Genesis 42:1-2
When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about a lack of action, but reveals a profound desperation; his sons are frozen in helplessness, each waiting for the other to break the paralyzing silence and find a solution to their dire need.
After a devastating famine grips Canaan, Jacob learns that grain is available for sale in Egypt. Seeing his sons looking at each other with helplessness and despair, he challenges their inaction and prompts them to consider a journey to buy food. This sets in motion the first of ten journeys his sons will make to Egypt, where they will unknowingly encounter their brother Joseph, now a powerful official.
Facing a devastating famine, Jacob's sons are frozen, staring at each other in despair. What does this moment reveal about their state of mind, and how does God's provision cut through their helplessness?
The famine has reached a critical point. Jacob's sons are not just hungry; they are experiencing a deep sense of helplessness. Their 'looking one upon another' isn't just indecision; it's a visual representation of their despair, their inability to find a solution within themselves or each other.
A Spirit of Despondency
God's Unexpected Intervention
This initial scene sets the stage for a dramatic unfolding of God's plan, where human despair meets divine provision.
Jacob, though grieving and weary, isn't paralyzed. What does his immediate action reveal about his leadership and his understanding of God's subtle workings?
In the face of his sons' inaction, Jacob, the patriarch, steps forward. He doesn't just observe their despair; he actively directs them toward a solution.
Understand the original words
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
The patriarch, formerly named Jacob, who was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name represents both the individual and the nascent nation of God's covenant people.
sheber · Hebrew Noun
Generally refers to sustenance or provisions, often representing the fundamental physical requirements for life provided by God. In a biblical context, it frequently serves as a test of faith and trust in God's providence during times of scarcity.
This moment marks the dramatic reunion of Joseph with his family after years of separation, precipitated by a devastating famine that forces Jacob's sons to seek sustenance in Egypt, unaware that the governor is their long-lost brother.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery and eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt.
c. 1790 BC
Famine strikes Canaan
A severe famine, likely caused by prolonged drought, devastates the land of Canaan, impacting Jacob's family and livestock.
c. 1790 BC— this verse
Jacob learns of grain in Egypt
Jacob hears reports that grain is available for purchase in Egypt, a land well-supplied due to Joseph's foresight.
c. 1790 BC
Jacob sends sons to Egypt
Jacob dispatches ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain, retaining his youngest, Benjamin, out of fear.
c. 1790 BC
This verse echoes the prodigal son's desperate situation and the father's compassionate response, mirroring the complex emotions and eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.
Psalm 34:18Jacob's question, 'Why do you look at one another?', highlights a moment of helplessness that is contrasted with this psalm's assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Proverbs 15:22The sons' initial inaction before Jacob's prompt reflects the idea in Proverbs that 'plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed,' emphasizing the need for shared wisdom in times of crisis.
Romans 8:28While the brothers are in despair, this verse reminds us that God can work all things, even famine and familial strife, for good to those who love Him, as ultimately seen in Joseph's story.
John 11:33Joseph's deep sorrow and weeping when he sees his brothers, even though he is treating them harshly, parallels Jesus' emotional response to the grief over Lazarus, showing profound empathy despite difficult circumstances.
cambridgeGenesis 42:1: "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?"
1–5. The Descent into Egypt 1 . look one upon another ] In silence, as if desperate. Jacob’s words indicate the energy and resourcefulness of the old man, as compared with the helpless despondency of the sons.
calvinGenesis 42:1-38: "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?"
And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
Et vidit Joseph fratres suos, et agnovit eos, et alienum se ostendit eis: locutusque est cum eis dura, et dixit eis, Unde venistis? Et dixerunt, De terra Chenaan…
Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about a lack of action, but reveals a profound desperation; his sons are frozen in helplessness, each waiting for the other to break the paralyzing silence and find a solution to their dire need.
After a devastating famine grips Canaan, Jacob learns that grain is available for sale in Egypt. Seeing his sons looking at each other with helplessness and despair, he challenges their inaction and prompts them to consider a journey to buy food. This sets in motion the first of ten journeys his sons will make to Egypt, where they will unknowingly encounter their brother Joseph, now a powerful official.
After a devastating famine grips Canaan, Jacob learns that grain is available for sale in Egypt. Seeing his sons looking at each other with helplessness and despair, he challenges their inaction and prompts them to consider a journey to buy food. This sets in motion the first of ten journeys his sons will make to Egypt, where they will unknowingly encounter their brother Joseph, now a powerful official.
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A Patriarch's Response
Beyond Simple Hunger
Joseph tests his brothers
Joseph, now governor of Egypt, recognizes his brothers but conceals his identity, testing their hearts and seeking repentance.
c. 1790 BC
Simeon detained, brothers return
Joseph detains Simeon and sends the other brothers back with grain, demanding they bring Benjamin on their next visit.
"When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may liv…" — Jacob's question, "Why do you look at one another?" isn't just about a lack of action, but reveals a profound desperation; his sons are frozen in helplessness, each waiting for the other to break the…
