These chapters show real change in Judah's character....he stepped up to the plate and promised his Father that he would take care of Benjamin with his life....from selling one son of Rachel's into slavery, to potentially giving his life to the other son of Rachel. He is learning that when he makes mistakes, he will own up to it (Tamar, Benjamin) and this is part of a natural leader. Remember that Christ descends from his line...
Joseph tests his brothers to see their character. Note that we have some Egyptian customs coming into play.....Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians all ate separately because Hebrews were disgusting to the Egyptians....even though Joseph outranked the Egyptians, he didn't "mess" with their beliefs. Also, Joseph's silver cup was a sign of his rank.....Egyptians used those for divining the future, but Joseph let God tell him the future (remember the dreams).....At last, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Real emotion as Joseph cries so loudly that the Egyptians can hear him.....Joseph then invites his father and family to live in Egypt with his protection......Joseph realizes that God leads his life and that there is a plan....note the speech to his brothers......You almost see the Gospel:
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!" And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
A suggestion from another blog is to underline the remnant phrase in your Bible. You will see it 65 times in the Bible. God will always leave a remnant of his chosen nation...so in every situation there will always be survivors of the nation....it will mean so much more as we progress with our reading..
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
After you read, feel free to make a comment or ask a question in the comment box. You can sign up as a follower on the right, or you can sign up by e-mail at the bottom if you would like to follow the whole year. You may also chose to simply read along and make no comments. Whatever you choose. If you fall behind, as most people will do, don't worry...the whole year is here and you can catch up at your own speed. I highly encourage you to stick with it, If you read the Bible, you are going to mine some real jewels and insights.
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