The famine raged on, and soon the grain was gone. Jacob said, "Go back, buy us food."
But Judah reminded him: "The man warned us-'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you. 'Send Benjamin, and we will go. If not, we cannot."
Israel groaned, "Why did you even tell him you had another brother?"
They answered, "He asked plainly about our family. We could not know he would demand Benjamin."
Then Judah stepped forward: "Send the boy with me. I myself will be surety for him. If I fail, the blame will be mine forever. Father, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice by now."
At last, Jacob relented. "If it just be, take gifts-balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachios, and almonds. Take double silver, for perhaps the first was an error. Take your brother, and may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
So they set out, bearing gifts and silver, and Benjamin with them.
When Joseph saw Benjamin, he said to his steward, "Take them to my house. Slaughter an animal, prepare a feast-they shall dine with me at noon."
Fear struck the brothers. "This is because of the silver returned to our sacks. He will enslave us and take our donkeys."
At the door they pleaded with the steward: "Please, sir, the first time we came, we found our silver returned. We do not know how it happened. We have brought it back, and more besides."
The steward calmed them: "Peace. Do not fear. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure. I received your silver." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
Water was brought to wash their feet, fodder for their donkeys. They prepared their gifts for Joseph's coming.
When Joseph entered, they bowed low and laid their gifts before him. He asked after their welfare: "Is your aged father well, the one you told me about? Is he still alive?"
They answered, "Your servant, our father, is alive and well."
Joseph's eyes fell upon Benjamin—his mother's son. He said softly, "Is this your youngest brother? God be gracious to you, my son."
His heart burned, his eyes filled, and he hurried into his chamber to weep. After composing himself, he returned and ordered, "Serve the meal."
The Egyptians ate apart, for they would not eat with Hebrews. Joseph sat alone. The brothers were seated in exact order, from the firstborn to the youngest. Amazed, they looked at one another in wonder.
Then food was served from Joseph's table, and Benjamin's portion was five times larger than the rest. They feasted and drank freely with him, unaware of the storm that still lay ahead.