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Genesis 43:10 (BSB)
If we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“If we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now.”” — Genesis 43:10
Imagine standing at a crossroads, feeling the weight of missed opportunities. This line captures a moment of regret as the speaker reflects on how, if they hadn’t hesitated, they would’ve already made two trips back. It’s a powerful reminder of how delay can impact our journey, making you think about the moments in your life where hesitation cost you something important. It’s raw, it’s real, and it speaks to the human experience of looking back and wishing we had acted sooner.
The book of Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, who wrote it to document the beginnings of the world, humanity, and the Israelite people. He included this moment to show the very real struggles of family dynamics and the consequences of our choices. Moses wanted future generations to understand the weight of their decisions and how they shape our lives. His perspective as a leader and a witness to God’s unfolding plan gives this verse depth and significance.
This story takes place in a time when agriculture and trade were vital, around 1600 BC in the Ancient Near East. People relied on crops for survival, and famine was a serious threat. The world was filled with nomadic tribes and emerging cities, and family ties were incredibly important. This context helps us understand why the brothers are so desperate to return to Egypt—their very survival depends on it. Knowing this makes their hesitation even more poignant, as it highlights the tension between fear and necessity.
This verse speaks directly to you today by reminding you that hesitation can have real consequences. Maybe you’ve faced a tough decision where you thought, 'What if I had acted sooner?' It’s a universal feeling, and this verse encourages you to reflect on your choices without letting fear hold you back. It’s about recognizing the importance of timing in your life, urging you to take action when you need to, rather than letting doubt keep you stuck.
This week, think about something you’ve been putting off—maybe a conversation or a decision you've been hesitant about. Challenge yourself to take the first step! Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while or pursuing an opportunity that’s been on your mind. Make a plan to act instead of waiting. Just like the brothers needed to return to Egypt, you might find that facing your situation head-on could lead to the resolution you’re looking for.
In this chapter, the brothers are in a tight spot, facing a food shortage and realizing they need to return to Egypt to buy grain. The tension is high because their previous trip resulted in a dire ultimatum from the Egyptian official—who they don’t yet know is their brother Joseph. This verse comes right after they’ve been discussing the consequences of their past actions. Now, they’re wrestling with the idea that if they had just acted sooner, they could have avoided this complicated situation. It emphasizes the urgency and pressure they’re feeling, pushing the story forward as they prepare to face their brother again.
When have you hesitated in your life, and how did it affect your journey? What would have changed if you had acted sooner?
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