Parashat Miḳḳeṣ Genesis 41:1-44:17 פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ
SYNOPSIS:
Parashat Miḳḳeṣ contains four sidrot. The first consists of; Pharaoh's dream, and Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and offers his advice; the second, Joseph's appointment to the position of Lord of the Land, the birth of Joseph's sons, and the famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt; the third, Joseph first meeting with his brothers, Jacob's sons return to Canaan, and the brothers go back down to Egypt; and the fourth, Joseph's second encounter with his brothers, and Joseph tests his brothers.
First Sidra՚ (Gen. 41:1-37): Pharaoh's dream, and Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and offers his advice
Two years after the chief cupbearer had been released from prison, Pharaoh has an unusual dream. In this dream Pharaoh finds himself standing by the Nile when seven cows - fair to look at and fat of flesh - come up out of the Nile and start grazing in the reed-grass. Next seven other cows - ill to look at and lean of flesh - also come up out of the Nile and stand beside the first seven cows by the bank of the Nile. All of a sudden the seven cows that are ill to look at and lean of flesh eat up the seven cows that are fair to look at and fat of flesh. Pharaoh awakes from his dream, but soon goes back to sleep and has a second dream. In this dream there are seven ears of grain - fat and good - coming up on a single stalk, afterwards seven ears of grain - lean and scorched by the east wind - also spring up. Then the seven lean ears of grain swallow up the seven fat and full ears of grain. The next morning Pharaoh's spirit is troubled by his dreams, so he sends for all the magicians of Egypt as well as all its wise men and proceeds to tell them his dream. But none of them were able to interpret it. Nevertheless, Pharaoh's chief cupbearer speaks up reminding Pharaoh of the time when Pharaoh was furious with him and the chief baker, and had them both thrown in prison. He tells Pharaoh how one night, while in prison, both he and the chief baker had troubling dreams that they could not understand. However, the chief cupbearer relates how a certain Hebrew youth who was a fellow prisoner and servant of the captain of the guard (Potiphar) was able to correctly interpret their dreams for the outcome was just as he said; the chief cupbearer was restored to his position while the chief baker was hung. On hearing this Pharaoh has Joseph called for and he is hastily brought out of prison, which the Torah refers to as "the pit" (Gen. 41:14). Joseph is shaved and his clothes are changed before he is brought before Pharaoh. Pharaoh explains to Joseph that he had a dream, which none of his magicians or wise men can interpret however he has heard that Joseph is able to interpret dreams. Joseph replies, "Not I; God, will answer for Pharaoh's welfare" (Gen. 41:16). Pharaoh then proceeds to tell Joseph his dreams. Joseph responds that the two dreams are in fact one dream furthermore, through these dreams God has told Pharaoh what He is about to do. Joseph proceeds to interpret Pharaoh's dream; the seven good cows and the seven good ears of grain are seven years of great abundance for Egypt, while the seven thin cows and the seven empty ears of grain will be seven years of famine that will follow the seven years of great abundance. The famine will be so devastating that it will destroy the land of Egypt. Joseph explains to Pharaoh that because the dream was repeated it means that the matter is already determined by God and is close at hand. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a man who is discerning and wise and to set him over the land of Egypt. Officials should be appointed over the land in order to collect a fifth (20%) of the Egypt's produce during the seven years of abundance. Grain silos should be set up in the cities where the grain from the fields near by can be brought and stored as reserve for the seven years of famine. These silos should be under Pharaoh's direct authority. "And the matter was good in the eyes of Pharaoh; and in the eyes of all his servants" (Gen. 41:37).
Second Sidra՚ (Gen. 41:38-42:17): Joseph's appointment to the position of Lord of the Land, the birth of Joseph's sons, and the famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt
The second sidra՚ opens with Pharaoh referencing Joseph when he declares to his servants, "can we find one like this, a man, in whom is the spirit of God" (Gen. 41:38). Pharaoh appoints Joseph over his house (meaning the land of Egypt) and the people should carry out Joseph's will; only the throne will be greater than Joseph. Pharaoh takes off his ring and places it on Joseph's hand - a sign of the bestowing of authority on Joseph, who is then clothed in linen garments (obviously more prestigious then the ones they originally clothed him in) and a gold chain is placed upon his neck. Next, Joseph is mounted in the Pharaoh's second chariot and is paraded and hailed throughout the land of Egypt. Joseph is given an Egypt name by Pharaoh - Ṣaphenath Paՙneyaḥ meaning God Speaks and He Lives - as well as Asenath the daughter of Poṭi Pheraՙ the priest of On as a wife. The Torah informs us that Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46); he had therefore been in gaol for thirteen years! During the seven years of abundance Joseph made provisions for the years of famine, he collected the reserve grain and stored it in the cities; in fact there was so much grain that, "he stopped numbering for it was without number" (Gen. 41:49). Before the beginning of the famine Asenath gives birth to two sons: the firstborn Joseph calls Manasseh "for God has made me forget my hardships" (Gen. 41:51) [מְנַשֶּׁה from נָשָׁה - forget]; and the second, Ephraim "for God caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction" (Gen. 41:52) [אֶפְרָיִם from פׇּרָה - be fruitful]. After seven years of abundance, sure enough, famine spreads throughout the Near East, but Egypt - due to Joseph's initiative - has plenty of grain stored for food. Once the Egyptian people start to feel the effects of the famine they cry out to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh tells them to go to Joseph and do whatever he tells them to do. Joseph has the storehouses throughout the land of Egypt opened so that the Egyptians can purchase grain. During these years of famine Egypt becomes the only source for the purchasing grain, this forces people from wide and far to come to Egypt in order to procure grain. Back in Canaan the famine is very severe. Jacob sees that there is grain to be purchased in Egypt so he tells his sons to go down there and purchase some, "and we may live and not die" (Gen. 42:2). All of Joseph's brothers go down to Egypt to purchase grain apart from Benjamin - Joseph's younger full brother and Rachel's youngest son - whom Jacob refuses to send lest he come to harm. The Torah tells us that Joseph was "the governor over the land" (Gen. 42:6) and any foreigner who came to Egypt for the purpose of purchasing grain had to go directly to him. Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt and come before Joseph, bow down before him with their faces to the ground; just as they had done in his dream. Joseph's brothers do not recognize him - after all he was seventeen when they sold him and he is now at least thirty seven - but he does recognize them, however he does not reveal himself but instead is harsh with them, "From where did you come" (Gen. 42:7). The brothers inform Joseph that they have come from the land of Canaan in order to purchase grain for food. Joseph responds, "You are spies, you come to see the nakedness of the land" (Gen. 42:9). The brothers tell him that this is simply not true! They explain that they are all the sons of a single man and have simply come to Egypt to purchase grain for food; and they are not spies. Joseph, however, persists in accusing them of being spies. The brothers continue to defend themselves to Joseph and reiterate, "Your servants are twelve brothers we are the sons of a single man in the land of Canaan; and behold the youngest is with our father this day, and one is no more" (Gen. 42:13). Joseph still insists that they are spies. Joseph tells them that they will not be able to leave until their youngest brother comes to Egypt. One of the brothers is to go and fetch the younger brother, while the others are to remain as prisoners. This way, he tells them, their words will be tested to see if they are telling the truth and if not then they are spies! Joseph places them in custody for three days.
Third Sidra՚ (Gen. 42:18-43:13): Joseph first meeting with his brothers, Jacob's sons return to Canaan, and the brothers go back down to Egypt
After the brothers had been incarcerated for three days Joseph says to them, "Do this and live; for I revere God" (Gen. 42:18). He now tells them that only one of the brothers is to stay in prison while the other brothers are to take back the grain to relieve the effects of the famine back home. Then they are to bring their youngest brother back to Joseph so he can verify their words. The brothers say to each other, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, that we saw the distress of his soul when he implored favour from us and we did not listen; therefore upon us has come, this distress" (Gen. 42:21). Reuben answers the brothers by reminding them that when they put Joseph in the pit he told them not to sin against the child, but they would not listen; and now satisfaction is demanded for his blood. This was all said in front of Joseph as the brothers thought that he could not understand them for he used a translator when conversing with them. But Joseph does understand them and turns away to weep. "And he turns back to them and he spoke to them, and he had Simeon taken away from them, and imprisoning him before their eyes" (Gen. 42:24). Joseph commands his servants to fill his brothers' vessels with grain and to return each man's silver to their individual sacks in addition to giving them provisions for the way. The brothers load their donkeys with grain and set off for home. They lodge for the night - as it is several days journey from the borders of Egypt to Canaan - and each one of them opens up his sack so as to give his donkey fodder, and there at the opening of each brother's sack was his silver! The brothers were afraid and exclaimed, "What is this that God has done to us" (Gen. 42:28). The brothers reach home and recount to Jacob all that had befallen them, about how the Lord of the Land had spoken harshly to them by accusing them of being spies. And how they had told him that they were originally twelve brothers, but one is no more and the youngest is with their father back in Canaan. They tell Jacob that the Lord of the Land has imprisoned Simeon and he will only be set free if they return with their youngest brother. Then and only then will the Lord of the Land believe them that they are not spies, and in addition he will let them trade in the land. Furthermore, when they emptied their sacks they found that all their silver had been returned. Jacob declares to his sons, "It is I you bereave; Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and Benjamin you would take, upon me has all this come" (Gen. 42:36). Reuben recommends that Jacob places Benjamin into Reuben's hands and he will return him safely; and if not then Jacob may put Reuben's two sons to death. (On face value Reuben's words have force however it seems unlikely that Jacob would have his own grandsons put to death, consequently Reuben's words are empty.) Jacob stills refuses to yield. Is it not enough that his firstborn son by Rachel is dead and now there is the possibility that harm could come to his last remaining son from the love of his life: This would be too much for Jacob to bear! Sometime later the grain brought from Egypt is used up so Jacob tells his sons to return to Egypt in order to purchase some more. Judah reminds him that they were warned by the Lord of the Land not to return to Egypt unless they bring Benjamin with them. Therefore, they have no choice, if they want to purchase grain then Benjamin needs to go down to Egypt with them. With out him they cannot go! Israel retorts, "Why did you do me ill; to tell to the man, that you have another brother" (Gen. 43:6). The brothers protest their innocence saying that the man kept asking about them, their family, if their father is still alive, and if they have another brother. How were they suppose to know that he would tell them to bring their youngest brother down? Judah tells Israel to place Benjamin in his hands and he will personally guarantee his safety. If anything should happen to Benjamin then Judah will be held fully accountable before Israel. Indeed, Israel needs to quickly come to terms with this as their food situation is becoming quite desperate. Finally Israel agrees and counsels them to take some of the produce of the land as a gift for the Lord of the Land: such as balm, honey, pistachios and almonds. They should also take twice the amount of silver and return the silver that they found in their sacks. Plus, Benjamin may go with them. It is interesting to note that the two brothers that attempted to save Joseph from the other brothers are the same two brothers that petition Jacob and guarantee the safety of Benjamin; namely Reuben and Judah.
Fourth Sidra՚ (Gen. 43:14-44:17): Joseph's second encounter with his brothers, and Joseph tests his brothers
Before the brothers journey down to Egypt, Israel addresses them, "May El Shaddai give you mercy before the man, and may He release to you your other brother and Benjamin; and I, when I am bereaved I am bereaved" (Gen. 43:14). The brothers arrive in Egypt and come before Joseph. Joseph sees that Benjamin is with them and he has them all brought to his house to dine with him at noon. The brothers are frightened about being brought to Joseph's house and believe that they are being taken there because of the silver that was returned to their sacks and that the Egyptians will fall on them and make them into slaves. Joseph's steward meets them at the entrance of the house. The brothers plead with the steward explaining that they came down to Egypt to purchase grain but on their journey home they found that their silver had been placed back in their sacks, but they don't know by whom. Nevertheless they have returned the silver and brought more silver to purchase more grain. The steward assures the brothers that all is well with them and not to be afraid, furthermore it is their God who placed a treasure in their sacks for he - the steward - has their silver. Obviously Joseph's steward knows exactly what is going on. The steward has Simeon brought out to them and the brothers are given water to wash their feet as well as fodder for their donkeys. When Joseph comes into the house his brothers bow down to the ground and present him with their gift. Joseph asks about their father's welfare and if he is still alive. Joseph sees Benjamin and asks if this is their youngest brother and then says to him, "May God be gracious to my son" (Gen. 43:29). Joseph's was so full of emotion when he saw Benjamin that he quickly left the room; entering another room to weep. He then restrains himself, washes his face and returns for the meal. Joseph sits with the other Egyptians separately from his brothers, for it is an abomination for an Egyptian to eat at the same table as a non-Egyptian. The brothers were amazed that they had been seated according to their ages; from Reuben the firstborn to the youngest Benjamin. The brothers were served courses directly taken from before Joseph and Benjamin was served a course five times larger than his brothers. Joseph commands his steward to fill his brother's sacks with as much food as they are able to carry in addition he is to put each man's silver back into his sack. In Benjamin's sack he is to place Joseph's silver goblet. Early in the morning the brothers head back for Canaan. They have just left the city when Joseph sends his steward to pursue after them. When the steward catches up with the brothers he accuses them of steeling Joseph's silver goblet - the one he uses for drink and divination. The brothers deny taking the silver goblet. Why would they steal from the house of the Lord of the Land if they returned the silver that they had found in their sacks from the last time? The brothers exclaim that person in whose sack the goblet is found should die and the rest of them shall become slaves. Their sacks are unloaded off their donkeys and searched through starting with the eldest first and finishing with the youngest. Of course, the silver goblet is found in Benjamin's sack! The brothers rent their clothes and return to the city. The Torah states that Judah and his brothers came into Joseph's house and fell before him to the ground. It is interesting to note that Judah is now being single out from the rest of the brothers possibly because he is about to step forward and show the qualities of true leadership. Joseph is angry with them. Judah attempts to placate Joseph and states that they are all now slaves to Joseph and not just the one in whose sack the silver goblet was found. Joseph answers, "Far be it from me, to do this; the man in whose hand the goblet is found he shall become my slave, and you, go in peace to your father" (Gen. 44:17).
THE AUTHOR'S THOUGHTS:
It was the actions of others that brought about the events in Joseph's life that would shape his destiny. Joseph seems to have no control over his tomorrow; he flutters on the wind of the whim of others. As a teenager Joseph was not exactly popular with his brothers and he comes across as arrogant due to Jacob being an over doting father. As with Jacob, Joseph needed to undergo and overcome various trials as well as tribulations. It was Joseph's troubles that enabled him to grow as an individual and grasp firmly his destiny. Just as Jacob's brother sought to take Jacob's life, so Joseph's brothers desired to take his life. While Jacob flees from his home, Joseph is torn from his home. As Jacob spends fourteen years in service for Rachel and Leah due to Laban's deception, so Joseph spends thirteen/fourteen years in gaol on account of a deceiving woman. Trial and tribulation are the building blocks of destiny where the descendants of Abraham are concerned. Joseph's coming to power is achieved through the actions of men other than himself; for it is Pharaoh's cup bearer who brings Joseph to Pharaoh's attention. But behind the actions of men are the workings of God. It is YHWH who brings the events that will mould Joseph into the man he needs to be into being. It was YHWH who placed the dreams within the chief baker, cup bearer, and Pharaoh; and it was He who gave Joseph the ability to accurately interpret these dreams. However, it was Joseph - just like his father - who had to traverse and overcome his ordeals in order to conquer himself. Through his ordeals was Joseph tested by God. If temptation had grasped a firm hold of Joseph's flesh, and had he succumbed to the seductive overtures of Potiphar's wife, then Joseph might not have reached his potential which enabled him to fulfil his destiny - and who knows what the consequences would have been for the Children of Israel. Even though there were times that Joseph felt abandoned and alone during his long years in prison, YHWH was still there guiding his future. Like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather before him - and just like us all - Joseph had to pass through his darkness in order to grow and be ennobled before he could enter the light and bring his destiny into fruition.
Parashat Miḳḳeṣ contains four sidrot. The first consists of; Pharaoh's dream, and Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and offers his advice; the second, Joseph's appointment to the position of Lord of the Land, the birth of Joseph's sons, and the famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt; the third, Joseph first meeting with his brothers, Jacob's sons return to Canaan, and the brothers go back down to Egypt; and the fourth, Joseph's second encounter with his brothers, and Joseph tests his brothers.
First Sidra՚ (Gen. 41:1-37): Pharaoh's dream, and Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and offers his advice
Two years after the chief cupbearer had been released from prison, Pharaoh has an unusual dream. In this dream Pharaoh finds himself standing by the Nile when seven cows - fair to look at and fat of flesh - come up out of the Nile and start grazing in the reed-grass. Next seven other cows - ill to look at and lean of flesh - also come up out of the Nile and stand beside the first seven cows by the bank of the Nile. All of a sudden the seven cows that are ill to look at and lean of flesh eat up the seven cows that are fair to look at and fat of flesh. Pharaoh awakes from his dream, but soon goes back to sleep and has a second dream. In this dream there are seven ears of grain - fat and good - coming up on a single stalk, afterwards seven ears of grain - lean and scorched by the east wind - also spring up. Then the seven lean ears of grain swallow up the seven fat and full ears of grain. The next morning Pharaoh's spirit is troubled by his dreams, so he sends for all the magicians of Egypt as well as all its wise men and proceeds to tell them his dream. But none of them were able to interpret it. Nevertheless, Pharaoh's chief cupbearer speaks up reminding Pharaoh of the time when Pharaoh was furious with him and the chief baker, and had them both thrown in prison. He tells Pharaoh how one night, while in prison, both he and the chief baker had troubling dreams that they could not understand. However, the chief cupbearer relates how a certain Hebrew youth who was a fellow prisoner and servant of the captain of the guard (Potiphar) was able to correctly interpret their dreams for the outcome was just as he said; the chief cupbearer was restored to his position while the chief baker was hung. On hearing this Pharaoh has Joseph called for and he is hastily brought out of prison, which the Torah refers to as "the pit" (Gen. 41:14). Joseph is shaved and his clothes are changed before he is brought before Pharaoh. Pharaoh explains to Joseph that he had a dream, which none of his magicians or wise men can interpret however he has heard that Joseph is able to interpret dreams. Joseph replies, "Not I; God, will answer for Pharaoh's welfare" (Gen. 41:16). Pharaoh then proceeds to tell Joseph his dreams. Joseph responds that the two dreams are in fact one dream furthermore, through these dreams God has told Pharaoh what He is about to do. Joseph proceeds to interpret Pharaoh's dream; the seven good cows and the seven good ears of grain are seven years of great abundance for Egypt, while the seven thin cows and the seven empty ears of grain will be seven years of famine that will follow the seven years of great abundance. The famine will be so devastating that it will destroy the land of Egypt. Joseph explains to Pharaoh that because the dream was repeated it means that the matter is already determined by God and is close at hand. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a man who is discerning and wise and to set him over the land of Egypt. Officials should be appointed over the land in order to collect a fifth (20%) of the Egypt's produce during the seven years of abundance. Grain silos should be set up in the cities where the grain from the fields near by can be brought and stored as reserve for the seven years of famine. These silos should be under Pharaoh's direct authority. "And the matter was good in the eyes of Pharaoh; and in the eyes of all his servants" (Gen. 41:37).
Second Sidra՚ (Gen. 41:38-42:17): Joseph's appointment to the position of Lord of the Land, the birth of Joseph's sons, and the famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt
The second sidra՚ opens with Pharaoh referencing Joseph when he declares to his servants, "can we find one like this, a man, in whom is the spirit of God" (Gen. 41:38). Pharaoh appoints Joseph over his house (meaning the land of Egypt) and the people should carry out Joseph's will; only the throne will be greater than Joseph. Pharaoh takes off his ring and places it on Joseph's hand - a sign of the bestowing of authority on Joseph, who is then clothed in linen garments (obviously more prestigious then the ones they originally clothed him in) and a gold chain is placed upon his neck. Next, Joseph is mounted in the Pharaoh's second chariot and is paraded and hailed throughout the land of Egypt. Joseph is given an Egypt name by Pharaoh - Ṣaphenath Paՙneyaḥ meaning God Speaks and He Lives - as well as Asenath the daughter of Poṭi Pheraՙ the priest of On as a wife. The Torah informs us that Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46); he had therefore been in gaol for thirteen years! During the seven years of abundance Joseph made provisions for the years of famine, he collected the reserve grain and stored it in the cities; in fact there was so much grain that, "he stopped numbering for it was without number" (Gen. 41:49). Before the beginning of the famine Asenath gives birth to two sons: the firstborn Joseph calls Manasseh "for God has made me forget my hardships" (Gen. 41:51) [מְנַשֶּׁה from נָשָׁה - forget]; and the second, Ephraim "for God caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction" (Gen. 41:52) [אֶפְרָיִם from פׇּרָה - be fruitful]. After seven years of abundance, sure enough, famine spreads throughout the Near East, but Egypt - due to Joseph's initiative - has plenty of grain stored for food. Once the Egyptian people start to feel the effects of the famine they cry out to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh tells them to go to Joseph and do whatever he tells them to do. Joseph has the storehouses throughout the land of Egypt opened so that the Egyptians can purchase grain. During these years of famine Egypt becomes the only source for the purchasing grain, this forces people from wide and far to come to Egypt in order to procure grain. Back in Canaan the famine is very severe. Jacob sees that there is grain to be purchased in Egypt so he tells his sons to go down there and purchase some, "and we may live and not die" (Gen. 42:2). All of Joseph's brothers go down to Egypt to purchase grain apart from Benjamin - Joseph's younger full brother and Rachel's youngest son - whom Jacob refuses to send lest he come to harm. The Torah tells us that Joseph was "the governor over the land" (Gen. 42:6) and any foreigner who came to Egypt for the purpose of purchasing grain had to go directly to him. Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt and come before Joseph, bow down before him with their faces to the ground; just as they had done in his dream. Joseph's brothers do not recognize him - after all he was seventeen when they sold him and he is now at least thirty seven - but he does recognize them, however he does not reveal himself but instead is harsh with them, "From where did you come" (Gen. 42:7). The brothers inform Joseph that they have come from the land of Canaan in order to purchase grain for food. Joseph responds, "You are spies, you come to see the nakedness of the land" (Gen. 42:9). The brothers tell him that this is simply not true! They explain that they are all the sons of a single man and have simply come to Egypt to purchase grain for food; and they are not spies. Joseph, however, persists in accusing them of being spies. The brothers continue to defend themselves to Joseph and reiterate, "Your servants are twelve brothers we are the sons of a single man in the land of Canaan; and behold the youngest is with our father this day, and one is no more" (Gen. 42:13). Joseph still insists that they are spies. Joseph tells them that they will not be able to leave until their youngest brother comes to Egypt. One of the brothers is to go and fetch the younger brother, while the others are to remain as prisoners. This way, he tells them, their words will be tested to see if they are telling the truth and if not then they are spies! Joseph places them in custody for three days.
Third Sidra՚ (Gen. 42:18-43:13): Joseph first meeting with his brothers, Jacob's sons return to Canaan, and the brothers go back down to Egypt
After the brothers had been incarcerated for three days Joseph says to them, "Do this and live; for I revere God" (Gen. 42:18). He now tells them that only one of the brothers is to stay in prison while the other brothers are to take back the grain to relieve the effects of the famine back home. Then they are to bring their youngest brother back to Joseph so he can verify their words. The brothers say to each other, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, that we saw the distress of his soul when he implored favour from us and we did not listen; therefore upon us has come, this distress" (Gen. 42:21). Reuben answers the brothers by reminding them that when they put Joseph in the pit he told them not to sin against the child, but they would not listen; and now satisfaction is demanded for his blood. This was all said in front of Joseph as the brothers thought that he could not understand them for he used a translator when conversing with them. But Joseph does understand them and turns away to weep. "And he turns back to them and he spoke to them, and he had Simeon taken away from them, and imprisoning him before their eyes" (Gen. 42:24). Joseph commands his servants to fill his brothers' vessels with grain and to return each man's silver to their individual sacks in addition to giving them provisions for the way. The brothers load their donkeys with grain and set off for home. They lodge for the night - as it is several days journey from the borders of Egypt to Canaan - and each one of them opens up his sack so as to give his donkey fodder, and there at the opening of each brother's sack was his silver! The brothers were afraid and exclaimed, "What is this that God has done to us" (Gen. 42:28). The brothers reach home and recount to Jacob all that had befallen them, about how the Lord of the Land had spoken harshly to them by accusing them of being spies. And how they had told him that they were originally twelve brothers, but one is no more and the youngest is with their father back in Canaan. They tell Jacob that the Lord of the Land has imprisoned Simeon and he will only be set free if they return with their youngest brother. Then and only then will the Lord of the Land believe them that they are not spies, and in addition he will let them trade in the land. Furthermore, when they emptied their sacks they found that all their silver had been returned. Jacob declares to his sons, "It is I you bereave; Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and Benjamin you would take, upon me has all this come" (Gen. 42:36). Reuben recommends that Jacob places Benjamin into Reuben's hands and he will return him safely; and if not then Jacob may put Reuben's two sons to death. (On face value Reuben's words have force however it seems unlikely that Jacob would have his own grandsons put to death, consequently Reuben's words are empty.) Jacob stills refuses to yield. Is it not enough that his firstborn son by Rachel is dead and now there is the possibility that harm could come to his last remaining son from the love of his life: This would be too much for Jacob to bear! Sometime later the grain brought from Egypt is used up so Jacob tells his sons to return to Egypt in order to purchase some more. Judah reminds him that they were warned by the Lord of the Land not to return to Egypt unless they bring Benjamin with them. Therefore, they have no choice, if they want to purchase grain then Benjamin needs to go down to Egypt with them. With out him they cannot go! Israel retorts, "Why did you do me ill; to tell to the man, that you have another brother" (Gen. 43:6). The brothers protest their innocence saying that the man kept asking about them, their family, if their father is still alive, and if they have another brother. How were they suppose to know that he would tell them to bring their youngest brother down? Judah tells Israel to place Benjamin in his hands and he will personally guarantee his safety. If anything should happen to Benjamin then Judah will be held fully accountable before Israel. Indeed, Israel needs to quickly come to terms with this as their food situation is becoming quite desperate. Finally Israel agrees and counsels them to take some of the produce of the land as a gift for the Lord of the Land: such as balm, honey, pistachios and almonds. They should also take twice the amount of silver and return the silver that they found in their sacks. Plus, Benjamin may go with them. It is interesting to note that the two brothers that attempted to save Joseph from the other brothers are the same two brothers that petition Jacob and guarantee the safety of Benjamin; namely Reuben and Judah.
Fourth Sidra՚ (Gen. 43:14-44:17): Joseph's second encounter with his brothers, and Joseph tests his brothers
Before the brothers journey down to Egypt, Israel addresses them, "May El Shaddai give you mercy before the man, and may He release to you your other brother and Benjamin; and I, when I am bereaved I am bereaved" (Gen. 43:14). The brothers arrive in Egypt and come before Joseph. Joseph sees that Benjamin is with them and he has them all brought to his house to dine with him at noon. The brothers are frightened about being brought to Joseph's house and believe that they are being taken there because of the silver that was returned to their sacks and that the Egyptians will fall on them and make them into slaves. Joseph's steward meets them at the entrance of the house. The brothers plead with the steward explaining that they came down to Egypt to purchase grain but on their journey home they found that their silver had been placed back in their sacks, but they don't know by whom. Nevertheless they have returned the silver and brought more silver to purchase more grain. The steward assures the brothers that all is well with them and not to be afraid, furthermore it is their God who placed a treasure in their sacks for he - the steward - has their silver. Obviously Joseph's steward knows exactly what is going on. The steward has Simeon brought out to them and the brothers are given water to wash their feet as well as fodder for their donkeys. When Joseph comes into the house his brothers bow down to the ground and present him with their gift. Joseph asks about their father's welfare and if he is still alive. Joseph sees Benjamin and asks if this is their youngest brother and then says to him, "May God be gracious to my son" (Gen. 43:29). Joseph's was so full of emotion when he saw Benjamin that he quickly left the room; entering another room to weep. He then restrains himself, washes his face and returns for the meal. Joseph sits with the other Egyptians separately from his brothers, for it is an abomination for an Egyptian to eat at the same table as a non-Egyptian. The brothers were amazed that they had been seated according to their ages; from Reuben the firstborn to the youngest Benjamin. The brothers were served courses directly taken from before Joseph and Benjamin was served a course five times larger than his brothers. Joseph commands his steward to fill his brother's sacks with as much food as they are able to carry in addition he is to put each man's silver back into his sack. In Benjamin's sack he is to place Joseph's silver goblet. Early in the morning the brothers head back for Canaan. They have just left the city when Joseph sends his steward to pursue after them. When the steward catches up with the brothers he accuses them of steeling Joseph's silver goblet - the one he uses for drink and divination. The brothers deny taking the silver goblet. Why would they steal from the house of the Lord of the Land if they returned the silver that they had found in their sacks from the last time? The brothers exclaim that person in whose sack the goblet is found should die and the rest of them shall become slaves. Their sacks are unloaded off their donkeys and searched through starting with the eldest first and finishing with the youngest. Of course, the silver goblet is found in Benjamin's sack! The brothers rent their clothes and return to the city. The Torah states that Judah and his brothers came into Joseph's house and fell before him to the ground. It is interesting to note that Judah is now being single out from the rest of the brothers possibly because he is about to step forward and show the qualities of true leadership. Joseph is angry with them. Judah attempts to placate Joseph and states that they are all now slaves to Joseph and not just the one in whose sack the silver goblet was found. Joseph answers, "Far be it from me, to do this; the man in whose hand the goblet is found he shall become my slave, and you, go in peace to your father" (Gen. 44:17).
THE AUTHOR'S THOUGHTS:
It was the actions of others that brought about the events in Joseph's life that would shape his destiny. Joseph seems to have no control over his tomorrow; he flutters on the wind of the whim of others. As a teenager Joseph was not exactly popular with his brothers and he comes across as arrogant due to Jacob being an over doting father. As with Jacob, Joseph needed to undergo and overcome various trials as well as tribulations. It was Joseph's troubles that enabled him to grow as an individual and grasp firmly his destiny. Just as Jacob's brother sought to take Jacob's life, so Joseph's brothers desired to take his life. While Jacob flees from his home, Joseph is torn from his home. As Jacob spends fourteen years in service for Rachel and Leah due to Laban's deception, so Joseph spends thirteen/fourteen years in gaol on account of a deceiving woman. Trial and tribulation are the building blocks of destiny where the descendants of Abraham are concerned. Joseph's coming to power is achieved through the actions of men other than himself; for it is Pharaoh's cup bearer who brings Joseph to Pharaoh's attention. But behind the actions of men are the workings of God. It is YHWH who brings the events that will mould Joseph into the man he needs to be into being. It was YHWH who placed the dreams within the chief baker, cup bearer, and Pharaoh; and it was He who gave Joseph the ability to accurately interpret these dreams. However, it was Joseph - just like his father - who had to traverse and overcome his ordeals in order to conquer himself. Through his ordeals was Joseph tested by God. If temptation had grasped a firm hold of Joseph's flesh, and had he succumbed to the seductive overtures of Potiphar's wife, then Joseph might not have reached his potential which enabled him to fulfil his destiny - and who knows what the consequences would have been for the Children of Israel. Even though there were times that Joseph felt abandoned and alone during his long years in prison, YHWH was still there guiding his future. Like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather before him - and just like us all - Joseph had to pass through his darkness in order to grow and be ennobled before he could enter the light and bring his destiny into fruition.