7. They replied, "The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kinsfolk saying: 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' And so we answered these questions. Could we have known that he would tell us to bring our brother?"
Genesis 43 continues the narrative of the story of Joseph and his brothers. Jacob, the brothers' father, instructs his children to return to Egypt to buy more food, taking his younger brother, Benjamin, who was the only remaining brother of Jacob's beloved son, Joseph. The topics covered in this chapter include paternal love, repentance, sacrifice and divine providence.
Deuteronomy 6:5: "Thou shalt love, then, the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and all thy forces." The love relationship between Jacob and his children is an important theme in Genesis 43. Jacob's love for his children is an image of God's love for his children, and this verse of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of love for God as a fundamental principle .
Proverbs 28:13: "Which covers your transgressions will never prosper, but what confesses them and leaves them, will reach mercy." Judah, one of Joseph's brothers, assumes responsibility to ensure that Benjamin is kept safe and promises his father that he will bring him back. This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and confession to achieve mercy.
Hebrews 13:16: "You do not neglect the practice of good and mutual cooperation, because with such sacrifices God is pleased." When Joseph's brothers return to Egypt, they bring them gifts to Joseph. This verse emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the practice of good, and how it pleases God.
Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart, man plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps." Divine providence is an important theme in Genesis 43. Joseph's brothers' journey to Egypt was planned by themselves, but the end result was determined by God. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things.
John 10:27-28: "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and will never perish. No one can tear them out of my hand." Joseph cares deeply about his younger brother, Benjamin, and protects him in the best way he can. This verse emphasizes the security of those who belong to God and how He protects them and cares for them.
“A mansidão reprime a ira.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
