Benjamin Goes to Egypt

The famine was severe, and Jacob’s family finished the grain they had brought from Egypt. Their father told them to go back and buy a little more food. But Judah reminded him of the ruler’s warning: they could not see his face again unless their youngest brother went with them. Judah urged his father to send Benjamin, so they might live and not die.

Israel was distressed that they had mentioned another brother, but they explained that the man had questioned them closely about their family. Judah then offered himself as a pledge for Benjamin’s safety. At last their father agreed. He told them to take a gift from the land, to carry double money, and to return the money found in their sacks. He asked God Almighty to show them mercy and to send back Simeon and Benjamin.

So the men took the gift, the double money, and Benjamin, and went down to Egypt. When they stood before Joseph, he saw Benjamin with them and told his steward to bring the men into his house and prepare a meal for noon. But the brothers were afraid. They thought the returned money might be used as a reason to seize them and make them slaves, along with their donkeys.

At the door of the house they explained everything to Joseph’s steward. They said they had found the money in their sacks and had brought it back, along with more money to buy food. The steward told them not to be afraid and said that their God had put treasure in their sacks. Then he brought Simeon out to them, gave them water to wash their feet, and fed their donkeys. The brothers prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

When Joseph came home, the brothers bowed low before him and presented their gift. He asked whether their father was still alive, and they answered him respectfully. Then Joseph saw Benjamin, his own mother’s son, and his heart was deeply stirred. He went away to weep in private, then returned and ordered the meal to be served.

The Egyptians ate separately from the Hebrews, and the brothers were seated in birth order, which amazed them. Joseph sent portions to them all, but Benjamin received five times as much as the others, and they drank and were merry with him.