Genesis 42:15 meaning

In a pivotal moment during the famine, Joseph tests the integrity of his brothers after they come to Egypt seeking food. Holding the position of the governor, Joseph recognizes them but conceals his identity and accuses them of being spies, a move that serves multiple purposes. He aims to gauge their character and to see if they have repented from the heinous act of selling him into slavery many years prior. This strategic maneuver is not out of vengeance, but rather to assess if they have changed for the better and are truly deserving of their father's blessing and protection under his authority.

In Genesis 42:15, Joseph's stern engagement is crucial for eliciting a response that reveals the brothers' inner guilt. They soon confess their previous wrongdoings, acknowledging their anguish over what they had inflicted upon Joseph, which marks a significant step toward their eventual reconciliation. This interaction illustrates not only Joseph's wisdom and foresight but God’s overarching plan in using trials to cultivate repentance and unity within a fractured family.