Joseph and His Brothers
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Jacob could no longer withhold his consent. He bade his sons
take to the ruler a present of such things as the famine-wasted country
afforded—“a little balm, and a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and
almonds,” also a double quantity of money. “Take also your brother,”
he said, “and arise, go again unto the man.” As his sons were about
to depart on their doubtful journey, the aged father arose, and raising
his hands to heaven, uttered the prayer, “God Almighty give you
mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and
Benjamin.”
Again they journeyed to Egypt and presented themselves before
Joseph. As his eye fell upon Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he was
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deeply moved. He concealed his emotion, but ordered that they be
taken to his house to dine with him. The brothers were greatly alarmed,
fearing to be called to account for the money found in their sacks. They
thought that it might have been placed there to furnish occasion 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 cannot
tell who put our money in our sacks.” The man replied, “Peace be to
you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you
treasure in your sacks: I had your money.” Their anxiety was relieved;
and when Simeon, released from prison, 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 themselves to him to the earth.” Again his dreams
came to his mind, and he hastened to ask, “Is your father well, the old
man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?” “Thy servant our father is
in good health, he is yet alive,” was the answer, as they again made
obeisance. Then his eye rested upon Benjamin, and he said, “Is this
your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me?” “God be gracious
unto thee, my son,” but overpowered by feelings of tenderness, he
could say no more. “He entered into his chamber, and wept there.”
Having recovered his self-possession, he returned. By the laws of
caste, the Egyptians were forbidden to eat with people of any other
nation. The sons of Jacob had therefore a table by themselves, while