Chapter 21—Joseph and His Brothers
This chapter is based on
Genesis 41:54-56
;
42
to
50
.
At the very opening of the fruitful years began the preparation
for the approaching famine. Under the direction of Joseph, immense
storehouses were erected in all the principal places throughout the
land of Egypt, and ample arrangements were made for preserving the
surplus of the expected harvest. The same policy was continued during
the seven years of plenty, until the amount of grain laid in store was
beyond computation.
And now the seven years of dearth began to come, 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 extended to the land of Canaan and was severely felt
in that part of 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. On their arrival they were directed to the
king’s deputy, and with other applicants they came to present them-
selves 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 exchanged for
the one bestowed upon him by the king, and there was little resem-
blance between the prime minister of Egypt and the stripling whom
they had sold to the Ishmaelites. As Joseph saw his brothers stooping
and making obeisance, his dreams came to his mind, and the scenes of
the past rose vividly before him. His keen eye, surveying the group,
discovered that Benjamin was not among them. Had he also fallen a
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victim to the treacherous cruelty of those savage men? He determined
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