Chapter 21—Joseph and His Brothers
This chapter is based on
Genesis 41:54-56
;
42
to 50.
Under the direction of Joseph, immense storehouses were erected
throughout the land of Egypt for preserving the surplus of the expected
harvest. During the seven years of plenty the amount of grain laid in
store was beyond computation.
And now the seven years of dearth began, according to Joseph’s
prediction. “And the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of
Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished,
the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all
the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the
famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the
storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians.”
The famine was severely felt in the country where Jacob dwelt.
Hearing of the abundant provision made by the king of Egypt, ten of
Jacob’s sons journeyed thither to purchase grain. They were directed
to the king’s deputy and came to present themselves before the ruler
of the land. And they “bowed down themselves before him with their
faces to the earth.” “Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.”
His Hebrew name had been changed, and there was little resemblance
between the prime minister of Egypt and the stripling they had sold
to the Ishmaelites. As Joseph saw his brothers stooping and making
obeisance, his dreams and the scenes of the past rose vividly before
him. His keen eye discovered that Benjamin was not among them.
Had he also fallen victim to treacherous cruelty? He determined to
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learn the truth. “Ye are spies,” he said sternly; “to see the nakedness
of the land ye are come.”
They answered, “Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants
come... . We are true men; thy servants are no spies.” He wished to
draw from them some information in regard to their home; yet he knew
how deceptive their statements might be. He repeated the charge, and
they replied, “Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man
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