The narrative of "The Brothers Return to Egypt" is a significant episode in the Joseph account, found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 43 and 44. This account follows the initial journey of Joseph's brothers to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine and their subsequent return, which is marked by a series of tests orchestrated by Joseph, who is now the governor of Egypt.

Context and Background

The account unfolds against the backdrop of a widespread famine that has affected the entire region, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family reside. Joseph, having risen to a position of power in Egypt, is responsible for the distribution of grain. In their first journey, Joseph's brothers, except for Benjamin, travel to Egypt to purchase food. Unbeknownst to them, the Egyptian official they encounter is their brother Joseph, whom they sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph recognizes them but conceals his identity, accusing them of being spies and detaining Simeon as a hostage, demanding that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty.

The Second Journey to Egypt

Genesis 43 details the brothers' return to Egypt. The famine persists, and the grain they initially acquired is depleted. Reluctantly, Jacob agrees to send Benjamin with them after Judah pledges his own life as a guarantee for Benjamin's safety. The brothers take double the money to repay what was returned in their sacks and additional gifts for the Egyptian official.

Upon their arrival, Joseph instructs his steward to bring the brothers to his house for a meal. The brothers are apprehensive, fearing retribution for the money found in their sacks. However, the steward reassures them, attributing the returned money to divine providence. Simeon is released, and the brothers present their gifts to Joseph, who inquires about their father's well-being and is moved upon seeing Benjamin.

The Test of the Silver Cup

In Genesis 44, Joseph devises a final test. He orders his steward to fill the brothers' sacks with grain and secretly place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. After they depart, Joseph sends his steward to confront them, accusing them of theft. The brothers, unaware of the planted cup, vehemently deny the accusation and offer that the one found with the cup be put to death, while the rest become slaves.

The cup is discovered in Benjamin's sack, and the brothers return to the city in despair. Judah steps forward, offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin, pleading for mercy and explaining the devastating impact Benjamin's loss would have on their father, Jacob. This act of self-sacrifice and responsibility marks a turning point in the narrative.

Themes and Theological Significance

The account of the brothers' return to Egypt is rich with themes of repentance, forgiveness, and divine providence. Joseph's actions, though seemingly harsh, are aimed at testing his brothers' character and repentance. The narrative highlights the transformation of Judah, who emerges as a leader willing to sacrifice himself for his family, contrasting with his earlier role in selling Joseph into slavery.

The episode underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His purposes. Joseph's rise to power and the eventual reconciliation with his brothers are seen as part of God's plan to preserve the family of Israel and fulfill the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Key Verses

· Genesis 43:8-9 : "Then Judah said to his father Israel, 'Send the boy with me. We will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. I will guarantee his safety; you may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, I will bear the guilt before you all my life.'"
· Genesis 44:33-34 : "Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm my father."

This account is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, setting the stage for Joseph's eventual revelation of his identity and the reconciliation of Jacob's family.