December 1998
Genesis Chapter 42
In our last chapter review of the historical story of Genesis, we learned that Joseph properly interpreted the dream of Pharaoh, predicting seven years of prosperity in crops, followed by seven years of drought and famine. The Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of storing up Egypt’s crops in preparation for the drought; and Joseph was very successful in doing so.
The seven years of famine was widespread, including other countries. Word soon spread to other countries that Egypt had plenty of corn for sale.
Jacob, at home with his other 11 sons, heard of the plentiful corn in Egypt and we learn at the first of Genesis Chapter 42 that Jacob instructed his sons to go to Egypt and purchase corn so that the family would not starve in the famine. Jacob sent 10 of his 11 sons, keeping Benjamin at home out of a precaution that something might happen to his sons while on the trip to Egypt. Jacob had no idea his 12th son, Joseph, was still alive and living in Egypt.
Because the Pharaoh in Egypt had placed Joseph in charge of the crops and storage in Egypt, it was Joseph to whom everyone had to come to in order to purchase corn. Joseph’s brothers were directed in Egypt to go see Joseph about purchasing corn, but they did not recognize him or realize that Joseph was the brother they had sold into slavery years ago and lied to Joseph’s father, Jacob, that Joseph had been killed by displaying the bloody "coat of many colors."
Joseph was officially the governor over the land of Egypt when his brothers approached him to buy corn. They did not recognize him, be he did recognize them and took additional measures to hide his true identity from his brothers. Joseph treated his brothers roughly, calling them spies who came to Egypt only to witness the famine there.
The 10 brothers pleaded with Joseph that they were not spies, telling him they were all brothers from one family. They told him there were originally 12 brothers, the youngest stayed at home and one other brother was not home, not realizing they were speaking to the "other" brother.
Joseph again accused them of being spies to witness the famine in Egypt and told them they would be detained and tested. Joseph told them they would all be jailed in Egypt, and would not be allowed to leave, unless the youngest brother came to Egypt, to determine if their story was correct.
Joseph had them jailed for three days. On the third day, Joseph told them he would release all of them, except one brother would remain in jail. The rest could return to their home with corn to feed their homes. Joseph said he would retain one of the brothers until the rest of them returned with the youngest brother. The brothers discussed among themselves their predicament, expressing guilt over their actions long ago regarding Joseph.
While they spoke they did not realize Joseph could listen into their conversation, because Joseph used an interpreter to help hide his true identity. When Joseph heard his brothers express their long-felt guilt about him, he turned away from their presence and cried.
Joseph returned to them and further directed his plan. He retained Simeon, tying up the brother in front of the others. Joseph then ordered that his brothers sacks be filled with grain and/or corn and, without telling them, ordered their money returned to their bags that had been confiscated with their capture. He supplied them for their return home with necessary provisions. As they left the brothers were shocked to find they had been so well-supplied for their trip home, including their money returned to their travel bags.
When the brothers returned home they told their story to Jacob. They told him the landlord of the food in Egypt had been rough on them, but had eventually supplied them with food and returned their money. They explained that they had been accused as spies, but explained that they were indeed the 10 sons of 12 brothers, the youngest had stayed home and another brother was gone. They explained that the Egyptian landlord of food retained their brother Simeon to insure their story about not being spies on the condition that the youngest brother be brought to Egypt to prove the truthfulness of their story.
Jacob fretted over the news. He had already lost a son in Joseph, another, Simeon, held captive in Egypt, and was afraid he was about to lose his youngest son in Benjamin if he allowed Benjamin to be carried to Egypt.
Reuben, the brother who had stepped forward years ago in the 37th chapter of Genesis, to prevent his other brothers from actually killing Joseph, instead simply faking his death, approached his father, Jacob. Reuben pledged his own two sons to his father to convince Jacob to allow him to take Benjamin to Egypt and safely return him.
Jacob refused to allow Benjamin to be returned to Egypt. He reminded the brothers that Joseph was already dead and he was afraid he would be sending Benjamin also to death. Jacob made them all bide their time at home.
Next: Famine continues, Jacob forced to send Benjamin to Egypt