“And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis that recounts the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob. At this point in the story, Joseph’s brothers have come to Egypt seeking food during a severe famine. Unbeknownst to his brothers, Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by them years earlier, has risen to a position of power in Egypt.
The verse begins by stating, “And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them.” This is a crucial aspect of the story, referring back to the dreams Joseph had in his youth. In those dreams, Joseph saw himself in a position of authority, with his brothers bowing down to him. At the time, these dreams caused jealousy and anger among Joseph’s brothers, leading to their decision to sell him into slavery.
When Joseph sees his brothers in Egypt, those dreams come rushing back to his memory. It is important to note that Joseph’s dreams were not merely ordinary dreams but were divinely inspired. They were a foreshadowing of the future events that would unfold. Although Joseph’s brothers might have dismissed the dreams at the time, Joseph recognised their significance and understood that they were part of God’s plan.
Joseph’s recognition of the dreams leads him to accuse his brothers of being spies. He suspects that they have come to Egypt to gather information about the land and its vulnerabilities. This accusation serves a dual purpose for Joseph. Firstly, it allows him to test his brothers’ intentions and character. Secondly, it provides him with an opportunity to orchestrate a plan to bring his younger brother, Benjamin, to Egypt, as he had a desire to see him.
Joseph’s journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming a high-ranking official in Egypt is a remarkable story of God’s providence and redemption. Through this story, we see God’s hand at work, using even the actions of Joseph’s brothers, which were initially motivated by jealousy and ill will, to bring about His purposes.
Genesis 42:9 serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, demonstrating Joseph’s understanding of the divine significance of his dreams. It sets the stage for the subsequent events that will unfold, leading to a powerful reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, as well as the fulfillment of God’s plan for the nation of Israel.
