Definition: And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved [of my children], I am bereaved.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Genesis 43:14. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising verse in the story of Joseph! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is showing compassion for Joseph, even though he lost his family. He’s giving him a chance to move on and not repeat this tragedy. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “And God Almighty give you mercy before the man…” – This means God isn't just being merciful; He's actively showing compassion. He’s offering forgiveness and a second chance. “…that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin.” – This is the key part. God is giving Joseph a choice: to let go of his brother (who was also a slave) and Benjamin, who was a younger brother. He's essentially saying, “Let this happen. It’s the right thing to do for your family." “If I be bereaved [of my children], I am bereaved.” – This is the core of the verse. God says that if he loses his family (his children), then he will lose everything. It's a statement of profound loss and consequence. What’s the bigger picture? This passage shows God’s love and concern for Joseph, even though he made a terrible mistake. It highlights that God is willing to forgive and let go of things, even when it hurts us deeply. It also speaks to the idea that our choices have consequences – sometimes we need to make difficult decisions to protect those we love. Important Note: The word "bereaved" in this context refers to a loss of family . It's not just about losing a brother or a younger sibling; it’s about the end of a lineage and the continuity of family history. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God's love, forgiveness, and the consequences of our choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Genesis 43 story? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like Joseph’s life)?