Genesis 42 The “Dreamer’s” Dream
And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. (v.3)
The evil of the brothers had long since been forgotten. They were now being tested by God as well as by Joseph. When told that they must bring Benjamin back, (Joseph’s actual brother by blood), they were worried. Testing is usually a time of “vexation” to the spirit, however, whether this was more retribution or simply testing, it is hard to tell. Both fit the text perfectly. At any rate, we see the makings of Joseph’s dream being fulfilled, and soon the “moon and the stars” would bow to him. Joseph had dreamed that this would happen in chapter 37, and now it is coming to pass. It is time to see God work, and oh, does He work well! Joseph sees the “end” of his trials, the purpose behind his brothers’ actions. He used it to put fear into their hearts, to “get their attention” as God sometimes must do to us!
Many Christians have a problem with the thought that God Himself brings trials of affliction on us, but I assure you, we are important enough to Him that He does whatever it takes to keep us close to Him. He did it with Job! God is in control though, and promises us that we will not be tempted to the extent that we cannot endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). He provides Jesus, our Refuge, as a way of escape from the troubles and trials of life. The invitation in Mt. 11:28,29 is for that purpose exactly, to allow us to “rest” in Him. We will talk about this more in the Books of Matthew and Hebrews.
God allowed this to happen to build character in Joseph, but also to provide for His people so that they would not need to depend on the heathen nations around them for their needs! We need not depend on this world for anything, but look to God, He will provide, He always does. When they all ran to Egypt for their sustenance, it was because God had prepared Joseph, and not because Egypt was particularly blessed. God can use whoever, and whatever He chooses to bring His will to pass.
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