Joseph Faces His Brothers

Before we begin this week’s lesson, I want you to think about and answer the following questions:

How much thought do you think Joseph gives the dreams he had as a young man?

Do you think he still believes they will happen?

What events in his life will have played a part in encouraging him regarding the dreams and validating that they were truth?

Do you think they influence is average day? How or how not?

Read NRSV

How do you think Jacob heard about the grain in Egypt?

Based on Jacob’s response, you get the impression that the brother’s knew about the grain, but had not told their father. Why would they be hesitant to tell him? What is their fear?

Why does Jacob keep Benjamin with him?

Why is he afraid that harm with come to him?

Genesis 42:6-

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Genesis 42:6–17 NASB95

Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly. And he said to them, “Where have you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.” But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.” Then they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. “We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies.” Yet he said to them, “No, but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land!” But they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer alive.” Joseph said to them, “It is as I said to you, you are spies; by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here! “Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.” So he put them all together in prison for three days.

What does it mean by “he sold to all the people of the land?” Does that mean that he approved every sale of grain? Would this be possible? Explain your answer.

What would be the normal procedure for someone of Joseph’s stature?

How do you think it came to be that Joseph was there when his brothers arrived?

How is it that Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him?

Joseph’s brothers were considerably older than him. They were men when they put him in the well and other than aging some would look much the same even wearing similar clothes.

On the other hand, Joseph would have changed significantly. His body has filled out into the body of a man. His face is clean shaven and his hair are in the style of the Egyptians. His clothing is that of a leader. They will have no expectation to see Joseph (in fact later facts indicate they assume he is dead by this time), and least of all in the role of leader of the land since they had sold him into servitude.

They had no expectation of seeing Joseph, but do you think Joseph thought he would one day see them? Why or why not?

Why do you think Joseph spoke so harshly to them? What do you think is going on in his inner spirit? What are his emotions? Is he happy, sad, mad, relieved, etc...

Look at verse 9. Why is this pertinent? How does it effect his response to them or does it not effect his response?

What accusation does he make of them? Why?

How do the brothers describe themselves (see v 11)? Is it truthful? What effect would this have on Joseph?

Look at verse 13. How would this response make Joseph feel? What may he be looking for in his brothers? (Does verse 14 give insight in answering this second question?)

Discomfort, guilt, remorse...

Why does Joseph demand they return with Benjamin? What is he trying to achieve?

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What excuse does Joseph use for releasing them and changing his mind on his earlier demand?

Joseph named the Hebrew God here. Why does this not catch the brother’s attention?

Why do you think Joseph changed his mind about keeping one instead of sending one? What does this tell you about Joseph?

The brothers will be safer and able to carry more grain back to the family. This shows that Joseph still loves and is working to protect them even though they are unaware of it.

What does Joseph learn from his brothers in verses 21-22?

His brothers are feeling guilty about what they did. It has been 20 years, but it is vivid in their minds the injustice they perpetrated against their brother. He also learns that Reuben was against it and had tried to prevent it.

Why do you think Joseph chose Simeon to be the to stay? What in the past may have lead him to that decision?

Reuben was the oldest and probably the most logical one to keep however, Joseph has just learned that Reuben had intervened on his behalf in the past and was against it. Simeon also has a reputation for being violent (remember Shechem!).

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Why do you think Joseph returned the money?

Where were the brothers when the money was discovered?

Did the brothers act wisely upon discovering the money? Why or why not?

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Why do you think these were not discovered until now? Why did they not find them when the other was found or had they found them?

What is Jacob’s response? How is this consistent with his past? Who does he blame and why?

Why is Jacob so fast to write Simeon off as dead?

How do you think the brother’s felt from Jacob’s response?

What does Reuben offer and why? What does he hope to achieve? Is he sincere?

Why do you think Jacob is so adamant about something happening to Benjamin? What does it indicate about the past?

Jacob seems suspicious of his sons. It is very possible he suspects them of having done something to Joseph. It is difficult to keep that kind of secret. He may be fearful that they will harm Benjamin also.

What do you think the relationship between Jacob and his sons as been like all these years? What do you learn about unconfessed sin?

What personal lessons can we learn from this chapter?