Joseph Meets His Brothers

Genesis 42-45

Canaan, where Joseph's father and brothers were living, was one of the countries affected by the famine. They heard that there was corn in Egypt so Jacob sent his sons there to buy some.

They did not recognize the man that they were bowing down to was their brother whom they had sold for a slave. Joseph knew it was them, and treated them roughly, telling them they were spies. They answered him that they were no spies, but honest men, twelve brothers, one of whom, Benjamin, the youngest, was with their father in Canaan and another, Joseph, was dead. But he said that the only way of proving themselves honest men was for one of them to go and fetch their youngest brother, while he kept the others in Egypt. He put them all in prison for three days.

On the third day they were brought before Joseph again he told them that one of them must be left in prison, while the others carried corn to their father, and brought back their youngest brother. When they heard this they were afraid and said to each other that now punishment was coming upon them for their cruelty, a long time ago, to their brother Joseph.


Joseph wept when he heard his brothers speaking in this way, for he understood what they said, though they did not know it, as he spoke in different language from theirs. Then he sent them away with corn, keeping Simeon till they returned with Benjamin. Jacob was very unwilling to let him go but their corn was soon finished and there was none to be found anywhere but in Egypt. Joseph said they would not have any more unless Benjamin were with them. So he was obliged to send him.

When his brothers came again, Joseph entertained them very kindly at first, but presently he made as though he would keep Benjamin for his slave. Upon this, Judah, who had promised to take care of Benjamin, pleaded so earnestly, offering to be a slave in his place, that Joseph told them he was their own brother whom they had sold into Egypt.

He forgave them. Then he sent for his father and let them all live with him in the land of Egypt.