Study Desk

Their father, Israel, said to them, "If it be so now, do this. Take from the choice fruits of the land in your vessels, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;

When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and make ready; for the men will dine with me at noon."

The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, "Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for bondservants, along with our donkeys."

They made ready the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned over his brother: and he sought a place to weep; and he entered into his room, and wept there.

They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians, that ate with him, by themselves, because the Egyptians don't eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, "Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, tell them, 'Why have you rewarded evil for good?

He said, "Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my bondservant; but as for you, go up in peace to your father."

Then Judah came near to him, and said, "Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord's ears, and don't let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh.

We said to my lord, 'The boy can't leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.'

We said, 'We can't go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, unless our youngest brother is with us.'

For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, 'If I don't bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever.'

For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn't with me? Lest I see the evil that will come on my father."

Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Does my father still live?" His brothers couldn't answer him; for they were terrified at his presence.

Now don't be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

For these two years has the famine been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest.

There I will nourish you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have."'

Now you are commanded: do this. Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Also, don't concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all of the land of Egypt is yours."

The sons of Israel did so. Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.