In Genesis 43 Israel asks his sons, "Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?" Like most all of us, he's blaming someone or something for the present circumstances. Instead of just dealing with the reality of the situation, he wants to complain about how it started.
After being persuaded, Israel said: "If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift -- a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
They packed pistachio nuts!!! I love those things. If I were Joseph, that would have cinched the deal.
When Joseph saw his youngest brother, Benjamin, he said, "God be gracious to you, my son." Then he took off, because he was deeply moved and had to find a place to cry alone. He wept. He let it all out. Then he washed up, composed himself, and returned. It's funny that they didn't eat together, because Egyptians were racists who thought it detestable to eat with Hebrews. All the brothers sat at the table according to age and Benjamin's portions were five times as much as the others. Perhaps this was one of Joseph's coy little jokes to play on the brothers, who were victims, as it were, of favoritism.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at March 6, 2007 08:18 AM