Joseph meets his brother

Jan. 15 Gen. 43- 45) The Orthodox Study Bible

(Chapter 43) Because of the famine Israel was confronted with sending Benjamin to Egypt with his brother's to buy grain. So Their father Israel told them to repay the amount found in their sacks, and hold the money for the grain in their hands along with gifts, such as: almonds, pistachio nuts, honey, balm spices and myrrh for new grain. Joseph, upon their arrival has his brother's taken to his home for a banquet, after laying eyes on his only brother Benjamin. Simeon is returned to them. Joseph inquires about his father. They drank and were merry with him.

(Chapter 44) Joseph arranged for his brother's return with food and money in their sacks, as much as they could carry. He asked his servant to put his silver cup in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money. When they had travelled for a time, Joseph said to his steward get up and overtake them. Ask why they had stolen his silver cup?

The steward caught up with the group and accused them, asking them why they had stolen the cup. The brothers denied it but dropped their bags and let him conduct the search saying: (9). "With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord's servant." (10). "Then he replied, Now as you say, so it will be; he with whom it is found shall be my servant, and you shall be blameless." The cup was found with Benjamin, and they all returned to the city and Joseph. Judah made a plea that they all become his slaves, as the cup was found. But Joseph insisted that he wanted only Benjamin to be his servant, dismissing the others to their father. But Judah explained the whole story, along with his concern for his father, if Benjamin were not returned.

(Chapter 45) Joseph could not restrain himself any longer, and asked that everyone leave the room except for his brothers. He told them, "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt." He said it was God's will to preserve them and save life, for there were five more years ahead of famine. (9). "Hurry then and go up to my father, and say to him, "Thus says your son Joseph, "God made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry." (10)."You shall dwell in land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your sheep and oxen, and all you have." You shall hurry and bring my father down here. Then both Joseph and Benjamin wept. Then he kissed all of his brothers and wept and his brothers conversed with him. Goods were given them for the journey. (25).Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to land of Canaan to Jacob their father. (26). Thus they told him, saying, Joseph your son is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt." (28). Then Israel said, "It is a great thing to me that my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."