Genesis 43 – The Second Journey to Egypt: Judah Leads, Benjamin Goes, Joseph Weeps, and the Brothers Feast Together (KJV Bible Study Chart)

Genesis 43 continues the testing begun in Genesis 42. The famine remains severe, and Jacob’s household eventually consumes the grain brought from Egypt. When Jacob tells his sons to return for more, Judah reminds him that the Egyptian ruler had forbidden them to appear again without Benjamin. Judah’s role has changed considerably since Genesis 37. He now assumes responsibility and tells Jacob, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go.”

Jacob finally yields. He instructs the brothers to take a gift containing balm, honey, spices, myrrh, nuts, and almonds. These gifts belong to Genesis 43:11, not the first journey in Genesis 42. He also tells them to carry double money in verses 12–13, including the money that had been returned in their sacks. Jacob then commits Benjamin to them with the prayer, “God Almighty give you mercy before the man.”

When Joseph sees Benjamin, he orders his steward to bring the brothers into his house and prepare a meal. The invitation frightens them because they assume the returned money has created an accusation against them. In verses 17–22 the brothers collectively, not Judah specifically, explain the money to Joseph’s steward.

The steward answers, “Peace be to you, fear not,” and attributes the treasure to their God and the God of their father. Simeon is then brought out to them. The men receive water, their animals are fed, and they prepare their present for Joseph.

Joseph arrives at noon, and the brothers bow themselves before him, continuing the fulfillment of the dreams recorded in Genesis 37. He asks about Jacob’s welfare. When Joseph sees Benjamin, his full brother, he says, “God be gracious unto thee, my son.” Joseph’s emotions become overwhelming, and he withdraws into his chamber to weep. This occurs in Genesis 43:29–30.

The meal that follows contains remarkable details. Joseph eats separately because Egyptians would not eat bread with Hebrews, while the brothers are seated before him “the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth.” Their exact placement causes them to marvel.

Joseph then sends portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion is five times greater than the others. The text does not explicitly explain whether this is itself another deliberate jealousy test, though within the larger narrative it certainly creates another situation in which Benjamin receives conspicuous favor.

The chapter closes peacefully: “And they drank, and were merry with him.” Yet Joseph has still not revealed himself. Genesis 43 is therefore a chapter of preparation. The brothers have returned obediently, Judah has demonstrated responsibility, Benjamin is present, Simeon is restored, and Joseph’s love is visibly stirring. The final moral test will come in Genesis 44 before the revelation of Genesis 45.