The uniting of Joseph and Benjamin presents, in addition to its immediate affectionate scene, a typical meaning.
Both present types of Christ. Joseph, seen among his brethren in Canaan is a type of the Messiah of Israel. But he was rejected by his own people and cast into the pit—also a picture of Christ in death. Next he was found among the Gentiles, an obedient and humble servant. There, although also cast out and imprisoned, he emerged triumphant from death, in figure, becoming the benefactor, not only of Egypt but of the whole world as well. From the Gentile land he claimed a bride and the marriage was blessed with children—speaking of the calling out of a heavenly bride and the fruit of the cross.
All speak clearly, in type, of the Lord Jesus and his relations with both Israel and the Gentile nations —in the latter as “the Saviour of the world.” For long years Joseph was outside the affections or knowledge of his own people—just as Christ has been outside of Israel. He has not forgotten them, but all but a restored remnant at the end have forgotten Him. His blessing at the moment is centered in the Gentiles.
Yet the time is coming when, out of the rebellious nation of Israel a remnant will turn to God and in their confession of sin and departure from Him, they will find Christ —the One whom they once rejected—in grace responding and presenting Himself as their Redeemer. His power will bring them forth from their place of spiritual famine into blessing and prosperity such as they never could have anticipated. This is Christ, as seen in Benjamin — the son of my right hand, symbol of power—the one who associated himself with his brethren (vile and sin-scarred though they were) and accompanied them to a place of blessing outside their own land. They could have had no salvation without him, This, we may see, is the ground on which a repentant Israel will eventually be brought out of trouble into millennial favor and blessing — coming on the basis of the power of their true Messiah, themselves powerless to act in their own behalf.
Thus when Joseph and Benjamin were brought together, these two aspects of Christ are seen—blessing to the Gentiles and blessing to Israel —both effected in a glorious and dual display of triumph. This must be owned and claimed to be by virtue of Christ’s work on Calvary. The Word of God often points forward to this wonderful time. In Isaiah 53, where His rejection, His place as the Sin-bearer, and His death are all so touchingly expressed, the prophet spoke by the Holy Spirit: “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief; when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isa. 53:10, 1110Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:10‑11).
ML 08/27/1967