May 7, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Genesis? Here’s today’s reading:
Genesis 42 (NIV)
Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt
1 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” 2 He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”……Continue Reading
Genesis 42
Lot to unpack in Ch. 42.
I am struck to see how Joseph “turns the screws” on his family, in a manner that conjures their justified guilt.
“One is not” reminded them of what they did.
“youngest is with our father” why? He still grieved Joseph, Israel clinged to the sons of his beloved Rachel.
“Ye are spies”, reminds them of what it’s like to be falsely accused, verbally abused, repeatedly scorned for no cause.
“Simeon, and bound him” as they did harshly to Joseph.
“Bring your youngest brother” did not go well, Israel was so protective of Benjamin before the journey. They knew it was a problem.
I see God in control, using the natural righteous character of Joseph, inspired to contract the perfect situation that will bring all things good in the end. So complex, yet perfect will of God to keep Israel blessed. -reb
A thought today, why was it deemed necessary to enslave Israel for 400 years?
Preparation to receive the law?
Turn to God?
Realize a need for a Savior?
Humble, punish Israel for a past history of poor judgement?
Curious thoughts, no real answers, reb
Genesis 42
To read the truth of the life of Joseph. We enjoy these details because it drives home God is sovereign!! For us there is no luck or consequences Romans 8. One or the greatest writings in his story. And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him. Who have been called according to HIS purpose
”So he said to his brothers, “My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!” Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, “What is this that God has done to us?”“
Genesis 42:28 NKJV
”And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.“
Genesis 43:26-28 NKJV
Joseph’s dream becomes reality.
^ that was supposed to be under chapter 43.
Genesis 42
Genesis 42.
How wise Joseph is to treat his brothers as he does to see just what they are thinking and how they have processed what they had done to him. And it works in them expressing regret for what they had done and them clearly remembering how Joseph reacted to being sold. It would be hard for such an evil act to not continue to bother them. It just goes to show how corrupted the conscience becomes when we do things wrong. It is interesting too to see how they talk to each other so we see how they have interacted about it since it happened. It is sad to see Jacob still functioning in his favoritism and actually says that there is only one child left, his dear Benjamin. Makes you wonder how it made the other brothers feel…..
At the start of the famine Israel [ Jacob} sends all of his sons except Benjamin to purchase corn in Egypt. Joseph recognizes his brothers but they don`t recognize him. He calls them spies and they say they are honest men. They were being honest now to Joseph perhaps out of fear. Or maybe they had changed and were remorse over what they did to Joseph. Maybe they felt bad but probably not remorseful. But they do realize that God knows what they did and now everything is being brought up in their conscience and they are guilty before God. But until they were talking to Joseph; they were not being honest men; for they never told their father about what they really did to Joseph. They let their father believe that Joseph was dead. Joseph knows who they are and is using the situation to make them think about their sins. Not for revenge for Joseph does fear God and is aware of God`s purpose. After having them all in prison for three days, Joseph took Simeon and bound him before them. The rest were free to go but when they returned were to bring their youngest brother with them or they wouldn`t get corn. As I mentioned earlier Simeon who was second oldest of all the 12 sons was probably the leader when Joseph was thrown into the pit and was perhaps why he was the one chosen and bound. Not that the others were guiltless but he was the main one. Remember that Reuben the oldest said not to harm Joseph but then he went along with their lies that Joseph was dead. Also how Judah the forth oldest stopped them from killing Joseph and then sold him into slavery. We only hear three out of the four oldest sons speak earlier when Joseph was sold and now in these chapters { 42-44} we only hear Reuben and Judah speak. At least these two speak to their father for Benjamin. It doesn`t say who spoke to Joseph. It only says we when they spoke to Joseph. But most likely it was the oldest sons. At least that is my conclusion. Have a good day.
Genesis 42
Joseph faced with his brothers and the reality of what they did to him juxtaposed to what has become of him through the work of God. Must have been a very strange feeling. Certainly they way he handled it was a good way to flush out what was happening in the hearts of his brothers, did they even have remorse for what they had done. It is clear all these years later Jacob is still struggling with the loss of Joseph holding on so tightly to Benjamin. The reality is we never “get away” with anything, God is sovereign and He knows all and we will have to answer for what we have done with this life He has given us.
Genesis 42
Finally Joseph is facing his brothers. He shows anger towards them. After spending 3 days in prison he sends them off minus one brother and wants Jacob’s youngest son Benjamin. Joseph gives back their money and still gives grain. Jacob refuses to send his youngest since he thinks Joseph is dead.