창세기 Chapter 43

Translation: ESV

8

And Judah said to Israel his father, 'Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, so that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.'

Key Message

A true leader is someone who takes personal responsibility for others, and this is the fruit of repentance that Judah's transformation demonstrates.

▸Judah tells his father he will personally take responsibility for Benjamin.

Judah tells his father he will personally take responsibility for Benjamin. This is a different person from the Judah of chapter 38 who wronged Tamar. Judah has been transformed in the direction of sacrificing himself for others. This transformation reaches its climax in chapter 44.

Related Verses

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14

May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

Key Message

Confessing God's almightiness in the most fearful moment and entrusting the outcome to Him is the expression of mature faith.

▸Jacob finally entrusts the outcome to God.

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?' And he said, 'God be gracious to you, my son!'

Key Message

The meeting of brothers made possible across long separation and old wounds is a grace only God's providence can accomplish.

▸This is the moment Joseph first sees Benjamin.

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.

Key Message

A changed heart is proven when one can rejoice together with others rather than envy them, even in the face of unequal treatment.

▸Joseph's giving Benjamin five times as much reveals his special affection, but it is also a test to see whether the brothers would respond to Benjamin's preferential treatment without jealousy.