Jacob entrusts his loved ones to El Shaddai and bows to whatever result may come.
“And may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (v.14) In this verse, Jacob—also called Israel—invokes the name “God Almighty,” which in Hebrew is “El Shaddai.” This name appears multiple times throughout the book of Genesis, underscoring the Lord’s absolute power and authority over all creation as well as His tender care for His people. By calling on “God Almighty,” Jacob expresses his trust that the Lord will sovereignly protect his sons and soften the heart of the Egyptian official who has demanded to see Benjamin. In Jacob’s mind, this powerful Egyptian “man” remains unknown to him, though the reader knows that it is actually Joseph, his long-lost son who resides in the land of Egypt.During this time, Jacob’s family is still dwelling in Canaan, while the Egyptian empire is focused around the lush Nile region. Their desperate need for grain due to the ongoing famine forces Jacob to risk losing more children, because he believes Joseph to be gone forever, and Simeon has been withheld in Egypt until they return with Benjamin. Jacob’s plea for divine compassion captures the precarious nature of sending his beloved youngest son into potential danger. The phrase “if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved” conveys Jacob’s resigned acceptance that God is ultimately in control, even if the outcome leads to profound sorrow.
Jacob’s prayer serves as a demonstration of faith that the Almighty has the power to work through difficult circumstances, ensuring that the Egyptian ruler will release his children. It also foreshadows the remarkable reunion and reconciliation that are to come, as God often works behind the scenes to accomplish His greater plan.
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Genesis 43:14 meaning
“And may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (v.14) In this verse, Jacob—also called Israel—invokes the name “God Almighty,” which in Hebrew is “El Shaddai.” This name appears multiple times throughout the book of Genesis, underscoring the Lord’s absolute power and authority over all creation as well as His tender care for His people. By calling on “God Almighty,” Jacob expresses his trust that the Lord will sovereignly protect his sons and soften the heart of the Egyptian official who has demanded to see Benjamin. In Jacob’s mind, this powerful Egyptian “man” remains unknown to him, though the reader knows that it is actually Joseph, his long-lost son who resides in the land of Egypt.During this time, Jacob’s family is still dwelling in Canaan, while the Egyptian empire is focused around the lush Nile region. Their desperate need for grain due to the ongoing famine forces Jacob to risk losing more children, because he believes Joseph to be gone forever, and Simeon has been withheld in Egypt until they return with Benjamin. Jacob’s plea for divine compassion captures the precarious nature of sending his beloved youngest son into potential danger. The phrase “if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved” conveys Jacob’s resigned acceptance that God is ultimately in control, even if the outcome leads to profound sorrow.
Jacob’s prayer serves as a demonstration of faith that the Almighty has the power to work through difficult circumstances, ensuring that the Egyptian ruler will release his children. It also foreshadows the remarkable reunion and reconciliation that are to come, as God often works behind the scenes to accomplish His greater plan.