Online Sermons
Lesson #7 - A Banquet Of Grace
Series: The Life of Joseph - A Tapestry of God's ProvidenceLESSON #7
A Banquet Of Grace
1. Father Jacob Relents! / Genesis 43
Genesis 42 comes to a close with Jacob sternly refusing to allow Benjamin to be taken back to Egypt (42:38).
What changed his mind?
The pantry was bare and thus Jacob directed his sons, “Go back, buy us a little food” (43:2).
What requirement needed to be met in order for the brothers to return? – vss.4-5
Jacob (Israel) rebuked his sons for mentioning Benjamin in the first place. – vs.6
The magnitude of the famine (they were facing starvation), along with Judah’s assurances persuaded Jacob to relent.
Ten brothers (minus Simeon) headed for Egypt with select gifts and double the money for grain payments. – vss.11-15
What gifts were taken? Why the need for twice the cash?
2. Describe the brothers’ return to Joseph’s “court”.
Upon being welcomed into Joseph’s house, why were the brothers AFRAID? – vss.16-18
What confession did they promptly make to Joseph’s steward? – vss.19-22
How did the steward respond? – vs.23
Shalom! Do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks.
3. Describe the banquet?
“Slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon”. – vss.16 & 23-25
Simeon is reunited with his brothers … foot-washings and donkey fodder … they prepared their gift for Joseph.
About whom did Joseph inquire as to his welfare? – vss.27-28
Notice again, how the brothers bowed before Joseph – cf. vss.26 & 28 with 42:5 and 37:7
How were the tables arranged for this feast?
Three tables - - one for Joseph (and his wife & sons?) … one for the brothers … and one for the Egyptians
Egyptians were not permitted to “taint” themselves by eating with Hebrews – vs.32 & 46:34 with Ex.8:26
Describe the seating arrangement for the brothers? – vs.33 / (the brothers) looked at one another in astonishment
The odds of placing the eleven brothers in a chronologically-correct seating distribution has been calculated to
be about 40Million to one. Of course, this was neither accidental nor coincidental because Joseph knew their ages.
4. Describe Joseph’s reaction to seeing Benjamin?
Note Joseph’s words spoken to Benjamin, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” – vs.29
What emotions welled-up within Joseph (vss.30-31)? How long had it been since he had last seen Benjamin?
How was the food apportioned among the brothers? Who got the muc-bigger helpings? – vs.34
Why did Joseph have such a deep affection for Benjamin?
cf. Gen.44:27f regarding Rachel’s two sons.
Next week’s assignment 4 Read Genesis 44 regarding the placement of Joseph’s silver chalice.
