Day 69 – Genesis 43:15-18
Afraid of the Invitation
Scripture Reading – Genesis 43:15-18
And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
Genesis 43:15 KJV
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
Genesis 43:16 KJV
And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house.
Genesis 43:17 KJV
And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.
Genesis 43:18 KJV
Scripture Review
When Joseph sees Benjamin, he orders that the men be brought to his house and a meal prepared. The brothers are afraid because they are taken into the governor’s home. They assume the returned money will be used as an occasion against them, making them bondmen and taking their animals. Hospitality looks like an ambush because guilt and uncertainty control their interpretation.
They are walking toward a table, but in their minds they are walking toward chains. Fear can write an entire future from one unexplained invitation. Their concern about the money is reasonable, yet their conclusion is not the only possible one. Joseph is planning fellowship while they expect accusation. How many mercies have I entered trembling because I decided beforehand what they must mean?
The brothers meant to protect themselves from a charge they feared and interpreted the private invitation according to guilt and uncertainty.
God meant to bring them under Joseph’s roof, where fear would meet reassurance and Benjamin would stand before his brother.
What this asks of me
I need to separate what I know from what fear has supplied. Wise caution asks honest questions; fear announces a verdict before the door opens. When guilt is involved, I should confess and make matters right rather than let imagined punishment govern every invitation. God may be setting a table where I expect a trap.
Consider
- What fearful conclusion have I added to facts that do not yet prove it?
- Is unresolved guilt making kindness difficult for me to receive?