A Reunion In Goshen

Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of the ruling pharaoh of the nation. His good manners soon earned him the highest position in the house. Potiphar’s wife became infatuated with Joseph and tempter him to commit adultery with her. When he refused, she accused him of the crime and Joseph was sent to prison.

While in prison, Joseph’s manners earned him a position of responsibility over the other prisoners. Among the prisoners Joseph met were the Pharaoh’s baker and butler. When each of them had dreams, he interpreted their dreams. When the butler left prison, he failed to intercede on Joseph’s behalf, and Joseph spent two more years in prison.

When the pharaoh had dreams that none of his counselors could interpret, the butler remembered Joseph and mentioned him to the Pharaoh. Then Joseph as called to appear before the Pharaoh. He interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of famine. He also advised the Pharaoh to appoint a commissioner to store up supplies during the plentiful years.

To Joseph’s surprise, the Pharaoh appointed him as food commissioner. This was a position of great prestige. Under Joseph’s care, many supplies were stored and the land prospered. Joseph was given many comforts, including servants and a wife. He was called Zapenath-Paneah, which means the revealer of secrets. When the famine hit, Joseph was second only to the Pharaoh in power. People from all the surrounding areas cane to buy food from him.

Many years passed since Joseph’s arriving in Eygpt as a slave and his rise to power in the nation during famine. The famine struck Canaan and the other sons of Jacob eventually came to buy food. When they met Joseph, they did not recognize him. He recognized them, however, and decided to test them to see if they had changed. He accuse them of being spies. Then he sold them food only on the conditions that Simeon stay as a hostage until they ring Benjamin, the youngest brother to Egypt.

Upon returning to Canaan the brothers told their daddy of they experiences. He vowed not to send Benjamin, but the continuing famine forced him to change his mind. On the next trip Benjamin tagged along to Egypt.

When they arrived, Joseph treated them royally, weeping openly at the sight of his baby brother. Simeon was released. After buying their food, they started back home. But when they started back home, a servant that accused them of stealing Joseph’s silver cup stopped them. The cup was found in Benjamin’s bag, where Joseph had placed it. The brothers returned to face Joseph, who declared that Benjamin must stay in Egypt. About that time, Judah began to beg, saying that this would break their daddy’s heart.

Joseph was overcome with emotion. He revealed himself to them as their brother, whom they had sold into slavery many years ago. At first the brothers were afraid that Joseph would take revenge against them, but soon were convinced that Joseph’s forgiveness was genuine. Judah’s plea on Benjamin’s behalf was evidence of the change that Joseph longed for. He sent them back to Canaan with gifts for his daddy and invited them to come live in Egypt.