As the brothers prepare to return to their father, Joseph showers Benjamin again with blessings: 300 pieces of silver and five changes of raiment. It is no longer a test, however. He can freely give Benjamin money and extra clothes without worrying about the brothers becoming jealous.
Moses uses clothes as a symbol of narrative developments and themes throughout Genesis. For example, in the Garden of Eden, when Abraham's servant meets Rebecca, Jacob deceives his father, Isaac, and especially throughout the story of Joseph. The gift of clothes to Benjamin—an understandable show of love and generosity—is confirmation that the family sin of favoritism is dead and buried.
Joseph has one final admonition for the brothers: "See that you do not become troubled along the way." Although commentators note several possible interpretations, since Joseph had previously warned them not to "be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here," he is probably reinforcing his original warning.
What an impact the caravan must have made upon its arrival! We can imagine one of the servants or grandchildren spying the wagon train as they come into view over the horizon. Upon their arrival in the home camp, the brothers deliver the good, astounding news that Joseph is alive and is governor over all of Egypt. But Jacob does not respond as they had imagined and anticipated. Only when he hears Benjamin's testimony and sees the wagons does his spirit revive.
We are often like Jacob. When we are in the depths of despair and discouraged, we need to hear, see, touch, or even taste the blessings and goodness of the Lord so that our hearts may be revived.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
