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.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, May 23, 2016
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.
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.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
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.
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.
Friday, May 20, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
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.
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.
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