Basic HTML Version
Joseph and His Brothers
139
brother and to bear the blame forever if he failed to bring Benjamin
back to his father.
Jacob could no longer withhold his consent. He instructed his
sons to take to the ruler a present of such things as the famine-wasted
country had—“a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh,
pistachio nuts and almonds,” and also a double amount of money.
“Take your brother also,” he said, “and arise, go back to the man.”
As his sons were about to leave on their doubtful trip, the aged father
arose, and raising his hands to heaven, uttered the prayer, “May God
Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your
other brother and Benjamin.”
Again they journeyed to Egypt and presented themselves before
Joseph. As he looked at Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he was
deeply moved. He hid his emotion but ordered that they be taken
to his house to dine with him. The brothers were greatly alarmed,
afraid of being accused regarding the money found in their sacks.
They thought that it might have been placed there to furnish a reason
for making them slaves. In proof of their innocence they informed
the steward of the house that they had brought back the money found
in their sacks, also other money to buy food; and they added, “We
do not know who put our money in our sacks.” The man replied,
“Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your
father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Their
anxiety was relieved, and when Simeon was released from prison
[108]
and joined them, they felt that God was indeed gracious to them.
Joseph’s Dreams Again Fulfilled
When the governor again met them, they presented their gifts and
humbly “bowed down before him to the earth.” Again his dreams
came to his mind, and he quickly asked, “Is your father well, the
old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” “Your servant our
father is in good health; he is still alive,” was the answer, as they
again bowed down. Then his eye rested on Benjamin, and he said,
“Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” “God be
gracious to you, my son,” but overpowered by feelings of tenderness,
he could say no more. “He went into his chamber and wept there.”