Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers l

   It was not long before the grain which the sons of Ja'cob had purchased in E'gypt was used up. In addition to the sixty-six members of his own household, Ja'cob had to provide food for the families of his many servants. The famine still brought suffering and starvation to the land of Ca'naan, and it was only a matter of time before Ja'cob and his family would have nothing to eat.
   Ja'cob had declared that he would rather die than send his youngest son Ben'ja-min to E'gypt, but now it seemed that death would come to Ja'cob and his sons in the land of Ca'naan unless food could be brought in from E'gypt. For this reason Ja'cob finally decided to risk the life of his favorite son by sending him to E'gypt for the food which was so greatly needed.
   When Ju'dah offered to give his life if Ben'ja-min did not return safely from E'gypt, Ja'cob decided to send his nine remaining elder sons with Ben'ja-min to make a second purchase of grain in E'gypt. He told his sons to take with them twice the sum of money needed to pay for the grain which they sought, as well as the money which had been hidden in their sacks when they made their first purchase. As a special gift for the ruler of the E'gyp-tian supplies, Ja'cob sent balm, honey, spices, and nuts, for the famine had not destroyed these crops.
   The sons of Ja'cob again reached the land of E'gypt in safety, and were brought before Jo'seph for questioning. As they bowed down before him, Jo'seph saw that one of them was a stranger to him; since he was much younger than his brothers, Jo'seph knew that he must be Ben'ja-min. The sight of the brother he had waited so long to see brought tears of joy to the eyes of Jo'seph, and his heart was filled overflowing with happiness. Not wishing the others to see that he was overcome by his feelings, he went to his own room to wash away the tears of joy.
   Jo'seph then told his chief steward to take these He'brews into his own house, and ordered him to prepare a meal at which they were to be his guests of honor. Nor was Sim'e-on forgotten, for Jo'seph ordered him to be released from prison and sent to join his brothers. To be treated with such great honor made the brothers suspicious; they were afraid that they might be accused of stealing the money which had been secretly placed in their sacks of grain when they left E'gypt after their first visit.
   They knew, of course, that the money had come to them without their having done anything wrong, but still they feared that the E'gyp-tian ruler was scheming to do them harm. The real reason for such thoughts was the guilty conscience which they had for the wrong they had done Jo'seph some twenty-three years before. They still did not  know that the E'gyp-tian ruler was their brother, but since they had done a wrong which they could never forget, they looked upon any strange events as a possible means of punishment for their sins.

Story 29: Jo'seph's Brothers Come To E'gypt To Buy Grain lV

   They did not know that their money had been returned until they stopped at an inn to spend the night. One of the sacks was opened to get some grain, and then the brothers were amazed to find money in the mouth of the sack. Instead of being happy to learn that the grain had cost them nothing, they were very much alarmed by the discovery. It had been hard enough to bear the suspicion and rough treatment which they were shown by the E'gyp-tian ruler, but they were even more frightened by his strange act of returning their money. It did not occur to them that he might have meant nothing but kindness in so doing, and they wondered what further punishment the LORD was preparing for them. They dared not return to E'gypt and give back the money, for this time they, too, might be held in prison as spies, so all they could do was to hope for the best, and hasten to the land of their father.
   When they reached the land of Ca'naan, they told Ja'cob of all that had happened to them in E'gypt. Then all the sacks of grain were opened, and in each was found the money which had been paid for the grain. Once again the brothers were frightened, and even Ja'cob could find no way of explaining the strange return of the money; he, too, felt that it was a sign of bad news in the future.
   Ja'cob was overcome by the demand that Ben'ja-min, his beloved youngest son, be taken to E'gypt. He still thought that Jo'seph had been slain by a wild animal twenty-three years before, he knew that Sim'e-on was now in an E'gyp-tian prison, perhaps doomed to die, and now he was called upon to give up the son who had brought him comfort during many trials. The thought was more than he could bear, so he declared that it would be better if they all died of hunger. after the older brothers had failed to overcome the fears of Ja'cob, or to persuade him to let Ben'ja-min go down into E'gypt, it was agreed to do nothing about the matter for the time being. In our next story we shall learn how Ja'cob was forced to send Ben'ja-min to E'gypt, and how wonderfully the LORD blessed Ja'cob and his sons.
  

Story 29: Jo'seph's Brothers Come To E'gypt To Buy Grain lll

   This demand brought both sorrow and fear to the hearts of Jo'seph's brothers. To do what he asked might cause their father's death, for Ja'cob had found comfort for the supposed loss of Jo'seph only in his fondness for Ben'ja-min. They also were unwilling to run the risk of being held in E'gypt while one of their brothers returned to their father's house for the youngest son whom Ja'cob loved so dearly. When they refused to do what Jo'seph had asked, they were put in prison. For three days they remained prisoners, while Jo'seph searched his mind for some way of carrying out the will of God without harm to his brothers.
   On the third day, Jo'seph visited his brothers in prison and offered them an easier way to prove that they were not spies. He said to them: "This do, and live; for I fear God: if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of my prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother to me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die." The fact that an E'gyp-tian officer, as they supposed him to be, believed in the True God filled the brothers with shame for all their evil deeds.
   It was natural for them to use their own language while discussing the offer which Jo'seph had now made them; since he had questioned them with the aid of an interpreter, they took it for granted that he would not know what they were saying. He, therefore, heard them confess to one another that they were now being justly punished for the cruel wrong they had done their brother twenty-three years before. They had paid no attention to Jo'seph's cries of distress when they cast him into the pit, so now they had no right to complain if they were shown no mercy.
   Then Jo'seph bound Sim'e-on as a prisoner before their very eyes. This was to remind them that he would be put to death as a spy if they failed to return from the land of Ca'naan with Ben'ja-min, their youngest brother. The servants of Jo'seph then filled the grain sacks which his brothers had brought to E'gypt, and in the top of each sack placed the money which had been paid for the grain. The brothers went away with mingled feelings. They were happy to have the grain which was so greatly needed in Ca'naan, and thankful that they were now freed from prison, but it was sad to think of Sim'e-on having to remain a prisoner until they returned to E'gypt.
  
  
  

Story 29: Jo'seph's Brothers Come To E'gypt To Buy Grain ll

   Upon reaching the land of E'gypt they were sent to the high officer who had charge of all the grain. Without his permission, no grain could be taken from E'gypt. Little did the brothers think that this mighty ruler was the boy they had sold into slavery! They feared that they might meet him among the slaves of that country, but never dreamed of seeing him as a ruler second only to the king. For this reason it was easy for Jo'seph to keep them from knowing who he was.
   When the brothers were brought before Jo'seph, they bowed so low that their faces almost touched the ground, for this was the manner in which common people showed respect to a great ruler. Jo'seph wore the costly robes of his office, spoke the E'gyp-tian language perfectly, and acted with all the dignity of a nobleman. It is no wonder that even his own brothers did not know him as he stood before them. Jo'seph, however, knew them at once, for they had changed very little since he last had seen them. Because he loved his brothers in spite of what they had done to him, it was hard for Jo'seph to treat them as though they were strangers, but this he did.
   Jo'seph had dreamed of the day when his brothers should bow before him, and they had been very angry when he told them the dream, but now it had come true. They had mocked him, making light of his prophetic dreams, but now they bowed before him in all humility. It was not yet the proper time to tell them who he was, so he patiently continued to let them think he was an E'gyp-tian.
   Speaking roughly to them, Jo'seph forced his brothers to tell him from whence they came. When they said that they had come from the land of Ca'naan to buy food, he pretended not to believe them, and he declared that they were spies who had come to plan an attack upon his country. By these words Jo'seph  hoped to lead his brothers into telling him all about his father without their suspecting that he was their long lost brother.
   The plan of Jo'seph was successful, for the brothers said: "Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Ca'naan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not." Having learned that his father was living, Jo'seph continued to test his brothers by demanding that all but one of them be left with him in E'gypt while the other went back to Ca'naan to bring their youngest brother before him. Jo'seph then warned them that their only hope of escaping death was for the youngest brother to come back with the one who should go to fetch him.

Story 29: Jo'seph's Brothers Come To E'gypt To Buy Grain l

   The seven years of famine brought suffering to many countries. In E'gypt, the wise plan of Jo'seph had kept the people from starvation, but other lands were not so fortunate. They had not received the warnings given to Pha'roah in his dreams and explained by Jo'seph, so none of them had prepared for the famine. When their supply of food gave out, as it did in a very short time, they were forced to go to E'gypt and purchase grain from the huge storehouses which Jo'seph had built.
   The land of Ca'naan was two hundred miles from E'gypt, and between the two countries there were vast deserts and wilderness, making travel very difficult. In some way, however, Ja'cob and his family learned that there was plenty of food in E'gypt, and that Pha'roah was willing to sell some of it to people of other nations.
   More than twenty years had passed since the brothers of Jo'seph had sold him to the Ish'ma-el-ite slave-dealers, and they had no idea what had become of him. Ja'cob, of course, had lived through all these years thinking that Jo'seph was dead, for the elder brothers had never told him the true story. No news had come to them of Jo'seph's early hardships and suffering in E'gypt, nor of the great honors he had later been given by Pha'roah; as far as they knew, he might well be dead.
   One might think that Jo'seph would have sent a message to let his father know that all was well with him, or would have tried to find out how things were going with his family back in Ca'naan. Jo'seph thought it best, however, to say nothing. For one thing, he did not wish his father to know how cruelly he had been treated by the elder brothers; for another, he had perfect faith that the LORD would permit no harm to come to his father's household.
   No doubt Jo'seph often thought of his father and brothers, but never with hatred toward those who had wronged him. For nearly a quarter of a century the memory of his early dreams lingered in his mind, and he still believed that they would come true. Instead of talking about them, or complaining because they were not as yet fulfilled, he kept them secret in his heart, patiently waiting for the LORD to bless him when the time had come.
   When famine swept over the land of Ca'naan, bringing hunger and starvation to the people, Ja'cob and his family were soon in great danger. All of Ja'cob's wealth was in gold, silver, and live-stock; without food for his household and grain for his cattle, the money would not do any good. He therefore sent his ten sons down into E'gypt to buy corn, so that both the people and animals might have food.
   It was a great blow to the sons of Ja'cob to be sent to E'gypt, where they knew that Jo'seph had been carried to be sold as a slave. Every step of the two hundred mile journey must have been filled with memories of the great wrong which they had done, but they must either go to E'gypt or starve. Of course, they did not know what had happened to Jo'seph there, but a guilty conscience made them dread even the thought of meeting him.

Story 28: Jo'seph Saves E'gypt From Starving ll

   Jo'seph's work during the seven years of famine was even more brilliant than in the time of prosperity. Instead of giving the people food without charge, he kept up their courage and dignity by making it possible for them to pay for what they needed. All the people had been required to save their money when times were good, and when their savings were spent he gave them work to do. In this way even the most needy were able to earn their food, and no one was forced to become a beggar.
   Truly, Jo'seph was the savior of E'gypt and of many surrounding nations. Had he not ruled with such wisdom, E'gypt and its neighbors would have perished during the seven long years of famine. Faith in God was the chief reason for his success in this great undertaking. It is true that Jo'seph was a man of great ability, blessed with a brilliant mind and good judgment, and willing to work long and hard at whatever duties which came his way. All these good qualities, however, would not have been enough to bring him success if he had not been guided by the LORD. Because Jo'seph was a good man, willing always to do what the LORD told him without fear or complaint, his name is truly great.

Story 28: Jo'seph Saves E'gypt From Starving l

   No greater change has come to any man than that which Jo'seph knew in E'gypt. The fetters of iron which bound his feet were exchanged for a golden chain around his neck, and the course prison clothes for the fine linen worn by the nobility. The gloomy dungeon was forgotten as he dwelt in the royal palace, and all disgrace was removed when he rode next to the king in a public procession. He had been in prison through no fault of his own, but now had become master of all that the king possessed.
   Pha'roah added still another blessing by giving him a wife from one of the most noble families of the land, and so Jo'seph was married to the daughter of the high priest of the temple in the capital city of E'gypt. In the course of time two sons were born to this marriage, and were brought up in the faith of their father.
   Many people would have been puffed up with pride by so wonderful a change, but Jo'seph was too busy to waste time in self-admiration. Instead, he went to work at once on the task which the king had given him. His first step was to make a thorough study of the country, finding out how much food was needed, and how much could be raised during the seven years of abundant crops. To the law which required the people to give one tenth of all their produce to the government, he added the rule that they place one fifth in storage for the years of famine which were to come. The people were also forbidden to waste food, and all that they did not need was purchased by the government and stored up for future needs.
   Jo'seph was wise enough to foresee the evil days that were coming, and to prepare for them before it was too late. In times of abundant harvest and prosperity he made sure that the nation would not suffer when crops were poor and times were hard. He was honored by the king, and proved his right to such honor by enriching the nation. By his careful management he saved the lives of the E'gyp-tians, provided food for even their cattle and live-stock, and maintained the glory of their nation.

Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace lll

The one who took charge of this work would also have to direct a great many assistants, telling each one what he must do, and then making sure that the work had been properly done. Seldom in history has a greater burden been placed upon any one man.
   Without waiting for Jo'seph's predictions to come true, or doubting in the least the words which had been spoken, Pha'roah decided to act at once. The first step was the choosing of a leader to carry out the plan of storing up food for the years of famine that were to come, and here the king made a very wise choice, indeed. To Pha'roah, there was only one man in his kingdom who could do the work which Jo'seph had suggested, and that man was Jo'seph  himself. The king was deeply impressed by the faith of the He'brew prophet, and believed that he must be under the direct guidance of the LORD. A man of strong, upright character was needed for the task, and in this respect Jo'seph had proved himself second to none.
   Pha'roah said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" The courtiers made no reply, probably because they were jealous of one who was a foreigner, but the king at once appointed Jo'seph to the office. To remove any further jealousy, Pha'roah gave him the E'gyp-tian title Zaph'e-nath-pa-ne'eh, which means "God speaks." He also gave Jo'seph a signet ring as a token of his office as grand vizier of E'gypt, provided him with fine linen garments which were worn by only the highest officials, placed around his neck the gold chain which was the mark of prominent citizens, and caused him to ride in the chariot next to that of the king in a great public procession. The people of E'gypt bowed before him, honoring him as the ruler second only to the king. Thus was Jo'seph advanced from a forgotten prisoner to one who held a place of honor in the royal palace. We shall learn how well he carried out his duties in the next story.

Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace ll

   The king made haste to send for Jo'seph, asking him to come to the palace at once. It was the custom in those days for men in prison to let their beards grow as a sign of sorrow, but Jo'seph quickly removed his beard when he heard that the king wished to see him. After changing his prison garments for clothes provided by the king's servants, he was brought before Pha'roah.
   When Jo'seph stood before him, Pha'roah told him at once that he had been greatly troubled by two dreams which his magicians and wise men had not been able to explain. Pha'roah also said that he had learned of Jo'seph's ability to interpret dreams, but Jo'seph replied, "It is not in me: God shall give Pha'roah an answer of peace." Pha'roah then told his two strange dreams to Jo'seph.
   "In my dream," declared Pha'roah, "I stood upon a bank of the river: and, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and lean, such as I never saw in all the land of E'gypt for badness: and the lean and the ill favoured cows did eat up the first seven fat cows, but after eating every one of them they were still as thin as ever."
   "After falling asleep again," Pha'roah went on to say, "I saw seven ears of corn growing on one stalk, and each ear was full and good. Then I saw another stalk with seven poor and worthless ears upon it. The seven poor ears devoured those that were good, but were afterwards poor as ever."
   Jo'seph then told Pha'roah that the two dreams had the same meaning. The LORD was telling him that a time of great prosperity for the land of E'gypt was to be followed by an equal period of famine and suffering. Jo'seph said, "The seven fat and well favoured cows, and the seven full ears of corn, mean that for seven years there will be good harvests and great prosperity in E'gypt. The seven thin cows and the seven withered ears of corn mean that the years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine. Unless the good crops are used wisely, and the surplus carefully stored up in each city, the whole country will be in danger of starving to death."
   Having explained the dreams to Pha'roah so clearly that everyone could see the LORD was speaking through him, Jo'seph gave still further good advice. He suggested that Pha'roah choose some man of great wisdom and proven ability to take charge of the work of storing up surplus food during the seven good years. It was a very difficult task, but unless it was done, and done well, there would be no hope of saving the people of E'gypt from starvation during the seven years of famine. That is why it was so important to find a man wise enough to direct the storing up of food in all cities of E'gypt. Besides gathering the surplus food, it was necessary to distribute it in such a way that each city would have enough for its own needs, and to store the food where it would not spoil or be damaged.
  

Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace l

   It seems probable that Pot'i-phar realized that Jo'seph was forced to remain in prison for two years as a result of the false charges preferred against him by Pot'i-phar's wife. But his quiet, trustworthy manner, his gentle, friendly behavior, and his patience under unjust punishment won for him the confidence of all the prisoners with whom he was associated. Among these prisoners were two former servants of Pha'roah, a builder and a baker. They were placed under the care of Jo'seph, and in the course of time he was called upon to explain for each of them a dream which greatly worried them.
   The interpretations which Jo'seph gave came to pass within three days: the baker was hanged, and the butler was released and given his former position in the king's court. Jo'seph requested the butler to use his good offices for his release, but two years passed before he even mentioned to the king the name of his friend and benefactor. In the meantime Jo'seph did not despair, but clung to the belief that God would save him in his own time and manner.
   It was then that things began to happen in his favor. Pha'roah had two strange dreams, both of which were similar, and which seemed to carry the same meaning. When the king awoke in the morning, he was very much disturbed in mind by these dreams. He felt that they were very important, and was eager to know just what they meant. All the magicians and wise men of E'gypt were called in to help the king, but none of them could explain his dreams. Though naturally trying as hard as they could to give the meaning of the dreams, they were puzzled as deeply as Pha'roah by the visions which had come to him in the night.
   Pha'roah was unable to hide his troubled feelings from his servants, and his chief butler soon realized that something must be done to solve the problem. Suddenly he remembered how Jo'seph had explained his dream and that of the chief baker when they were in prison two years before, so he said to Pha'roah, "There is in prison a young man, a He'brew, who possesses the wisdom of God by which the most difficult dreams may be made known."
  

Story 26: Jo'seph In Pot'i-phar's House ll

   Angered by Jo'seph's refusal to do that which he thought wrong, Pot'i-phar's wife made false charges against him and had him cast into prison.
   In the gloom and hardships of life in prison Jo'seph was made happy by the knowledge that he had done nothing which deserved such punishment. His conscience was clear, and the LORD continued His blessings upon him. Jo'seph became a favorite of the keeper of the prison, and was soon put in charge of the other prisoners; he was trusted and honored in prison just as he had been in the house of his master. The walls of an E'gyp-tian dungeon could not hide his good character, nor could the iron bars prevent the LORD from visiting His servant.
   Jo'seph had been chosen by the LORD to rule over the land of E'gypt. The trials which had come to him were sent only to strengthen him in the faith, and make him a better servant of God in the hour of victory. We shall learn in the next story how he was called from prison to the palace of one of the greatest kingdoms of history.

Story 26: Jo'seph In Pot'i-phar's House l

   Our story now turns back to the life of Jo'seph. When last we heard of him, he was being taken to E'gypt by a band of Ish'ma-el-ite slave-traders who had bought him from his hard-hearted brothers, and his father Ja'cob was mourning him for dead.
   When the slave-traders came to E'gypt, Jo'seph was sold as a household servant to a man named Pot'i-phar, who was a high officer in the army of Pha'raoh. Even though he was still a slave, Jo'seph did not give up hope that some day his dreams would come true.
   In place of the hills and mountains of Ca'naan, Jo'seph now looked out upon the great plains of the river Nile; instead of living in a crude tent in the wilderness, he now enjoyed the comforts of a splendid home in a rich city. Looking out upon the beautiful temples of E'gypt, the pyramids, and the Sphinx, Jo'seph must have longed for the day when he could take an active part in the affairs of this great country.
   Jo'seph was a handsome young man, pleasant and cheerful by nature, and blessed with a quick mind and upright heart. He was also honest and loyal, and always ready and willing to do his duty. He did his work so well in the house of Pot'i-phar that he soon won the complete trust of his master, and was rapidly promoted to positions of greater honor. At length Pot'i-phar made Jo'seph his chief steward, giving him charge of his entire household. Though Pot'i-phar did not worship the God of Jo'seph, he was greatly impressed by the good character and true faith of his servant. It is said in the Bible that Pot'i-phar saw that the LORD was with Jo'seph, making him prosper in all that he did.
   While Jo'seph was mourned by his father in Ca'naan as dead, he now prospered in E'gypt under Pot'i-phar. Honoring God, he was now being honored by the LORD he worshipped; having served faithfully over a few things, he was now made ruler over many; having learned to manage Pot'i-phar's house, he was now being prepared to rule over all the land of E'gypt.
   The same noble qualities which won for Jo'seph the admiration of Pot'i-phar were also the means of subjecting him to severe temptation. Pot'i-phar's wife was attracted by his magnetic personality and manliness, and sought to lure him into a friendship which he thought wrong. Jo'seph wished to maintain the integrity of his character and good opinion of his master, and was careful not to do anything  to violate the trust imposed in him.
   The mightiest fortress in Jo'seph's character was the fear of God. He acknowledged the Supreme Authority of High Heaven in all matters of human conduct. Though the dagger of temptation pierced his heart, his uncompromising devotion to the principle of right prevented any fatal wound. Under severe trial he said, "How can I do this in the presence of my God?" Having set God in complete control of his affections he could not be moved by the most violent attacks of satan.

Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery lV

   When they reached home they showed the coat to Ja'cob and said, "We found this coat out in the hill country. You can tell whether or not it belonged to Jo'seph." Ja'cob knew that it was the coat which he had given his favorite son, and declared that some wild animal must have killed him. Since the brothers had hoped that their father would believe this to be true, they said nothing to change his mind.
   Ja'cob's sorrow seemed to be greater than he could bear, and he gave up all hope of ever being happy again. Now that his favorite son appeared to have lost his life, Ja'cob could not blame himself enough for having sent him on a dangerous journey without anyone to go with him. The older brothers added one more sin to those already committed by pretending to mourn with their father in his grief, and the comfort which they tried to bring him was as false as their hearts.
   For twenty years Ja'cob carried this great sorrow in his heart, thinking all the time that his favorite son Jo'seph was dead; while the ten brothers of Jo'seph were forced to suffer the tortures of remorse in the secret cogitations of their own guilty hearts. In the meantime, the domestic life of the chosen family was seriously disrupted by the faithlessness and indiscretions of Ju'dah. Leaving the family where God was known and honored he made friends with the Ca'naan-ites; and positively disobeying the command of God married an idolatrous woman of Ca'naan.
  

Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery lll

   The envy of these wicked brothers had grown into such bitter hatred that they now did not stop even at the thought of murder. Because they knew that their brother was better than they were, they were willing to commit the awful crime of murder in order to keep him from the honors which were certain would come to him.
   But Reu'ben, who was the oldest of the brothers, and who did not hate Jo'seph as much as the others did, suggested that instead of killing him by their own hands they might throw him into an open well. He said this in the hope of saving Jo'seph, he intended to come back to the pit when the other brothers were gone and rescue him.
   Jo'seph had probably brought his brothers some good things to eat from his father's house. He came to them in a friendly spirit, gave them the message from Ja'cob, and began to unpack the food and provisions which he had brought them. At once they seized him, cast him into a pit nearby, and deliberately sat down to eat their dinner while Jo'seph begged to be rescued from the pit.
   As they sat about on the grass eating their dinner, there suddenly appeared in the distance a caravan of Ish'ma-el-ites. These people were going from Gil'e-ad to E'gypt with spices, fragrant balms, and myrrh to sell. They also dealt in slaves, and would frequently sell to the E'gyp-tians young men and women to become servants in their homes. An older brother named Ju'dah then suggested that instead of leaving Jo'seph in the pit they might sell him to these slave-traders. In this way they would be rid of him forever, and at the same time might avoid the great sin of murder. No doubt Ju'dah was also thinking of the money that they would receive from the traders, for slaves were worth a great deal of money.
   In the meantime Reu'ben had finished his dinner, and had gone away to look after the sheep. So the other nine brothers lifted Jo'seph from the pit and sold him to the Ish'ma-el-ites for twenty pieces of silver, which was the usual price for a slave boy. They also kept the coat of many colors which their father had given Jo'seph. The Ish'ma-el-ites took Jo'seph into E'gypt, where they had sold him to a man named Pot'i-phar as a household servant. What happened to Jo'seph in E'gypt will be told in future stories.
   When Reu'ben had finished caring for the sheep, he went to the pit into which Jo'seph had been thrown, and was very much alarmed when he found it empty. He rushed to his brothers greatly excited and said, "The child is gone, and now what am I to do?" The other brothers may have suspected that Reu'ben had intended to rescue Jo'seph, and for this reason had not told him that the younger brother had been sold as a slave. But now that he was gone they must think of some story to tell their father. They took Jo'seph's beautiful coat of many colors, dipped it in the blood of a young goat which they killed for this purpose, and carried the stained coat back to their father.

Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery ll

   His brothers thought that Jo'seph was telling them these dreams because he expected some day to rule over them. They disliked him very much for having such hopes, and for even suggesting that he might become the head of his father's household.
   When Jo'seph told his father of the second dream, Ja'cob scolded him, and said, "Do you think that I and your brothers will one day bow before you as if you were a king?" In spite of this rebuke from his father, Jo'seph did not lose hope, and it seems that Ja'cob himself wondered if the dream might  well come true some day. The way that his brothers later treated Jo'seph makes one think that they, too, must have believed that he was likely to rule over them.
   Some days after Jo'seph had told his father and brothers about his dreams, his ten older brothers were sent into the land near She'chem with a flock of sheep. This was a distance of about fifty miles from He'bron, and near the place where Ja'cob had purchased a plot of ground from Ha'mor.
   Wishing to send a message to his sons, and to find out if all was well with them, Ja'cob told Jo'seph to go on an errand to his brothers at She'chem. Although it was a long journey for a boy of Jo'seph's age to make alone, and in spite of the knowledge that he would not be kindly received by his brothers, Jo'seph promptly and cheerfully did what his father told him. While Jo'seph and his father were thinking of their welfare, the older brothers were plotting how to do away with Jo'seph. All they were waiting for was a chance to deal with him where Ja'cob could not hinder them, and the chance was now about to come.
   When Jo'seph reached the pasture land near She'chem where his brothers had been sent, he found that they were no longer there. While looking for them he met a stranger, and asked if he knew where his brothers had gone with their sheep. The stranger told him that they had gone to Do'than, which was about fifteen miles farther north. Jo'seph had already been walking over the hills and valleys for two or three days, and must have been very tired from the fifty mile journey, but he started off at once toward Do'than.
   As Jo'seph drew near to the fields where his brothers were letting their sheep graze, they saw him from a distance, and knew who he was by the bright colors of the coat he wore. They began to say to one another, "Look, that dreamer is coming!" Then they began to plot among themselves what they might do to dispose of him. One of the brothers suggested that they slay him and put his body into an open well in the field, then they could tell their father that he had been killed and eaten by a wild animal.

Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery l

   After Ja'cob had attended his father's funeral, he and his sons and their shepherds settled at He'bron, where they continued to raise sheep and cattle. Their flocks and herds had increased so greatly that it was difficult to find enough pasture land to feed them, and it was necessary to let them graze over large tracts of land.
   Ten of Ja'cob's sons had been born during the early years of his exile in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and had now become full-grown men. Jo'seph, the son of his beloved wife Ra'chel, was much younger, and Ben'ja-min, who was born in Ca'naan at the time when Ra'chel died, was a small child.
   Ja'cob was especially fond of Jo'seph for several reasons. He was the son of his old age, having been born when Ja'cob was ninety years old, and was the child of Ra'chel, whom Ja'cob loved more than Le'ah. He was also a child of prayer, for Ja'cob and Ra'chel had prayed for many years that a child be given them.
   Jo'seph was very different from his half-brothers, who were much older. He was quiet and thoughtful, well behaved, and polite. His brothers were rough and ill-mannered, often disobedient, and careless in the duties of worship. When they were at work in the fields, or busy caring for their father's sheep, they would often say things or do things which Jo'seph knew were wrong, and which he felt should be told to his father. He was not a tale-bearer, but rather an obedient son who did not want his father's good name to suffer from the evil deeds of his brothers.
   Because he was very fond of Jo'seph, and because he thought that so good a son deserved a reward, Ja'cob showed him many favors. They spent much time together, and both father and son came to love one another more deeply every day. As a sign of his fondness for Jo'seph, Ja'cob made him a long coat of many colors, very much like those worn by princes. The boy was very proud of this coat, wearing it on special occasions, and when sent on long journeys by his father.
   Partly because of the good conduct which Jo'seph showed at all times, and partly because he was their father's favorite son, the older brothers became very jealous of him. They were also angered by the dreams which Jo'seph was unwise enough to tell them. It was only natural that a boy with a quick mind and a lively imagination should dream of glorious days to come in the future, but his brothers could not understand his dreams and hopes.
   There were two dreams in particular which added to the envy and hatred of Jo'seph's brothers. In the first, he dreamed that he and his brothers were binding sheaves of wheat in the field, and that his sheaf suddenly stood upright, while the sheaves of his brothers bowed before it. In the other dream, he saw the sun, moon and eleven stars also bowed before him.

Story 24: Ja'cob Wrestles With An Angel ll

   The Angel then asked, "What is thy name?" When Ja'cob gave his name the Angel told him that he should no longer be called Ja'cob, but his name should be changed to Is'ra-el, which means "prince." The Angel explained the change by saying, "For as a prince hast the power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." From this point on in the Bible Ja'cob is known as Is'ra-el, and his descendants were called Is'ra-el-ites.
   After blessing Ja'cob the stranger disappeared as mysteriously as he had come. Ja'cob then declared that he had seen God face to face, and had been assured that his life would be saved. A new triumph had come into the life of Ja'cob. He had "tricked" his brother E'sau, and for this reason had long lived in fear of his brother's anger. He has now been "tricked" himself by the Angel Je-hov'ah, but has learned to trust not on his own strength, but in the LORD. Nevermore is he to be called Ja'cob, "the supplanter," but from now on shall be known as Is'ra-el, the prince of God.
   As Ja'cob left the place where he had wrestled with the Angel he saw his brother E'sau coming to meet him with a band of four hundred armed men. Knowing that God would take care of him, yet still humble, he walked forward to meet E'sau. First, he bowed his body almost to the ground, then moved a little nearer, and bowed again. Seven times he bowed to his brother, and then E'sau rushed up to meet him with open arms. The brothers kissed one another, and were so happy to be friends once more that they wept for joy. Ja'cob's wives and children were then brought forward to meet E'sau, who rejoiced in the blessings which had come to his brother during the twenty years that they had been separated.
   Ja'cob then insisted that E'sau keep the gifts which had been sent to him as a peace-offering. At first E'sau refused, but finally agreed to keep them as a token of their renewed friendship. E'sau offered to send some of his servants to help Ja'cob and his family in caring for his many sheep and cattle, or in getting ready for their journey to the heart of Ca'naan. Ja'cob declined the offering with thanks, and the two brothers separated, never to meet again until they stood together at the grave of their father.
   After camping for several days at a place afterwards known as Suc'coth, near the river Jab'bok, Ja'cob and his company journeyed westward across the river Jor'dan, settling at last in the hill country near the town of She'chem. Here he paid one hundred pieces of silver for a plot of land owned by a man named Ha'mor, Here, too, he built an altar which he named "The Altar of The Mighty One" in honor of the LORD. It was on this very spot that A'bra-ham had built the first altar in the land of Ca'naan one hundred and eighty-five years before.

Story 24: Ja'cob Wrestles With An Angel l

   After the treaty of peace had been made between Ja'cob and La'ban, and La'ban had turned back toward his own land, Ja'cob continued his journey toward Ca'naan. He entered the land east of the Jor'dan river which was later known as Gil'e-ad, and encamped near the river Jab'bok. Although he had now escaped the anger of his father-in-law, he was by no means free from danger. Other trials were ahead, Ja'cob was filled with worry and fear. Most of all he feared the anger of his brother E'sau, from whom he had stolen both the birthright and blessing which belonged to him.
   During Ja'cob's absence from the land of Ca'naan, E'sau had taken another wife. This woman was a member of the family of Ish'ma-el, the half-brother of his father, and he had married her in the hope of regaining his former place in the blessings which had been promised in the Covenant with A'bra-ham. E'sau had prospered, and was now the head of a great people. Each of his three wives had given birth to many children, and the number of his servants had increased greatly.
   While Ja'cob was moved to the heart by fears of E'sau, he was visited by a host of Angels from Heaven. They told him that his only hope of safety was the mercy of God, but that all the forces of Heaven would come to his rescue if needed. The visit of the Angels was not enough to quiet the fears of Ja'cob. Hoping to escape by his own shrewdness, he first tried to make peace with E'sau. Messengers were sent to tell his brother that Ja'cob was already sending fine gifts to make up for the wrongs which he had done to E'sau in the past. These messengers, however, came back with the news that E'sau was coming to meet Ja'cob with four hundred armed men, evidently seeking revenge upon his brother.
   Ja'cob then felt that he was in great danger, and feared that E'sau would not only take all his possessions, but also take the lives of his wives and children. For this reason he divided his household into two parts, placing those who were dearest to him in the positions of greatest safety.
   After putting his wives and children where they were most likely to be safe, and scattering his flocks and herds so that only half of them could be seized in any event, Ja'cob sent many sheep and cattle as a peace-offering to E'sau. This was done in the hope of delaying E'sau's arrival at the place where Ja'cob and his household were encamped, and was intended as a gesture to cool the wrath of his brother.
   Now that he had done everything in his power to protect his family from E'sau, Ja'cob turned to the LORD in earnest prayer. Appealing to Him as the God who had a Covenant with A'bra-ham and I'saac he admitted his own unworthiness, but asked the LORD deliver him from E'sau out of sheer mercy.
   Having done all that he could to protect his family and to make his brother less angry, and having sought help from the LORD in prayer, Ja'cob went to a quiet place where his thoughts would not be disturbed. Suddenly he was seized by a mysterious person who first appeared in the form of a man, was then called an Angel, and was still later spoken of as God. All night long Ja'cob wrestled with the stranger, but as the morning began to dawn the struggle ended. The Angel touched the hollow of Ja'cob's thigh, making him lame. Ja'cob now realized that he could no longer count upon his own strength, and saw that there are times when the LORD alone can help. Though wounded in the struggle, he still had courage and persistence; he clung to the Angel, and refused to let him go until he blessed him.

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia lll

   Thus there were born to Ja'cob eleven sons while he was in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and after his return to Ca'naan Ra'chel gave birth to Ben'ja-min, making twelve in all. Each one of these sons became a prince, and was the founder of a tribe in the nation that was later known as Is'ra-el.
   After Ja'cob had served La'ban seven years in return for the hand of Ra'chel in marriage, making a total of fourteen years of service, he told La'ban that he would like to go back to his native land with his wives and children. La'ban did not want Ja'cob to leave, for his services had been worth a great deal. He therefore asked Ja'cob to stay with him as a partner, promising him a certain share in the increase of the sheep and cattle.
   Under this agreement Ja'cob soon gained in property much faster than did his father-in-law. The terms of the agreement were changed several times by La'ban, who had become very jealous of Ja'cob's success, but each time the LORD blessed Ja'cob more than He did La'ban.
   For six years Ja'cob and La'ban remained partners, but they became less and less friendly as time went on. There were bitter quarrels over the share that each was to have in the increased flocks and herds, and many times each felt that the other was cheating him. At last Ja'cob made up his mind that he would live no longer in such an unhappy household.
   Rather than have another quarrel with La'ban, Ja'cob decided to leave without telling him. He gathered his sheep and cattle, packed up all his goods that were easily movable, and took his wives and children on the journey back to Ca'naan. La'ban pursued him, trying to force him to return. He was then warned by the LORD in a dream not to harm Ja'cob in any way, and after a covenant of peace had been made between La'ban and his son-in-law, Ja'cob was allowed to continue his journey to Ca'naan.
   The solemn covenant of peace that was made between La'ban and Ja'cob on the east side of Jor'dan at a place later called Gil'e-ad was binding upon all generations, and there was never war between the descendants of La'ban and Ja'cob. The final parting was friendly enough for men who had been enemies until the LORD put peace in their hearts. Ja'cob said " The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another." These words are now called "The Miz'pah Benediction."

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia ll

For seven long, weary years he must work like a slave, given courage only by the hope of some day having Ra'chel as his wife. As we read in the Bible: "And Ja'cob served seven years for Ra'chel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had for her."
   When the seven years had passed, La'ban made Ja'cob the victim of one of the most selfish plots in history. In place of Ra'chel, for whom Ja'cob had toiled so long and earnestly, La'ban gave him Le'ah, the elder daughter of little charm. When Ja'cob complained of the deception he was told by La'ban that a custom of that country required an elder daughter to be given in marriage before her younger sister. In order to keep the services of one who had proved himself so useful, La'ban promised to give Ra'chel to Ja'cob in marriage if he would serve another seven years.
   The shrewd plan of La'ban to bind Ja'cob for a longer term of service succeeded. The crafty Ja'cob who had taken advantage of his brother to gain the rights of the first-born was now overcome by a shrewdness more clever than his own. Ja'cob had not hesitated to turn his father's blindness to his own advantage, but now he was deceived into taking another for the bride whom he desired. Ja'cob was paid in his own coin; having deceived others, he was now himself deceived.
   Ja'cob accepted his lot in patience and humility, and agreed to the suggestion of La'ban. After a week had passed he was given Ra'chel in marriage, though he must still serve her father for seven years. The fact that he had two wives was not to his discredit, for in those days men took as many wives as they could afford to keep. It is said that he loved Ra'chel and hated Le'ah, but this only means that he loved Ra'chel much more than her sister. Both of the daughters of La'ban were good wives to Ja'cob, sharing with him all the joys and sorrows of life.
   During the next few years Le'ah became the mother of four sons, who were called in turn Reu'ben, Sim'e-on, Le'vi, Ju'dah; Ra'chel, meanwhile, had no children. For this reason Ra'chel followed a custom of the times in giving Ja'cob her maid Bil'hah to bear children for her. Bil'hah became the mother of two sons, Dan and Naph'ta-li. Then Le'ah gave Ja'cob her maid Zil'pah, and she bore him two sons, who were called Gad and Ash'er. Later two more sons and a daughter were born to Le'ah, and their names were Is'sa-char, Zeb'ul-un, and Di'nah. In the course of years God answered the earnest prayers of Ra'chel, and she became the mother of a son who was called Jo'seph.

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia l

   On the way from Beth'el to Mes-o-po-ta'mia Ja'cob passed through many trials and dangers, and must have grown very tired. But on he marched, feeling less weary now that he had cast his burdens upon the LORD, and greatly encouraged by the blessings which had been promised him. Having put himself in the hands of Divine Providence, he knew that God would lead him safely to the home of La'ban.
   At last he paused to rest for a moment by a well some distance from the town of Ha'ran, where his grandfather A'bra-ham had once lived, and where many of his kindred still made their homes. Here he began to talk with some of the shepherds who had come to water their sheep, and learned that they knew La'ban, who was Re-bek'ah's brother. When Ja'cob politely inquired about the health and prosperity of his uncle, he was told that La'ban was well, and that his daughter Ra'chel was now coming toward them with her father's sheep.
   From the first moment that he saw her, Ja'cob was carried away by the beauty and grace of Ra'chel. After removing the stone from the top of the well, and drawing water for her sheep, he told her that he was the son of her aunt Re-bek'ah. Overjoyed by the sight of his lovely cousin, Ja'cob embraced her most tenderly.
   Ra'chel then went home and told her father of the meeting with Ja'cob, and La'ban went out to invite his nephew to come and stay at his home. Ja'cob was unwilling to accept the food and shelter of his uncle without giving something in return, and for this reason he helped in the care of the sheep, and did his part in the work that made La'ban prosperous. After thirty days had passed, La'ban offered to give wages to Ja'cob if he would stay.
   There were two daughters in the household of La'ban, the elder named Le'ah, and the younger Ra'chel. The eyes of Le'ah were dull and without charm, while those of Ra'chel were brilliant and attractive; Ra'chel, moreover, was truly beautiful. Jac'ob had been attracted to Ra'chel from the moment that he first saw her at the well, and this feeling had grown even stronger during the month that he had spent in her father's home.
   It was a custom in that country for a young man to make some payment to the parents of the woman whom he had chosen as a wife. Since Ja'cob had no money or property to give La'ban, he offered to work seven years to gain Ra'chel as his wife. It must have been hard for Ja'cob, who was the son of a wealthy man back in Ca'naan, and to whom great riches had been promised, to have nothing but his own labor to offer for the hand of the woman he loved.