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Daily Devotion: Genesis 45:19-24

Genesis 45:19-24    "Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way."

Joseph’s brothers were granted an abundance in order to bring their families to Egypt. Some commentators indicate that Pharoah had decreed that wagons loads of grain should not be allowed to leave Egypt during the great famine they were in. However, for love of Joseph and a desire to see him happy, Pharaoh relented and even commanded that they should take wagons loaded with provisions. These same wagons would then be used for the return trip to bring their wives, children, and father back.

He further set their minds at ease by telling them not to worry about the things they would not be able to bring (household items, etc.). They were to be given the good of all the land of Egypt. They would not suffer any lack because of this move. Joseph saw to it that they should be given everything that Pharaoh had commanded. 

They were given food for their journey. Jospeh gave each of them changes of raiment. However, it would appear that he gave more changes of raiment to Benjamin than he did the others. In addition to raiment, he also gave Benjamin a substantial sum of money. 

Israel had sent Joseph a present of the best they had to offer when the brothers came to Egypt this time. Joseph in turn sent ten donkeys loaded with good things from Egypt plus another ten loaded with corn, bread, and meat to be used by the way. He sent his brothers on their journey to get his father and their families. He also charged them to see that they did not fall out by the way.

Joseph was warning his brothers not to get caught up in laying blame for the events that transpired prior to Joseph’s coming to Egypt. Knowing his brothers, he was also warning them to guard against jealousy since Benjamin had been given more than the others. In truth, they were all going with more than they had brought. None of them were lacking in any way.

Dear ones, remember that God is never going to send you on a journey in His kingdom without providing for you to make the trip. He will always see to it that there are blessings sufficient for you to be able to go by the way that He has commanded. Also, be careful to not let envy overtake you. We may not all have the same talents or the same measure of faith, but Jesus gives according to our ability. We always have more than what we brought with us.


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