Study Desk

But after them will come seven years when there will be no food. The time of much food will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The time of no food will destroy the land.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh. But unless it is your will, no one will raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."

And the seven bad years of no food began, as Joseph had said. No food was growing in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was food.

But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers. For he said, "I am afraid that something will happen to him."

When Joseph saw his brothers, he knew who they were. But he acted like a stranger and spoke sharp words to them. He said, "Where have you come from?" They answered, "From the land of Canaan, to buy food."

Joseph knew his brothers but they did not know him.

But they said, "Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father. And one is no more."

But Joseph said to them, "It is as I said. You are spies.

If you are men who do not lie, let one of your brothers stay here in prison for all of you. But you others go and carry grain for your hungry families.

They said to one another, "For sure we are guilty for what we did to our brother. We saw the suffering of his soul while he begged us. But we would not listen. So this trouble has come to us."

Reuben answered them, "Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy?' But you would not listen. Now we must pay for his blood."

But we said to him, ‘We do not lie. We are not working against you in secret.

But bring your youngest brother to me, so I will know you are not spies, but honest men telling the truth. Then I will return your brother to you. And then you may trade in the land.'"

But Jacob said, "My son will not go with you. For his brother is dead, and only he is left. If something were to happen to him during your traveling, you would bring my white hair down to the grave in sorrow."

But Judah told him, "The man said to us with sharp words, ‘You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

But if you do not send him, we will not go. For the man said, ‘You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'"

But he answered, "Peace be with you. Do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you riches in your bags. I received your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.

Joseph took food to them from his own table. But Benjamin's food was five times as much as any of theirs. And they were free in eating and drinking with him.

He answered, "Let it be as you say. He who is found to have the cup will be my servant. But you others will be without blame."

But Joseph said, "No. I will do no such thing. The person who was found with the cup will be my servant. But you others may go in peace to your father."