Hi,

Joseph puts his brothers through the ringer! (Genesis, 42-44)

It certainly looks that way.

… There’s a famine in the Land of Israel.

Jacob sends his sons down to Egypt to buy food.

And who’s in charge?  Joseph!

He recognizes them.  But they don’t recognize him.

Joseph accuses them of being spies.

They deny it.  Tell him all about their family.

How they have a father back home.  How one brother was lost.

And one young brother (Benjamin) is home with their father.

What does Joseph do?

He insists that they prove their story.

By bringing their brother down to Egypt.

They plead with him.  Tell him what it would do to their father.

Joseph won’t budge.

… And while he’s at it?

He puts the money they paid for the food back in their sacks!

And when they discover it?  They’re petrified.

They figure he’s going to accuse them of stealing!

… Jacob won’t hear of sending Benjamin.

Finally, the brothers convince Jacob that there’s no alternative.

They return to Egypt with Benjamin and are called to Joseph’s house.

The brothers think it’s all over!

He’s going to confront them with the missing money!

Joseph tells them not to worry about it.

He seems to be playing with them!

… Then what does Joseph do?

He frames Benjamin!

Plants his “royal goblet” in Benjamin’s sack.

And accuses him of stealing it.

They’re free to go home to their father.

But Benjamin will remain as Joseph’s slave.

And now they have to face their father Jacob!

… Sure looks like Jacob is taking his “sweet revenge”!

There’s only one problem.

Jewish tradition doesn’t see it that way.

Sounds like a “white wash”?

… Here’s the challenge.

Read through the story quickly.  (Chapters 42-44)

Is there any indication that Joseph is not enjoying himself?

That he may even be forcing himself to do it?

Please let me know what you think.

All right.  You want a hint?

Joseph does something twice!

All the best,