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Genesis 43 · Grade 5

A Pledge and a Feast

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Read and Think

As the famine deepens, the brothers face an impossible choice: starve, or bring Benjamin to Egypt. Reuben's earlier offer (42:37) had been rash. Now Judah offers something better: I'll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. Judah, who once sold a brother for silver, now offers himself as surety for a brother. This prepares for his greater act of self-sacrifice in Genesis 44.

Jacob relents with a prayer of surrender: May God Almighty give you mercy before the man. He added, If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. He sends gifts and double money, seeking to make things right. At Joseph's house the brothers expect punishment, but instead they hear words of peace: Peace be to you. Don't be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure. Grace surprises them.

Joseph's composure breaks when he sees his mother's son Benjamin, and he weeps in private. At the meal the brothers are seated in birth order, to their astonishment, and Benjamin receives five portions. Joseph is testing whether envy of a favored son still rules them. This time they drank, and were merry with him. The scene anticipates the gospel feast: a hidden lord who knows his brothers fully, receives them graciously, and prepares a table before them (Psalm 23:5).

Show What You Know

  1. How did Judah's offer differ from his past?

  2. What did Jacob's prayer show?

  3. What surprising words did the brothers hear at Joseph's house?

  4. Why did Joseph give Benjamin five portions?

  5. How does the feast picture the gospel?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

JudahGodBenjaminbrothers
  1. As the famine deepens, the face an impossible choice: starve, or bring Benjamin to Egypt.
  2. , who once sold a brother for silver, now offers himself as surety for a brother.
  3. Jacob relents with a prayer of surrender: May Almighty give you mercy before the man.
  4. At the meal the brothers are seated in birth order, to their astonishment, and receives five portions.

Think About It

  1. Judah offered himself for his brother. How have Christians seen this as a picture of Jesus?

  2. The brothers expected punishment but received peace. How is that like God's grace to us?

Memory Verse

May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

Genesis 43:14 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can you stand up for someone weaker than you?
  • How can you trust God with an outcome you cannot control?
  • How can you show mercy to people who wronged you?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.