Exegesis on Genesis 43 Jacob's Term Paper

Genesis 44

Lines 1-17 present a deep examination of the nature of false and real accusations, and also of personal responsibility. Joseph has the stewards accost the brothers for wronging him and of stealing; interestingly he does not accuse them directly. It seems as if Joseph is testing them to become a better judge of their character, but the story also illustrates the social hierarchies extant at the time the book was penned. In any case, Benjamin's reaction is curious; first he protests his innocence, obviously lying. His eventual submission leads to an honorable act of forgiveness. Again the nature of familial ties is underscored in this passage, for Joseph treats his brethren with mercy and respect rather than with hatred and scorn. Thus, this passage is not a moral injunction against stealing; that would be too simple an interpretation. Rather, Genesis 44: 1-17 reads as a story of love and affection among family members and loved ones, and it is a tale of forgiveness.

Genesis 45

This chapter of Genesis continues the theme of repentance and forgiveness discussed in the previous two chapters. The author(s) suggest that through humility one can achieve redemption; that our sins do not necessarily result in eternal damnation especially when we are willing to make amends. Moreover, family has an obligation to give the benefit of the doubt to kin. Had Joseph condemned Benjamin and not forgiven him, he would have seemed hard-hearted. The authors are using the examples of Joseph and Benjamin to show the benefits of forgiveness and to show that forgiveness is a difficult but divine decision that is, however ultimately a matter of free will. Free will is implied in the fact that it is Joseph who forgives, not God, and God does not directly instruct Joseph on how to act.

Works Cited

Genesis 43-45." The Bible: King James Version. Online at Bartleby.com. http://www.bartleby.com/108/01/44.html

Genesis 43-45." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.asp?ViewCommentary=Genesis+45&Version=MHC.