The First Journey of Jacob's Brethren into Egypt
Genesis 42:3-20
And Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy corn in Egypt.…


I. THEY SHOW EVIDENT SIGNS OF FEAR. Therefore they go together in a company, ten strong, that by their numbers they might encourage and support one another (ver. 3).

II. THEIR WORST FOREBODINGS ARE FULFILLED. They dreaded Egypt, and events justified their fears.

1. They are received roughly (ver. 7).

2. They are suspected of evil designs (ver. 9).

3. They are threatened with the prospect of imprisonment and death.

III. GREAT PRINCIPLES OF GOD'S MORAL GOVERNMENT ARE :ILLUSTRATED IN THIS HISTORY.

1. That pride is sure to meet with a fall. In verse 6 we are told that "Joseph's brethren came and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth." Where were now those lofty looks, and that contemptuous tone with which they said when Joseph had told them of his dreams — "Shalt thou then indeed reign over us, or shalt thou have dominion over us?"

2. That nothing can hinder the counsel of God from taking effect.

3. That the crisis will arrive when the wicked must appear before the judgment-seat of the pious.

4. That retribution, even in kind, follows sin.

5. That throughout the severity of God's righteous anger against Sin there runs a purpose of mercy.

(T. H. Leale.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.

WEB: Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.




Providence Working in Men's Lives
Top of Page
Top of Page