Genesis 43
Let’s assume Jacob and sons were also concerned for Simeon, who had been kept as a deposit back in Egypt, but the precipitating factor for Journey to Egypt, Part 2, was simple: hunger. What held things up was the condition that they had to return with Benjamin. Nobody seems to have thought it odd that “the man” in charge of Egypt should have taken such an interest in the father and another possible brother back home. At any rate Judah took things in hand and resolved the dilemma stemming from the tension Jacob was experiencing between the survival of the family and the possible danger to Benjamin.
The scene back in Egypt is full of pathos and resists analysis or comment. I find this one of the most compelling scenes in any story anywhere, and it gets better (oops, I guess that’s a comment).
Prayer:
God, your Word reflects so much of the kind of experience we still generate day by day, year by year: conflicted loyalties, choosing between hard alternatives, anxiety, guilt, all the while dealing with things of which we can’t see the whole. Without some kind of faith we would be utterly psychotic. Everyone believes in something to get by; direct us, and others through us, to you. Through Christ. Amen.
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3 comments:
I am moved by the action earlier in the chapter, when Jacob finally says: "And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
Jacob, who has fought all his life, struggles to cling to his last son and his legacy, only in the end to let go, have faith in God, and simply accept his fate.
A beautiful observation. Thanks.
I guess I'll keep that for my Tuesday mantra in court - if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.
I wonder if the brother left as deposit is experiencing a crisis in faith. I wonder if he's given up hope of his brothers returning for him.
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