Wednesday

The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys. They prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.
When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground. He asked them how they were, and then he said, “How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?”
They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” And they bowed low to pay him honor.
(Genesis 43:24-28, NIV)

The fourth and final usage of the Hebrew word shalom that appears in the story of Joseph refers to the physical health and soundness of Isaac. Upon the return of Joseph’s brothers to Egypt, accompanied this time by the youngest brother Benjamin, Joseph invites them to a dinner in his house and, during the course of their meal, inquires about the health of their father. Despite what they had done to him, Joseph loved his brothers, especially Benjamin, and sorely missed his father. He wept with joy at the sight of Benjamin and the good news concerning his father’s health.

In this context, shalom has a very down-to-earth meaning that incorporates all aspects of one’s bodily health. Unlike the previous usages of this word, which referred to interpersonal relationships, the general welfare of society, or safety from attack, this use of the word specifically focuses on one’s physical condition. When Joseph asked about his father, he wanted to know “Is he healthy? “How is his body, stamina, his alertness?” “Yes,” his brothers responded, “he is doing just fine.” Here we get another glimpse of the diverse meanings of this wonderful word shalom.

Prayer

Lord God, we thank you for our health. We know that our every breath comes from you and that you sustain our lives. Forgive us for taking our good health for granted. Amen.