70. Joseph encountered his brothers (Gen 42:1-24)

Joseph’s brothers came down to Egypt to buy GRAIN. Joseph pretended not to know them.

πŸ‘‰ Read Gen 42:1-24

Why did Jacob not send Benjamin with other sons to Egypt?

 

What was Joseph’s request to them to prove they were not spies?

 

According to their words, what part of their acts was guilty, 20+ years ago? (21)

 

When Joseph realized they had guilty about it, he (            ).

Answers and Meditation

He feared losing Benjamin.

Jacob’s favoritism still has not changed, which was the cause of their sibling rivalry.


Bring Benjamin to Egypt

Why Joseph asked them to bring Benjamin is not known here. I don't want to say he did it for revenge. However, Joseph wanted to know his brother's heart about selling him, and I can also say that this is in the midst of God's great providence to restore the Jacob family.

Joseph was given two titles in verse 6: the ruler and the dispenser (seller) of the grain. These two titles connect to his two youth dreams: the dream of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars and the dream of sheaves of grain. He became the ruler and the grain provider of the world. Joseph remembered his youth dreams (9)

Joseph first asked one of them to return to Canaan and bring Benjamin. Three days later, he asked one of them to be confined until Benjamin came.


They refused to help Joseph, who was asking for mercy.

Being stubborn and not showing mercy to those in need will find no excuse, but condemnation. Even in your wrath, show your mercy.


wept

Why did Joseph not reveal His identity at first? The Bible doesn’t say anything about Joseph’s intention.

However, this disguised encounter with his brother rather revealed their hearts about the incident of the far past. Joseph might be ready to forgive and accept them.

 

Chapters 42-45 show a long process of reconciliation and healing of a broken family. Several factors for reconciliation are interwoven in the story: disclosure of guilt, showing of honesty, laying down of favoritism, and sacrifice for others.

Reconciliation cannot be forced or manipulated. Their hearts of repentance and love for each other should be genuine. For true reconciliation, Joseph wisely orchestrated a series of events to test and reveal their hearts. 

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