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Stories of the Bible, Volume 1: The People of the Chosen Land

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<h2 class="nobreak">JOSEPH'S BROTHERS.</h2> The brothers of Joseph heard that in Egypt there was corn stored away in plenty; so they went down into Egypt to beg for it. They came before Joseph, and bowed low before him, even as in the vision so long ago it had been foretold that they would bow before him. "Who are you?" said Joseph; for he wished to try his brothers and see if they would speak the truth. "We are the sons of Jacob," said they; "and we are come from the land of Canaan." "Have you any other brothers?" asked Joseph. "We have one younger brother at home," they said. [86]"How do I know if you speak truly? Go to your homes—I will give you corn—and bring to me your youngest brother. Meanwhile I will hold one of you here as prisoner until you return. Then shall I know if you are honest men." So the nine brothers went back to Canaan and told Jacob what had happened; but they did not know it was Joseph they had seen. And when they told Jacob what the man in Egypt had said, and that Simeon had been left a prisoner, the old father lifted up his voice and wept. "Never," said he, "shall ye carry Benjamin into Egypt. Joseph ye have lost to me, and now Simeon! And if mischief befall Benjamin by the way in which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs in sorrow to the grave." But when all the corn was eaten and[87] there was no more food, Jacob was obliged to send Benjamin into Egypt with his brothers; for they dared not go without him. Joseph saw them coming, and his heart was glad when he saw his brother Benjamin with them. So he spoke to his servants and bade them make ready a feast for the ten men who had come from Canaan. Simeon he freed from prison, and all were received into his own home. They came into the banquet hall, and again they all bowed low before Joseph, as in the dream it had been prophesied they should do. "Is thy father well?" Joseph asked of his brothers. And the brothers answered, "Jacob is well." [88]Then the tears came into the eyes of Joseph, and he looked with tenderness upon them all. But they knew him not. And in the morning of the next day they set out again for Canaan, their bags filled with corn. But when they were departing, Joseph said to his steward, "Put my silver cup into the sack of the youngest; and when they are well out upon the road, overtake them, make a pretence of searching them for it, and bring back him in whose sack you find the cup." The servant did as he was bid; and Benjamin, in whose sack, of course, the cup was found, was brought back to Joseph. Ashamed, the other brothers too came back and fell at Joseph's feet. "Weep not," said Joseph. "Do you not know me? I am your brother Joseph, whom, so many years ago, you did sell into bondage." [89]Then the oldest brother fell upon his face before Joseph; and Benjamin fell upon his neck and wept tears of joy. "Go back now to Canaan. Take with you wagons and horses. Tell my father that I am rich and happy; that I am governor over the province; and that I send these wagons to bear him to me, that I may look once more upon his face." Great was the rejoicing in Canaan when the sons brought the good tidings from Joseph. And straightway Jacob and all his family set forth for the land of Egypt. Eagerly the old father pressed forward to meet his son. And when Joseph saw him afar off, he rode out in his own chariot to meet him. They fell upon each other's necks and kissed each other; and Jacob lifted his face in prayer to God, who had permitted him to see again the son he loved. <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/fig_027.jpg" width-obs="348" height-obs="500" alt="JACOB GOETH INTO EGYPT." title="" /> JACOB GOETH INTO EGYPT. </div> [91] Then Joseph led them to his own palace, and a great feast was held. For seventeen years Jacob dwelt in Egypt with his children, and most happy were they, now all together once more. But Jacob was now one hundred and forty-seven years old; and when he knew his end was near, he called his twelve sons to him and blessed them all. He told them many wonderful things which sometime would come to them; and when he had finished prophesying, he kissed them all, then lay back upon his bed and died. For seven days they mourned for him; and then they carried him to Canaan and buried him in the field of Macphelar. Joseph returned to Egypt, where he lived a long and happy life; and when he died, he too, we trust, was carried back and laid in the burial-place of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. <hr class="scr" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/fig_028.jpg" width-obs="322" height-obs="500" alt="THE FINDING OF MOSES. (Paul Delaroche.)" title="" /> THE FINDING OF MOSES. (Paul Delaroche.) </div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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