Genesis 42

Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt (v.1–5):

The famine is severe in Canaan.

Jacob hears that there is grain in Egypt and sends 10 of his sons (all except Benjamin, Joseph’s full brother) to buy food.

Joseph’s Brothers Come to Egypt (v.6–8):

The brothers bow before Joseph, fulfilling the dreams Joseph had as a teenager (Genesis 37).

Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him.

Joseph speaks harshly and accuses them of being spies.

Joseph Tests His Brothers (v.9–20):

The brothers deny being spies and mention their family situation—including one brother who “is no more” and one (Benjamin) at home.

Joseph puts them in prison for three days, then says one must stay while the rest return home with grain and bring back Benjamin to prove their honesty.

The Brothers Reflect on Their Guilt (v.21–24):

The brothers feel that they are being punished for what they did to Joseph years earlier.

Reuben reminds them that he warned them not to harm Joseph.

Joseph hears them speaking (they don't realize he understands Hebrew), and he weeps privately.

Simeon Is Held; The Rest Return Home (v.25–28):

Joseph chooses to keep Simeon in prison.

He gives the rest of the brothers grain—and secretly returns their silver in their sacks.

On the way home, they discover the silver and are terrified, thinking God is judging them.

The Brothers Report to Jacob (v.29–38):

The brothers tell Jacob everything.

When they ask to take Benjamin back to Egypt to rescue Simeon, Jacob refuses, fearing he will lose Benjamin too.

Reuben offers to take responsibility, even offering his two sons if anything happens—but Jacob still refuses.

Key Themes:
Fulfillment of God’s Word: Joseph’s earlier dreams of his brothers bowing to him come true, showing that God’s promises are reliable, even if their fulfillment takes time.

Conviction and Guilt: The brothers’ conscience is awakened; they begin to face the consequences of their past sin, especially the betrayal of Joseph.

God’s Providence: Even though Joseph's identity is hidden, God is orchestrating a bigger plan of redemption and reconciliation.

Testing and Transformation: Joseph’s testing of his brothers is not revenge—it’s to reveal their hearts and prepare them for reconciliation.

Family and Fear: Jacob's fear of losing another beloved son (Benjamin) shows the long-lasting impact of grief and favoritism in families.