Genesis 43:16

Key Reflection

The men, including Benjamin, brought a present and double money as instructed by Joseph, likely to appease any suspicion of theft from the previous interaction with their brother Simeon. Their journey to Egypt was a familiar one for these Israelites, but this time they stood before Joseph not just as merchants, but also as representatives of their father Jacob. The original audience would have recognized the gravity of their mission and the potential consequences if they failed to gain favor in Joseph's eyes.