A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

sons of Jacob learned they would lunch with Joseph (who was probably identified only by his
Egyptian name), they prepared the gift they had brought for him. As Joseph arrived at noon, he
was met by his brothers who bowed before him. Seeing Benjamin after so many years was too
much for Joseph, and he left the room to weep. Then after washing his face, he returned to be
with his brothers.
The banquet was conducted with due respect of the two distinct cultures represented.
Egyptians were served at different tables than the Hebrews because it was beneath the dignity of
an Egyptian to eat with a Hebrew. The sons of Jacob were seated and served with respect to their
birth order which was of particular importance to the Hebrews. The general exception to the rule
was Benjamin. Joseph saw to it that he received five times more food than his brothers.
The next morning, Joseph’s brothers were off with their grain. Joseph had instructed
again that their money be returned in the grain and had planted a silver divination cup in the bag
belonging to Benjamin. There is some dispute as to how this cup was used by the Egyptians.
Some believe gold coins were cast into the cup to call on the spirits. Others argue the cup was
filled with water and taken out into sunlight where the effects of the sun on the water would be
interpreted as a good or evil omen. The presence of this cup suggests Joseph was to some degree
involved in the divination practices of Egypt. The cup may have been a gift from his father-inlaw
who was an Egyptian priest.
Shortly after the brothers left the city, Joseph sent out his servants to have the men
arrested for stealing the cup. By the time the Egyptians had caught up with the brothers, they had
discovered their returned money. Though they offered to return it, the Egyptians were only
interested in finding the stolen cup. When it was found in Benjamin’s bag, the others were free to
leave but Benjamin was to return. Remembering their commitment to protect the life of
Benjamin with their own, all the brothers returned to Egypt.
When they arrived back at the home of Joseph, Judah spoke on behalf of his brothers. He
explained their family history arguing any harm to Benjamin would mean the death of their
father. Judah offered to remain in Egypt as a slave to the Egyptian official if only the life of
Benjamin be spared.
The time had come for Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers. The offer of Judah
demonstrated a dramatic change in character on the part of the brothers. Commanding his servants
to leave, Joseph was left alone with his brothers in an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Then he made a simple statement, probably in Hebrew whereas to this point he would have
spoken Egyptian. “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” (Gen. 45:3)
At first, his brothers were filled with fear, probably suspecting Joseph was about to take revenge on
them. To convince them of his good intentions, he explained his plan further. The famine would last an
additional five years and Joseph wanted his father’s household to move to Egypt during that time where he
could take care of them. He urged his brothers to convince their father to move the family and sent some of his
own wagons to help. After an emotional reunion with his brothers, Joseph sent them on their way. When
Pharaoh heard of Joseph’s plan, he was pleased and urged Joseph to help his family make the move by
supplying whatever was needed. But in Canaan, Jacob was not as easy to convince. Not until he saw the
wagons of Joseph was he prepared to believe his son was even alive (v. 27). Then he was ready to go to Egypt.
JOSEPH AND HIS FAMILY IN EGYPT
(Gen. 46:1-50:26) (1876 B.C.)
Jacob and his family moved to the land of Egypt. The family of Jacob numbered seventy
when he arrived in Egypt. This number includes Joseph and his sons who were already in Egypt.