GENESIS 43
26 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. 27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. 29 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!” 30 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. 31 Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” 32 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. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 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 43:26-34
GENESIS 43 JOSEPH’S BROTHERS BOW DOWN TO HIM
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Joseph arrived at his house to dine with his brothers
They immediately bowed down to Joseph and offered their presents
Then Joseph asked them if their father was still alive
And he also asked about their youngest brother Benjamin
When Joseph was face to face with Benjamin, he was emotional
He left their presence to hide his feelings and wept away from them.
This scene is the fulfilment of Joseph’s dream when he was a young lad. His brothers bowing down to him in that dream actually happened and the brothers had no idea it was their brother Joseph who they were bowing down to up to this point. We witness Joseph’s love for his youngest brother and his forgiving heart to those brothers who did him wrong.
REFLECTION
- How was Joseph’s dream prophetic and why can he easily forgive his brothers?
