famine
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A famine was often a disciplinary testing of God's people in the land. (Cf) Genesis 26:1 ; Genesis 42:5 ; Ruth 1:1 ; 2 Samuel 24:13 ; Psalms 105:16 .
The resort to Egypt (the world) is typical of the tendency to substitute for lost spiritual power the fleshly resources of the world, instead of seeking, through confession and amendment, the restoration of God's presence and favour.
Context Summary
Genesis 43:1-15 - The Brothers Return With Benjamin
Joseph, in giving corn to save his own brethren and the Egyptians from starvation, is a type of our Lord, who gives the bread of life to Jew and Gentile-to all that come to Him in their hopeless need. And in this return of the full money in the sacks we are reminded that salvation is without money and without price. Whatever we bring to enrich Christ He returns to us. His gifts are all of His unmerited grace and favor. Very often we move forward with dread into the unknown; but that dread is the child of ignorance. If only we realized that love is waiting for us there, which does not ask for balm and honey, for spices and myrrh, but just for ourselves, how much happier life would become! Lift up your hearts; a feast awaits you! [source]
Chapter Summary: Genesis 43
1Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin 15Joseph entertains his brothers 19They discover their fears to the steward 26Joseph makes them a feast
What do the individual words in Genesis 43:1 mean?