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The Beginning of the End
Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you
are still alive.’”
Joseph wished to save his brothers from the temptations to which
they would be exposed at a heathen court, so he counseled them to
frankly tell the monarch that they were shepherds. The sons of Jacob
followed this counsel, being careful to also tell Pharaoh that they
had come to stay in the land temporarily, not to become permanent
residents. By doing this, they reserved the right to leave if they
chose.
Jacob’s Sunset Years
Not long after their arrival, Joseph brought his father to be pre-
sented to the king. Jacob was a stranger in royal courts, but he had
been close to a mightier Monarch in the grand scenes of nature. Now,
in conscious superiority, he raised his hands and blessed Pharaoh.
In his first greeting to Joseph, Jacob had spoken as if, with this
joyful ending to his long anxiety and sorrow, he was ready to die.
But seventeen years were still to be given to him in the peaceful
retirement of Goshen. These years were in happy contrast to those
that had preceded them. He saw evidence of true repentance in his
sons. He saw his family surrounded by all the conditions they would
need to develop into a great nation, and his faith grasped the sure
promise that they would be established in Canaan in the future. He
himself was surrounded with every token of love and favor that the
prime minister of Egypt could bestow.
Jacob Adopts Joseph’s Sons
Another matter demanded attention—the sons of Joseph were to
be formally instated among the children of Israel. Joseph, coming
for a last meeting with his father, brought Ephraim and Manasseh
with him. Through their mother, these youths were connected with
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the highest order of the Egyptian priesthood, and the position of their
father opened to them the paths to wealth and distinction, if they
chose to connect themselves with the Egyptians. It was Joseph’s
desire, however, that they would unite with their own people. He
showed his faith in the covenant promise, renouncing in behalf of