Ever felt like your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling? The story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt the second time reminds us that God often answers in ways we never expect—just in time, and always for our good.

Joseph Meets His Brothers in Egypt – Again

This Genesis Bible lesson gives us a closer look at Jacob, Joseph’s brothers, and the moment when Joseph meets Benjamin for the first time in years. Their second journey to Egypt becomes a turning point where God answers Jacob’s prayer—though not in the way he imagined.

Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt

Jacob and his family had reached a desperate point. The famine was growing worse, and the food they had brought back from Egypt was running out. The brothers knew they couldn’t return to buy more grain unless Benjamin went with them, just as Joseph—still unrecognized by them—had demanded.

“If it must be so, then do this…”

Israel told his sons to bring gifts—balm, honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds—along with double the money to repay what had been found in their grain sacks. He added,

“May God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man.”
– Genesis 43:11–15 (NASB)

This prayer from Jacob sets the tone for the entire chapter: a father trusting God in a situation completely out of his control.

Joseph Meets His Brother Benjamin

The journey back to Egypt must have been filled with tension. Benjamin, the youngest, was Jacob’s most protected son. But now, with the famine worsening, the family had no choice.

The Prayer of Israel

Jacob had prayed again and again for relief from the famine. Yet nothing changed. It may have seemed like God wasn’t listening at all. Many of us know that feeling. We pray, we wait, and still the situation stays the same.

Are Our Prayers Heard?

Have you ever wondered if God hears your prayers? When answers seem delayed, we might assume God is silent or distant. But Genesis 43 shows that God was working behind the scenes the entire time—lining things up for a greater purpose.

A “Just in Time” God

God moves according to His perfect timing. Jacob wanted the famine to end; instead, God used it to restore a broken family. The prayers were answered—just not in the way Jacob expected.

Praying for Snakes

Jesus once asked,

“If your son asks for a fish, will you give him a snake?”
– Matthew 7:10

Sometimes we ask for things that seem good to us, but God knows they aren’t what we truly need. We may be “praying for snakes” without realizing it. God protects us by giving something better.

How Did Joseph Test His Brothers?

Joseph had every human reason to be bitter, but instead he chose to test his brothers’ character. He needed to know whether they had changed since the day they sold him into slavery.

By requesting Benjamin and observing how the brothers treated him, Joseph discovered something important: their hearts had softened. What once was jealousy and resentment had grown into loyalty and protectiveness.

This test wasn’t about revenge. It was about reconciliation. Joseph longed to restore his family, but he needed assurance that the past would not repeat itself.

Prayer Works!

The story ends with a powerful truth: God hears our prayers. Even when answers are delayed, God is arranging something far better than we imagined.

Jacob’s heartfelt request for mercy was answered—not through an immediate end to the famine, but through a reunion that eventually saved an entire nation.

Don’t stop praying. God sees your situation. And His answers are always worth the wait.

Love in Christ,
Bob

For related studies, you can find more lessons on Making Christ Known, including reflections on Joseph’s charge in Egypt and life lessons from Joseph.

Or, if you want to discover how to receive the love and life-changing grace of Jesus Christ, please go here for more information.