Genesis 43:28

"Your servant our father is well," they answered. "He is still alive." And they bowed down to honor him.

Study Bible

“Your servant our father is well,” they answered.
This phrase reflects the respectful and humble attitude of Joseph's brothers towards him, whom they do not yet recognize as their brother. The term "your servant" indicates a position of submission and respect, which was customary in ancient Near Eastern cultures when addressing someone of higher status. This also fulfills Joseph's earlier dreams (Genesis 37:7-10) where his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf, symbolizing their submission to him. The mention of their father being "well" is significant, as it reassures Joseph of Jacob's health and well-being, which is a central concern for him.

“He is still alive.”
The affirmation that Jacob is "still alive" is crucial for Joseph, who has been separated from his family for many years. This statement not only provides Joseph with personal relief but also sets the stage for the eventual reunion of the family. The survival of Jacob is significant in the broader narrative of Genesis, as it ensures the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through his lineage. This phrase also highlights the theme of God's providence and faithfulness in preserving the patriarchs.

And they bowed down to honor him.
The act of bowing down is a physical demonstration of respect and submission, which was a common practice in ancient cultures when approaching someone of authority. This action fulfills the prophetic dreams Joseph had in his youth, where his brothers' sheaves and the celestial bodies bowed to him (Genesis 37:7-9). This moment is a pivotal fulfillment of those dreams, illustrating the sovereignty of God in bringing His plans to fruition despite human actions. The brothers' bowing can also be seen as a type of Christ, where every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:10), symbolizing ultimate recognition and submission to divine authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
- The governor of Egypt, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to power. He is the central figure in this account, testing his brothers' character and integrity.

2. Joseph's Brothers
- The sons of Jacob who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. They are unaware that the Egyptian official they are dealing with is their brother Joseph.

3. Jacob (Israel)
- The father of Joseph and his brothers, who remains in Canaan. His well-being is a concern for his sons as they navigate their interactions with Joseph.

4. Egypt
- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain due to the severe famine in Canaan.

5. Famine
- A severe shortage of food affecting Canaan and surrounding regions, prompting Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt for sustenance.

Teaching Points

The Fulfillment of Dreams
Joseph's dreams in Genesis 37, where his brothers bow to him, are fulfilled here. God's plans and promises may take time, but they are sure.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Joseph's interactions with his brothers highlight themes of reconciliation. Despite their past wrongs, Joseph seeks to restore the relationship, pointing to the importance of forgiveness.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership in Egypt demonstrates God's sovereignty and ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes.

Respect and Honor
The brothers' act of bowing signifies respect and honor, reminding us of the importance of humility and respect in our relationships.

Family and Responsibility
The brothers' concern for their father Jacob's well-being underscores the importance of family responsibility and care.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to his brothers reflect God's character in terms of forgiveness and grace?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in Joseph's life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own trials?

3. How does the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams in this passage encourage us to trust in God's promises?

4. What lessons can we learn from the brothers' concern for their father, and how can we apply these lessons to our own family relationships?

5. How does the act of bowing in this passage relate to the New Testament teaching of every knee bowing to Christ, and what does this mean for our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
This chapter provides the background of Joseph's relationship with his brothers, including their jealousy and betrayal, which sets the stage for the events in Genesis 43.

Genesis 42
The previous chapter describes the brothers' first journey to Egypt and their initial encounter with Joseph, who accuses them of being spies.

Genesis 44
The subsequent chapter continues the account, where Joseph further tests his brothers' loyalty and repentance.

Philippians 2:10-11
This New Testament passage speaks of every knee bowing to Jesus, drawing a parallel to Joseph's brothers bowing to him, foreshadowing the ultimate submission to Christ.