Joseph recognizes his brothers but conceals his identity, accusing them of being spies. Benjamin was Jacob’s youngest son, born to Rachel in great difficulty during childbirth. His original name was Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my sorrow,” but Jacob renamed him Benjamin, meaning “son of my right hand”. Jacob was deeply protective of Benjamin, especially after losing Joseph. In Genesis 42, Jacob refused to send Benjamin to Egypt with his other sons, fearing harm might come to him. ‘Later, Benjamin played a key role in the unfolding events when Joseph, now a ruler in Egypt, tested his brothers’ integrity. Benjamin’s story is one of favor, protection, and reconciliation, themes that resonate with your reflections on justice and trust in God’s plan. How does his journey speak to you?

It reads in Genesis 42:6-14 Easy: Joseph had authority to rule Egypt at that time. He was the man who sold food to all the Egyptians. When Joseph’s brothers arrived there, they bent down in front of him, with their faces to the ground. As soon as Joseph saw the men, he knew that they were his brothers. But he spoke to them as if they were strangers. He did not speak to them in a kind way. He asked them, ‘Where do you come from?’ They replied, ‘We come from the land of Canaan. We have come here to buy food.’ Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Then Joseph remembered the dream that he had dreamed about his brothers. He said to them, ‘You have come here secretly to see how your people can attack our land.’ They replied ‘No, my lord, that is not true! We are your servants, and we have come to buy food. We are all the sons of one man. We are honest men. We are not your enemies.’But Joseph said, ‘No! You have come here to see if our country is weak so that you can attack us.’ Joseph’s brothers replied, ‘We belong to a family of 12 brothers. We are the sons of one man who lives in Canaan. Our youngest brother stayed at home with our father. One other brother is not with us anymore.’ Joseph said to them, ‘It is as I told you. You are our enemies!

Father God, I thank You and praise You that in the quiet moments of reflection, I come before You with a heart humbled by the story of Joseph and his brothers. You are the God who weaves redemption through betrayal, purpose through pain, and reconciliation through time. Father, just as Joseph stood in a position of power yet chose mercy over vengeance, teach me to lead with grace when I am wronged. Help me to recognize the moments when You are fulfilling promises, even when they come wrapped in mystery or hardship. When fear grips me, as it did Joseph’s brothers, remind me that You are sovereign over every outcome. Let me not be ruled by guilt or shame from the past but instead walk forward in the freedom of Your forgiveness and the hope of restoration. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.