Genesis 43:31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”
Commentary talks about this dinner, this seating arrangement, this favoritism of the youngest as a test crafted by Joseph to be sure his brothers’ hearts are truly changed. I still struggle with seeing it as some kind of payback on Joseph’s part.
Genesis 43:32 They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians.
I suspect my skepticism says more about me as a person than I would like. Trust is incredibly difficult for me. And once my trust is broken, it is extremely hard for me to feel that I can trust that person again. I feel like, perhaps, God is calling me on this issue yet again, reminding me to hand it over to Him.
Genesis 43:33 The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment.
Precious Savior, You know trust is hard for me. Forgive me that I take it to the levels that I do. Show me how to trust You and trust others and not leave myself open to being gutted by betrayal and cruelty. I know I still have work to do. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 43:34 When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.
Have a blessed day.