The sons of Israel ate the food they had bought in Egypt. Israel asked them to go back to buy more grain, but they protested. Simeon was already held captive in Egypt, and they knew that if they returned to Pharoah’s servant for more food without Benjamin, that he would not help them. So they convinced Israel to send Benjamin with them. Judah offered to be surety, or collateral, for Benjamin if he did not return. Israel sent double money and gifts with the sons in order to make up for the fact that their money was returned on the last trip.
Once they got to Egypt, Joseph was delighted to see Benjamin, and was moved emotionally, but put on a feast for his brothers welcoming them back to Egypt. He made sure that Benjamin got 5 times as much as the rest of the brothers. When they started to leave to return to Israel, Joseph had all their money returned, and put his own cup in Benjamin’s bag. He did this and then sent his men after them after they left.
The servants caught up with the sons of Israel, and they were brought back to Egypt when they found Joseph’s cup in Benjamin’s bag. The other brothers were mortified that it was Benjamin.
The path God takes us on sometimes goes places we had not dreamed. Some good, some bad. Wherever it goes, though, we can trust God to get us where we need to go. Even when we feel like things are not going anywhere near the blessings of God, the blessings could be right around the next bend. Hold on and never give up!
Devoted To You 