Questions
3. Why did Jacob struggle over sending his sons back to Egypt? He is afraid that he would lose another son.
4. How did Judah persuade Jacob to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt with his brothers? 8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die. 9 I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life. 10 As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice."
5. a. What instructions did Jacob give his sons before they set out on their journey? Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks.
b. What truths about God are revealed in Jacob’s prayer? His prayer to seek mercy from God, and he recognized that only God could keep his sons safe.
c. What do Jacob’s words, “As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved,” reveal? He yields to God, acknowledging that everything is in God’s hand.
6. What difficult situation are you facing that requires surrendering your control or comfort? What are you learning? In finances and uncertainty, there is nothing I could do. What I can do could be in vain. I can only leave it up to God.