THE K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S
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The W ho le Bible Sunday School Lesson Course Recommended by World’s Fundamental Association
EXPOSITION and PERTINENT QUESTIONS COMMENTS FROM THE COMMENTARIES ELEMENTARY
T. C. Horton V. V. Morgan Kate H. Haus
JANUARY 13, 1924 THE FAMINE Genesis, Chapters 43-45
Benjamin, and in his appeal to Joseph.
(Esther 4:16;
Heb. 10:22). Why were the brethren fearful? They had not stolen the money. Why should they think that Joseph sought an occasion against them? The Egyptian steward acknowl edged the God of the Hebrews (v. 23) but these Israelites did not know much about the God of their fathers. Neither do the young people of today. An appeal to the “God of our Fathers” should stir us all, but it does not. These men could not understand how anyone could do a good deed without a sinister motive. What we need is ability to see God’s hand and believe, despite the unex plainable things. God uses circumstances to reveal His purposes. He is in the circumstances, and we should rec ognize Him. Despite their doubts, they were taken in and cared for. How it must have given pleasure to Joseph to have the fruit from the homeland! But he was a ruler, and there was something else he longed for— an honest word. (2) JOSEPH RESORTING TOi STRATEGY, Ch. 44, “And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.” v. 12. Again Joseph plans to bring his brethren into the true light. He tests them again. He uses his cup which is placed in Benjamin’s sack. Why did he do this? His heart was full of affection for them, but perhaps he wanted a fuller demonstration. Perhaps he wanted to teach them, through the quickening of their conscience, the needed les son which would better prepare them for the national life before them in Egypt. Judah’s plaintive pleading as he told the story of Ja cob’s concern for Benjamin produced the desired effect and brought the episode to a fitting finale. (3) JOSEPH REVEALING HIMSELF, 45:1-8, “I am Joseph.” What a graphic picture is here! The ruler of Egypt standing in the presence of Jacob’s eleven sons who, with bowed heads, awaited his verdict. The silver efip was found in Benjamin’s sack and is the witness against them. They had forfeited the life of Benjamin by their own con sent. Judah pleads for his life, tells the pahetic story of Ja cob’s fear and grief and of the possible result of their returning without Benjamin, the son of his old age. Jo seph has reached the climax and can no longer refrain from revealing himself and orders the room cleared while he reveals himself to them. “I am Joseph!” (Jer. 20:9; Matt. 18:15; Acts 10:41). Did his words fall like a verdict from a jury upon a con demned criminal? Did the twenty years which had passed fade away and did they stand before the lad who, with tearful eyes, plead with them for his life while they indif ferently sat down to eat, unmoved by his agony? Now he stands before them, the ruler of Egypt, with all the power of a king. The voice of Joseph is tender and soft and his eyes filled with tears (v. 2 ). They could not answer his question concerning his father. They were like
Golden Text: “And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.” Gen. 45:13.- Outline:
(1 ) Joseph Receiving His Brethren, Ch. 43. (2) Joseph Resorting to Strategy, Ch. 44. (3 ) Joseph Revealing Himself, Ch. 45:1-15. (4) Joseph Rescuing His Father, vs. 16-28. Introduction:
In this lesson we must read three chap- ' ters covering an interesting continuation of the story of Joseph and his family. It
UESSON
EXPOSITION T. C. Horton
is necessary to greatly condense the ma terial and give only the outstanding les sons. The scholars should be urged to read these three chapters as many times as possible. (T h e te a c h e r sh o u ld k e e p in m in d th e p e rio d of Old T e s ta m e n t h is to ry in w h ic h th is le sso n f a lls—b e in g th e T h ird P e r iod— a c c o rd in g _ to th e “B ird ’s-e y e V iew of O ld T e s ta m e n t H is to r y ’ w h ic h is b e in g stu d ie d in co n n e c tio n w ith th e s e lesso n s. T h e sc h o la rs sh o u ld re v ie w th e ir m em o ry w o rk in c o n n ectio n w ith th is p erio d , a n d be re a d y to b e g in w ith th e F o u rth P e r iod—M oses to J o s h u a— on J a n u a r y 27.) (1) JOSEPH RECEIVING HIS BRETHREN, Ch. 43, “And lie said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.” v. 29. In the homeland, while the bread lasted, there was no contrition and no confession to their father of their sin. Men have to be driven to confession. God’s providences are strange. As long as men are pros perous and their sins are hidden, they remain insensible to the effect of their sin. (Prov. 28:13) “H o th a t co v er eth h is s in s sh a ll n o t p rosp er; bu t w h o so c o n fe sse th and fo r sa k e th th em sh a ll h a v e m ercy .” Jacob is suspicious. The whole ^transaction is strange. He does not believe the story of his sons. It seemed be yond belief. What occasion would a sovereign have to care to keep Simeon? Famine, however, drove Jacob to terms and he yields because he cannot help himself. He has not changed. He plans as he did with Esau. He thinks a present will reach the heart of the king. He calls it a “gift,” not a bribe. It is difficult to reject a gift or the giver. Notice his prayer, (v. 14): And God A lm ig h ty g iv e y o u m ercy b e fo r e th e m an , th a t h< m a y send aw a y y ou r o th e r b roth er, and B en jam in . I f . I I h b ereav ed o f m y ch ild ren , I am be reaved .” Jacob is left alone for a time of heart-searching. It is £ good thing to be alone occasionally and review our pasi lives, our doubts, our failures, and be driven to submission to God. Jacob was forced to cast himself upon God. Faith is developed through testing. Why not look for deliverance rather than yield to despondency? Jacob was honest anyway. He insisted that they take back the money. The heroism of Judah appeals to us,— in the sale of Joseph, in prevailing with his father for the sending of
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