The First Thanksgiving Feast

When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Genesis 43:16

This story has the elements we often see in the Thanksgiving holiday feast. Joseph's family had come from a great distance. Joseph ordered an animal slaughtered for the feast and that the guests be put up in his home for the noon meal. They came bearing food gifts of almonds, honey, spices, and pistachio nuts to add to the feast. They brought double money for... okay, not everything is quite as we do in the Thanksgiving celebration for the day. There is also that part of the story where they do not know that family is hosting them. 

Yes, the Thanksgiving feast would prove a bit awkward if the host turned out to be the kid brother you had thought sold off to slavery and likely never to be seen again. Better that we let the story of the first Thanksgiving feast remain with the Pilgrims and their Indian guests. Both Joseph's story from the Bible and the story from a nation that was to come are good to read and recall on this day of gratitude to our Lord. 

Great is the name of our Lord! 

Bucky