Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt - Genesis 42-45; 50:15-21

The Story in a Nutshell

After seven years of prosperity, the famine arrived.  Jacob’s family eventually ran out of food, so he sent his sons, except the youngest, to Egypt to buy grain   Joseph, now in charge of food distribution in Egypt recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him.  Joseph accused his brothers of coming as spies which they strongly denied.  So, Joseph agreed to give them grain only if one of the brothers remained behind as security: Simeon stayed behind, the brothers got grain, and they started for home.  But that night when they opened one of the sacks to feed the donkeys, they found the money they had given Joseph as payment for the grain.  The brother were filled with terror and wondered what God was doing to them.  The famine continued and Jacob’s family again needed grain.  Jacob instructed his sons to return to Egypt, but they remembered that Joseph would not sell them grain unless his youngest brother, Benjamin, returned with them.  Jacob didn’t want to do that because he feared losing him as he had Joseph. Finally, desperate for food, he sent Benjamin with the others. Again Joseph supplied grain, but this time put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.  As the brothers traveled home, Joseph sent men out to stop them.  The men found Joseph’s silver cup and asked them why they repaid Joseph’s kindness with evil (stealing).  Joseph questioned his brothers at length – about the family, about Benjamin, and about his father; the brother were sore afraid.  Finally, Joseph couldn’t stand his secret any longer, and he revealed his identity to his brothers; they were stunned and speechless.  First there was fear, and then there was much weeping, joy, and reconciliation.  Finally, plans were made to care Jacob’s family and for Joseph to be reunited with his father.  What the brothers initially intended as harm to Joseph, God intended for good by prospering Joseph and by saving Jacob’s family.

Review Questions

Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt?

Did the brothers recognize Joseph when they arrived in Egypt?

Did Joseph recognize his brothers?

What happened when the brothers first arrived in Egypt?

What did the brothers have to do in order to receive grain?

What happened when the brothers stopped to feed the donkeys?

What had to happen before the brothers could buy grain from Joseph a second time?

What happened on the way home after buying grain the second time?

What did Joseph question the brothers about?

What did Joseph do when he couldn’t keep his secret any longer?

In the beginning, what was the plan of the brothers?  What was God’s plan?

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