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Joseph and His Brothers
137
sons of one man in the land of Canaan, and in fact, the youngest is
with our father today, and one is no more.”
Professing to doubt their story, the governor declared that he
would require them to remain in Egypt until one of them would go
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and bring their youngest brother. If they would not agree, they were
to be treated as spies. But the sons of Jacob could not agree to this
arrangement, since the time required would cause their families to
suffer for food, and which one of them would set out on the journey
alone, leaving his brothers in prison? It seemed likely that they were
to be put to death or made slaves, and if Benjamin were brought, it
might be only to share their fate. They decided to remain and suffer
together rather than bring additional sorrow on their father by the
loss of his only remaining son, and so they were thrown into prison.
Wicked Men Had Learned Repentance
These sons of Jacob had changed in character. They had been
envious, hot-headed, deceptive, cruel, and revengeful they had been;
but now, tested by adversity, they were unselfish, true to one another,
devoted to their father, and, even now as middle-aged men, subject
to his authority.
Three days in the Egyptian prison were days of bitter sorrow
as the brothers thought about their sins. Unless Benjamin could be
brought, their conviction as spies appeared certain.
On the third day, Joseph had the brothers brought before him.
He dared not detain them longer. Already his father and the families
with him might be suffering for food. “Do this, and live,” he said;
“for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be
confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the
famine of your houses. And bring your youngest brother to me; so
your words will be verified, and you shall not die.”
Joseph had communicated with them through an interpreter.
Having no idea that the governor understood them, they talked freely
with one another in his presence. “We are truly guilty concerning
our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded
with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come
upon us.” Reuben, who had formed the plan for delivering Joseph at
Dothan, added, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against