Simeon, The Troublemaker?

Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes. [Genesis 42.24]

Why was Simeon chosen to be put in prison while Joseph's brothers were to go get Benjamin as proof of their truthfulness?

My speculation here is just that, but I imagine most might agree with me. I am guessing that Simeon was the initiator of the angst against Joseph that led to his being thrown in the cistern and then sold to the slave traders.

Every argument is started by someone. Every complaint, civil unrest, or disagreement generally has one person who "breaks the ice" and begins the process of trouble. Even though masses may join in with whatever 'movement' is initiated, there has to be someone who gets it started.

Again, my guess is that in the case of conspiracy against Joseph, it was Simeon who first spoke out against him. And, most likely, it is highly likely that the one who spoke out first, even though all may have had some issue with Joseph, is the one who carried the most bitterness.

Why is this even important? I don't really know, except to say that I don't want to 'be that guy' who gets the riot started against an innocent man.

It would furthermore make sense that Simeon could have been the originator of Joseph's trouble because Simeon was a son of Leah. He came into life in the midst of competition! Leah, the "not-chosen" bride of Jacob, was compelled to bear children to win her distracted spouse's love.

At the end of the day, God used every part of Jacob's and then Joseph's circumstances to accomplish a 'deliverance' of  Israel. To me, it's just interesting to consider and speculate on the details we do not know.

Father, certainly I cannot judge Simeon based on my speculation. But as I consider all the details we are given, I cannot help but wonder about the details we are not given. Help me to see the humanity of all the people involved and see Your amazing plan carried through them regardless of their character.