The chamber of Pharaoh's governor trembled with the weight of a secret too heavy to bear. Joseph's heart, long restrained, burst open like a dam before his brothers.
"Leave me!" he cried to his attendants. Servants scattered in haste, leaving only the sons of Israel standing bewildered before the mighty ruler of Egypt.
Joseph wept, his voice rising in a cry so fierce that even the walls carried the echo. The Egyptians outside whispered, wondering what sorrow shook the governor's house.
At last, through tears, Joseph spoke. "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?"
Terror seized his brothers. Their knees weakened, for the one they betrayed now stood above them clothed in power.
Joseph drew closer, his voice breaking. "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. Two years of famine have passed, and five remain. But the Lord has raised me up to save a remnant and deliver you from death. It was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me like a father to Pharaoh, ruler over all Egypt. Now hurry, bring my father down to me, and delay no more."
Joseph fell upon Benjamin, his mother's son, and wept, and Benjamin wept upon him. One by one he embraced his brothers, his tears washing away years of silence, until words at last flowed between them as family restored.
News of the reunion spread quickly, and Pharaoh himself was pleased. He commanded Joseph, "Tell your brothers to take carts, return to Canaan, and bring your father and your households. I will give you the best of the land, and the fat of Egypt shall be yours."
Joseph equipped them richly. He gave garments to each, but to Benjamin he gave silver and five robes. To their father he sent donkeys laden with treasures, grain, and bread for the journey.
As they departed, Joseph cautioned them with a weary smile. "See that you do not quarrel along the way."
So the brothers returned to Canaan, hearts pounding with unbelievable news. Before their aged father they declared, "Joseph is alive. He is lord over all Egypt."
Jacob staggered, unable to believe them. But when he saw the carts Joseph had sent, and when their words sank deep, life surged anew into his weary heart.
And Israel said, "It is enough. My son Joseph is alive. I will go and see him before I die."