Read Genesis 43:1-14
Verse 1-14 -
Jacob urges his sons to go and buy a little food; now, in time of
dearth, a little must suffice. Judah urges that Benjamin should go
with them. It is not against the honour and duty children owe their
parents, humbly to advise them, and when needful, to reason with
them. Jacob saw the necessity of the case, and yielded. His prudence
and justice appeared in three things. 1. He sent back the money they
had found in the sack. Honesty obliges us to restore not only that
which comes to us by our own fault, but that which comes to us by
the mistakes of others. Though we get it by oversight, if we keep it
when the oversight is discovered, it is kept by deceit. 2. He sent
as much again as they took the time before; the price of corn might
be risen, or they might have to pay a ransom for Simeon. 3. He sent
a present of such things as the land afforded, and as were scarce in
Egypt, balm, and honey, &c. Providence dispenses not its gifts to
all alike. But honey and spice will never make up the want of
bread-corn. The famine was sore in Canaan, yet they had balm and
myrrh, &c. We may live well enough upon plain food, without
dainties; but we cannot live upon dainties without plain food. Let
us thank God that what is most needful and useful, generally is most
cheap and common. Though men value very highly their gold and
silver, and the luxuries which are counted the best fruits of every
land, yet in a time of famine they willingly barter them for bread.
And how little will earthly good things stand us in stead in the day
of wrath! How ready should we be to renounce them all, as loss, for
the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ! Our way to prevail
with man is by first prevailing with the Lord in fervent prayer.
But, Thy will be done, should close every petition for the mercies
of this life, or against the afflictions of this life.
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