The food Joseph provided for his brothers eventually ran out. In order to gain further provision, they would need to return to Pharaoh's representative with their youngest brother. Jacob, now well advanced in years, is reluctant to let this last child of Rachel leave his side; but is persuaded when his brothers pledge their lives for his safety.
Joseph arranges for the brothers to be fed, provided with provisions, and brought back on charges of theft. As the brothers plead for Benjamin's life, Joseph realizes that these brothers have been broken of their jealousy and hatred; and reveals himself to them as their brother.
I can only imagine the shock, bewilderment and dread that ran through these men's minds as they realize the one man that can literally decide their life and death is a man they mistreated many years ago. How greatly can a grudge fester over that period of time?
In Joseph's case, not much. There was no grudge. Joseph, we read, was viewing the situation from God's perspective. Joseph recognized that God was using even the evil intentions of his brothers to bring about their ultimate good. Selling their brother into slavery provided the means for them to be rescued from famine.
Now, before you go to indenture your siblings, remember this: their actions were wrong and they rightly faced the repercussions of their wrong actions. However, in spite of their actions, God used the situation to fulfill His promise to Abraham, to provide a continuing people that would reflect on His good name.
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