Study notes
Joseph did several unusual things to his brothers when they came looking for grain. The last time Joseph had been with them, they were filled with jealousy, hatred, and anger; they attempted to destroy their brother, and they deceived their father. Joseph put them through various tests, similar to the trying situations they had put him through, to see if they had changed.
Jacob didn’t want to send Benjamin to Egypt to buy food. He was afraid of losing him like he had lost Joseph.
Joseph tested his ten brothers by making them bring Benjamin to Egypt. Then he tested them to see if they would treat Benjamin badly.
Judah had changed since he sold Joseph into slavery. He offered to stay as Joseph’s slave so that Benjamin could go free.
Then the ten brothers learnt that Joseph the ruler of Egypt was their brother Joseph. They were afraid of what he would do to them. But Joseph forgave them. He explained how God made good things happen even from their evil actions.
Joseph’s dream from when he was a young man came true. That dream was recorded in Genesis 37:5–11. His brothers bowed down to him. But the brothers no longer hated one another or were jealous. Instead, they wept and hugged and talked together.
Judah solved the problem by taking responsibility for Benjamin’s safety. In this way, he succeeded where Reuben had failed. This change was important because Judah had earlier suggested selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites (37:26–27) instead of killing him. Now he would secure Benjamin’s safety with his own life (see 44:18–34).
Jacob provided everything he could to ensure a favorable reception from the Egyptian governor ("the man"; compare 32:13–21).
Jacob finally trusted God Almighty with his family's future. This divine title emphasizes God's power (see also 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 48:3; 1 Kings 19:10, 14; Revelation 21:22).
When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers: Joseph knew Benjamin was well (see study note on 42:1–44:34). The feast was both a celebration and a test.
the brothers were frightened: Compare 32:6–12. Their guilt stopped them from seeing that something good might happen.
The brothers, completely vulnerable and feeling the weight of God’s judgment on their consciences, approached the manager in desperation.
Joseph stopped being harsh to his brothers and treated them kindly instead.
May God be gracious to you, my son: Joseph’s blessing to his full brother fulfilled Jacob’s prayer (43:14).
he was moved to tears for his brother: Compare 42:24. Joseph cried because of painful memories and lost years with his brother. He also felt joy and gratitude for seeing Benjamin again.
he went to a private room: This was because he was not ready to reveal his identity.
in astonishment: This ruler knew more about the brothers than seemed possible (compare 44:15).
The brothers experienced generous and gracious treatment from God through Joseph.
Joseph tested them. He showed special favor to Benjamin, who was also Rachel’s son. In the past, their father’s favoritism toward Joseph had caused jealousy and hatred.
By treating Benjamin with favor, Joseph tested whether they would respond with the same anger as before. This situation revealed whether their attitudes and behavior had changed.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources