Read Part One HERE
A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XXIII
"I, Jacob, have nine of my sons gathered before me in my tent... And I considered very carefully every word my son Judah has just spoken... I could see from the expression on his face that he meant every word he had said... I knew that he would indeed guarantee the safety of my youngest son Benjamin.... If I were to let him go to Egypt with them... I sensed that he spoke these words because somehow he feels partly responsible for the loss of my favourite son Joseph....However, I do not blame him for the loss of this son.... Neiter do I blame any of my other sons for his loss....He was taken by a wild animal... I blame myself for having sent him to look for his brothers that fatefull day now over 20 years ago... It seems that Judah, in particular, carries a burden related to the loss of this son... Perhaps that is why he has now spoken up.... By having told me he will personally be responsible for the safety of my youngest son Benjamin....Anyway....I already know in my heart of hearts that I have to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt....Otherwise our families will die of starvation... I cannot have that on my conscience.. So I have just told them to get ready to go to Egypt... And to make sure to bring extra gifts."
ATTACHMENT A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XXIII
Jacob knows that his son Judah is right for much time has been lost and the grain supply for his family here in Canaan is at an all-time low. His sons need, therefore, to go back to Egypt and they need to go back soon as you can read in Genesis 43:11-12
Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift - a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake."
Jacob hopes as well that bringing some gifts to the "Egyptian" official will cause him to be kinder to them than he was the first time, especially because they need to return the silver that had somehow found its way back into their sacks.
Read Part Twenty-Four HERE
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