Joseph and His Brothers
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heard; but when he saw the long train of wagons and loaded animals,
and when Benjamin was with him once more, he was convinced. In
the fullness of his joy he exclaimed, “It is enough; Joseph my son is
yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.”
Another act of humiliation remained for the ten brothers. They
now confessed to their father the deceit and cruelty that for so many
years had embittered his life and theirs. Jacob had not suspected them
of so base a sin, but he forgave and blessed his erring children.
The father and his sons, with their families, their flocks and herds,
and numerous attendants, were soon on the way to Egypt. In a vision
of the night the divine word came: “Fear not to go down into Egypt;
for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee
into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again.”
The promise had been given to Abraham of a posterity numberless
as the stars; but as yet the chosen people had increased but slowly.
And the land of Canaan was in the possession of powerful heathen
tribes that were not to be dispossessed until “the fourth generation.”
If the descendants of Israel were to become a numerous people, they
must either drive out the inhabitants of the land or disperse themselves
[158]
among them. Should they mingle with the Canaanites, they would
be in danger of being seduced into idolatry. Egypt, however, offered
the conditions necessary to the divine purpose. A section of country,
well-watered and fertile, was open to them there, affording every
advantage for their speedy increase. And they would remain a distinct
and separate people, shut out from participation in the idolatry of
Egypt.
Upon reaching Egypt, the company proceeded directly to the land
of Goshen. Thither came Joseph in his chariot of state, attended by
a princely retinue. One thought alone filled his mind, one longing
thrilled his heart. As he beheld the travelers approaching, the love
whose yearnings had for so many years been repressed would no longer
be controlled. He sprang from his chariot and hastened to bid his father
welcome. “And he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy
face, because thou art yet alive.”
Joseph sought to save his brothers from the temptations to which
they would be exposed at a heathen court; therefore he counseled
them to tell the monarch frankly their occupation. The sons of Jacob