Jacob’s Decision to Send the Brothers Down to Egypt a Second Time
Genesis 43:1-14

Lesson 94

background notes

doctrinal points

1. God can use famine to bring about divine decrees.

2. God can use famine to turn around human character.

 

practical application
1. Never say, “Never.”

 

questions
1. Judah spoke to Jacob, saying, “the man.” How does this remind us of Christ?

2. Why did Joseph return the money to his brothers’ sacks?

3. What divine decrees were being carried out during the famine?

4. What “famine” will bring Israel and the world to their knees?

5. How did God use famine to turn around Jacob’s character?

answers
1. When Pilate referred to Jesus, he said, “Behold the Man.” (John 19:5). The brothers failed to recognize Joseph, and the Jewish people failed to recognize the Lord Jesus for who He was.

2. It was both an act of kindness and a test of their honesty. It also ensured their return to Egypt.

3. One was an aspect of the Abramic Covenant. See Genesis 12:3, which ultimately will be fulfilled in Christ. In addition, the nation Israel would be formed in Egypt. God used famine to move Jacob and his family to Egypt. Furthermore, God has decreed that sometime in the future, there will be a spiritual return of Israel to the Lord, as well as the present physical return to the land.

4. The seven year tribulation period.

5. Jacob wasn’t trusting the Lord when he said that all things were against him. (See Genesis 42:36). Later, Jacob trusted in El Shaddai, not in himself. (See Genesis 43:14). Jacob was brought to the end of his own rope; his only hope was to turn to God, lest he perish.

 

discuss / consider
1. Has God used “famine” to bring about a change in your character? How has God disciplined you to bring you closer to Himself?

2. Are you sometimes proud and too self-sufficient, thinking that you do not need God? Remember that He is your only source of hope.

consider
At the end of Genesis 42, Jacob said that he would never let Benjamin go down into Egypt. But God changed Jacob’s mind. Did you ever say, “Never!” in reference to God’s leading?

memorize

• “The famine was severe in the land.” Genesis 43:1

• “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me?” Genesis 43:6

• “May God Almighty give you mercy before the man....” Genesis 43:14