So the sons of IsraelThis phrase refers to the sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Jacob had twelve sons, who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. This familial connection is significant as it highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The sons of Israel are central figures in the narrative of Genesis and the broader biblical story, representing the chosen people through whom God would fulfill His promises.
were among those who came to buy grain
This indicates that the sons of Israel were part of a larger group of people affected by the widespread famine. The need to buy grain underscores the severity of the famine and the dependence on Egypt, which had stored surplus grain under Joseph's administration. This situation sets the stage for the fulfillment of Joseph's earlier dreams, where his brothers would bow to him, unknowingly fulfilling God's plan for their preservation.
since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan
The famine's reach into Canaan emphasizes the widespread nature of the crisis, affecting not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, was not immune to the natural disasters of the time. This situation forced the sons of Israel to seek sustenance in Egypt, a land they would later inhabit during the Exodus narrative. The famine serves as a catalyst for the unfolding of God's providential plan, leading to the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the events of the Exodus.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob, who traveled to Egypt to buy grain due to the severe famine in Canaan. They are central figures in the unfolding account of reconciliation and redemption.
2.
CanaanThe land where Jacob and his family resided. It was affected by the widespread famine, prompting the brothers' journey to Egypt.
3.
EgyptThe land where Joseph had risen to power as the governor. It became a place of refuge and provision during the famine.
4.
FamineA severe shortage of food that affected the entire region, including Canaan and Egypt, setting the stage for the brothers' journey and the eventual reunion with Joseph.
5.
JosephAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the account. As the governor of Egypt, he was responsible for the distribution of grain during the famine.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in AdversityThe famine, though a time of hardship, was used by God to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty even in difficult circumstances.
Providence and ProvisionJust as God provided for Jacob's family through Joseph, He provides for His people today. Look for God's provision in unexpected places.
Reconciliation and ForgivenessThe journey of Joseph's brothers to Egypt sets the stage for reconciliation. Consider the importance of seeking and granting forgiveness in our relationships.
Faith in ActionThe brothers' journey to Egypt required action and faith. In times of need, be proactive in seeking God's guidance and provision.
God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite the famine, God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were being fulfilled. Trust in God's faithfulness to His promises in your life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 42:5?
2.How does Genesis 42:5 illustrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's brothers' journey to Egypt?
3.What can we learn about God's provision from "sons of Israel among others"?
4.How does Genesis 42:5 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3?
5.How can we trust God's plan when facing difficult circumstances like famine today?
6.What role does obedience play in fulfilling God's purpose, as seen in Genesis 42:5?
7.Why did the sons of Israel go to Egypt in Genesis 42:5?
8.How does Genesis 42:5 reflect God's providence in times of famine?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 42:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42?
11.How does the Bible describe famine's impact?
12.Does any historical or archaeological evidence confirm widespread famines in this region during Joseph’s time (Genesis 42)?
13.How are Joshua and Jesus similar?
14.How should we worship God according to the Bible?What Does Genesis 42:5 Mean
So• The word signals a direct link to what has just transpired: God has already warned through Joseph that seven years of famine would follow seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:29–30).
• Egypt’s storehouses are now open, and, asGenesis 41:57 records, “all the earth came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth”.
• This connective reminds us that God’s earlier revelation is unfolding exactly as foretold, underscoring His perfect foreknowledge and providence (Psalm 105:16;Acts 7:11).
the sons of Israel• These are Jacob’s eleven remaining sons—Reuben through Benjamin—Joseph having been presumed dead (Genesis 35:22–26;Genesis 42:13).
• They carry the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 28:13–15), yet they now face a crisis that will test their faith and integrity.
• Their very identity points to God’s ongoing purpose: preserving a chosen family through whom the Messiah will come (Genesis 12:3;Galatians 3:16).
were among those who came to buy grain• The brothers take their place in a long line of desperate seekers crowding Egyptian granaries (Genesis 42:2; 41:56–57).
• Humbled, they must rely on a foreign nation—and unknowingly on their own brother—to survive. This fulfills Joseph’s earlier dreams that his family would bow before him (Genesis 37:7–10).
• God often uses physical need to draw His people into the very setting where He will reveal Himself more fully (2 Kings 7:3–11;John 6:35).
since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan• The scarcity is not localized; it spans the region, just as Joseph said it would “ravage the land” (Genesis 41:30).
• Previous generations in this family also faced famines that moved them geographically—Abram to Egypt (Genesis 12:10) and Isaac to Gerar (Genesis 26:1). God again uses environmental pressure to advance His redemptive plan.
• By permitting the famine, the Lord ensures Jacob’s household will eventually relocate to Egypt, where they will grow into a great nation (Genesis 46:3–4;Exodus 1:7).
summaryGenesis 42:5 captures a pivotal moment: God’s covenant family, hungry and humbled, joins the nations streaming to Egypt for grain. Every detail—Joseph’s prior warning, the brothers’ identity, their act of purchasing food, and the far-reaching famine—demonstrates the Lord’s faithful orchestration of history. What looks like a desperate errand is, in fact, the next step in God’s larger design to preserve Israel, fulfill Joseph’s dreams, and set the stage for future deliverance.
Verse 5. -
And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came - literally,
in the midst of the comers; not as being desirous to lose themselves in the multitudes, as if troubled by an alarming presentiment (Lange), which is forced and unnatural; but either as forming a part of a caravan of Canaanites (Lawson), or simply as arriving among ethers who came from the same necessity (Keil).
For the famine was in the land of Canaan. The statements in this verse concerning the descent of Joseph's brethren to Egypt, and the prevalence of the famine in the land of Canaan, both of which have already been sufficiently announced (vide ver. 3;
Genesis 41:57;
Genesis 42:2), are neither useless repetitions nor proofs of different authorship, but simply the customary recapitulations which mark the commencement of a new paragraph or section of the history, viz., that in which Joseph's first interview with his brethren is described (cf. 'Quarry on Genesis,' pp. 556, 557).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So the sonsבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descwere amongבְּת֣וֹךְ(bə·ṯō·wḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centrethose whoהַבָּאִ֑ים(hab·bā·’îm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gocameוַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto buy grain,לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר(liš·bōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7666:To deal in grainsinceכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe famineהָרָעָ֖ב(hā·rā·‘āḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458:Famine, hungerhad [also] spreadהָיָ֥ה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beto the landבְּאֶ֥רֶץ(bə·’e·reṣ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, landof Canaan.כְּנָֽעַן׃(kə·nā·‘an)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667:Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan
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OT Law: Genesis 42:5 The sons of Israel came to buy (Gen. Ge Gn) 
