Genesis 44:4b. Wherefore have ye rewarded (repaid) evil for good?
Aye friends, I’m not sure exactly what kind of day we’re going to have this autumn Tuesday in my neighbourhood, because they are telling me about it being partly sunny and to expect high winds soon. But what I do know is that right now it’s a glorious day out there, filled with sunshine and decent temperatures for this time of year. So, I will rejoice and be glad in it, like the Bible tells us to do!
And now a li’l prayer to remind us of God’s goodness. Please pray with me. ‘The Light of God surrounds me: The LOVE of God enfolds me: The Power of God protects me: The Presence of God watches over me: Wherever I am, God is… And ALL is well!’ Oh mih people, isn’t it just wonderful to know that wherever we are God’s Light, LOVE, Power and Presence are constantly with us, looking over us and protecting us? It certainly is!
Now let’s get to that intriguing drama that’s Bruh Joseph’s story. We left the saga yesterday where Bruh Joseph sees his brothers seated in his house, and his heart yearns so much for his youngest sibling Benjamin, his mother’s other son, that he goes into his bed chamber and cries. The emotions are beginning to run free.
The Bible then tells us: ‘And he (Bruh Joseph) washed his face, and went out, and refrained (restrained) himself, and said, Set on (serve the) bread. And they set on for him (served him) by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves, because the Egyptians might not eat bread (could not eat food) with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.’ (Gen. 43:31-32)
Ah Lord eh, even in the midst of supposed good relations there’s still always separation! Bruh Joseph eats by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians by themselves because by man’s foolish and ungodly tradition, it’s not fitting for them to all eat together. No wonder there’s still so much anger and resentment in our world, if we can’t even do a simple thing like break bread together.
But the Bibe continues: ‘And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled (looked with astonishment) one at another. And he took and sent messes (servings) unto them from before him: but Benjamin’s mess (serving) was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.’ (Gen. 43:33-34)
Brother! The drama is surely ramping up now! They’re all eating together, but separately, and there are all sorts of thoughts and undercurrents present because no one’s sure of what’s really happening! Bruh Joseph has opened up some, but is still playing his cards close to his chest. The brothers don’t have a clue what’s going on, and though they are eating, apparently joyful on the outside, the ever-present fear of trouble is still only a heartbeat away. And the Egyptians, watching this strange encounter…what are they thinking eh? Who knows? (smile)
Now, here’s some interesting information from the scholars. They say, as per verse 33 above: ‘And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. At the dinner the brothers failed to leap to one logical explanation of his (Bruh Joseph’s) behaviour, considering his concern for Jacob (vs. 27), his affectionate favouritism for Benjamin (vs. 29-34), and exact knowledge of the interlocking sequence of births of these sons of four mothers (vs. 33).’
And yes, those things should possibly have said something to the brothers, although when you’re filled with fear, your mind doesn’t always work properly. But I find one concern in the scholars’ statements above there. How do we know that it was Bruh Joseph who seated them according to their birth rights eh? Perhaps it was just natural for them to sit at table in that manner, since that kind of tradition was very important in those days.
Anyway, the scholars continue: ‘The fact that Joseph had the brothers separated from the Egyptians (vs. 32) – it would have been an abomination unto the Egyptians had they not been separated – suggests that this was a native Egyptian Pharaoh. If it were a Hyksos king (non-native), most likely he would not have demanded such discrimination. Evidently the Egyptians had a deep hatred for Asiatic shepherd (cf. 46:34; Ex. 8:26). Verse 34 suggests that the brothers were not jealous or resentful toward Benjamin because of the preferential treatment; thus they seemingly had a change of heart. But Joseph was going to test them.’
Yes friends, although everything seemed somewhat hunky dory on the outside, more alarming situations were in the offing. No wonder the Good Library continues thus: ‘And he (Bruh Joseph) commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup in the sack mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.’ (Gen 44:1-2)
Bruh Joseph is certainly not making it easy for his brothers. But who knows why he’s setting these traps for them. Is it a matter of deep revenge, or simply playing games, to show them how their actions can have rebounding ramifications? Nonetheless, ‘As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses (donkeys). And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded (repaid) evil for good? Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth (practices divination)? Ye have done evil in so doing?’ (Gen. 44:3-5)
Ah mih people, Bruh Joseph certainly wasn’t easy nuh. But who can really blame him after all the trials and tribulations he had suffered because of his brother’s evil machinations. And if God spares life tomorrow, we’ll continue looking at how that most important story in the Good Library plays out. Now, let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration (awright!!!) it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…behold…how good and how pleasant it is…for brethren to dwell together in unity… (Ps. 133:1)
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