks to test them.
Joseph Sees Benjamin
16When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, “Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” 19So they came near to Joseph’s house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house, 20and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, 21and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. 22“We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23He said, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder. 25So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.
26When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him. 27Then he asked them about their welfare, and said, “Is your old father well, of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” They bowed down in homage. 29As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there. 31Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.” 32So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians. 33Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. 34He took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely with him.
It is often tempting to respond just based on our emotions to every situation that presents itself. However, this is not always the best course. We should take care to be intentional and thoughtful in how we respond to situations such as the one Joseph encounters in Genesis 43. Measure our response with patience, wisdom, and forgiveness.
More and more I come to realize as well the value of pausing to seek God on specific situations in my life. He cares about the details of our lives as a father cares for his children! The more I am able to avoid quick, almost instinctive responses… the more thoughtfully and prayerfully I consider key decisions… the more I am able to live consistently with God’s word. I pray God gives me the patience, wisdom, and forgiveness that Joseph demonstrated in dealing with being reunited with his family after much tragedy and hurt in his past.
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