Genesis 43:15

So the men took these gifts, along with double the amount of silver, and Benjamin as well. Then they hurried down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.

Study Bible

So the men took these gifts
The gifts mentioned here are a selection of the best products of the land, including balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. These were intended to appease the Egyptian official, who is Joseph, though his brothers do not yet recognize him. This act of bringing gifts is consistent with ancient Near Eastern customs of presenting offerings to gain favor or forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 32:20 when Jacob sent gifts to Esau.

along with double the amount of silver
The brothers brought back the original silver they found in their sacks, plus additional silver to purchase more grain. This reflects their desire to demonstrate honesty and integrity, as they feared being accused of theft. The doubling of the silver can also symbolize restitution and the importance of making amends, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in Exodus 22:4.

and Benjamin as well
Benjamin's inclusion is significant because he is the youngest son of Jacob and the only full brother of Joseph. Jacob's reluctance to send Benjamin highlights his fear of losing another beloved son, reminiscent of his loss of Joseph. This moment foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and restoration of the family, a theme that echoes the redemptive work of Christ in restoring humanity to God.

Then they hurried down to Egypt
The urgency in their journey underscores the severity of the famine and their desperation for food. Egypt, a powerful and resource-rich nation, was a place of refuge during times of famine, as seen earlier in Genesis 12:10 with Abram. This journey also sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13).

and stood before Joseph
Standing before Joseph, the brothers unknowingly fulfill Joseph's earlier dreams of his family bowing to him (Genesis 37:7-9). This encounter is pivotal, as it begins the process of reconciliation and reveals Joseph's role as a type of Christ—one who was rejected by his own but ultimately becomes their savior. Joseph's position of authority in Egypt prefigures Christ's exaltation and authority over all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Men (Joseph's Brothers)
These are the sons of Jacob, who are returning to Egypt to buy more grain during a severe famine. They include Reuben, Judah, and their brothers, who are central figures in the account of Joseph.

2. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and Joseph's full brother. His presence is crucial because Joseph had insisted on seeing him as a condition for further trade.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph, now a powerful official, resides. It is a place of refuge during the famine but also a place of testing and revelation for Joseph's brothers.

4. Joseph
The governor of Egypt, who is actually their brother, though they do not recognize him. He is orchestrating events to test his brothers' integrity and repentance.

5. The Gifts and Double Money
The brothers bring gifts and double the money to show their honesty and to appease the Egyptian official (Joseph), reflecting their fear and respect for him.

Teaching Points

Integrity and Repentance
The brothers' actions in bringing double the money and gifts reflect a change in their character, showing integrity and a desire to make amends for past wrongs.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
The famine and the brothers' journey to Egypt are part of God's larger plan to bring about reconciliation and fulfill His promises to Abraham's descendants.

The Role of Fear and Respect
The brothers' fear of the Egyptian official (Joseph) leads them to act with caution and respect, illustrating how fear can lead to wisdom and careful actions.

Family and Forgiveness
The account sets the stage for eventual forgiveness and restoration within the family, highlighting the importance of reconciliation in relationships.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite the dire circumstances, the brothers' journey to Egypt is a step of faith, trusting in God's provision through the resources available in Egypt.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the brothers' decision to bring double the money and gifts reflect their change in character since their first visit to Egypt?

2. In what ways does the account of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and provision during difficult times?

3. How can we apply the principle of integrity and repentance in our own lives when we have wronged others?

4. What role does fear play in the brothers' actions, and how can a healthy fear of God lead us to make wise decisions?

5. How does the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers encourage us to pursue forgiveness and restoration in our own family relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 42
The previous chapter sets the stage for this journey, where Joseph's brothers first go to Egypt and are accused of being spies. This chapter highlights the ongoing theme of testing and reconciliation.

Genesis 44
The subsequent chapter continues the account, where Joseph tests his brothers further, particularly focusing on their treatment of Benjamin.

Genesis 45
This chapter reveals Joseph's identity to his brothers, culminating in forgiveness and family restoration, a key theme in the account.

Proverbs 21:14
This verse speaks to the power of a gift to pacify anger, which is relevant to the brothers' strategy in bringing gifts to Joseph.