When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, he recognizes them right away, but they don’t recognize him. 

Joseph can’t resist the temptation to get back at his brothers for the way they treated him long ago, so he accuses them of spying and puts them in prison for three days.

Now they come before Joseph once again. Fearfully, they confess to each other that this distress must have come upon them because of the misdeed to their brother.

Unbeknownst to them, Joseph can understand their language and he hears his brother Reuben speak.

“Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood. Genesis 42:22

Dear Reuben. Remember he was the one who tried to rescue Joseph from the pit. 

Joseph is touched by these confessions and Reuben’s reprimand. He turns away from the brothers as tears fill his eyes. At least they recognize their wrong doing. But Joseph wants to see younger brother, Benjamin, so he proceeds with his plan. He chooses to hold Simeon. 

He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. Joseph gave orders [in his Egyptian language] to fill their bags with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left. Genesis 42:24-26

It’s interesting that Joseph chooses Simeon to be the one he holds back while the others travel the long journey home. This will mean many days and nights for Simeon to be held in prison, hoping his brothers return.

To get an idea of Simeon’s character, we can search a seldom mentioned story centered around the only sister. Dinah strayed off to visit in nearby Shechem and became involved with the ruler’s number one son. When the son asked what he could do to have Dinah as his wife, Jacob’s sons said he and all the men of Shechem would have to be circumcised. They agreed to this concession.

While the newly circumcised men were still weak and in pain from the procedure, two of Joseph’s brothers went into their town and killed every male. One of those two murderers was Simeon.

We aren’t told, but I’m wondering if Simeon might have been outspoken the day the brothers were persuaded to do away with 17 year-old Joseph.

If ruthlessness is one of Simeon’s character traits, he has an opportunity to think about his life, be convicted, and repent of his wrong doings. Or, Simeon may remain true to his character and burn with rage and begrudge this unfortunate imposition. 

It is worth considering what we do with opportunities that come our way to undo poor character traits we find in ourselves. Do we learn our lessons or grow belligerent at getting caught?

When the brothers get home, what character traits will they find repeated in father Jacob ? (Next week.)

~ Joyce ~