The answer is: Simeon

Gen 42:24

In the story of Joseph, we see a deep web of family dynamics that blends themes of betrayal, repentance, and eventual reconciliation. When Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt during a famine, they are unaware that the governor they stand before—Joseph—is actually the brother they sold into slavery years before. Spoilers ahead: Joseph's decision to imprison Simeon while sending the others back to Jacob serves multiple purposes.

First, it allows Joseph to probe his brothers’ hearts to see if they have changed since their youthful days of cruelty. Simeon isn’t just a random pick; he’s often viewed as one of the more aggressive brothers, perhaps reminding Joseph of the tumultuous past. By building a test scenario, Joseph intends to provoke a sense of accountability, showing how their past actions still affect their current lives.

Fun fact: the name Simeon means “God has heard,” which beautifully echoes their backstory. The brothers’ reunion with Joseph can be seen as an opportunity for them to acknowledge their previous wrongdoings. As the narrative evolves, it speaks volumes about familial love, forgiveness, and the chance for redemption, which would extend to a much broader context beyond this one family drama.

Joseph’s storytelling in Genesis is powerful—a tapestry of human nature caught between vengeance and harmony. Each character's traits come alive against the backdrop of ancient Israelite culture, setting the stage for profound life lessons in the way we interact with our own familial ties.