Genesis Chapter Forty-Two

The First Trip of the Brothers to Egypt

INTRODUCTION:

  1. For twenty years Jacob lived with the thought that his favorite son Joseph had been lost to him.

  2. For twenty years the ten older brothers of Joseph had maintained their dirty secret.

  3. Meanwhile, Joseph, after various trials, has risen to the head of the Egyptian empire.

  4. Joseph’s mindset regarding his journey was: "God has made me totally forget all my toil and my father’s house" (41:51).

  5. Joseph’s time in Egypt has been related in three stages, each of which paralleled the other, and demonstrated that the Lord was with Joseph (39:1-20; 39:21-40:23; 41:1-57).

  6. In the first, Joseph rose to the head of Potiphar’s estate.

  7. In the second, Joseph was appointed head of the royal prisoners.

  8. And in the third, Joseph was elevated to be vizier of Sesostris I, first deputy of Pharaoh.

  9. This second section also falls into three acts, each of which describes a trip to Egypt.

  10. The first by his older brothers (42:1-38).

  11. The second by them and his younger brother Benjamin (43:1-45:28).

  12. The third by all his brothers and his father (46:1-47:12).

  13. Each trip is more momentous than the previous, and each trip more emotional than the preceding one.

  14. This chapter falls into five scenes.

  15. Jacob sends his sons to Egypt (vv. 1-4).

  16. First audience with Joseph (vv. 5-17).

  17. Second audience with Joseph (vv. 18-24).

  18. Return journey (vv. 25-28).

  19. Sons report to Jacob on their mission (vv. 29-38).

    20. Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt (vv. 1-4)

    VERSE 1 Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, "Why are you staring at one another (War't.Ti hM'l' wyn"b'l. bqo[]y: rm,aYOw: ~yIr'c.miB. rb,v,-vy< yKi bqo[]y: ar>Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + p.n. Jacob + part ki that + adv yesh there is/was + noun m.s.abs. sheber grain; this term appears mainly in the final chapters of Genesis, but also Amos 8:5; Neh. 10:32 + prep beth w/p.n. Egypt + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + p.n. Jacob + prep lamedh w/noun m.p.w/3m.s.suff. ben + interrog. lammah why? + Hithpael impf.2m.p. ra-ah "staring at one another?"])?"

    VERSE 2 He said, "Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt (~yIr'c.miB. rb,v,-vy< yKi yTi[.m;v' hNEhi rm,aYOw [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + interj hinneh + Qal perf.1s. shama hear + part ki that + adv yesh there is + noun m.s.as. sheber grain + prep beth w/p.n. Egypt]; go down there and buy some for us from that place, so that we may live and not die [tWmn" al{w> hy<x.nIw> ~V'mi Wnl'-Wrb.viw> hM'v'-Wdr> [Qal imper.m.p. yarad go down + adv sham there + waw w/Qal imper.m.p. shabar buy + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. + prep min + adv sham there + waw w/Qal impf.1p cohortative chayah live + waw w/neg lo + Qal impf.1p. muth die])."

    VERSE 3 Then ten brothers of Joseph went down to buy grain from Egypt (~yIr'c.Mimi rB' rBov.li hr'f'[] @seAy-yxea] Wdr>YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. yarad do down + noun m.p.constr. ach brother + p.n. Joseph + adj.f.s.abs. asharah ten + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + noun m.s.abs. bar grain + prep min w/p.n. Egypt]).

    VERSE 4 But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "I am afraid that harm may befall him (!Asa' WNa,r'q.yI-!P, rm;a' yKi wyx'a,-ta, bqo[]y: xl;v'-al{ @seAy yxia] !ymiy"n>Bi-ta,w> [waw d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin + noun m.s.constr. ach brother + p.n. Joseph + neg lo + Qal perf.3m.s. shalach send + p.n. Jacob + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + part ki for + Qal perf.3m.s amar say + part peh lest + Qal impf.3m.s. w/3m.s.suff. qara encounter, befall + noun m.s.abs. ason mischief, harm, hurt])."

    ANALYSIS: VERSES 1-4

  20. In this 1st scene Jacob is the main actor.

  21. He takes the initiative in the sending of his sons to Egypt to purchase grain.

  22. Nothing is said about the famine in Canaan as it is presupposed based on 41:57 which says that the surrounding nations were hit with famine as well.

  23. Jacob’s opening statement in v.1 to his sons suggests a fair amount of frustration with their initiative in the midst of a family crisis, hence the, "Why are you staring at one another?"

  24. Here the exercise of Jacob’s authority is apparent.

  25. Even though he is old and crippled and bed-ridden he is still family head and his grown up sons do as he bids.

  26. So he takes the initiative in ordering his sons on a journey (cf. 37:13).

  27. He takes this action based on undisclosed reports that there was grain stockpiled in Egypt (v.2).

  28. His sons appear ignorant, or at least fake ignorance, not wanting to make the journey that they earlier forced on their younger brother.

  29. Jacob’s sons are now "Joseph’s brothers."

  30. This shift is designed to prepare the reader for the eventual meeting between the long separated brothers.

  31. They passively obey their father (v.3) as their angst over traveling to Egypt is overridden by the words of Jacob which leaves them with the choice of life or death by starvation (v.2).

  32. Jacob keeps his youngest son, Benjamin, at home (v.4).

  33. Jacob does not go because he is elderly and infirm.

  34. What Joseph once was to Jacob, Benjamin now is.

  35. Jacob keeps Joseph by his side, "for he thought [said] an accident (ason) might befall him."

  36. Apart from the three occurrences in Genesis (cf. vv.4, 38; 33:29), this noun only occurs in Ex. 21:22-23, of an accident to a pregnant woman, that could involve anything up to a loss of life.

  37. Here Jacob is using a somewhat vague term to describe a fate like Joseph’s befalling Benjamin, who still believes Benjamin to be the only surviving son of his beloved wife Rachel.

  38. So right at the beginning of this new act in the drama, the narrator reminds us of the emotional bonds.

  39. Benjamin is the apple of Jacob’s eye as earlier his brother and mother had been.

  40. Leah and her sons matter less to Jacob.

  41. Benjamin is at this time the same age as Joseph was when he was sold into slavery.

    42. First Audience with Joseph (vv. 5-17)

    VERSE 5 So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who were coming, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also (![;n"K. #r,a,B. b['r'h' hy"h'-yKi ~yaiB'h; %AtB. rBov.li laer'f.yI ynEB. WaboY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. bo come + noun m.p.constr. ben + p.n. Israel + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. tawek midst; "among" + def.art.w/Qal part.m.p.ab.s bo come + part ki for + Qal perf.3m.s. hayah be + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ra-ab famine + prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + p.n. Canaan]).

    VERSE 6 Now Joseph was the ruler [administrator] over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land (#r,a'h' ~[;-lk'l. ryBiv.M;h; aWh #r,a'h'-l[; jyLiV;h; aWh @seAyw> [waw w/p.n. Joseph + pro.3m.s. hu he + def.art.w/adj.m.s.ab.s shallit master; "ruler" + prep al over + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + pro.3m.s. hu he + def.art.w/Hiphil part.m.s.abs. shabar buy + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr. kol all + noun m.s.abs. am people + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz land]).

    And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground (hc'r>a' ~yIP;a; Al-Wwx]T;v.YIw: @seAy yxea] WaboY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. bo come + noun m.p.constr. ach brother + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Hishtaphel impf.3m.p. chawah bow down + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. "to him" + noun m. dual abs. aph nostril, face, anger + noun f.s.abs. eretz ground]).

    VERSE 7 When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly (tAvq' ~T'ai rBed;y>w: ~h,ylea] rKen:t.YIw: ~reKiY:w: wyx'a,-ta, @seAy ar>Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + p.n. Joseph + d.o. marker + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s.w/3m.p.suff. nakar recognize + Hithpael impf.3m.s.s nakar "disguised" + prep w/3m.p.suff. el to + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s.s dabar speak + prep eth w/3m.p.suff. + adj.f.p.abs. qasheh cruel, harsh]).

    And he said to them, "Where have you come from (~t,aB' !yIa;me ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. el to + prep min w/adv ayin "Where" + Qal perf.2m.p. bo come])?"

    And they said, "From the land of Canaan, to buy food (lk,ao-rB'v.li ![;n:K. #r,a,me Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar + prep min w/noun both s.abs. eretz + p.n. Canaan + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + noun m.s.ab.s okel food])."

    VERSE 8 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him (WhruKihi al{ ~hew> wyx'a,-ta, @seAy rKeY:w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. nakar recognize + p.n. Joseph + d.o. marker + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + waw w/pro.3m.p. hem they + neg lo + Hiphil perf.3p.w/3m.s.suff. nakar recognize]).

    VERSE 9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them (~h,lea] rm,aYOw: ~h,l' ~l;x' rv,a] tAml{x]h; tae @seAy rKoz>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. zakar remember + p.n. Joseph + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. chalom dream + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3m.s. chalam dream + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff.], "You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land [~t,aB' #r,a'h' tw:r>[,-ta, tAar>li ~T,a; ~yliG>r;m. [Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy out, go on foot + pro.2m.p. attem you + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.cosntr. ra-ah see + d.o. marker + noun f.s.constr. arewah nakedness; "undefended parts" + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + Qal perf.2m.p. bo come])."

    VERSE 10 Then they said to him, "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food (lk,ao-rB'v.li WaB' ^yd,b'[]w: ynIdoa] al{ wyl'ae Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + neg lo + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. adon lord + waw w/noun m.p.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ebed servant + Qal perf.3p. bo come + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + noun m.s.abs. okel food]).

    VERSE 11 "We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies (~yliG>r;m. ^yd,b'[] Wyh'-al{ Wnx.n:a] ~ynIKe Wnx.n" dx'a,-vyai ynEB. WnL'Ku [noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. kol all + noun m.p.constr. ben + noun m.s.abs. ish man + adj.m.s.abs. echad one + pro.1p. nachnu we + adj.m.p.abs. ken true; "honest" + pro.1p. anchnu we + neg lo + Qal perf.3p. hayah be + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ebed servant + Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy; "spies"])."

    VERSE 12 Yet he said to them, "No, but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land (tAar>li ~t,aB' #r,a'h' tw:r>[,-yKi al{ ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + neg lo + part ki but + noun f.s.constr. erweh nakedness; exposed; "undefended parts" + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + Qal perf.2m.p. bo come + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. ra-ah see])!"

    VERSE 13 But they said, "Your servants are twelve brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan (![;n"K. #r,a,B. dx'a,-vyai ynEB. Wnx.n:a] ~yxia; ^yd,b'[] rf'[' ~ynEv. Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar + adj.m. dual abs. shenayim two + adj.m.s.abs. ashar ten + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ebed servant + noun m.p.ab.s ach brother + pro.1p. anachnu we + noun m.p.constr. ben son + noun m.s.abs. ish man + adj.m.s.abs. echad one + prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + p.n. Canaan]; and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer alive [WNn<yae dx'a,h'w> ~AYh; Wnybia'-ta, !joQ'h; hNEhiw> [waw w/interj hinneh + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton youngest + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. abh father + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. yom today + waw w/def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. echad one + adv ayin no longer])."

    VERSE 14 Joseph said to them, "It is as I said to you, you are spies (~T,a; ~yliG>r;m. rmoale ~k,lea] yTir>B;DI rv,a] aWh @seAy ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/2m.p.suff. + p.n. Joseph + pro. 3m.s. hu it + rel.pro. asher + Piel perf.1ss. dabar speak + prep el w/2m.p.suff. + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar + Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy + pro.2m.p. attem you]);

    VERSE 15 by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here (hN"he !joQ'h; ~k,yxia] aAbB.-~ai yKi hZ<mi Wac.Te-~ai h[or>p; yxe WnxeB'Ti tazOB. [prep beth w/adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Niphal impf.2m.p. bachan test, prove, examine + adj.m.s.constr. chay life + p.n. Pharaoh + part im if unless + Qal impf.2m.p. yatsa go forth + prep min w/adj.m.sabs. zeh this + part ki + part im if + prep beth w/Qal infin.constr. bo come + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton youngest + adv hennah here])!

    VERSE 16 "Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined (Wrs.a'he ~T,a;w> ~k,yxia]-ta, xQ;yIw> dx'a, ~K,mi Wxl.vi [Qal imper.m.p. shalach send + prep min w/2m.p.suff. + adj.m.s.abs. echad one + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. laqach take; "get" + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + waw w/pro.2m.p. attem you + Niphal imper.m.p. asar bind, imprison], that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you [~k,T.ai tm,a/h; ~k,yreb.DI Wnx]B'yIw> [waw w/Niphal impf.3m.p. bachan test + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. dabar word + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. emeth truth + prep eth w/2m.p.suff.]).

    But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies (~T,a; ~yliG>r;m. yKi h[or>p; yxe al{-~aiw> [waw w/part im + neg lo + adj.m.s.constr. chay life + p.n. Pharaoh + part ki surely + Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy + pro.2m.p. attem you])."

    VERSE 17 So he put them all together in prison for three days (~ymiy" tv,l{v. rm'v.mi-la, ~t'ao @soa/Y<w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. asaph gather; "he put" + d.o. marker w/3m.p.suff. + prep el + noun m.s.abs. mishemar prison + adj.m.s.constr. shalosh three + noun m.p.abs. yom]).

    ANALYSIS: VERSES 5-17

  42. Scene two opens with the ten "sons of Israel" arriving in Egypt with other tribes looking to by grain (v.5).

  43. "There was a famine in the land of Canaan" recalls 41:56 & 57 which narrates the worldwide element in the seven year famine that came upon Egypt in the years 1657-1650 BC.

  44. The arrival of Israelites as a tribal group from the point of view of the Egyptians was that they were just another group of Semites from Canaan.

  45. "There was a famine in the land" also recalls 12:10 and 26:1, two earlier famines that drove Abraham and Isaac to Egypt.

  46. "Sons of Israel" rather than "sons of Jacob" is a reminder of the dignity and covenant importance of the one whose sons came to buy grain at this juncture in their history.

  47. Jacob is a name appropriate to describe the more private side of the Patriarch and his efforts to obtain food for the survival of his family.

  48. Joseph’s brothers are described in vv. 1 & 5 in relationship to their father: "his sons" and "the sons of Israel."

  49. In between they are identified in relationship to Joseph: "Joseph’s brothers" and now "sons of Israel."

  50. The "others" with whom they travel include peoples representative of the "whole earth" (41:57).

  51. V. 6 is resumptive and introductory to what follows in v.7ff.

  52. The term "ruler" (shallit) is found here and in Eccl. 7:19; 8:8 and 10:5 (cf. feminine form is used of a brazen harlot in Ezek. 16:30).

  53. A better rendering of this noun is "the administrator."

  54. As such he held the position of economic supervisor, that is, "the one who sold to all the people of the land [or earth]."

  55. Actually the phrase introduces us to yet a second title for Joseph.

  56. The hiphil participle ‘to sell’ (shabar) has with it the definite article.

  57. Joseph has the double identification as hassalit and hammasbir.

  58. When it came their turn to approach Joseph and make request to purchase grain the ten brothers "came and bowed down to him to the ground" in respect for his political authority.

  59. This immediately recalls Joseph’s first dream in which the brothers’ sheaves bowed before his sheaf signifying his position as provider.

  60. At the moment of their prostrating themselves before Joseph the first dream was fulfilled.

  61. The second dream in which the sun, moon, and the eleven stars bowed before his was only partially fulfilled.

  62. Its fulfillment awaited the arrival of his entire family in Egypt.

  63. This 2nd dream signified Joseph as being in a position of authority over his family.

  64. Some twenty years earlier this outcome seemed the dreaming of a self-seeking megalomania.

  65. As the ten brothers approached and bowed down before him, Joseph immediately recognized who they were.

  66. One can only imagine his feelings at that moment when he laid eyes on them after some twenty years.

  67. He had anticipated this moment as he held fast to his conviction that one day they would meet again and fulfill the prophetic dreams.

  68. In the moment, rather than reveal his identity to them outright, Joseph chose to "disguise himself to them" (v.7a).

  69. The same verb (nakar) in two different stems (hiphil and hithpael) is used to describe his both his recognition and his disguise.

  70. This verb was used in 37:32 when the sons asked their father if he recognized the bloodstained tunic.

  71. This verb reminds us of the brothers’ treachery and their cruel deception of their father.

  72. His disguise was nothing more than the way he acted in their presence.

  73. He played the role of a stranger and cloaked his identity by the manner in which he addressed them.

  74. He plays the role of an fierce interrogator.

  75. "He spoke to them harshly" occurs only here and in v. 30.

  76. Joseph made a decision to treat his brothers as they deserved to be treated rather than immediately reveal his identity and apply the principle of grace.

  77. The narrative leaves the reader to fill in the gap respecting the right or wrong of Joseph’s approach in dealing with his brothers.

  78. This political interrogation is the first of three dialogues between Joseph and his brothers about their shared past and the situation in their fraternal homeland.

  79. Joseph begins by asking the brothers to identify their place of origin.

  80. They respond, "from Canaan to buy food."

  81. The point of Joseph’s recognition and the brothers non recognition is restated to show that the brothers did not have an inkling as to whom they were in the presence of (v.8).

  82. Reasons they would not have recognized him: he is perhaps dead; he is clean shaven; he is an extremely high Egyptian official; he has an Egyptian name; he is dressed in the trappings of wealth and power; and, his intimidating manner of speaking to them.

  83. In v.9 we have one of those rare instances where the narrator lets the reader in on what Joseph was thinking about.

  84. His vivid remembrance of the dreams reminded him that he would one day exercise authority over his brothers.

  85. Truth and authority can be abused.

  86. So wields his authority accusing them of coming as spies to Egypt, perhaps in the pay of one of the great powers—the Hittites or Assyria that Egypt always feared.

  87. "The undefended parts of our land" [or exposed parts based on the literal term nakedness] refers to weak points in Egypt’s defense.

  88. In vv. 10-11 the brothers’ defense consists of four short staccato statements in apposition ending with an emphatic denial of Joseph’s accusation.

  89. In their first statement we have a deferential use of the third person, "Your servants have come but food" disavowing ulterior motives.

  90. They use good etiquette.

  91. "We are all sons of one man" which they hope will rebut the charge of spying, for spies from one family would not travel together and risk the whole family if they were caught.

  92. Their third affirmation, "we are honorable men" must have been almost laughable to Joseph.

  93. But in the face of the accusation of espionage they were forthright.

  94. Their defense stops with an emphatic denial: "your servants are not spies."

  95. Joseph fully knowing that all they say is true continues in the fashion of an aggressive interrogator and hammers away at the brothers accusing them again of being spies (v. 12).

  96. In addition to making his brothers sweat, Joseph has another motive and that is to find out more about his family back in Canaan.

  97. In reply to Joseph’s accusation that the men are spies the brothers provide him with additional information (v.13).

  98. As it turned out the additional information was news to Joseph.

  99. The mention of 12 brothers, with the youngest being back home was a revelation to Joseph.

  100. Joseph did not know that there was a 12th brother.

  101. He was sold into slavery before the Shechem massacre and before Jacob retired to Bethel and before his mother Rachel died in childbirth.

  102. "The youngest" is Benjamin who at this time was about 17 years of age.

  103. Their words "the one (Joseph) is not with us today" is both a cryptic reference to the loss of the 10th brother and a euphemism for death (cf. 44:20).

  104. Obviously the brothers are not going to tell this stranger what actually happened to one of the brothers as that would undermine their defense.

  105. Joseph is unrelenting in his assertion that these men are spies and by implication liars (v.14).

  106. With the mention of a younger brother back home, who obviously had no part in what happened twenty years hence, Joseph shows himself quick witted and devises a scheme to see this younger brother (vv. 15-16).

  107. Joseph throughout this fact-finding exchange between himself and his older brothers maintains his disguise by seeking information without revealing anything incriminating.

  108. He remains stern, aloof, and unyielding.

  109. In other words, he does not let his guard down.

  110. His role playing under the emotional stress of it all was superb.

  111. He devises a test to determine the veracity of their claim to innocence.

  112. The test is harsh: nine of the brothers are to remain in custody while the tenth returns to fetch the youngest brother from Canaan.

  113. "By the life of Pharaoh" is an established Egyptian oath formula, like the Hebrew "As the LORD lives, as my lord the king lives" (2Sam. 15:21).

  114. This oath from Joseph’s lips is yet another ploy to cover his true identity.

  115. This oath by Pharaoh is intended to further intimidate his brothers.

  116. Joseph play-acting was so realistic that he had the brothers completely hoodwinked.

  117. Joseph abruptly ended the conversation and imprisoned for three days those who had stuck him in a pit (v.17).

  118. The rules of engagement that Joseph imposed on the brothers were rather severe.

  119. Nine would be held as hostages, and only one would be allowed to leave and fetch the younger brother, or else.

  120. For three days they could discuss their fate.

  121. Refusal, meant that they were guilty as charged, which meant death (cf. v.20).

  122. This was payback for their placing him in a pit for some hours.

  123. It is important to keep in mind that Joseph knew nothing of developments on the home front during his years in Egypt, even as no one knew that Joseph was still alive.

  124. But he did not need an updated report from home as the dreams he had indicated that his brothers and father would live and one day they would all be reunited.

  125. Joseph knew that his father was still alive and he knew that he had a younger brother back home.

  126. How so?

  127. The second dream revealed that his father would someday bow down before his star (e.g., the sun) and that eleven stars would bow down before his star (cf. 37:9 "Behold, I have had another dream, and behold, the sun (Jacob) and the moon (Leah as it turned out) and eleven stars (when only ten brothers were on the scene) bowed down to me.").

  128. Jacob rightly understood the significance of the imagery of the second dream reprimanding him before the ten brothers (37:10).

  129. Whether it was known or not, the second dream prophesied of another or an twelfth son.

    130. 2nd Audience with Joseph (vv. 18-24)

    VERSE 18 Now Joseph said to them on the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God (arey" ynIa] ~yhil{a/h'-ta, Wyx.wI Wf[] tazO yviyliV.h; ~AYB; @seAy ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + p.n. Joseph + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun yom + def.art.w/adj .m.s.abs. shelishi third + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Qal imper.m.p. ashah do + waw w/Qal imper.m.p. chayah live + d.o. marker w/def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. Elohim + pro.1s. ani I + adj.m.s.abs. yare fearing]):

    VERSE 19 if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison (~k,r>m;v.mi tybeB. rsea'yE dx'a, ~k,yxia] ~T,a; ~ynIKe-~a [part im if + adj.m.p.abs. ken true; "honest" + pro.2m.p. atem you + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + adj.m.s.abs. echad one + Niphal impf.3m.s. asar bind; "be confined" + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. bayith house + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. mishemar guard]; but as for the rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households [with grain for your starving households] [~k,yTeB' !Ab[]r; rb,v, Waybih' Wkl. ~T,a;w> [waw w/pro.2m.p. attem you + Qal imper.m.p. halak go + Hiphil imper.m.p. bo go + noun m.s.abs. sheber grain + noun m.s.constr. re-abon hunger + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. bayith house, household]),

    VERSE 20 and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified, and you will not die (WtWmt' al{w> ~k,yreb.dI Wnm.a'yEw> yl;ae WaybiT' !joQ'h; ~k,yxia]-ta,w> [waw w/d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton youngest + Hiphil imper.m.p. bo go; "bring" + prep el w/1s.suff. + waw w/Niphal impf.3m.p. aman confirm; "may be verified" + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. dabar word + waw w/neg lo + Qal impf.2m.p. muth die])."

    And they did so (!ke-Wf[]Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. ashah do + part ken so]).

    VERSE 21 Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty [being punished] concerning our brother (Wnx.n:a] ~ymivea] lb'a] wyxia'-la, vyai Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + noun m.s.abs. ish man; "to one another" + prep el "concerning" + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + adv abal surely + adj.m.p.abs. ashem guilty; punished], because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us [Wnyleae Ann>x;t.hiB. Avp.n: tr;c' Wnyair' rv,a] Wnyxia'-l[ [prep al "because" + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. ach brother + rel.pro. asher which + Qal perf.1p. ra-ah see + noun f.s.constr. tsarah distress + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. nephesh soul + prep beth w/Hithpael infin.constr.w/3m.s.suff. chanan be gracious, pity + prep el w/1p.suff. "with us"], yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us [taZOh; hr'C'h; Wnyleae ha'B' !Ke-l[; Wn[.m'v' al{w> [waw w/neg lo + Qal perf.1p. shama hear + prep al + adv ken "therefore" + Qal perf.3f.s. bo come + prep el w/1p.suff. + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. tsarah distress + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. zoth this])."

    VERSE 22 Reuben answered them, saying, "Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy'; and you would not listen (~T,[.m;v. al{w> dl,Y<b; Waj.x,T,-la; rmoale ~k,ylea] yTir>m;a' aAlh] rmoale ~t'ao !beWar> ![;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. anah answer + p.n. Reuben + d.o. marker w/3m.p.suff. + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + interrog. part. ha w/neg lo + Qal perf.1s. amar say + prep el w/2m.p.suff. + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar + neg lo + Qal impf.2m.p. chatta sin + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. yaledh youth; "boy" + waw w/neg lo + Qal perf.2m.p. shama listen])?

    Now comes the reckoning for his blood (vr'd>nI hNEhi AmD'-~g:w> [waw w/conj gam also +noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. dam blood + interj hinneh + Niphal part.m.s.abs. darash seek with care, inquire; "the reckoning"])."

    VERSE 23 They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them (~t'nOyBe #yliMeh; yKi @seAy [;mevo yKi W[d>y" al{ ~hew> [waw w/pro.3m.p. hem they + neg lo + Qal perf.3m.p. yada know + part ki + Qal part.m.s.abs. shama hear + p.n. Joseph + part ki + def.art.w/Hiphil part.m.s.abs. litz scorn; "an interpreter" + prep bayin w/3m.p.suff.]).

    VERSE 24 He turned away from them and wept (&.b.YEw: ~h,yle[]me bSoYIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. sabab turn away + prep min w/prep al w/3m.p.suff. "from them" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bakah weep]).

    But when he returned to them and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes (~h,ynEy[el. Atao rsoa/Y<w: !A[m.vi-ta, ~T'aime xQ;YIw: ~h,lea] rBed;y>w: ~h,lea] bv'Y"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. shub return + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. dabar speak + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. laqach take + prep min w/d.o. marker w/3m.p.suff. + d.o. marker + p.n. Simeon + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. asar bind + d.o. marker w/3m.s.suff. + prep lamedh w/noun f. dual constr.w/3m.p.suff. ayin eye]).

    ANALYSIS: VERSES 18-24

  130. Joseph placed his brothers in prison to let them experience imprisonment and uncertainty—the thing he had experienced in the pit at their hands.

  131. For three days they did not know their fate—death for spying or freedom.

  132. Joseph’s actions were based on a vengeful pique.

  133. The brothers are brought before Joseph "on the third day" of their confinement (v.18).

  134. Joseph has had time to ponder what he will impose on his brothers.

  135. Joseph backs off his more draconian proposal of letting just one brother return and fetch the youngest brother (vv. 15-16).

  136. Joseph must have calculated that by just sending one brother to Jacob and Benjamin little food could have been sent back and further that his father would be likely to release Benjamin if nine of his sons had disappeared into Egypt.

  137. Joseph presents the highest motive for his new and less extreme proposal—"Do this and live, for I fear God."

  138. The acceptance or non-acceptance of his newest proposal is presented as a matter of life or death.

  139. If they refuse they will be sent away and face the prospect of starvation; if they accept, they can have food and live.

  140. Joseph professes in their presence to fear God.

  141. This must have surprised the brothers and they must have questioned his sincerity.

  142. Fear of God is manifest in doing the directive will of God.

  143. Joseph’s fear of God kept him from the more extreme proposal and from killing them.

  144. It did not keep him from revenge tactics otherwise.

  145. It did not bring him to forgive them at this early stage of their interactions.

  146. In Genesis the patriarchs are leery of outsiders and their lack of reverence for God.

  147. Abraham thought, "There is no fear of God in this place" (29:11; cf. 12:12; 34:30).

  148. Joseph’s profession probably sounded phony to his brothers, but the narrator regards them as sincere.

  149. Joseph’s destiny was to preserve life (45:7; 47:25; 50:20), and fearing God by saving a life is a fundamental duty.

  150. The one who fears God cares for the needy and hungry (Job 20:12-13; Ex. 1:17; Lev. 19:14; Deut. 6:2, 13).

  151. By detaining just one of the brothers and sending the others back without him, Joseph is making the brothers relive the crime against him twenty years earlier.

  152. The brothers realize this and lose their tempers discussing the affair.

  153. Joseph regarded as non-negotiable the bringing of Benjamin to him.

  154. If the brothers agree to Joseph’s terms then he will no longer regard them as spies and they will live, e.g., be able to buy food in Egypt.

  155. "And they did so" (v.20) records their compliance with the new proposal.

  156. In the presence of Joseph the brothers engage in a lively discussion of the crime they committed against their long lost brother (vv. 21-22).

  157. In this discussion we learn what we could only have imagined regarding Joseph’s state of mind in chapter 37:12-30.

  158. What was left to the reader’s imagination is now made explicit.

  159. Joseph’s appeals for mercy and his distress of soul are now revealed (v.21).

  160. They equate their present situation with his ("Surely were are being punished concerning our brother.")

  161. He was innocent, yet condemned; they are innocent of the charge of espionage, yet held in suspicion.

  162. Joseph was distressed of soul; they are distressed of soul.

  163. They would not listen; the Egyptian official is unreasonable and will not listen.

  164. After all this time, they conclude, that their refusal to listen to Joseph’s pleas of anguish is the reason why "this distress has come upon [them]" (v.21).

  165. The brothers to their credit show an awareness of divine providence manifesting itself in divine retribution.

  166. These men, for all their shortcomings, are not the same men who callously sold their youngest brother into oblivion.

  167. They have had to live with this skeleton in the closet and the mental guilt it imposed over them all those years.

  168. It included deceiving their grieving father.

  169. Joseph now sees this sea change in the attitude of his brothers—that they are remorseful and penitent.

  170. Reuben rubs this in the final point in his outburst saying, "now comes the reckoning for his blood (cf. 9:5 where 3x we have "I will require" the blood of a murdered man)!"

  171. Does Reuben’s remark in v.22 indicate that the brothers never told Reuben exactly what happened to Joseph?

  172. Remember, Reuben left the scene of the crime before the brothers placed Joseph in the cistern and certainly before they sold him into slavery.

  173. He came back to the well to find Joseph not there.

  174. While Reuben had his own plan to rescue Joseph and, so gain Jacob’s approbation, he failed miserably to act the role of the firstborn and stand up to the brothers’ evil.

  175. Was he, like Jacob, fooled by the bloody coat, thinking that Joseph was killed?

  176. If so, Joseph learns something about Reuben, namely that he hadn’t consented to his sale.

  177. Again, Reuben does not come off all that great.

  178. He tries to distance himself from the crime but he clearly is part of their collective guilt.

  179. He kept the dirty secret all those years even if he did not know the exact fate of Joseph.

  180. That may in part be the reason Joseph decides to retain Simeon, the second oldest in the family.

  181. Interpreters were often used in Bible times.

  182. The interpreter between Joseph and the brothers enhance the disguise on the part of Joseph (cf. v. 7).

  183. Overtly the brothers see Joseph as the Egyptian vizier responsible to check out foreigners coming into Egypt during the years of famine.

  184. Though untranslated, Joseph is quite able to follow the private row between the brothers.

  185. V. 24 describe the effect it had on Joseph as he is deeply moved by the signs of their penitence.

  186. For all his overt harshness towards his brothers, Joseph has to excuse himself in order to weep.

  187. This reveals that he still loves them and that reconciliation is possible.

  188. He shortly returns to the audience with his brothers and resumes his harsh demeanor.

  189. Simeon is not only separated as a hostage but he is "bound" like a violent and dangerous criminal.

  190. Remember it was Simeon along with Levi that in bloodlust slaughtered the men of Shechem.

  191. Joseph reason for selecting Simeon may have been that he was the most vocal and nasty of the brothers who called for Joseph’s murder.

    192. The Return Trip (vv. 25-28)

    VERSE 25 Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to restore every man's money in his sack (AQf;-la, vyai ~h,yPes.K; byvih'l.W rB' ~h,yleK.-ta, Wal.m;y>w: @seAy wc;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. tswah command + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Piel impf.3m.p. male fill + d.o. marker + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. keli utensil; "bags" + noun m.s.abs. bar grain + waw w/prep lamedh w/Hiphil infin.constr. shub return + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. keseph silver + noun m.s.abs. ish man + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shasq sack], and to give them provisions for the journey [%r,D'l; hd'ce ~h,l' ttel'w> [waw w/prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. nathan give + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + noun f.s.abs. tseydah food; "provisions" + prep lamedh w/noun both s.abs. derek way; "journey"]).

    And thus it was done for them (!Ke ~h,l f[;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ashah do + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + adv ken thus]).

    VERSE 26 So they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed from there (~V'mi Wkl.YEw: ~h,yremox]-l[; ~r'b.vi-ta, Waf.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. nasha lift; "loaded" + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p. sheber grain + prep al + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. chamor donkey + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. halak go, depart + prep min w/adv sham there]).

    VERSE 27 As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money (APs.K;-ta, ar>Y:w: !AlM'B; Armox]l; aAPs.mi ttel' AQf;-ta, dx'a,h' xT;p.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. pathach open + def.art.w/adj.m.s.asbs. echad one + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shaq sack + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. nathan give + noun m.s.abs. misepo fodder + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.uff. chamor donkey + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. malon lodge + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.suff. keseph silver]; and behold, it was in the mouth of his sack [ATx.T;m.a; ypiB. aWh-hNEhiw> [waw w/interj hinneh + pro.3m.s. hu it + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. amtachath sack; only in Gen. 42-44]).

    VERSE 28 Then he said to his brothers, "My money has been returned, and behold, it is even in my sack (yTix.T;m.a;b. hNEhi ~g:w> yPis.K; bv;Wh wyx'a,-la, rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach + Hophal perf.3m.s. shub return + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. keseph + waw w/conj gam also + interj hinneh + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. asmatachath sack])."

    And their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us (Wnl' ~yhil{a/ hf'[' taZO-hm; rmoale wyxia'-la, vyai Wdr>x,Y<w: ~B'li aceYEw [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. yatas go out; "sank" + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. leb heart + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. charad tremble + noun m.s.abs. ish man + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + prep lamed w/Qal infin.constr. amar + interrog what? + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Qal perf.3m.s. ashah do + noun m.p.abs. Elohim + prep lamedh w/1p.suff.])?"

    ANALYSIS: VERSES 25-28

  192. This short scene describes the trip back to Canaan.

  193. It provides insight into the minds of Joseph and the brothers.

  194. Why did Joseph have his servants put the money (silver) back in the sacks?

  195. On one level it was to make them appear as thieves.

  196. On another it was to help his family back home as they were faced with dwindling resources due to the famine.

  197. Cleary it was first and foremost to put the nine brothers under extreme mental pressure.

  198. At their first resting place on the trip home one of the brothers is the first to discover the money was still in his sack (v. 27).

  199. "Sack" has two different terms (saq and amtachath).

  200. The first refers to a sack made of sackcloth and the second refers to a money bag.

  201. This discovery brought group consternation among them.

  202. "Their hearts sank" is literally "went out from them" and this expression only occurs here.

  203. It probably refers to a reaction of confusion as in "they did not know what to think."

  204. The return of their money was the very last thing they could have imagined.

  205. This was immediately followed by consternation as per "they turned trembling to one another."

  206. They know that the only way they can get Simeon back is to have to face Joseph and be charged with thievery.

  207. They collectively saw in the inexplicable situation the retributive hand of God.

  208. Clearly, their aroused consciousnesses see in every unexpected development the hand of God punishing them for their sin against their brother.

  209. If Joseph intended to mess with them he succeeded admirably.

  210. They are in a bind, they can’t lie to Jacob, as they are without Simeon, and the famine will force them to make a return trip and face that awful Egyptian!

    211. The Sons Report to Jacob (vv. 29-38)

    VERSE 29 When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying (rmoale ~t'ao troQoh;-lK' tae Al WdyGIY:w: ![;n"K. hc'r>a; ~h,ybia] bqo[]y:-la, WaboY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.pl. bo come + prep el + p.n. Jacob + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. abh father + noun both s.abs. eretz land + p.n. Canaan + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.p. nagad make known + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/Qal part.f.p.abs. qarah encounter; "that had happened" + d.o. marker w/3m.p.suff. + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar]),

    VERSE 30 "The man, the lord of the land, spoke harshly with us, and took us for spies of the country (#r,a'h'-ta, ~yliG>r;m.Ki Wnt'ao !TeYIw: tAvq' WnT'ai #r,a'h' ynEdoa] vyaih' rB,DI [Piel perf.3m.s. dabar speak + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + noun m.p.constr. adon lord + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz + prep eth w/1p.suff. + adj.f.p.abs. qasheh hard, cruel; "harsly" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give; "took" + d.o. marker w/1p.suff. + prep kaph w/Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy out; "for spies" + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz]).

    VERSE 31 "But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we are not spies (~yliG>r;m. WnyyIh' al{ Wnx.n"a] ~ynIKe wyl'ae rm,aNOw: [waw w/Qal impf.1p. amar + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + adj.m.p.abs. ken true; "honest men" + neg lo + Qal perf.1p. hayah + Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spie]).

    VERSE 32 'We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no longer alive, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of Canaan (![;n"K. #r,a,B. Wnybia'-ta, ~AYh; !joQ'h;w> WNn<yae dx'a,h' Wnybia' ynEB. ~yxia; Wnx.n:a] rf'['-~ynEv. [adj.m. dual abs. shenayim two + adj.m.s.abs. ashar ten + noun m.p.abs. ach brother + noun m.p.constr. ben + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. abh father + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. echad one + adv ayin no longer + waw w/def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton youngest + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. yom today + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. abh + prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz + p.n. Canaan]).'

    VERSE 33 "The man, the lord of the land, said to us, 'By this I will know that you are honest men (~T,a; ~ynIke yKi [d;ae tazOB. #r,a'h' ynEdoa] vyaih' Wnyleae rm,aYOw [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar + prep el w/1p.suff. + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + noun m.p.constr. adon lord + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz + prep beth w/adj.f.s.ab. zoth this + Qal impf.1s. yada know + part ki that + adj.m.p.abs. ken honest + pro.2m.p. attem you]: leave one of your brothers with me and take grain for the famine of your households, and go [Wklew" Wxq. ~k,yTeB' !Ab[]r;-ta,w> yTiai WxyNIh; dx'a,h' ~k,yxia] [noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. echad one + Hiphil imper.m.p. nuach rest; "leave" + prep eth w/1s.suff. + waw w/d.o. marker w/noun m.s.constr. re-abon hunger; "famine" + noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. bayith house + Qal imper.m.p. laqach take + waw w/Qal imper.m.p. halak go]).

    VERSE 34 'But bring your youngest brother to me that I may know that you are not spies, but honest men (~T,a; ~ynIke yKi ~T,a; ~ynIke yKi ~T,a; ~yliG>r;m. al{ yKi h['d>aew> yl;ae !joQ'h; ~k,yxia]-ta, Waybih'w> [waw w/Hiphil imper.m.p. bo bring + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton youngest + prep el w/1s.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.1s. yada know + part ki that + neg lo + Piel part.m.p.abs. ragal spy + pro.2m.p. attem you + part ki + adj.m.p.abs. ken honest + pro.2m.p. attem you]).

    I will give your brother to you, and you may trade in the land (Wrx's.Ti #r,a'h'-ta,w> ~k,l' !Tea, ~k,yxia]-ta, [d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + Qal impf.1s. nathan give + prep lamedh w/2m.p.suff. + waw w/d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz + Qal impf.2m.p. sachar trade]).'"

    VERSE 35 Now it came about as they were emptying their sacks, that behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack (AQf;B. APs.K;-rArc. vyai-hNEhiw> ~h,yQef; ~yqiyrIm. ~he yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + pro.3m.p. hem they + Hiphil part.m.p.abs. riq empty + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. saq sack + waw w/interj hinneh + noun m.s.abs. ish man + noun m.s.constr. tseror pouch; "bundle" + noun m.s.const.w/3m.s.suff. kesep silver; "money" + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. saq sack]; and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed [War'yYIw: ~h,ybia]w: hM'he ~h,yPes.K; tArroc.-ta, War>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. ra-ah see + d.o. marker + noun m.p.abs. tseron bundle + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. kesep silver + pro.3m.p. hen they + waw w/noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. abh father + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. yare fear]).

    VERSE 36 Their father Jacob said to them, "You have bereaved me of my children (~T,l.K;vi ytiao ~h,ybia] bqo[]y: ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + p.n. Jacob + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. abh father + d.o. marker w/3m.p.suff. + Piel perf.2m.p. shakal be bereaved]: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me [hn"L'ku Wyh' yl;[' WxQ'Ti !miy"n>Bi-ta,w> WNn<yae !A[m.viw> WNn<yae @seAy [p.n Joseph + adv ayin no more/longer + waw w/p.n. Simeon + adv ayin no more + waw w/d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin + Qal impf.2m.p. laqach take + prep al w/1s.suff.; "against me" + Qal perf.3p. hayah + noun m.s.constr.w/3f.p.suff. kol] ."

    VERSE 37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, "You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you (^yl,ae WNa,ybia] al{-~ai tymiT' yn:b' ynEv.-ta, rmoale wybia'-la, !beWar> rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar + p.n. Reuben + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar + d.o. marker + adj.m. dual constr. shenayim two + noun m.p.constr.w/1s.suff. ben + Hiphil impf.2m.s. muth die; "put to death" + part im if + neg lo + Hiphil impf.1s.w/3m.s.suff. bo come; "bring him back" + prep el w/2m.s.suff.]; put him in my care, and I will return him to you [^yl,ae WNb,yvia ynIa]w: ydIy"-l[; Atao hn"T. [Qal imper.m.s. nathan give; "put" + d.o. marker w/3m.s.suff. + prep al + noun f.s.const.w/1s.suff. yad hand; "care" + Hiphil impf.1s.w/3m.s.suff. shub return + prep el w/2m.s.suff.])."

    VERSE 38 But Jacob said, "My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left (ra'v.nI ADb;l. aWhw> tme wyxia'-yKi ~k,M'[i ynIB. dreyE-al{ rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + neg lo + Qal imperf.3m.s. yarah go down + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ben son + prep im w/2m.p.suff. + part ki for + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach + Qal perf.3m.s. muth die + waw w/pro.3m.s. hu he + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. badad alone + Niphal part.m.s.abs. sha-ar left behind]).

    If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow (hl'Aav. !Agy"B. ytib'yfe-ta, ~T,d>r;Ahw> Hb'-Wkl.Te rv,a] %r,D,B; !Asa' Wha'r'q.W [waw w/Qal perf.3m.s.w/3m.s.suff. qara encounter + noun m.s.abs. ason mischief, harm + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. derek way + rel.pro. asher + Qal impf.2m.p. halak "you are taking" + prep beth w/3f.s.suff. + waw w/Hiphil perf.2m.p. yarad go down + d.o. marker + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. shebah gray hair + prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. yagon sorrow, grief + noun both s.abs. Sheol])."

    ANALYSIS: VERSES 29-38

  211. This scene describes Jacob’s son reporting to him on their trip to Egypt.

  212. To appreciate the nuances in this report one must compare it to the actual events recorded in vv. 6-24.

  213. Naturally they were ignorant as to the identity of their tormentor who they designated rightly as "the man, the lord of the land."

  214. They report this man’s cruel demeanor especially expressed in his abusive manner of speaking to them.

  215. They report the accusation leveled against them as spies and their protest that they were not spies.

  216. In response to his accusation they report that they protested this characterization affirming that they were honest men.

  217. In divulging details of their family the order of v. 11 is reversed.

  218. It is as though they wanted to break the most sensitive news to Jacob for the last.

  219. So they mentioned the existence of Benjamin after the loss of Joseph.

  220. "One is no more" is the climatic statement for Joseph, while "the youngest is now with our father."

  221. They tactfully omit the fact that Simeon was placed in custody (vv. 19, 24), rather they euphemistically state that the man asked them to "leave on brother of yours with me," as though he was Joseph’s guest.

  222. They also omit Joseph’s warning about killing them if they failed to produce Benjamin (v.20), inventing instead a promise that they "could travel freely" or trade in the land (v. 34).

  223. Finally, they say nothing about the discovery of money in their sacks (vv. 27-28).

  224. This bland account of their trip to Egypt is designed to allay Jacob’s fears.

  225. No comment from him suggests that their report left him unpersuaded.

  226. The syntax of v. 35 (opening with the Qal impf. hayah followed by a participial clause) suggests that a lapse of time between v. 34 and v. 35.

  227. Why should the discovery of the money in their sacks cause such surprise and consternation to both Jacob and his sons?

  228. The sons have discovered money in at least one of their sacks (vv. 27-28).

  229. One view is that after the initial discovery of money in one sack, the others found money in their sacks and then arranged to open the sacks together in Jacob’s presence.

  230. But this idea fails because the text states that "both they and their father…were scared."

  231. The sons are fearful because their further discovery heightens their sense of guilt and divine judgment already expressed in vv. 21-22, 28.

  232. Jacob’s outburst in v. 36 implies a different fear from theirs.

  233. Theirs was an uneasy sense of mystery; his was based on two disclosures made to him that day: Simeon’s disappearance and the money’s (re) appearance.

  234. Jacob refuses to accept them as coincidences.

  235. In his mind one is somehow related to the other.

  236. He suspects the brothers of foul play.

  237. His thoughts run amuck.

  238. Did the brothers sell Simeon into slavery?

  239. Is Jacob silently entertaining the idea that maybe the brothers have actually killed Joseph and Simeon?

  240. Jacob accuses them of bereaving him of Joseph, and now Simeon, with the prospect of bereaving him of Benjamin.

  241. Jacob is clearly once again running under his fear grid.

  242. Jacob acts like he is the preserver of his family and not God.

  243. God is nowhere to be found in this outburst of human viewpoint.

  244. "All things are against me" is certifiably not true and the course of unfolding events will disclose.

  245. If this is not bad enough, Reuben opens his big mouth and as is typical with him comes off even more stupid sounding if that is possible.

  246. Reuben’s vain quest here is to impress his father and redeem his standing as firstborn in line for the rights of the firstborn.

  247. This proposal is in the same category as the one he made to his brothers when he was trying to save Joseph so he could impress Jacob.

  248. After that he turned around and had a tryst with Jacob’s wife Bilhah to assert his authority.

  249. One can hardly imagine a more insane and immoral proposal than the one we find in v. 37!

  250. Oh great, the murder of his two sons if he does not return Benjamin safe and sound.

  251. That’s supposed to make up for the loss of Joseph and the loss of Benjamin?

  252. Reuben is the last one anyone would elect to safeguard Benjamin if we were picking from the nine brothers.

  253. Again, nobody mentions God or prayer or the Covenant or Faith-Rest.

  254. Truly this is a shabby scene.

  255. Jacob totally ignores Reuben’s asinine proposal and concludes the get-together with yet another faithless outburst (v.38).

  256. Jacob rejects his sons’ request to take Benjamin to Egypt.

  257. Jacob still firmly believes Joseph is dead but the sons know this might not be true.

  258. Once again the brothers are reminded of the grief they have caused their father by selling Joseph into slavery.

  259. Jacob says that if "any calamity should befall" Benjamin that that would be the end of him.

  260. This echoes 37:35 where he refused to be comforted: "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son."

  261. In other words, he would die of grief.

  262. Again, there is no divine viewpoint in his stupid prediction.

  263. Jacob’s failure is that he did not think everything through will respect to the loss of Joseph.

  264. First, why would God allows the only son who was adjusted to be killed by a wild beast?

  265. This makes no sense.

  266. Second, Joseph’s character as a believer points to the fact that his dreams were divinely inspired and not the product of a corrupt mentality.

  267. He should have seen through his sons’ lie.

  268. And so, he suffered twenty-two years of unnecessary grief and misery.

END: Genesis Chapter Forty-Two

July, 2012

Jack M. Ballinger