Genesis 44:25

And our father said, Go again, [and] buy us a little food.

And our father {H1} said {H559}, Go again {H7725}, and buy {H7666} us a little {H4592} food {H400}.

but when our father said, 'Go again, and buy us some food,'

Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy us some food.’

And our father said, Go again, buy us a little food.

Commentary

Genesis 44:25 finds Jacob's family in a desperate situation, still reeling from the severe famine and the complex events surrounding their previous trip to Egypt. This verse is part of Judah's plea to Joseph, recounting their father Jacob's direct command.

Context

This verse is spoken by Judah, while he and his brothers are in Egypt, facing a dire accusation concerning Joseph's silver cup. They are explaining to Joseph (who they still don't recognize) why they brought Benjamin with them on this second journey. Their father, Jacob, had initially been extremely reluctant to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt, fearing harm would come to him after the presumed loss of Joseph. However, the famine throughout the land of Canaan was so severe that their existing provisions had run out. Jacob's instruction, "Go again, and buy us a little food," underscores the sheer necessity for survival that compelled them to return to the land of the Pharaohs, despite the risks and Jacob's deep sorrow.

Key Themes

  • Survival and Necessity: The primary motivation behind Jacob's command and the brothers' journey is the urgent need for sustenance. The phrase "a little food" highlights the extreme scarcity and the family's precarious position.
  • Parental Authority and Responsibility: Jacob, as the patriarch, bears the heavy burden of providing for his large family. His command reflects his role as their leader and provider, even as it forces him to make agonizing decisions.
  • The Unfolding of God's Providence: Unbeknownst to Jacob and his sons, their repeated journeys to Egypt are orchestrated by God. Each step, including this seemingly simple command to buy food, is part of Joseph's divine plan to test his brothers and ultimately preserve his family and the nascent nation of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "go again" (שׁוּבוּ - shuvu) literally means "return" or "go back." It emphasizes the repetitive nature of their desperate efforts to find food. The term "food" (שֶׁבֶר - shever) specifically refers to grain or provisions bought from a store, highlighting the commercial transaction necessary due to the famine. Jacob's request for "a little food" (מְעַט אֹכֶל - me'at okhel) further stresses the dire circumstances—they weren't seeking abundance, but simply enough to survive.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even in moments of deep distress and uncertainty, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold. Jacob's family was focused on immediate physical survival, but God was working through their trials to bring about a greater purpose—the preservation of His chosen line and the eventual growth of Israel. For us, it highlights the importance of perseverance in difficult times and trusting that God can use even our mundane or desperate actions to advance His perfect will. It also underscores the weight of responsibility in leadership, whether in a family or a community, to provide and care for those entrusted to us, even when it requires personal sacrifice or difficult choices.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:2 (5 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.

  • Genesis 43:5 (2 votes)

    But if thou wilt not send [him], we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother [be] with you.