Genesis 42:5 So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain, for there was famine in the land of Canaan also.
I have always read this section as Joseph being mean to his brothers. Verse 7 seems to support my interpretation because not only did Joseph recognize his brothers (though they didn’t recognize him), but also he spoke harshly to them.
Genesis 42:6 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.
Commentary, however, posits that Joseph is guided by the Holy Spirit in his actions here and that God is still developing and refining the brothers in this section. It is an interpretation that I like simply because I can’t reconcile Joseph’s actions otherwise.
Genesis 42:7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.”
Precious Savior, Yet again You remind me that my job is not to judge but to shine Your light. Seeing Joseph as vengeful in this scripture never sat well with me. Thank You for putting another theory on my radar. Thank You for the ability to think and explore as I draw closer to You. Amen.
Genesis 42:8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
Have a blessed day.