Genesis 43: 15 -32

What was God thinking? God had a plan. God worked to fulfill his plan. His plan was long-term. God thinks about what is going to happen in centuries not just about what is going to happen today. We see this proven by the testimony of scripture. God told Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. The Old Testament shows that God honored his promise. Through the intervention of God, Abraham fathered his son Isaac in his old age. Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the twelve sons. They grew up and fathered the twelve tribes of Israel. God took hundreds of years to fulfill his promise to Abraham.

The Old Testament reveals God at work in the course of human events. We see Him intervene to shape the direction of human society and the nation of Israel. God’s revelation to us reveals that His love for humanity is what motivates him. We know he desires the best for us and he desires to reconcile us to himself. It is not always clear what God is thinking, and why He leads where he leads. Why did God lead Israel into Egypt knowing it would result in 400 years of slavery?

Verse 32 gives us insight into what God was planning. The Egyptians found Hebrews detestable. They did not eat with them, socialize with them, nor marry them. The 400 years the Israelites spend in Egypt was perfect for God’s plan for this reason. The Egyptians attitude allows the Hebrews to grow strong and mighty in numbers without having their faith in God corrupted by false beliefs. The 400 years they spent persecuted as slaves allowed them to form a strong national identity and unity. When viewed from this perspective it is easy to see that the 400 years of slavery were essential for Israel to become a nation. Yes, God’s plan led Israel into 400 years of slavery. His plan then led them out of slavery into victory. Do not judge God’s plan by the journey, but by the outcome. God’s plan may lead through slavery, but it always ends in Freedom.