Joseph Reveals Himself

Famine strikes Canaan. Jacob sends ten of his sons to buy grain in Egypt, but keeps Benjamin at home. Before the governor, they bow down without recognizing him: it is Joseph! He accuses them of being spies, keeps Simeon as a hostage, and demands that they come back with their youngest brother. The brothers then remember their sin against Joseph. Pressed by hunger, Jacob finally lets Benjamin go, with Judah as his guarantor. Joseph welcomes his brothers at his table, then has his silver cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack. Overtaken on the road, all of them return. Judah pleads: let him stay as a slave in the boy’s place! Overcome, Joseph sends everyone else out and weeps aloud: “I am Joseph!” He reassures them: “God did send me before you to preserve life.” He embraces his brothers and sends for Jacob, whose spirit revives: “Joseph my son is yet alive!”