Presents

Presents

Genesis 43: ²⁴ So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. ²⁵ Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.

 

²⁶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. ²⁷ Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?”

 

²⁸ And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.

 

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Israel had prepared his sons by sending gifts for Joseph. They had no idea they would end up at a feast in Joseph’s house. The steward of Joseph’s house “gave” them water to wash their feet. He also “gave” the donkeys feed. When Joseph arrived, his brothers “brought him the present.”

 

My Observations:

• Even the animals got something during this reunion.
• Joseph’s brothers received clean feet and knew food was coming.
• Joseph received a present from Israel and his brothers as they bowed down to him.

 

Just as GOD told Joseph in the dream, Joseph’s brothers bowed down to him. This was not the desire of Joseph, rather a statement of fact. Joseph did not need their gift, but the present was sent by Israel to create good relations between his family and the Egyptians.

 

This time Joseph asked questions about his father. The brothers answered saying “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” More than likely these words were considered the best present Joseph could get.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about all the giving that happened in Joseph’s house?
• Has fear taken away your generosity?
• If you don’t have money to give, what else can you give someone to show generosity?