We are moving into chapter 43 of Genesis with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. עָרַב stand surety for, be responsible for someone, lend support for, take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange. It is used 17 times in the Old Testament. We see it used in the sense of collateral on a loan. Proverbs 6:1 My son, if you have put up עָרַ֣בְתָּ security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger. Proverbs 11:15 Whoever puts up עָ֣רַב security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. Proverbs 17:18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה security in the presence of his neighbor. Proverbs 20:16 Take a man's garment when he has put up עָ֣רַב security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. Proverbs 22:26 Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up בַּ֝עֹרְבִ֗ים security for debts.
King Hezekiah calls out to God in his distress using our word. Isaiah 38:14 Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my עָרְבֵֽנִי pledge of safety! In this sense we have the idea of God being for us on our side. Which is how it is used in our chapter today. Genesis 43:8-9 And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I will be a אֶֽעֶרְבֶ֔נּוּ pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.
For the first time we see Judah thinking of someone other than himself. He decides to put himself out for his brother Benjamin. Judah’s action reminds us of how Paul describes Timothy to the Christians in Philippi. Philippians 2:19-21 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. I’ll close with this encouraging reminder of God himself being for us. Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
