Genesis 43
Dear RTB’ers,
Joseph and his brothers, again. There is one character in today’s chapter who is seldom acknowledged, Joseph’s house steward. Yet, beyond the main characters (Jacob, the brothers, Joseph) he plays a key role as an intermediary. He is simply following Joseph’s orders: … he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph’s house. (Gen. 43:16b-17) The story continues: And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house …So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the door of the house… (Gen. 43:18a-19) The steward did as he was instructed, but he did it with a kind and gracious heart, saying “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” … [and he had] … given them water, and … given their donkeys fodder… (Gen. 43:23-24) Genesis 43:32b tells us exactly how gracious this house steward was: and the Egyptians … could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. A couple thousand years down the road, we’ll see similar words and behaviors from other intermediaries: …the angel Gabriel … said to her, “Do not be afraid…” (Luke 1:26, 30); … And an angel of the Lord … said to them, “Do not be afraid…” (Luke 2:9, 10) God at work, way back when, again later, then again and again, and still…!
Blessings!