What Joseph Instructed His Brothers to Bring Back from Canaan
The story of Joseph and his brothers, as recounted in Genesis 42–43, is a remarkable account of providence, testing, and reconciliation. After rising to a position of power in Egypt, Joseph faced a unique opportunity to test the character of the brothers who had sold him into slavery. When they first came to Egypt to buy grain during the famine, Joseph gave them instructions that would serve both practical and moral purposes. Understanding what Joseph asked them to bring back from Canaan illuminates his strategic and measured approach.
1. The Initial Encounter and Demand
When Joseph first met his brothers, he did not immediately reveal his identity. Instead, he accused them of being spies. After questioning them, Joseph decided to hold one brother, Simeon, in Egypt as a hostage while sending the others back to Canaan. He gave them specific instructions:
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Return to Canaan and bring their youngest brother, Benjamin.
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Joseph emphasized that without Benjamin, Simeon would remain in Egypt (Genesis 42:18-20).
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This demand was not arbitrary; it served multiple purposes, including testing the brothers’ honesty, family loyalty, and repentance.
2. Purpose of Bringing Benjamin
The instructions to bring Benjamin had several strategic and moral purposes:
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Test of Character: Joseph wanted to see whether the brothers had changed since they sold him. Their willingness to bring Benjamin would reveal remorse, loyalty, and integrity.
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Family Responsibility: By insisting on Benjamin’s presence, Joseph encouraged the brothers to consider the welfare of their family, reflecting their growth in moral responsibility.
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Preparation for Reconciliation: Joseph’s ultimate goal was to restore relationships. Bringing Benjamin back allowed for a full family reunion and reconciliation under God’s providential plan.
3. Instructions Regarding the Journey
Joseph’s instructions included not only bringing Benjamin but also practical elements for the journey:
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Take money to buy food: Each brother was given the amount of money needed to purchase grain in Egypt, which Joseph had originally returned to them in their sacks (Genesis 42:25).
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Carry provisions: While the primary requirement was Benjamin, the brothers were expected to return to Egypt to procure more grain, ensuring their families could survive the famine.
These instructions reinforced both obedience and careful planning, testing their willingness to follow directives and act responsibly.
4. The Test of Honesty
Joseph’s instructions created a situation that tested the brothers’ honesty and accountability:
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The initial request to bring Benjamin was a moral and emotional test, requiring the brothers to reflect on their past actions.
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It created tension and fear, revealing their attitudes toward responsibility, trust, and repentance.
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Their responses demonstrated genuine concern for family and willingness to act honorably, which ultimately convinced Joseph that they had changed.
5. Broader Symbolic Significance
The instruction to bring Benjamin back from Canaan holds symbolic meaning:
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Faith and Obedience: The brothers had to trust Joseph’s authority and comply with his demands, demonstrating faith and willingness to obey guidance.
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Testing Growth: By making them act collectively, Joseph observed their growth in unity, responsibility, and moral conscience.
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Providential Plan: Bringing Benjamin back aligned with God’s plan to preserve the family of Israel during the famine and ultimately position Joseph as a savior figure within God’s overarching design.
6. Outcome of the Instruction
Following Joseph’s instructions, the brothers:
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Returned to Canaan and relayed the message to their father, Jacob.
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Faced resistance from Jacob, who feared losing Benjamin as he had lost Joseph.
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Eventually agreed to bring Benjamin back to Egypt, demonstrating courage, family loyalty, and trust in God’s providence.
This obedience paved the way for the final reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, culminating in the restoration of family unity and the preservation of their lineage.
Conclusion
Joseph instructed his brothers to bring their youngest brother Benjamin back from Canaan while returning to Egypt for food. This instruction was a carefully designed test of integrity, loyalty, and moral growth. By requiring the brothers to bring Benjamin, Joseph assessed their honesty, repentance, and concern for family, all while advancing God’s providential plan to preserve the Israelites during the famine and restore familial relationships.
The directive demonstrates Joseph’s wisdom, strategic thinking, and reliance on moral testing, showing how leadership can combine practical administration with moral and spiritual insight.