Genesis 42:1-22: The Unknown Brother, The Unrecognized Messiah

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When the brothers of Yosef (Joseph) came to Mitsraim (Egypt), even the second time, they did not recognize him at all (Gen. 42:1-22). He was concealed from them behind a new name — צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ Zaphenath-paneakh [see part 2 of the Genesis 41 study for the significance of that name]  — and new appearance — shaved and in garb of his office.

Similarly, Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah is known as Jesus Christ the Church-maker in the Gentile world, and He is hidden from the rest of the descendants of Israel. Even while on Earth, Yeshua’s true Messiahship was concealed. God revealed the true identity to Peter (Matt. 16:13-20).

Just as Yosef (Joseph) did not rise to power until after he had been cast off by his brothers and presumed dead by his family, so too Yeshua (Jesus) did not receive all power and authority until after His death and resurrection (Genesis 37:28; Matthew 28:18).

Reuben, the firstborn, sought to protect Yosef and did not participate in the plot to sell him (Genesis 37:21–22, 29–30). The sons of Rachel’s and Leah’s handmaidens also had no part in Yosef’s sufferings. However, the sons of Leah—particularly Simeon and Levi—were deeply complicit in his betrayal (Genesis 37:19–20). The other brothers assumed Yosef had perished.

Yosef became the revealer of hidden things. The first secret he disclosed was his own identity, and when he revealed himself to his brothers, that revelation brought salvation to his family (Genesis 45:1–5).

As Pharaoh’s appointed steward, Yosef oversaw the storage and distribution of grain—primarily wheat and barley—becoming the sustainer not only of Egypt but also of the surrounding nations during the great famine (Genesis 41:47–49, 55–57). His wisdom and administration elevated Egypt to the status of the world’s leading power (Genesis 41:39–41).

When the famine grew severe, Ya’akov (Jacob) sent his ten older sons to Egypt for grain but refused to allow Benjamin, Rachel’s only surviving son in his eyes, to go with them (Genesis 42:1–4).
When Yosef’s brothers arrived in Egypt, he spoke harshly to them, even to the point of cruelty, and placed them under heavy scrutiny (Genesis 42:6–7). As they bowed before him, Yosef recalled his youthful dreams of their submission, and the first of those dreams was fulfilled (Genesis 37:5–9; 42:6, 9).

Accusing them of being spies—a capital offense in that culture—Yosef pressed them to defend themselves (Genesis 42:9–12). Reuben, as the firstborn, likely acted as their spokesman (Genesis 42:22). Not knowing the full role his brothers had played in selling him, Yosef judged them guilty until proven innocent. At first, he swore not by God, but by the life of Pharaoh, asserting the absolute authority Pharaoh had given him (Genesis 42:15–16).

He imprisoned them for three days, then released nine on the condition that one brother remain behind until they returned with Benjamin (Genesis 42:17–20). At this point, Yosef swore not by Pharaoh but by God, marking a shift in his approach (Genesis 42:18).

Although most of the brothers were not directly responsible for Yosef’s captivity, he knew precisely who had been most guilty of his betrayal and exile. Yet he tested them all, measuring their hearts and their loyalty (Genesis 42:21–24).

Reader: Jeff. Speaker: Richard Agee. Summary: Tammy.