Since Joseph was in charge of Egypt, he was the one responsible for selling the grain to the people who came from the various lands. When it was their turn, Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. 7 The moment Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them even though nearly 20 years had passed since last he saw them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke gruffly to them. Joseph: Where do you come from? Joseph’s Brothers: We come from the land of Canaan to buy food. 8 Although Joseph recognized them, they did not recognize him. 9 He then remembered the dreams he had as a young man regarding his brothers. Joseph: You are spies! You have come to see how this famine has weakened our defenses so you can attack us. Joseph’s Brothers: 10 No, my lord. We, your servants, have only come to buy food. 11 We are all sons of one man, and we are honest men. We are not spies. Joseph: 12 No. I think you have come to scout out our land and defenses. Joseph’s Brothers: 13 My lord, we are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest, however, is with our father back home, and one brother is no longer with us. Joseph: 14 I don’t believe you. My accusation is true; you are surely spies! 15-16 But let’s see if your story is true. Here is how you will be tested: as surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here! Choose one of you to go and bring your brother to me while the rest of you remain locked up in prison. I want to see if you are telling me the truth. If he doesn’t come back with your brother, as Pharaoh lives, then I know you are truly spies. 17 Then Joseph put all ten of his brothers in prison for three days. |
Daily Prayer > Old Testament >
