Genesis 44:28

When one of them was gone, I said: "Surely he has been torn to pieces." And I have not seen him since.

Study Bible

When one of them was gone
This phrase refers to Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. The context is the story of Joseph, which begins in Genesis 37. Joseph's brothers were envious of him because he was their father's favorite, and they plotted against him. This event is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites, as it sets the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt. The phrase highlights the loss and separation that Jacob feels, which is a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives.

I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.”
Jacob's assumption that Joseph was killed by a wild animal is based on the evidence presented to him by his sons, who dipped Joseph's coat in goat's blood to deceive their father (Genesis 37:31-33). This deception is a significant moment of familial betrayal and reflects the brokenness and sin within Jacob's family. The imagery of being "torn to pieces" evokes a sense of violent death, which is a common fear in the ancient Near East, where wild animals posed a real threat. This phrase also foreshadows the later suffering and trials that Joseph endures, which ultimately lead to his rise to power in Egypt.

And I have not seen him since.
Jacob's lamentation over not seeing Joseph again underscores the deep grief and loss he experiences. This absence is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, as Jacob believes he has lost his beloved son forever. The phrase captures the enduring nature of Jacob's sorrow, which is only resolved later in the narrative when he is reunited with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 46:29-30). This moment of reunion is a powerful testament to God's providence and the restoration of broken relationships. The theme of separation and eventual reconciliation is a motif that runs throughout the Bible, pointing to the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Joseph and his brothers. He is recounting his grief over the loss of his son Joseph, whom he believes to be dead.

2. Joseph
Jacob's beloved son, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and whom Jacob believes to have been killed by a wild animal.

3. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob, who is now the focus of Jacob's protective concern, as he fears losing him as he lost Joseph.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power unbeknownst to his family, and where the current events are unfolding as his brothers come to buy grain.

5. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family reside, and from where the brothers have traveled to Egypt.

Teaching Points

The Pain of Loss
Jacob's lamentation over Joseph highlights the deep pain of losing a loved one. It reminds us of the importance of compassion and support for those who are grieving.

Trust in God's Plan
Despite Jacob's belief that Joseph is dead, God's plan is at work. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Family
Jacob's protective nature over Benjamin underscores the value of family bonds and the lengths we go to protect and care for our loved ones.

God's Redemption
The account of Joseph is ultimately one of redemption and restoration, reminding us that God can bring good out of seemingly hopeless situations.

Honesty and Integrity
The deception by Joseph's brothers serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of integrity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's belief that Joseph was "torn to pieces" affect his relationship with his other sons, and what can we learn from this about dealing with grief and loss?

2. In what ways does the account of Joseph illustrate the theme of God's providence, and how can this encourage us in our own lives?

3. How does Jacob's fear of losing Benjamin reflect our own fears, and what biblical principles can help us overcome such fears?

4. What parallels can you draw between the account of Joseph and the parable of the lost son in Luke 15, and how do these accounts speak to the theme of reconciliation?

5. How can we apply the lessons of honesty and integrity from Joseph's brothers' deception to our own lives, particularly in our relationships with family and friends?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
This chapter provides the background to Jacob's belief that Joseph was "torn to pieces," as it describes Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery and deceiving Jacob with Joseph's bloodied coat.

Genesis 42
This chapter shows the beginning of the brothers' journey to Egypt and Jacob's initial reluctance to send Benjamin, fearing another loss.

Luke 15
The parable of the lost son reflects themes of loss and restoration, similar to Jacob's eventual reunion with Joseph.

Psalm 34:18
This verse speaks to God's closeness to the brokenhearted, which relates to Jacob's grief and eventual comfort.