RUSSELL SANDERS
5-3-2021
THE LIFE OF JOSEPH - LESSON 14
THE FEAST
We pick up Joseph’s story in Genesis 43:27 as he asked his brothers of their welfare and their fathers health. They reported Jacob to be in good health. Then they again bowed themselves and made obeisance to Joseph.
When he saw his brother Benjamin, he spoke a blessing to him and was immediately overcome with emotion. He quickly exited to his private chamber where he wept. Once recovered he washed his face, restrained his emotions, returned to the great dining hall, and called for the banquet to commence.
The seating was in three different areas. One was just for Joseph himself. Another was for all the Egyptians who were dining with him. A third was for his eleven brothers who were separated because it was an abomination for Egyptians to eat with Hebrews (and probably all foreigners).
The brothers were shocked to find their seating arranged in birth order from eldest to youngest. How could the Egyptians have known that? It was also strange to them that Benjamin received five times the food and drink that was served to each of them. However, Simeon was surely relieved by his brothers return and his own release from prison.
As they feasted, Joseph commanded his steward to fill all their sacks with as much food as they could carry, and to put all their money once again into the mouth of each sack. He also commanded that his own personal silver cup from which he drank to be placed in Benjamin’s sack. Yes, Joseph had a plan.
The brothers spent the night there awaiting daybreak for their journey home. They surely must have been relieved that this supreme ruler who had treated them so harshly on their first trip was now treating them well and took no action against them.
The next day was to be the most crucial day of their lives, and the most shocking one. It is also one that grips our hearts even now.
Stay tuned.
