QT 12/29/2025 Gen 43:26-34, Listening to God's voice in this new year

Genesis 43:26–34 (ESV) —

26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. 27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. 29 And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” 30 Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” 32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

 

NOTE: The Egyptians had a very strict caste system that separated people. The Egyptians shaved a lot of their body, the Jews were a hairy group. The Egyptians would not eat certain meats because they were sacred to them. I really never thought about it, but even before the giving of the law, the Egyptians would not have mixed with the Jews. Ultimately, God placing the people in Egypt protected them from intermingling with other races which would have drawn many Jews away from their faith. At this point in the story, the above comment is irrelevant except for the fact that there were three distinct tables.

 

If it has been 22 years since Joseph saw Benjamin. He would be at least 23 years old. If that is true, Joseph would have only recognized Benjamin as the brother he did not know. Benjamin represents his mother who was gone, and the only brother who never had any bitterness toward him.

 

Joseph gives hints to his identity, but the brothers don't recognize what is going on. He has the brothers seated by birth. He gives Benjamin five portions. Of course, they had no reason to think that the second highest authority in Egypt was their brother. Still, I wonder how often God gives us hints of things and we are too busy with life to notice. Which really is the application today, you will never see what God is doing in your life unless you meet with him regularly, every day.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you meet with God each day in a time of devotions?
2. Are you listening to God or just going through the motions of life?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to speak through your word to me. Help me this year to understand your direction. Will my ministry change? Will different opportunities present themselves. Do I just need to be obedient in the things you have given me already? Continue to speak I pray.