Genesis Chapter 42
There are specific moments in a believer’s life when he or she suddenly realizes why something that happened in their past, which made no sense at the time, was allowed by God because He was going to use it for their good at this very moment. Joseph had such a moment in this chapter of Genesis. Joseph had not understood why various things had happened to him in his life, but he remained faithful to God trusting Him for his daily living.
The famine did not strike Egypt only, but it was widespread, and it had hit the land of Canaan where Joseph’s father and brothers lived. The Bible does not tell us but there were probably many who died of starvation. Israel (or Jacob) had heard that there was grain in Egypt, and he did the next logical thing. He sent his sons to buy grain. Only he didn’t send the youngest son, Benjamin, to travel with his brothers. He kept Benjamin at home with him.
Let's Reflect
1. The brothers were directed to inquire about purchasing grain from the governor of Egypt. Who was the governor and what did the brothers do when they were in front of the governor?
2. They did not recognize their brother, nor did they understand him. They spoke to him by way of an interpreter. But Joseph recognized them and understood them perfectly. What does the Bible say that Joseph remembered from the past in this moment?
3. What lie did the brothers tell in verse 11? (Remember the story they told their father when Joseph had disappeared.)
4. Joseph played the part of a powerful dignitary. He spoke roughly with them calling them spies. He told them he would confine them while they sent one of the brothers to go back home and do what?
5. After three days of having all of them in custody, Joseph presented an alternative plan. He sent them all home with grain but kept one of them in custody. Which brother did Joseph keep in custody?
6. When they heard what the governor ordered them to do their guilt from their past rose up in them. Thinking they were speaking in their own language and not being understood by the governor they began to lament what they had done to their brother Joseph so long ago. Joseph of course could understand them even though there was an interpreter. What does it say that Joseph did when he heard his brothers talking like this?
7. Joseph sent them home with bags full of grain but gave strict instructions that they were to return with their younger brother. He held their one brother in custody to ensure that they would return. What did the brothers find in their grain bags?
8. Was their father upset about the demands of the governor of Egypt? Would he allow his youngest son Benjamin to go back with his brothers?
