While his siblings did not recognize him, Joseph was able to identify them. And Joseph recalled the dreams he’d had about them. Genesis 42:8–9.
The hunger years had arrived, not only in Egypt but also in the neighboring countries. After learning that food was being sold in Egypt, Joseph’s father and brothers made the decision to travel there. The brothers went to Joseph because he was the one in charge of the storehouses. They were obviously unaware of Joseph’s current role. Years had passed, and Joseph most likely no longer wore Egyptian clothing. Understandably, his brothers failed to identify him!
Joseph, however, was “clearsighted.” Not only did he realize that they were his brothers, but he also realized that this was his dream come true. Just as he had dreamed more than twenty years earlier, “Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.” He said, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright.” It was then observed that your sheaves had gathered around it and bowed to my sheaf. “Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” he dreamed, but no one at the moment took him seriously. (See Genesis 37:6-7 and 10). But this is precisely what took place!
Joseph’s trust has now at last been rewarded. Both God and he had not forgotten His promises, nor had he forgotten his dreams!
Have you ever experienced a divine dream that you can still recall? How has this dream affected the way you live or how others live?
