Genesis 43:26-34 – Mercy rewrote our life

The brothers, including Benjamin, were now in Joseph’s home. When it was noon Joseph entered the room, so they bowed down to him as they presented their gift to him. He first inquired of his father, asking whether he was well. The word used here is “shalom” meaning peace and wholeness. Simply put, the question is “Does your father have peace and wholeness in mind and body?” Their answer was an unequivocal yes and that he was still alive. As they answered him they bowed down to him and paid homage again.

Joseph next turned to Benjamin, whom he shared the same mother. When his eye caught the sight of Benjamin, he asked “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” And quickly pronounced a blessing over him saying, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”  This phrase was part of the Aaronic blessing. So Joseph actually used this phrase long before Aaron coined his blessing in Numbers 6:25. Joseph was tender and affectionate as he pronounced grace upon Benjamin. A deep sense of to be by himself and wept. Their father’s prayer for them before the journey was answered. They found mercy in the sight of their own brother Joseph, a fact still unknown to them.

After he had composed himself, dried his tears and washed his face, Joseph then ordered food to be served. They sat separately from him as they ate and verse 32 explained why. It was “…because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians.” So his brothers sat separately from him in the order of the oldest to the youngest. The brothers were greatly astounded and must have thought that Joseph was supernaturally enlightened to know the order of their birth. The feast was great but the reunion was greater. Food and drink flowed aplenty. Portions of food from Joseph’s own table were dished out to them. Benjamin’s portions were five times more than his other brothers. This was also Joseph’s way to ascertain if there remained any envy and jealousy in his brothers. Thankfully they were no longer plagued by those negative habits.  They had a wonderful time and their initial fear was unfounded. 

In this short duration many positive things had already taken place. The brothers were willing to take the blame should any mishap happen to Benjamin. They were honest in dealing with the money found in their sacks. There was a sense of unity, especially when Simeon was released to them. God was honored as His work among them was recognized and acknowledged. They also rejoiced in the provision of plenty as they gratefully partook of the feast with Joseph.

This account from start till now has been soaked and drenched in mercy, the mercy of God Almighty. From the moment Israel offered the prayer till the time they experienced it, the mercy of God overflowed. But more was to come, for they were dealing with a God rich in mercy. Like Israel and his family, we too are the recipients of mercy and grace from a great God. Grace can be defined as receiving what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not receiving what we deserve. We should have been condemned and our soul cast down, but the mercy of God rewrote our life. Truly in Christ we have redemption, forgiveness and all riches of His grace. So joyfully, thankfully and gratefully let us live for Him!