#115 Benjamin's Plate Genesis 43

When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon." The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men  to Joseph's house. And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, "it is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys." So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house, and said, "oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man's money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks." he replied, "peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them. And when the man had brought the men into Joseph's house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there. When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare and said, "is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?" They said, "your servant our father is well; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!" Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. There he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, "serve the food." They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the first born according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him. Genesis 43: 16-34 ESV

Joseph still doesn't tell them who he is, and they are afraid that it is a setup. These men are his brothers, but they are also the same men that plotted to murder him. They settled for selling him into slavery, and his response is to test them, and show them kindness. At dinner they are even more befuddled for they are seated in order of birthright. What are the odds? There are 3 different eating areas due to the climate of Egypt at the time. The Egyptians were a racist community that believed they were created by the god's and no other nations held that place. Everyone else was beneath them. It may seem strange that God would raise up a Hebrew slave to such heights of power in a place where even he eats separated from the Egyptians of his house. It is the will of God though in preserving his people, who would carry the oracles of God. They would be easily dissolved and diluted into their present land of Canaan. Here, in Egypt, they would be treated as separate, for it would be an abomination to even eat with a Hebrew. This often works to strengthen communities and build bonds. Those, who are persecuted or ostracized, will seek out the comfort of the same. When we are alone among our enemies, we will go to great lengths to find a friendly face or those that are like minded. It is difficult to learn the truth from those who hate it, but it is easy to accept for truth that which your community believes. The socially accepted or politically correct lie, is still a lie. They will be somewhat preserved from that, for a time, in that they will remain and grow together. I think there is somewhat more here to be learned for the Christians of our age. There is a blessing that comes with community, growth, rebuke, wisdom, and with those that love us the opportunity to heal. 

Benjamin's portion is 5 times greater. I use to think that Joseph had developed the favoritism of his father, but reading along later into the life of Joseph, he seems to denounce this. This was probably more of a test for his brothers, to see if they were the same men, unconvinced and unrepentant of their sin. They still don't realize who he is. They are skeptical of his kindness and bewildered by the circumstances. The brothers are in the presence of the one they wronged, but also the one who can forgive them. By their own standard they would be humiliated and murdered alongside their families. He would instead lead them down the road of repentance, absolution, and count his suffering to their redemption. 

1 John 1:9 & 2:1 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness… My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.