[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 225] On the third day Joseph caused the brothers to be brought before him. He dared not detain them longer. Already his father and the families with him might be suffering for food. “This do, and live,” he said; “for I fear God; if you be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go you, carry corn for the famine of your houses: but bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and you shall not die.” This proposition they agreed to accept, though expressing little hope that their father would let Benjamin return with them.
Joseph had communicated with them through an interpreter, and having no thought that the governor understood them, they conversed freely with one another in his presence. They accused themselves in regard to their treatment of Joseph: “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” Reuben, who had formed the plan for delivering him at Dothan, added, “Spoke I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and you would not hear?
Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.” Joseph, listening, could not control his emotions, and he went out and wept. On his return he commanded that Simeon be bound before them and again committed to prison. In the cruel treatment of their brother, Simeon had been the instigator and chief actor, and it was for this reason that the choice fell upon him.
Genesis 42:21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!