SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 42
BIBLE VERSES:
“When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”” (Genesis 42:1-2)
“ As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked.“From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” (Genesis 42:7)
“If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.” (Genesis 42:19-20)
“Then the man who is lord over the land said to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for your starving households and go. But bring your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land.’” (Genesis 42:33-34)
“Then Reuben said to his father, “You may put both of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.” But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.” (Genesis 42:37-38)
JOSEPH’S BROTHERS GO TO EGYPT (vs. 1-38)
During the famine, Jacob learned that here was grain in Egypt. So he send his 10 sones to buy but kept Benjamin at home. So the ten brothers of Joseph went to buy grain from Egypt. Upon arrival, they bowed down to Joseph with their faces to the ground and he remembered his dreams. When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. He accused them of being dishonest ment coming as spies to see where their land was unprotected. But the brothers denied his accusations and related their family history to Joseph. Then Joseph put Simeon in prison and told them to go back and bring their youngest brother Benjamin. Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and put each man’s silver back in his sack and gave them provisions for their journey.
When the brothers arrived, they told their father about everything that had happened while they were in Egypt. Reuben urged his father to entrust Benjamin to his care. He assumed full responsibility to bring Benjamin back. But Jacob replied: “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow” (v. 39)
THOUGHTS:
How did Joseph deal with his brothers?
- He spoke roughly to them and accused them of being spies (vs.8-12)
- He kept them locked up for 3 days (v.17)
- He kept Simeon as hostage and bound him before their eyes (vs. 18-20)
- He gave back their money
- He demanded them to bring their brother Benjamin to him.
- Joseph was so hard on his brothers because he wanted to be sure that they have sincerely repented of their sins. Whatever sins we have committed before, if we truly confess it to the Lord, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong. (1 John 1:9)
Joseph ‘s harsh treatment to his brothers made their brothers realized their mistakes. He wanted to be sure that they have sincerely repented of their sins. Whatever sins we have committed before, if we truly confess it to the Lord, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong. ( 1 John 1:9)