This verse illuminates how Jacob’s trust in God superseded his fear for Benjamin’s safety.
Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man (v.13). Jacob, also called Israel (who likely lived around 2006-1859 BC), issues this command to his sons as they prepare to go back to Egypt during a dire famine. The phrase “take your brother” follows the tense moment when the brothers admit they cannot return without their youngest sibling, Benjamin, because the Egyptian official (unknown to them as Joseph, their brother) demanded it. This gesture demonstrates Jacob’s reluctant decision to trust the divine plan for his family, even though he fears for Benjamin’s safety.
In terms of geography, Jacob and his family sojourned in Canaan, a land bridge between Africa and Asia known for its varying climate and fertile regions. They faced a severe famine, prompting journeys to Egypt, which lay southwest across the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt, nourished by the Nile’s yearly floods, could sustain life when surrounding regions could not. This verse shows how desperation forced Jacob to overcome his deep-seated fears, releasing control over the last child of his beloved wife, Rachel.
Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man (v.13) also foreshadows the great restoration of Joseph (who lived around 1914-1805 BC) to his family, highlighting God’s overarching plan of redemption, eventually pointing to the Messiah who would reconcile humanity to God (Romans 5:10). Joseph here stands as a hidden instrument of salvation for his family, just as Christ is heralded as the ultimate Savior. Jacob’s step of faith in sending Benjamin is a small but pivotal act that sets in motion the bigger story of reconciliation—an echo of the gospel’s message that calls us to trust God’s purpose amid uncertainty.
Set to dark mode
Genesis 43:13 meaning
Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man (v.13). Jacob, also called Israel (who likely lived around 2006-1859 BC), issues this command to his sons as they prepare to go back to Egypt during a dire famine. The phrase “take your brother” follows the tense moment when the brothers admit they cannot return without their youngest sibling, Benjamin, because the Egyptian official (unknown to them as Joseph, their brother) demanded it. This gesture demonstrates Jacob’s reluctant decision to trust the divine plan for his family, even though he fears for Benjamin’s safety.
In terms of geography, Jacob and his family sojourned in Canaan, a land bridge between Africa and Asia known for its varying climate and fertile regions. They faced a severe famine, prompting journeys to Egypt, which lay southwest across the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt, nourished by the Nile’s yearly floods, could sustain life when surrounding regions could not. This verse shows how desperation forced Jacob to overcome his deep-seated fears, releasing control over the last child of his beloved wife, Rachel.
Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man (v.13) also foreshadows the great restoration of Joseph (who lived around 1914-1805 BC) to his family, highlighting God’s overarching plan of redemption, eventually pointing to the Messiah who would reconcile humanity to God (Romans 5:10). Joseph here stands as a hidden instrument of salvation for his family, just as Christ is heralded as the ultimate Savior. Jacob’s step of faith in sending Benjamin is a small but pivotal act that sets in motion the bigger story of reconciliation—an echo of the gospel’s message that calls us to trust God’s purpose amid uncertainty.