Jacob told his sons to go to Egypt for grain so they wouldn’t die in the famine. 10 of Joseph’s brothers went, Benjamin stayed back because Jacob feared harm would come to him. Joseph was governor and sold grain to the people. When his brothers came he recognized them but treated them roughly. They didn’t recognize him. He accused them of being spies. They told them their biography. He accused them of being spies again. He said to prove they aren’t by bringing Benjamin. He arrested them for 3 days. He let them go to bring Benjamin. Joseph wept when Reuben told the brothers that they didn’t listen to him when he wanted to spare Joseph. He imprisoned Simeon and gave them provisions for their journey. They found money in one of the sacks, and were afraid. They told Jacob everything. As they emptied their sacks all their money was in their sacks, and they were afraid. Reuben told Jacob to kill his sons if he doesn’t bring Benjamin back. Jacob refused to let them take Benjamin.
Sin leads to family disunity. The brothers decision to sell Joseph into slavery has come full circle. Now, they must face the consequences of their sin. At this point it’s not clear if Joseph is working for them or punishing them for what they did to him. His weeping gives a clue that He’s only testing them. Their sin has alienated Joseph, caused dissension with Reuben, led to their 3 day imprisonment, led to Simeon’s imprisonment, and now it has led to Jacob’s distrust. When you consider sin and rebellion think through all the consequences. God is working through all of this for the salvation of Israel from famine, and ultimately the salvation of a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. God is preserving His people.