“But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.”
In this verse, we find Joseph speaking to his brothers during their first visit to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine. The brothers had come from Canaan, and Joseph, who was the ruler of Egypt at that time, recognized them but remained unrecognized by them. Joseph decided to test his brothers to see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery many years before.
The verse begins with Joseph instructing his brothers to bring their youngest brother to him. Here, Joseph is referring to Benjamin, his own brother and the youngest son of their father, Jacob. Joseph wanted to see if his brothers were telling the truth about having another brother back home in Canaan. By requesting the presence of Benjamin, Joseph aimed to verify their words.
The phrase “so shall your words be verified” indicates that Joseph wanted to confirm the truth of their claims. He intended to assess their sincerity and the credibility of their story by examining their actions. This request also served as a way for Joseph to bring Benjamin to Egypt, as he longed to see his brother whom he had not seen since they were separated.
The second part of the verse states, “and ye shall not die.” Here, Joseph assures his brothers that if they fulfill his request and bring Benjamin, they will not face severe consequences. Initially, Joseph had treated his brothers harshly and accused them of being spies, imprisoning them for three days. However, he eventually softened and offered them a chance to prove themselves by bringing Benjamin.
Lastly, we read, “And they did so.” This phrase indicates that Joseph’s brothers agreed to his terms and eventually brought Benjamin to Egypt. The narrative continues in subsequent chapters, revealing how Joseph tested his brothers further and eventually revealed his true identity to them.
Genesis 42:20 emphasizes the theme of reconciliation and testing. Joseph’s intention was not to seek revenge but to assess his brothers’ repentance and to bring about a genuine change in their hearts. It is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers, as it sets the stage for their eventual reconciliation and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Overall, this verse highlights Joseph’s wisdom, discernment, and his desire to reunite with his family. It also demonstrates God’s sovereign hand working through Joseph’s circumstances, bringing about redemption and reconciliation among his chosen people.
