1. The Bible contains many illustrations of the principle revealed in Romans 8:28. 2. For example, Genesis shows how all things worked together for good in Joseph's life. 3. In this lesson we are covering the information presented in ch.43. 4. There are several things we must keep in mind as we study this chapter. a. ch.41 1) God had revealed through Pharaoh's dreams that 7 years of plenty would be followed by 7 years of famine. 2) Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of storing up grain for the famine. 3) The famine finally began, and its effects were widespread (vs.56-57). b. ch.42 1) Jacob and his family were affected in Canaan. 2) After learning that grain was available in Egypt, Jacob sent 10 of his sons there to buy some grain. 3) Jacob's sons had to deal with Joseph -- he recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. 4) Joseph learned that Jacob was still alive and that Benjamin was with his father. 5) Joseph kept Simeon in prison and sent his other brothers home to bring Benjamin to Egypt (vs.19-20). 6) Jacob refused to send Benjamin to Egypt (vs.38). 5. This brings us to ch.43. Discussion: I. (vs.1-15) JACOB SENT HIS SONS BACK TO EGYPT
A. (vs.1-2) When the grain purchased earlier was used up, Jacob told his sons to go back to Egypt and buy some more grain. B. (vs.3-7) Judah reminded Jacob of the condition that Joseph placed on them. 1. (vs.3-5) They could only return if Benjamin went with them. 2. (vs.6-7) Jacob wanted to know why they told Joseph about Benjamin. C. (vs.8-10) Judah agreed to be responsible for Benjamin. D. (vs.11-14) Jacob finally agreed to let Benjamin go to Egypt. E. (vs.15) Jacob's sons went back to Egypt with Benjamin and appeared before Joseph. II. (vs.16-34) JOSEPH PROVIDED A MEAL FOR HIS BROTHERS
A. (vs.16-17) Joseph gave instructions for his brothers to eat lunch with him. B. (vs.18-25) Joseph's brothers were afraid of what he might do to them. C. (vs.26-34) Joseph and his brothers ate together. 1. (vs.26-28) Joseph first asked about Jacob. 2. (vs.29-31) Joseph had to leave the room and cry when he talked with Benjamin. 3. (vs.32-34a) The eating arrangements are listed. a. Joseph ate by himself. b. The Egyptians ate by themselves. c. Joseph's brothers ate by themselves. 1) They were seated according to their ages. 2) Benjamin was given a much larger portion than the others. 4. (vs.34b) This chapter concludes with Joseph's brothers on good terms with Joseph, but they still did not recognize him.
