Genesis 42:1-38
Q.1. What made the sons of Jacob go to Egypt? Why was Benjamin not with them? Did Joseph recognize his brothers? How did Joseph go about getting news about his family? – (Gen.42:1-7)
Joseph was happily married in Egypt, and highly regarded by everyone. However, relationships were strained between Jacob and his sons. Jacob had heard that there was grain in Egypt, so sent his ten older sons – But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm may befall him.” (Gen.42:4). Jacob had never recovered from the loss of Joseph. Joseph was steward over all the stockpiled resources of Egypt (Gen.42:6). He recognized his brothers when they came to him. However, they did not recognize him. He was no longer a lad, was attired like an Egyptian, and spoke through interpreters. Seeking news of his family back in Canaan, Joseph spoke harshly to his brothers (Gen.42:7).
Q.2. How do we know Joseph’s dreams were not arrogance? Was Joseph right to test their truthfulness? How did his brothers explain the absence of their missing brothers? – (Gen.42:8-17)
When they met him – … Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground (Gen.42:6). His vision from God had sustained his fluctuating fortunes over the years – Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them … (Gen.42:9 c.f. Gen.37:5-9). However, he had to find out the truth about his family. He learned that his father and young blood-brother were still alive (Gen.42:11-13). These brothers had presumed that Joseph was dead (as they had lied to their father). Joseph had them all arrested on suspicion of espionage for three days. They would be held until they could verify their claims, by bringing Benjamin to Egypt (Gen.42:14-17).
Q.3. What impact did Joseph’s test have on them? What did he discover about Reuben? How deeply had their treatment affected Joseph? How did the brothers end up with their payment money? How did the brothers react? – (Gen.42:18-28)
After three days Joseph returned with a proposal. He told them that he feared God (Gen.42:18). He took Simeon as hostage, so the others could return home to verify their claims. In the meantime, he allowed them to return to their households with grain (Gen.42:19-20). Joseph heard the remorse of the brothers for the way they had treated him – … Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen … (Gen.42:21). He discovered how Reuben had tried to defend him (Gen.42:21-23). Though Joseph was the prime minister over Egypt and sounded harsh, he was deeply affected by the memories – He turned away from them and wept … (Gen.42:24). Simeon was bound and taken away before them all. Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to restore every man’s money in his sack, and give them provisions for the journey … (Gen.42:25). On the journey they found their money in their grain sacks – … And their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” (Gen.42:28).
Q.4. How did the brothers explain Simeon’s absence and the returned money? How did Jacob respond to Joseph’s demand? Could he be persuaded to part with his youngest son? – (Gen.42:29-38)
Upon their return to Jacob, the remaining brothers tried to explain to Jacob why Simeon was not with them. They explained that he would only be released if they returned with Benjamin (Gen.42:29-34). They also tried to explain about the returned money. In helplessness, Jacob responded – … “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me.” (Gen.42:36). Eventually, Reuben offered his own sons as guarantors to his father in place of Benjamin, so that they could get more grain from Egypt, and bring back Simeon. However, Jacob was resolute – … “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my grey hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” (Gen.42:38).