Read Part One HERE
A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XXIV
"I, Jacob, had my nine sons gathered before me in my tent.... I then said something I never thought I would say to them... For I told them that they could bring Benjamin with them when they go back to Egypt...I do not want him to go back to Egypt with them....But I know that I have no choice in the matter...My nine sons have foolishly told the official in Egypt about Benjamin the last time they were there to buy grain from him... He then insisted that they bring their youngest brother back with them whenever they return to Egypt... I know that this official is the most important man in Egypt, apart from the Pharaoh....No one can refuse any of his requests.... Moreover, he has kept Simeon in prison... I have to, therefore, send Benjamin with his nine brothers on this dangerous journey so that, hopefully, Simeon will be released... I can now only pray to God that He will watch over them... And bring all my sons safely back to me.... A for myself... I do not know how I will be able to get through this waiting time... No doubt, I will be on the look out for them day after day until I see them."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn that Jacob finally gives his nine sons permission to take Benjamin with them to Egypt...
ATTACHMENT A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XXIV
Jacob, knowing that the grain supply for his family in Canaan is at an all-time low, tells his sons to go back to Egypt at once to buy more grain. He suggests that they take gifts with them for the "Egyptian" official to try and soften his heart towards them. However, he knows he needs to do more than give his sons permission to bring gifts; he needs to give them permission to bring his youngest son Benjamin with them as you can read in Genesis 43:13-14
"Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
Jacob has finally come to the conclusion that he has to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt. And he can only hope that God will bring him and his brothers, including Simeon, back to Canaan.
Read Part Twenty-Five HERE
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