The story of Joseph is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph rose from a prisoner to become the second most powerful man in Egypt through his God-given ability to interpret dreams and his wise administration (Gen 41:39-43). This remarkable rise to power sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Genesis 42. Will the testing of Joseph’s brothers reveal their character?
In this chapter, we witness a critical turn in Joseph’s story. As Joseph foretold, a severe famine has struck the land, affecting not only Egypt but also Canaan where Jacob and his sons reside (Gen 41:56-57). Hearing that there is grain in Egypt, Jacob sends ten of his sons to buy food (Gen 42:1-2). Unbeknownst to them, they’re about to encounter their long-lost brother Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt.
There are a couple of events in this story that cause us to question what Joseph was doing and why. What we see is a carefully orchestrated test of character; Joseph needed to know if his brothers had changed for the better, or if they were the same scoundrels who had sold him into slavery.
The setup
Joseph’s brothers arrive in Egypt seeking food during the famine. Joseph, who oversees the distribution of grain, recognizes them immediately, but they don’t know him (Gen 42:7-8). This gives Joseph a unique opportunity to assess their hearts and see if they’ve changed since they sold him into slavery years ago.
The testing begins
Joseph accused his brothers of being spies (Gen 42:9-14), a clever ruse to observe their reactions. This accusation serves as a pretext for Joseph to imprison them briefly, echoing his own experience of being thrown into a pit and then prison. It’s a strategic move that puts his brothers in a vulnerable position, allowing Joseph to test their character under pressure.
He’s looking for two crucial things:
- Have they changed since they betrayed him?
- How will they treat Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother?
Joseph designed the tests to reveal the true nature of his brothers’ characters.
The treatment of Benjamin is particularly significant. Benjamin is Joseph’s only full brother, both being sons of Rachel, Jacob’s favored wife. Joseph wants to see if the jealousy and resentment that led to his own mistreatment has persisted in his brothers. Will they protect and care for Benjamin, or will they abandon him as they did Joseph? This test is crucial because it reveals whether the brothers have truly changed their hearts towards their father’s favored sons.
Echoes of the past
Joseph’s decision to imprison his brothers for three days (Gen 42:17) may have a deeper significance. Some interpreters suggest that their three days in prison hints that Joseph spent three days in the pit before being sold into slavery (Gen 37:24). If true, this adds a layer of poetic justice to Joseph’s actions.
When Joseph releases his brothers, he keeps Simeon as a hostage (Gen 42:24). The text doesn’t explain why Joseph chose Simeon, but it’s possible he played a leading role in Joseph’s initial betrayal. This detention serves both as a guarantee for the brothers’ return and as a way to separate them, possibly to see how they react to losing one of their own.
The money in the sacks
In a surprising twist, Joseph secretly returns the brothers’ money in their grain sacks (Gen 42:25). This clever move sets up another test. Joseph, who was sold for silver (Gen 37:28), wants to see if his brothers are still driven by greed. Will they keep the money quietly or return it on their next trip?
When the brothers return home and relate their experience to their father Jacob, his response is telling: “Their father Jacob said to them, ‘You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!’” (Gen. 42:36 BEREAN).
This statement raises questions. Is Jacob accusing his sons? Does he suspect their involvement in Joseph’s disappearance? Or is this simply the lament of a grieving father? Regardless of Jacob’s intent, his words must have struck a chord with the guilty brothers.
The heart of the matter
Joseph’s elaborate scheme isn’t about revenge. It’s about transformation. He’s providing his brothers with an opportunity to prove they’ve changed. The true test will come when Benjamin, Joseph’s full brother and Jacob’s new favorite, enters the picture (Gen 42:15, 20).
Joseph’s actions challenge us to consider the nature of forgiveness and redemption. Can people truly change? How do we test the sincerity of someone’s transformation? These are questions that resonate not just in ancient stories, but in our lives today.