The Story of Joseph, Part 11 (Genesis 42)

When Joseph told his brothers that one of them would be put in prison and the rest must go back to Canaan and bring their youngest brother to Egypt, they talked among themselves saying “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.” The brothers did not know Joseph could understand them for he had been using an interpreter, but Joseph heard every word and had to turn away because tears came to his eyes. He realized that they were now sorry for what they had done to him, and it touched his heart. Joseph then put Simeon in prison and ordered his workers to fill sacks with grain for his brothers to take back to Canaan. He also had the money they paid for the grain to be put back into the sacks without his brothers knowing it. When they came to their father in Canaan they told him all that had happened in Egypt; and as they opened their sacks of grain they found a bundle of money in ever sack, the exact amount they had paid for the grain. When both the brothers and their father saw the money they were very afraid. Jacob said, “Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!” Reuben said, “Put Benjamin in my care, and I will bring him back to you,” but Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.” Boys and girls, do you think Jacob will change his mind and allow his sons to take Benjamin to Egypt? If not, what will happen when they run out of food?