Genesis 42:7-20 – Spies!
It has been a long time since Joseph’s dream of his brothers bowing before him in submission. Perhaps there are times when he wonders if that dream will ever be fulfiled. But on this day he looks up from where he has been dealing with the business of food distribution to see these 10 men approaching him – men he instantly recognises, and all his memories of the past must have come flooding back.
Even though his brothers don’t recognise him, Joseph is reminded of the dreams he had so long ago. Joseph’s brothers must have been terrified and bewildered to have this extremely powerful Egyptian harshly accuse them of being spies. Why does Joseph treat them this way? It isn’t for revenge. Instead, Joseph wants to make sure his dreams really are being fulfiled before his very eyes, see if his brothers are sorry for what they have done, and find out about his family and what has happened to them in the last twenty years. Not seeing Benjamin with them, perhaps he is afraid that his brothers have gotten rid of him as well. So, he takes some time to find out what the situation is before he reveals himself.
Joseph’s brothers speak humbly to him, telling him why they are there and about the rest of their family. But Joseph puts them in prison for three days. When he releases them, he makes them leave one brother as a hostage and commands them to bring back Benjamin. He tells them that he fears God, so they can know that he will treat them fairly. The fear of God is a check upon those in power that keeps them from acting unjustly.
Questions
- Do Joseph’s brothers recognise him?
- What does Joseph accuse them of being?
- Why does Joseph treat his brothers harshly?
Prayer Points
- Pray that our leaders would fear God and act righteously.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters