Genesis 43:11

Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

Study Bible

Then their father Israel said to them,
This phrase identifies Jacob, also known as Israel, as the speaker. The name "Israel" signifies his role as the patriarch of the twelve tribes. This moment reflects his leadership and decision-making in a time of crisis, emphasizing his responsibility for his family's survival.

“If it must be so, then do this:
Jacob's resignation to the situation shows his acceptance of the necessity to send Benjamin to Egypt. This reflects a moment of faith and trust in God's providence, despite his fears. It highlights the theme of surrendering to God's will, a recurring biblical principle.

Put some of the best products of the land in your packs
The mention of "the best products of the land" indicates the richness of Canaan, despite the famine. It underscores the practice of offering gifts to gain favor, a common cultural practice in ancient times, seen also in Genesis 32:13-21 when Jacob sent gifts to Esau.

and carry them down as a gift for the man—
The "man" refers to Joseph, though his brothers are unaware of his identity. The act of sending gifts is a strategic move to appease the Egyptian official, reflecting the wisdom in Proverbs 18:16 about gifts opening doors and gaining access to important people.

a little balm and a little honey,
Balm, a resin used for medicinal purposes, and honey, a luxury item, were valuable commodities. The balm from Gilead was particularly renowned, as mentioned in Jeremiah 8:22. These items symbolize healing and sweetness, possibly foreshadowing the reconciliation to come.

spices and myrrh,
Spices and myrrh were used for anointing and embalming, indicating their high value. Myrrh is notably associated with Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:11) and death (John 19:39), symbolizing both life and sacrifice.

pistachios and almonds.
These nuts were considered delicacies and were likely rare during a famine. Their inclusion in the gift highlights the effort to present a worthy offering. Almonds, in particular, are associated with watchfulness and divine approval, as seen in Numbers 17:8 with Aaron's rod.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the family, also known as Jacob, who is making a decision to send his sons back to Egypt with gifts.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Israel who are tasked with returning to Egypt to buy more grain and to bring back their brother Simeon.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph, unbeknownst to his brothers, is a powerful official. It is the place of refuge during the famine.

4. The Man (Joseph)
Referred to as "the man" by his brothers, Joseph is the governor of Egypt, who has demanded to see Benjamin.

5. The Famine
A severe famine affecting the region, prompting the need for grain from Egypt.

Teaching Points

Wisdom in Leadership
Israel demonstrates wisdom and prudence in his leadership by sending gifts to appease the Egyptian official. This teaches us the importance of using discernment and strategic thinking in difficult situations.

The Role of Gifts
The use of gifts to gain favor is a recurring theme in the Bible. It highlights the importance of generosity and thoughtfulness in relationships, especially when seeking reconciliation or favor.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite the dire circumstances, Israel's actions reflect a trust in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to trust God even when resources are scarce.

Family Responsibility
Israel's decision underscores the importance of family responsibility and taking action to ensure the well-being of loved ones.

Faith in Action
Israel's faith is demonstrated through his actions. Faith often requires us to take practical steps, trusting that God will work through them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Israel's decision to send gifts reflect his understanding of human nature and diplomacy?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of using gifts to build or restore relationships in our own lives?

3. How does the account of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the theme of reconciliation found throughout the Bible?

4. What can we learn from Israel's leadership in times of crisis, and how can we apply these lessons to our own leadership roles?

5. How does trusting in God's provision during times of scarcity challenge or encourage your faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
The account of Joseph's earlier life, including his dreams and his brothers' betrayal, sets the stage for the events in Genesis 43.

Proverbs 18:16
This verse speaks about a gift opening the way for the giver, which parallels Israel's strategy of sending gifts to appease the Egyptian official.

1 Samuel 25
Abigail's gift to David to avert disaster mirrors Israel's use of gifts to seek favor and protection.

Matthew 5:23-24
The teaching of reconciliation before offering gifts can be related to the brothers' need to reconcile with Joseph, even if unknowingly.