And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. Genesis 42:3

So the great famine , that was prophesied by God through Joseph , is now taking place. And because of Gods warning, Egypt stored up a lot of food. So Jacob (Israel) sent his sons to Egypt to buy food for the family so they don’t starve. Little do they know Joseph is now in charge of all of Egypt

However their father didn’t send Benjamin, as he is now the youngest son, because he still believes Joseph is dead. So Joseph is going to challenge his brothers to bring Benjamin to him before he reveals that he is actually Joseph

And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. Genesis 42:6

What an amazing story of how Joseph went from being a slave to now he is the ruler over all of Egypt. This was all done because of Gods grace, giving Joseph the knowledge to interpret dreams and finding favor in the eyes of his enemies.

Also remember when Joseph was a young boy, he prophesied that his brothers would bow before him. This prophecy has now become true, as his brothers are now literally bowing before him as the ruler of Egypt

And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. Genesis 42:36

Jacob was in great distress at the thought of losing Benjamin. He still believes Joseph is already dead and now Simeon is in prison until they return to Egypt with Benjamin. Reuben tries to calm his father by guaranteeing he will bring back Benjamin and Simeon alive.

However we end this chapter with Jacob in great distress over this request, and at first he refuses to allow Benjamin to be taken to Egypt

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

Notice the foreshadow of Christ, as Jesus went from the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) to the King of Kings. Just as Joseph went from a servant to a King where everyone bowed before him

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. Genesis 41:1

Now remember from the last Chapter , God gave Joseph the ability or knowledge to interpret dreams/visions. Remember when Joseph interpreted the cupbearers dream, he asked him to remember him to put a good word in with the Pharaoh. And originally the cupbearer forgot Joseph even existed until now.

Pharaoh had a disturbing dream and he was immediately looking for answers. Unfortunately none of his “magicians” or “wise men” could interpret the dream. However the cupbearer remembered Joseph

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. Genesis 41:14

As soon as Pharaoh heard about Joseph he sent for him immediately. Pharaoh was very disturbed by these dreams and wanted answers! But notice Josephs response he says “I cant interpret your dream but God can” (Genesis 41:16) Joseph wasn’t stealing the glory from God. He admitted that he was Gods vessel. How many “Christians” today could learn from this example?

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Genesis 41:39

Pharaoh decided he needs to put someone with great wisdom in charge, he said since Joseph has the “Spirit of God” (Genesis 41:38) he should be in charge over all of Egypt

Now think about this for a second, Joseph who was a Hebrew slave and a prisoner, is now ruler over all of Egypt. This is all because Joseph relied on Gods wisdom and power and not his own

Notice the foreshadows of Christ, Jesus was the suffering servant for our sins and became the King of Kings.