Genesis 43

8. Joseph’s brothers’ second journey into Egypt ch. 43

Chapters 43-45 are a unit describing what happened when Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt. Like chapter 42, which this section echoes, it consists of seven scenes arranged palistrophically with the central scene being the arrest of Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 44:1-13).

A Jacob sends his sons to Egypt (Genesis 43:1-14).

B Arrival in Egypt; the steward and the brothers (Genesis 43:15-25)

C Lunch with Joseph (Genesis 43:26-34)

D The brothers arrested (Genesis 44:1-13)

C’ Joseph’s self-disclosure (Genesis 44:14 to Genesis 45:15)

B’ Departure from Egypt; Pharaoh and the brothers (Genesis 45:16-24)

A’ Jacob receives his sons’ report (Genesis 45:25-28). [Note: Wenham, Genesis 16-50, pp. 418-19.]

Upon returning to Canaan the brothers had to persuade Jacob to let Benjamin accompany them on their next trip to Egypt, which they did with considerable difficulty. When they went back to Egypt and tried to return the money they had found in their sacks, Joseph received them graciously and dealt with them peacefully. He also showered Benjamin with lavish favoritism to test his brothers for jealousy.