SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 42
BIBLE VERSES:
“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)
JOSEPH BROTHERS GO TO EGYPT (vs. 1-38)
When Joseph learned that there was grain in Egypt, he sent his 10 sons to Egypt but keep Benjamin at home. When they arrived, all his brothers bowed down to Joseph with their faces to the ground and he remembered his dream. As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them and pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. He accused them of being spies to see where their land was unprotected. The brothers denied and told him about their family. Joseph gave them the grain but with one condition that they should let one brother stay and bring the youngest brother to him.
Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and put each man’s silver back to his sack and to give them provisions for their journey. So they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left. Upon arrival, they told their father Jacob all that had happened. When Jacob learned about sending Benjamin, he refused and 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” (v. 38)
THOUGHTS:
How did Joseph deal with his brothers?
- He spoke roughly to them and accused them of being spies.
- He kept Simeon as hostage.
- He gave back their money
- He demanded them to bring their brother Benjamin to him.
Joseph’s harsh treatment to his brother made their brothers realized their mistakes. He also wanted to be sure that they had really repented of their sins.