This post is Day 16 in a series of studies about “The Life of Joseph”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.
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The Life of Joseph – Day 16
Genesis 42:6-7
Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.
The Thought
This verse gives us the fulfilment of the dreams Jospeh had had many years earlier. What mixed emotions Joseph must have had at that moment. But that recognition was only on one side! Jospeh’s brothers did not know who he was, except an Egyptian leader! Joseph went on to use his position to make his brothers squirm for a while!
His harsh accusations of them were his reaction to the emotional situation he suddenly found himself in, and he accused them of being spies (v16)! This long lost brother asked them questions about their father and about the youngest family member and then he put them in custody (v17).
After three days, he made them a proposition, suggesting that they go and bring their youngest brother, but one of them must stay as hostage until they arrived back (v19-20).
As the brothers discussed this, arguing among themselves, and not knowing that this harsh Egyptian leader was actually their long lost brother, Joseph became very emotional (v24).He also developed a plan to make them worry a bit more! And it did!
Action
Read Genesis 42 to have this part of the story in its entirety. Imagine the emotions that were felt. The worry, shock and despair of the brothers. Think about the loneliness and worry of Simeon left in prison as hostage, and the reaction of the father Jacob.
How would you react in similar situations?
Pray today for your extended family, for the relations among you all, and for each one to move closer to Jesus through whatever is happening in all your lives right now.
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This post is Day 16 in a series on "The Life of Joseph". It discusses Genesis 42:6-7, where Joseph, now governor, encounters his brothers who don't recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies and detains one while the others fetch their youngest brother. The narrative explores the emotional complexities of this reunion.
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