How were Joseph's brothers dependent on Joseph without recognizing him?
Joseph's brothers were totally dependent on the grain Joseph had gathered during the seven good years to carry them through the seven lean years, yet they had no idea who he was. Their lives depended on his provision, but they did not recognize the brother who had stored it.
Les explains that this account is a type, a picture form, illustrating unrecognized provision. Just as none of the princes or rulers of this world knew who Jesus was, and had they known they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, Joseph's brothers were totally dependent on the grain he had gathered in the seven good years to carry through the seven lean years. And yet they had no idea who he was. Even some things that transpired sent things reeling through their minds, but they could not put it together.