What does Genesis 42:20 Mean?

Context Summary

The behavior of this great Egyptian official-for so the brethren deemed him-must have seemed very hard and tyrannical to the trembling shepherds from the far land of Canaan. They had no idea that he understood what they said, and turned away to weep. But we can read his inner meaning. He must secure their return, so he kept Simeon bound. He wanted to see the beloved Benjamin, and to test their behavior to him, so he threatened that they should not see his face unless their youngest brother accompanied them. He gave to them of his kindly care in the gift of provisions and the return of their money. It was natural that the old father heard their story with failing-heart-"All these things are against me." Nay, in all these things was the life of the Spirit, and in all these things we are more than conquerors. See Romans 8:37.

"Judge not the Lord with feeble sense,

But trust him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face." [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 42

¹  Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt
¹⁶  They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies
¹⁸  They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin
²¹  They have remorse for Joseph
²⁴  Simeon is kept for a pledge
²⁵  They return with grain, and their money
²⁹  Their relation to Jacob
³⁶  Jacob refuses to send Benjamin