Click here to read Genesis 42
Jacob sends all his sons but Benjamin to Egypt to buy grain. Benjamin remains because he is the youngest, and because he is all Jacob has left of Rachel in the world. This reminds me of Judah, who would not give his youngest son in marriage to Tamar a couple of chapters ago. This also illustrates how Judah's grief for his two sons was similar to his father's grief over Joseph, a grief he inflicted on him.
Joseph recognizes his brothers, but does not reveal himself.
Joseph speaks harshly to his brothers and accuses them of being spies. Had his brothers ever accused him of being a spy when he gave a bad report about them to their father (37:2)?
The text neither condemns nor approves of Joseph's action. Neither does it explicitly explain all his reasons.
He probably is testing them to see if they've reformed. Whether revenge is also part of his intention is not clear.
Joseph puts them in prison, very likely the same prison that he stayed in, since it was a prison for political prisoners accused of treason or rebellion. His brothers are accused of being spies.
Joseph demands they bring Benjamin, his younger brother. He probably missed him.
The brothers immediately believe that this treatment is punishment for their treatment of Joseph. They have been carrying this guilt for their whole lives. It is probably a dark secret they have all kept, and never forgotten.
Reuben speaks as though he is somehow morally superior or partially exempt, though he was complicit.
Joseph keeps Simeon in prison as collateral on their bringing Benjamin. This will test to see if they are willing to leave a brother behind to slavery again, as they did him.
Simeon may have been perceived as the most morally inferior of the group (a Judas?), because of the slaughter at Shechem. Perhaps he is the one perceived as the least likely of the brothers to be rescued.
Later, this unrighteous brother will be exchanged for the presence of the youngest and only innocent brother. Benjamin was not involved in the betrayal of Joseph. This is an image of Jesus.
Their silver, their payment for the grain, is returned without their knowledge.
Reuben promises his father that he will protect Benjamin as his own son.
Rueben is offering two sons for one, possibly a personal recognition of his guilt for Joseph as well. His father still will not let Benjamin go.
v1- funny
v9 - Joseph remembered his dream. It was almost fulfilled, but for his missing other brother and parents.
The brothers were still aware of their sin this many years later.
vv37-38- both Jacob's sorrow and Rueben's willingness to give his sons remind me of Abraham and Isaac - the son of promise that he was willing to sacrifice. It also reminds me of the prodigal son. The father said that his son was dead, but then was alive.
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