It is difficult to reconcile Joseph’s behavior toward his brothers with his supposedly refined character. Was his toying with them simply revenge? How disappointing that would be for the reader like me who sets Joseph before her as her example. Revenge is a possible motive, and teaches us the truth that Jesus understood about fallen human nature: “He entrusted Himself to no man, for He knew what is in men.” In this case, the flawed character of such a noble man is a foil for the perfect character of God. It reveals how we long for a hero, a thoroughly heroic kind of hero, one worthy of our hero-worship; but there is no such man. Is this what Scripture means when it says that “He has set eternity in the hearts of men”?
Another possibility is that Joseph had a strategy for accomplishing his family’s reconciliation. If his plan turned out badly, at least he would have his brother Benjamin with him, and perhaps could have used that as a lure to get Jacob to come to Egypt. At best, it would turn out that the entire family was reconciled, not just gathered together, but relationships healed.
Joseph’s dealings with his brothers confronted them once again with their guilt and brought them to the place of admitting and appreciating how horrible their past actions toward Joseph were. Taking this stand in defense of their father’s well-being also would be growth for these self-centered men.
Tomorrow’s reading reveals how it worked out, but doesn’t reveal the reasons why Joseph toyed with his brothers as he did. We are left to draw our own conclusions.