Story 36: Mo'ses Begins The Work Of Delivering Is'ra-el From E'gypt l

   Before taking his family on a perilous journey to E'gypt, Mo'ses asked the consent of his father-in-law. Without meaning actually to deceive Je'thro, Mo'ses thought it best to tell him nothing about the vision which he had, or the Divine appointment to become the leader of his people in casting off their bondage in E'gypt. Even though he did not think it wise to share his wonderful secret with Je'thro, Mo'ses was truly grateful to his father-in-law for taking him into his home when he was a wanderer, for hiring him to look after his sheep for forty years, and for giving him one of his daughters in marriage. Je'thro took the news of the departure in good spirit, and said to Mo'ses, "Go in peace." He was very fond of his son-in-law, and knew that he would not go away unless he had some very good reason.
   Mo'ses took his wife and sons, and started out in the wilderness for the long journey back to the home of his kindred. In the course of the journey God reminded Mo'ses that he had neglected an important duty while he was living in Mid'i-an. For some reason he had failed to have one of his sons circumcised as required of the chosen people of God. When this neglect was called to his mind by the LORD, and the rite duly performed, Mo'ses sent the boy and his mother back to the home of Je'thro. The LORD directed Aa'ron to go into the wilderness to meet his brother Mo'ses, and the two brothers journeyed on into E'gypt to perform the great work to which they had been called.
   The elders of Is'ra-el were then called together, and Mo'ses told them of the call which he had received from God. They accepted him as their leader, and news of his mission spread rapidly among the Is'ra-el-ites. At first there was great rejoicing among the people, and they treated Mo'ses and Aa'ron with deep respect and affection. Then Mo'ses and Aa'ron went directly to Pha'raoh, the king of E'gypt, told him that they were messengers sent by the LORD, and asked that all the He'brew people be allowed to make a three days' journey into the wilderness outside the borders of E'gypt so that they might worship their God in a special feast.
   This reasonable request was bluntly refused by Pha'raoh. The proud king of E'gypt said, "Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Is'ra-el go." He had no respect for the God of Is'ra-el, and no mercy toward the people who worshiped Him; his answer shows that he did not believe that God could help the people of Is'ra-el. Thus the servants of God were scorned and insulted, and the wicked king of E'gypt sought to make himself a god superior to the God of Is'ra-el.
   Hardened in heart, darkened in mind, and filled with a cruel, selfish spirit, Pha'raoh mocked the suggestion that his great host of slaves should be permitted to leave their work long enough to worship their God. At once he ordered his officers and taskmasters to increase the burdens of the children of Is'ra-el, and to make their work more difficult to do.
   At this particular time the He'brew slaves were employed in making brick for the great temples being erected in E'gypt. In the process of molding bricks out of clay they used straw, which was cut in fine strands to hold the bricks together. Up to this time the straw had been gathered by other workmen, but Pha'raoh now ordered that the He'brews go out into the fields and gather their own straw, and that they must make just as many bricks as they had been making before. This increase in their burdens filled the He'brews with despair, and in their disappointment and anger they turnt against Mo'ses and Aa'ron, blaming them for the new hardships inflicted by the E'gyp-tians.

Story 35: God Speaks To Mo'ses From A Burning Bush lll

   After telling Mo'ses the great name by which he was to be known in the mission to the Is'ra-el-ites, God commanded him to call together the elders of Is'ra-el and tell them of the Divine Plan which had been arranged for their freedom. God also commanded Mo'ses to ask Pha'raoh to free the He'brews from their bondage. A word of warning, however, went with this final command. The LORD said, "I am sure that the king of E'gypt will not let you go; but I will stretch out My hand and smite E'gypt with all my wonders, and after that he will, let My people go."
   In spite of all these wonderful promises from God, Mo'ses still felt himself unable to carry out the mission with success, so the LORD gave him two special signs of encouragement. First, He told him to throw his shepherd's staff upon the ground, and when he did so, it was suddenly turnt into a serpent. Then the LORD told him to pick it up by the tail, and as soon as he touched it, it became a shepherd's staff once again.
   The second sign took place when Mo'ses was directed to put his hand into his bosom. When Mo'ses withdrew his hand, it was turnt white by the dread disease of leprosy. Once again he was ordered to place his hand in his bosom, but this time it was completely healed when he withdrew it.
   Still worried about his ability to make a successful appeal to Pha'raoh on behalf of My people, Mo'ses complained that he was a very poor speaker. He declared that he had an impediment of speech which would make it impossible for him to address Pha'raoh with any hope of success.The LORD then rebuked him for his unbelief, and for the suggestion that someone else be sent in his place; Mo'ses was told that his brother Aa'ron would speak for him in all the interviews with Pha'raoh,
   While these conversations were going on between the LORD and Mo'ses, the heart of Aa'ron was moved to go out toward the wilderness east of E'gypt. Here he was led by the LORD to meet Mo'ses, and to become an assistant in the great work to which his brother had been called. Mo'ses then accepted the call of God, returned to the house of his father-in-law and arranged to leave at once for E'gypt; taking his wife and son.
 

Story 35: God Speaks To Mo'ses From A Burning Bush ll

   Although the one thing in the world which Mo'ses desired above all was the deliverance of his people from bondage in E'gypt, he felt that he was unable to serve as the leader in such an undertaking. With all humility he answered the summons from the burning bush in these modest words, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pha'raoh, and that I should bring the children of Is'ra-el out of E'gypt?"
   It was only natural for Mo'ses to think of the fact that he was still sought by the E'gyp-tian authorities for the killing of an overseer so many years before, of the fact that for forty years he had been out of touch with events in E'gypt, and of his own lack of experience in serving as the leader of a great people. For these reasons he was most reluctant to accept the Divine Commission now thrust upon him.
   If Mo'ses had been a proud, conceited man, he no doubt would have said, "Who am I not?"; but as a man who trusted only in the LORD, he said, "Who am I?" In reply to the modest question of Mo'ses, the LORD assured him that He would be with him, and that as a token of His presence Mo'ses should worship on this mountain when he brought Is'ra-el out of E'gypt.
   Then Mo'ses remembered the treatment his people had received when he had slain the cruel taskmaster so many years before. It also occurred to him that perhaps the Is'ra-el-ites would not follow a leader who had spent forty years in the king's palace while they were forced into the hardest kind of labor, and who had now been absent from the country for forty years. He knew that his people must be broken in spirit by the years of bondage, and must have lost all hope of being delivered from their troubles. Honestly facing these difficulties, Mo'ses asked the LORD, "Who shall I say sent me, what is His name?" To this question God replied, "Tell them that I AM WHO I AM sent you, that is my name."
   This name for the God of Is'ra-el means a great deal; though it cannot be fully understood by man, it helps us to learn something about the nature of God. It means, in part, that God is eternal, without beginning or end; independent, unchangeable, and all-powerful; that he is the great and only ruler of everything that has been, or ever shall be created. Mo'ses did not fully understand the words of God, but he knew that they cast a blessing upon his mission to Is'ra-el. He knew that he could begin his work of deliverance in the name of God, a name which has power to free slaves, and to inspire men to the most courageous deeds.
 
 

Story 35: God Speaks To Mo'ses From A Burning Bush l

   All through the forty years which Mo'ses spent in Mid'i-an caring for the sheep of his father-in-law the burdens of the Is'ra-el-ites were made heavier and heavier. Their daily tasks were greatly increased, brutal methods were taken to check their increase in numbers, and life was made miserable for them in every possible way. They did not know whether Mo'ses was living or dead, and probably never expected to hear of him again.
   Death had come to the Pha'raoh who was on the throne at the time when Mo'ses had fled from E'gypt, but another king, also called by the title of Pha'raoh, had taken his place. The Is'ra-el-ites had hoped that the change in monarchs would bring some relief from  their burdens, but the new king seemed to be more cruel than any who had come before him. Under the new trials and sufferings the He'brews became much more earnest in their prayers to God for deliverance, and in this way their religious life was brought into a deeper understanding of their complete dependence upon God.
   One day Mo'ses led his sheep far out into the desert regions of A-ra'bi-a to the level plain at the foot of Mount Ho'reb, which is sometimes called Mount Si'nai. While the sheep were grazing, a very startling experience came to Mo'ses. While his heart burned with love and compassion for his oppressed brethren back in E'gypt, and while he was thinking of their increased burdens under the cruel new king, a strange sight came to his eyes.
   A bush on the plain was aflame with a brilliant and dazzling fire, yet it was not burned or consumed. Mo'ses stood before the strange sight lost in wonder and amazement, unable to take his eyes from such a miracle. And so he said to himself, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt." Suddenly a voice came from the burning bush, saying, "Mo'ses, Mo'ses." He humbly replied, "Here am I." Then the voice said to him, "Draw not closer; put off thy sandals, for the ground whereon thou standest is holy ground."
   As Mo'ses stood in silence and awe, the voice spoke again from the burning bush: "I am the God of thy father, the God of A'bra-ham, the God of I'saac, and the God of Ja'cob." After Mo'ses had covered his face as a sign of respect, the voice continued: "I have seen the affliction of my people in E'gypt, and have come to deliver them. I shall take them to Ca'naan, the good land flowing with milk and honey, the land which I promised them long ago."
   The voice from Heaven then described the cruel treatment which the children of Is'ra-el had suffered in E'gypt, and spoke of the wonderful land in Ca'naan which God would give them for their own as soon as they drove out the heathen nations which then held the land. Mo'ses was told that this voice had come to him as a sign from Heaven, and that he should tell Pha'raoh that the LORD had sent him to deliver the He'brews from the land of E'gypt. By this command Mo'ses was called by the LORD to become the leader of Is'ra-el at once.
  

Story 34: The Youth, Training, And Manhood Of Mo'ses lll

   When the young women returned to their father's house they told him of the kindness which had been shown them by one whom they took to be an E'gyp-tian. The priest, whose name was Je'thro, reproached his daughters for not inviting the man to come to their home as a guest. The daughters then returned to the well and asked Mo'ses to come to their father's house. He was glad to accept the invitation, and before long decided to enter the priest's household as a shepherd. The next forty years of Mo'ses' life were spent in the land of Mid'i-an. The Mid'i-an-ites were descendants of one of A'bra-ham's sons by his wife Ke-tu'rah, and were of She'met-ic blood, but were not members of the race blessed in the Covenant which God made with A'bra-ham.
   Soon after entering the employ of Je'thro, Mo'ses fell in love with Zip'po-rah, who was a daughter of the Mid'i-an-ite priest. She was given to him in marriage by Je'thro, and a son was born to them. Mo'ses continued to look after the sheep for his father-in-law, and remained in the household for forty years. During that time he spent many hours every day out on the plains and hills with the sheep, communing in his heart with God, and never forgetting his hope some day to deliver the He'brews from bondage in E'gypt.
   Strange were the ways in which God prepared Mo'ses to deliver his people. First, his life had been saved by an E'gyp-tian princess, and his early years had been spent under the care and instruction of his own mother, who had providentially been permitted to attend to him as a nurse. Then came the period when he enjoyed all the advantages open to a member of the E'gyp-tian royalty. Next came the forty years of exile from E'gypt, during which time he married a daughter of the Mid'i-an-ite priest, and communed with God while caring for the sheep in the desert regions of A-ra'bi-a. Then came the call of God to begin the work for which he had been trained for eighty years, and this will be the subject of our next story.

Story 34: The Youth, Training, And Manhood Of Mo'ses ll

   The friendly act of Mo'ses was resented by the two He'brews, and the one who had been the aggressor in the quarrel said to him, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed that E'gyp-tian?" This placed Mo'ses in a very difficult position. His own people feared him because he had slain the E'gyp-tian while trying to protect one of them, and now they resented his friendly effort to promote peace and good will among them. He had been right in his sympathy for them, and was justified in using force to protect the man whom the taskmaster was treating so cruelly, but in killing the E'gyp-tian he had committed a serious crime against the government.
   The life of Mo'ses was now in danger. If news that he had murdered one of the E'gyp-tian officers reached Pha'raoh, he would probably be put to death as a criminal. Fearing for his own life, and knowing that once his sympathy for the oppressed and hated He'brews became known to the king there would no longer be any hope of delivering them, he fled from the country at once. He went across the desert to the east of E'gypt into A-ra'bi-a, and into the part of the peninsula that was known as Mid'i-an. He was compelled to remain in hiding, for Pha'raoh was greatly angered when he learned of the death of the E'gyp-tian overseer. The king felt that his hospitality had been abused, and that a member of his own household had turned against him in order to help the He'brews; it was ordered, therefore, that the young prince be captured and put to death.
   While hiding in Mid'i-an, Mo'ses lingered by the side of a well and gave serious thought to his problems. He had suddenly found it necessary to forsake the ease and comfort of the E'gyp-tian palace, and to give up the kindness of the princess who had adopted him.
   Now in the country known as Mid'i-an there lived a noble priest who owned large flocks of sheep and other valuable properties. He had seven daughters who cared for his flocks, and who often brought them for water to the well where Mo'ses was resting. There were also in that vicinity certain shepherds who were unfriendly toward the young women, and who often molested them when they came to the well to draw water for their sheep.
   While Mo'ses was sitting by the well lost in deep thought, the seven daughters of the Mid'i-an-ite priest came to water their flocks. Then the ill-mannered shepherds came and started to drive away the flocks that were being watered. Mo'ses saw the unkind treatment of the women, and knew that someone ought to help them. Realizing that he was now a wanderer because he had once tried to help others in a matter which they thought did not concern him, he must have been strongly tempted not to interfere, but he could not bear to see the women so ill treated. He rebuked the shepherds, drove them away, and then drew water for the flocks of sheep which belonged to the priest of Mid'i-an.
  

Story 34: The Youth, Training, And Manhood Of Mo'ses l

   For forty years Mo'ses remained in the palace of Pha'raoh, enjoying all the luxury and advantages afforded by the court of one of the richest and most powerful rulers in all history. As an adopted son of the E'gyp-tian princess he was given the advantages of the best education which could be had in any land. It is said of Mo'ses, "He was instructed in all the wisdom of the E'gyp-tians, and was mighty in his words and works." We also know that he was proficient in mathematics, natural philosophy, engineering, warfare, grammar, and medicine. From such training he was well prepared to hold a place of honor among the greatest nobles and princes, and to turn at last to the great mission of his life.

   His nurse, who was really his own mother, continued to care for him until he was no longer a child. She taught him to worship the true God of the He'brews, and told him about all the customs of his people. No doubt she also secretly told him of the wonderful way in which the LORD had caused him to be saved from death, and laid upon his heart the burdens and hardships of his own people.

   During all these years of royal advantages Mo'ses never forgot the sufferings of his own people held in bondage. The luxury and exuberance of his own surroundings did not close his eyes to the poverty and hardships of his brethren, nor could he enjoy his life of ease and comfort while the children of Is'ra-el remained so miserable. His unselfish love for the down-trodden people, and his patient hope for an improvement in their condition became so strong that he decided to take some definite step toward helping them.
   One day while he was quietly passing among the workmen on one of the government projects, probably an embankment near the river Nile, he saw one of the E'gyp-tian taskmasters striking a He'brew laborer with a whip. As he watched his own kindred straining under unbearable burdens, and saw how they were mistreated by the cruel overseer, his blood boiled with righteous indignation . Looking around and seeing that no other E'gyp-tians were near, he struck the taskmaster so fierce a blow that it killed him. He then secretly covered the body in the sand, and went on his way.
   This act of the young prince was not known to any of the E'gyp-tians, but the He'brew whom Mo'ses had protected whispered the news to other workmen, and they in turn told their brethren, until the deed was finally known to most of the He'brews. The next day Mo'ses visited the workmen again, and this time saw one of the He'brews strike another during a quarrel. At once he went up to them in the hope of settling their differences, and rebuked the one who seemed to be in the wrong. He had intended merely to show them that even though they were slaves, they still were kindred, and should try to deal patiently with one another.
   

Story 33: Is'ra-el's Slavery In E'gypt And The Birth Of Mo'ses V

   Just as the infant Mo'ses had been saved from drowning by the LORD'S guidance upon two different occasions, so he was saved from slavery of his people by being raised in the palace of the king. Had he been found by the E'gyp-tian officers in his parents' home, he would have been thrown into the river Nile; had Pha'raoh's daughter not found him when she did, he soon would have been drowned in the same river when the basket in which he floated finally sank.
   It was truly a miracle which saved Mo'ses from the waters of the Nile, and it was a miracle equally great which preserved him from the evils and idolatry of the E'gyp-tians by letting him be brought up under the care of his God-fearing mother. The LORD also made it possible for him to enjoy all the advantages of education which the adopted son of an E'gyp-tian princess could gain through wealth and high position. Thus the very king who sought to destroy Is'ra-el was led by the providence of God to be the means of training the child who would soon become the deliverer of the people held in bondage.

Story 33: Is'ra-el's Slavery In E'gypt And The Birth Of Mo'ses IV

   The mother then took some reeds which grew near the river bank and wove them into a little basket, just the right size to hold her baby, then she coated it so carefully with pitch that no water would come in. When the basket, which is sometimes called an "ark," was ready for the purpose which she had in mind, she tenderly placed her baby in it, and hid it carefully in the bulrushes which grew in the marshes near the banks of the river. Her daughter Mir'i-am, who was now twelve years old, was put on watch nearby to see that no harm came to the child, and to tell her mother what the king's daughter had done when she saw the baby.
   Mir'i-am did not have to wait long for the answer to her mother's prayer for the safety of the little boy. When Pha'raoh's daughter and a number of her maids came down to the river, guided by the LORD to the place where the child still floated on the waters in his basket, the princess saw the basket almost at once. When she lifted the cover from the ark of bulrushes and saw the beautiful child within, she was greatly touched by the sight, and said " This is one of the He'brews' children." The child began to cry, and her heart went out to it with compassion and love. While she stood telling her maids about finding the baby, and wondering what she should do with it, little Mir'i-am rushed up to her. Pretending not to know anything about the baby, she said, "Shall I go and call for thee a nurse of the He'brew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?"
   The kindly offer of Mir'i-am was quickly accepted by Pha'raoh's daughter, and the little girl hurried home to tell her mother the wonderful news. Joch'e-bed was filled with joy by the opportunity of caring for her son in the home of the king who had sworn to destroy the He'brews. Not knowing that Joch'e-bed was the mother of the child found by the river, Pha'raoh's daughter agreed to pay her the customary wages for taking care of the child.
   It was hard to pretend that she did not even know the child which she had born, but Joch'e-bed knew that his safety depended upon her ability to care for him without revealing the fact that he was her own son. She therefore entered the royal palace at once, and patiently acted as nurse to the child which Pha'raoh's daughter had adopted.
   The E'gyp-tian princess gave the child every comfort and attention which great wealth could supply, and in many ways tried to act as a good mother to him. It was Joch'e-bed, however, who took advantage of her position as a hired nurse to bring up her son in the faith and wisdom of his own people. And yet, even when telling him of the customs and duties which were most sacred among the He'brews, she was careful never to let the child know that she was his mother.
   When it came time to give the baby a name the daughter of Pha'raoh, called him Mo'ses, which means "drawn out" in the E'gyp-tian language. This name was given because the princess had literally drawn him out of the waters upon which the basket was floating when she found him.

Story 33: Is'ra-el's Slavery In E'gypt And The Birth Od Mo'ses lll

   And yet, the more cruel the king of E'gypt became in his effort to destroy the He'brews, the stronger became their faith and courage. All through history members of the Jewish race have been hated and persecuted by people who were jealous of their success, but no tyrant has ever been able to destroy them. Through all the inhuman persecution which they received from Pha'raoh, the He'brews knew that the LORD was with them, He would surely find some way of delivering them from all their troubles.
   Even the wicked order of the king to drown all the boys born to the He'brews could not prevent the LORD from raising up a savior for His chosen people when the proper time had come. Among the hundreds of devout families in Is'ra-el at the time there was one most noted for faith in the LORD. The head of this family was named Am'ram, the son of Ko'hath, who was one of the descendants of Ja'cob's son Le'vi. His wife's name was Joch'e-bed, and she was also of  noble lineage through her descent from Le'vi. Two children had been born to them before the king had ordered the death of all male children born to the He'brews; one of them was a boy named Aa'ron, and the other was a very lovely girl called Mir'i-am. We shall learn much of the life and work of these two children in future stories.
   In the midst of Pha'raoh's bitter persecution of the He'brews Joch'e-bed gave birth to her second son. The nurse who cared for her was gracious and God-fearing, and therefore failed to report this birth to the officers who were charged with drowning all boy babies. Joch'e-bed and her good husband managed to hide the child in their home for three months, but as time went on they feared that he would be discovered by the cruel E'gyp-tians. The mother was not only moved by natural love for a child, but by a divinely given feeling that her new-born son was intended for an important mission among her people.
   After keeping the child safely hidden in her home for three months, Joch'e-bed began to search for some way of making sure that he would never be taken from her by the E'gyp-tian officers. As long as the child was kept at home there was always the danger that some unfriendly neighbor or E'gyp-tian spy would discover him, and then the innocent child would be drowned in the river Nile. One day the thought came to her that the daughter of the king came down to the river every day to bathe, and at once there flashed into her mind a way of giving the baby a home in which he would never be in danger. At once she decided to trust in the beauty of the child to win the favor of the king's daughter. The time had come when she had done everything in her power to save the child; from now on his welfare must lie in the hands of the LORD.

Story 33: Is'ra-el's Slavery In E'gypt And The Birth Of Mo'ses ll

   So different were the He'brews from the native E'gyp-tians, and so rapid had been the growth and progress of these chosen people of God, that the new line of kings became fearful that they would revolt against E'gypt. They looked upon the Is'ra-el-ites as a group of strangers who stubbornly clung to their own customs, and who were too proud to become members of the E'gyp-tian empire. "What would happen," they began to ask, "if E'gypt should become involved in a foreign war?" They also said among themselves, "Suppose these rich and powerful Jews were to unite with our enemies, then our country might be overcome by a revolution."
   The Pha'raoh who was then on the throne made up his mind that he would crush the spirit of the Jews so thoroughly that there would be no danger of their taking part in a revolt. He decided to make slaves of the He'brews, forcing them to work without wages upon various government projects. Taskmasters were appointed to see that the slaves were driven as hard as possible at their work. The purpose of this cruel treatment was to weaken the He'brews, and in this way to reduce their numbers.
   The kings of E'gypt had always been noted for their interest in erecting great public buildings and monuments. The gigantic pyramids, which are among the wonders of the world today, had been built by the hard labor of countless slaves. The huge stones for the pyramid were quarried and shaped by the slaves, carried on floats down the river Nile, and hoisted into position by some wonderful engineering which is unknown today. Magnificent temples, exceeding in size and beauty to many of the finest buildings of this age, had been erected in The'bes, Kar'nak, and Mem'phis.
   The Pha'raoh who decided to make slaves of the Is'ra-el-ites also erected many new temples, built great treasure houses and palaces, and ordered the construction of vast tombs for the dead. In addition to these great works, the king must be credited with the building of many roads, a system of canals, and vast embankments in the valley of the Nile.
   In carrying out this extensive program of public works, Pha'raoh drafted the He'brews as laborers. He placed over them hard taskmasters, who not only forced them to spend long hours in backbreaking work, but abused and insulted them. The lives of the He'brews were filled with sorrow and suffering; through no fault of their own they had become slaves of the lowest class.
   The E'gyp-tians imposed taxes which they knew the He'brews would be unable to pay, and then seized their property as a penalty for not paying the taxes. The unhappy children of Is'ra-el were treated harshly in every possible way, and they were no longer permitted to live according to their own customs. Special efforts  were made to destroy their family life, which had been the chief reason for their remarkable growth and strength. To prevent further increase in their numbers the midwives, or nurses who cared for mothers and young children, were ordered to see that all male He'brew children did not live after birth. When the midwives, who worshiped the true God, failed to carry out this cruel demand, it was ordered that all male children born to the He'brews should be thrown into the river Nile at once.
  

Story 33: Is'ra-el's Slavery In E'gypt And The Birth Of Mo'ses l

   Following the brief story of the death of Jo'seph, the history of Is'ra-el is passed over in silence for a period of one hundred and forty-five years. During this century and a half important changes took place among the royal families which ruled E'gypt, and control of the government passed from the hands of the shepherd kings, who were not members of the original E'gyp-tian royalty, back to native E'gyp-tian rulers. The shepherd kings had treated the He'brews with great kindness, but the E'gyp-tian rulers who followed looked upon them with suspicion and jealousy.
   In the Covenant promise made to A'bra-ham, the founder of the He'brew people, God had told him that for four hundred and thirty years his descendants should be under the rule of foreign people, and that in the closing years of this period they would be treated very harshly. Two hundred and fifteen years of this time passed before Ja'cob and his family went down into E'gypt. During this time A'bra-ham, his son I'saac, and then Ja'cob and his family, had lived much of the time in Ca'naan, not as owners of the land, but as wandering strangers.
   The land of Ca'naan was largely occupied by various tribes which were all known under the general name of Ca'naan-ites. God had promised A'bra-ham that his descendants should be like the stars of the heavens and the sands of the sea in numbers. Up to the time of the removal of Ja'cob to the land of E'gypt the immediate family of the chosen race had increased to only seventy, including Jo'seph and his family. As a result of God's will in keeping them separate from the E'gyp-tians, and in giving them a land of great fertility, the passing of two hundred years had left the family greatly increased in both numbers and prosperity.
   Jo'seph had been ruler in E'gypt for ten years before the removal of Ja'cob and his family to that land, being forty years old at the time, and he ruled for seventy years after the settling of his father and brothers in the land of Go'shen. These were years of good fortune for the children of Is'ra-el, and their numbers increased very rapidly. They remained in the land of E'gypt for one hundred and forty-five years after the death of Jo'seph, and for at least half a century of that period continued to enjoy the kindest of treatment from the E'gyp-tian rulers. The hardships and oppression which followed began shortly before the opening of our next story.
   During the years of kind treatment by the rulers of E'gypt, and while they were increased in numbers and wealth, the children of Is'ra-el had been faithful in serving the one true God, and had kept themselves almost entirely free from the idol worship practiced in E'gypt. They lived far away from most of the E'gyp-tians, and were careful not to mingle with them in either marriage or religion. Thus the customs and worship of the Is'ra-el-ites was kept pure, and they soon became a large and powerful band of united people. The tribal life of each of Ja'cob's eleven sons, and of the two sons of Jo'seph, was carefully preserved, and each group was determined to do its part in making Is'ra-el a great nation. They all looked forward to the time when they might return to the land of Ca'naan, where they would be free to prosper as the LORD had promised. In these worthy hopes and ambitions the children of Is'ra-el were misunderstood by the E'gyp-tians, who were greatly alarmed by their growth and power, but who were still unwilling to let them leave the country.

Story 32: The Closing Years And Death Of Ja'cob ll

   In his weakened condition, Ja'cob did not fail to carry out a very solemn duty. Jo'seph's two sons must be made members of the family which God had promised A'bra-ham to bless. The sons of Jo'seph had an E'gyp-tian mother, and had not been born in the Promised Land. It was therefore very important that a blessing should be given them by one whom the LORD had chosen to carry on the promise made to A'bra-ham, and surely no one was more worthy to give it than the man whose name had been changed from "Ja'cob" to "Is'ra-el."
   Jo'seph brought his sons before Ja'cob to receive the blessing, and to be adopted into his father's family. Ma-nas"seh, as the older of the two, was placed at the right, while E'phra-im was placed at the left. When Ja'cob stretched forth his arms to bless them, however, he crossed his arms, placing his right hand on the head of E'phra-im, and his left on that of Ma-nas'seh. This meant that the blessing of the firstborn was being given to the younger son.
   Thinking that his father's dimness of sight had led him to make what seemed to be a mistake, Jo'seph told his father that he had chosen the wrong son for the chief blessing. But Ja'cob insisted that he was doing what he intended. He said, "The greater blessing shall rest upon E'phra-im; his descendants shall be stronger and more numerous. A double portion is to be bestowed upon Jo'seph, and two shares of the Promised Land are to be given him. Both E'phra-im and Ma-nas'seh are to be the heads of tribes."
   Thus the two sons of Jo'seph who belonged to E'gypt by birth, and who might have advanced to the highest ranks in that nation, were now numbered among the children of Is'ra-el. The prophecies which Ja'cob uttered in his dying words all came true, and the descendants of E'phra-im and Ma-nas'seh were among the strongest tribes of Is'ra-el in the land of Ca'naan two hundred years later.
   Ja'cob then called his sons to his bedside, and gave his blessing to each one of them in turn. His bodily powers were fast failing, but the strength of his faith in God grew brighter as his eyes dimmed. He believed that God would be with his descendants, bringing them at last up from E'gypt to the Promised Land.
   As the things of this world faded from his sight, the glories of the world beyond became more clear, and he was filled with the spirit of true prophecy. He told each son what the history of his descendants would be, and very clearly described the characteristics of each tribe of Is'ra-el. The choice of the tribe of Ju'dah for the honor of carrying on the line through which the Mes-si'ah was to be born was positively announced from the death bed of Ja'cob.
   With his life work finished, his last blessing and prophetic message spoken, and his last prayer ended, Ja'cob quietly fell asleep in the LORD.
  
  

Story 32: The Closing Years And Death Of Ja'cob l

   After the settlement of his father's family in the land of Go'shen Jo'seph had little time for visiting them. In spite of all the duties which he must perform to help the nation through the distress caused by the famine, he took pains to see that every possible aid was given to his own people.
   In managing the affairs of E'gypt during the years of famine, Jo'seph acted with great wisdom. His policy was to supply the needs of the people by selling them grain, not by giving it to them without charge, and thus encouraging idleness until the public peace was endangered. Sometimes he found it necessary to purchase the lands of the people for the king, and to let the people cultivate them on shares. In this way the people received the food they needed without going into debt or becoming beggars.
   Jo'seph overlooked nothing that would make the famine easier to bear. Special care was taken to protect the religious leaders of the nation, the supply of food was so wisely handled that no one went hungry, and E'gypt remained strong and wealthy even in the midst of famine. Hard work and loyalty among the people brought generous rewards, and Jo'seph was not only trusted and honored by the king, but was greatly loved by the people.
   After the famine of seven years had passed, the people began to prosper again. Their lands were now held by the government, but the people were far from being slaves. One fifth of what they produced was paid to the government as rental for the lands, but there was no other charge.
   Ja'cob lived seventeen years after the removal of his family to E'gypt, surviving the famine by twelve years. Seventeen years he had provided for Jo'seph in his youth, and for the same number of years he was provided for by Jo'seph in his old age. Among his greatest joys was that of watching his household grow and prosper.
   The family of Ja'cob lived apart from the E'gyp-tians, who regarded them as people of little account, and who therefore shut them out of society and politics. Such treatment by the E'gyp-tians was really a great blessing, for it kept the children of Is'ra-el from mingling with people who worshiped idols, and who did many things that were not to their credit.
   Saved from hardship and starvation during the years of famine, settled in a fertile land most suitable for raising sheep and cattle, and free to live in their own way, the Is'ra-el-ites were prepared by the LORD for the wonderful prosperity that was soon to be granted them. The foundations for the future greatness of Is'ra-el as a nation were truly laid out during the years of sojourn in E'gypt.
   When Ja'cob felt that the hour of his death was near at hand, he set his house in order for his departure to the land of the saints. He sent for Jo'seph, and made him promise not to bury his body in E'gypt, but in the grave of his father in Canaan. Thus, in his last words, he proved his faith concerning the Promised Land, warned his people against planning to stay in E'gypt forever, and reminded them that they would finally go back to the land of Ca'naan.
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Story 31: The Removal Of Ja'cob And His Family To E'gypt IV

   Then Jo'seph knew that he must make plans for introducing his family to Pha'roah. This was done by choosing five of his brothers to represent the family before the king. The number five was a favorite of the E'gyp-tians, so in choosing this number of his brothers as representatives, Jo'seph did much to win the favor of the E'gyp-tian court toward his family.
   The wisdom and foresight of Jo'seph in keeping his people from mingling with the E'gyp-tians either through marriage or religious customs was then shown in a remarkable way. He told Pha'roah that his father and all his household were shepherds, and that the family had followed this calling for many generations; he also told the brothers who were to appear before the king to make it clear that this was their chosen occupation. For this reason also he selected for their home the land of Go'shen, which was well adapted to the raising of sheep and cattle, and in this way made sure that his family would be kept separate from the E'gyp-tians no matter how long they might stay in the foreign land.
   The plans of Jo'seph were carried out perfectly in every way. The five brothers who represented his family appeared before Pha'roah, and were treated with great honor. They asked no favors because of the high position which their brother held in the land, nor did they show any feelings of envy because of his grandeur. They told the king that they had come as pilgrims and sojourners in the land, and that they asked no other favor than that of carrying on their life as shepherds and cattle-raisers. Pha'roah granted their wishes, and gave them permission to make their home in the land of Go'shen. To Jo'seph he said, "as to promoting your brethren, it does not appear to suit their calling or wishes. I leave it to you to make them happy in their own way. Appoint those who are best qualified to be chief of my herdsmen."
   As a special honor, Jo'seph then arranged to have his father presented to the E'gyp-tian king. When the time for this meeting arrived, Pha'roah was deeply impressed by the great age and strong religious character of Ja'cob. He politely inquired about the age of his visitor, not from mere curiosity or in a trifling manner, but because he was genuinely interested in the fine old man who stood before him.
   Ja'cob was greatly moved by the sight of a king who had been so kind to him, and who had come to the rescue of his family during the terrible famine. With proper respect to the king, and in a spirit of deep gratitude, Ja'cob spoke as a prophet of the LORD in giving a special blessing upon Pha'roah. He prayed to the God of Heaven for the blessings to be given to the king. Speaking most humbly of the years of sorrow and trial which he had known, Ja'cob gave thanks to the LORD for all the blessings which had come to him during the closing years of his life.

Story 31: The Removal Of Ja'cob And His Family To E'gypt lll

   The sixty-six members of Ja'cob's household, together with the large numbers of servants in his employ, started toward the land in which Ja'cob's descendants were destined to live for the next two hundred and fifteen years, and where they were to grow into a great people numbering nearly three million souls. Here they were to learn the arts and trades of the greatest nation of their time, and to be prepared both in mind and spirit for a glorious return to the land which they were now leaving.
   When they reached Be'er-she'ba, a town on the southern border of the country just before crossing into the wilderness and deserts lying between Ca'naan and E'gypt, there was a pause for sacrifices unto the God of I'saac. Here both A'bra-ham and I'saac had lived at different times in their lives, and the place was filled with memories of these noble ancestors of Ja'cob. Before leaving the land which had been promised to his descendants, Ja'cob sought to know the will of God. He felt sure that the right course was being followed, and that Jo'seph would do all that he had promised, but before making so dangerous a journey into a foreign land he thought it wise to seek guidance from the LORD.
   While Ja'cob and his sons were engaged in this act of worship, the LORD appeared to Ja'cob in a wonderful vision. He revealed Himself to Ja'cob as the Almighty, who was able to keep all His promises, and to bring Ja'cob in perfect safety through all the trials and hardships of the journey. The LORD said to Ja'cob, "Fear not to go down into E'gypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation. I will go down with thee into E'gypt, and I will also surely bring thee up again." In these words the LORD renewed His promise to make a great nation of the descendants of Ja'cob, and in due time to bring them back to the land of Ca'naan.
   Upon reaching the borders of E'gypt, Ja'cob and his large company halted their march for a short time. Ja'cob then sent his son Ju'dah, who had shown his ability as a leader on other occasions, to inform Jo'seph of their arrival, and to ask him what course they should follow in entering the new land. E'gypt was a strong, well organized kingdom, and a group of wandering shepherds could not safely pass through the land without proper ceremony and official protection. Authority and directions were given for them to pass directly to the land of Go'shen, which was the finest pasture land in all E'gypt.
   Jo'seph at once ordered his official chariot made ready, and quickly drove out to meet his father. Ja'cob and his beloved son fell into the arms of one another, embraced most tenderly, and for a long time shed tears of happiness. For the first time since he had sent the lad of seventeen upon a long and dangerous journey to Do'than with a message for his brothers, Ja'cob now looked upon the face of his favorite son. So happy was he that he expressed a desire to pass on at once to the Happy Land beyond this life, but it was God's will that he should live for another seventeen years.

Story 31: The Removal Of Ja'cob And His Family To E'gypt ll

   This brought them to the point where they must explain who the E'gyp-tian ruler really was. The officer who had kept Sim'e-on in prison as a spy at the time of their first visit, and who had insisted that Ben'ja-min be brought to E'gypt before the much-needed supplies could be bought, was none other than Ja'cob's beloved son Jo'seph. The son he had mourned as dead for nearly twenty-five years was not only alive and well, but was governor of all the land of E'gypt!
   In telling their father this wonderful news they were obliged to go into the disgraceful story of how they had treated their brother so many years before. With tears of repentance, and with their heads bowed in shame, they admitted that they had sold Jo'seph to a band of slave-dealers, and had led Ja'cob to believe that his favorite son had been slain by a wild animal.
   The tenderness with which Jo'seph had heard his brothers admit their sin, and the kindly spirit with which he had forgiven them and become friends with them again, was related to their father. They also told Ja'cob of his son's glory and power in E'gypt, of his wonderful way of seeing the hand of God in all that took place, and how he warned them that the terrible famine would continue for five more years. Nor did the brothers forget to tell their father of the gracious manner in which they had been entertained by Jo'seph, or of the request of both Jo'seph and the E'gyp-tian king that Ja'cob and all his family come at once to dwell in E'gypt.
   The family of Ja'cob then sat in comfort within their tent, awaiting the word of the master concerning the great news which had just come to him. As the ten sons humbly confessed their guilt before their father, Ja'cob was moved by strong feelings; as they told him the wonderful news that Jo'seph was alive, and had sent for him to come at once into the land in which he was now a ruler, second only to the king, the old man was completely overcome. The news that his beloved son was alive seemed too much to believe, and the cruel behavior of his ten sons was too heavy a burden to bear. Ja'cob fainted, falling helpless at the feet of his sons.
   When Ja'cob had recovered from the shock, and had seen the wagons which had been provided for his journey to E'gypt, he no longer doubted the good news which his sons had brought him concerning Jo'seph, but cried out with great joy, "It is enough; Jo'seph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die." So happy was he to know that his beloved son was alive and well, that he declared that he was willing to die if only he might see Jo'seph again.

Story 31: The Removal Of Ja'cob And His Family To E'gypt l

   The news that Jo'seph was a brother of the men who had come down from Ca'naan to buy grain spread rapidly among the officers of Pha'roah and finally was brought to the great king himself. Instead of being angry with Jo'seph for inviting his father's household to come to E'gypt without first asking the king's permission, Pha'roah and all his officers were very happy to hear the news. When the king learnt that Jo'seph intended to have his father and all his family come to E'gypt to make their home, he sent an official invitation to Ja'cob to come at once, assuring him that his family would be given the choicest part of E'gypt for their future home.
   It is true that Jo'seph had been given charge of all the affairs of E'gypt, and therefore had the right to ask his father to come there to live, but Pha'roah graciously showed his approval by adding an invitation in the name of the king. What is more, he helped a great deal in making the hard journey more comfortable for Ja'cob and the members of his family. By his command wagons were sent to aid in moving Ja'cob's household goods, and Jo'seph was ordered to see that provisions were supplied for the journey. In addition to providing the bare necessities of food and transportation, certain luxuries were given by Pha'roah in order that Ja'cob's family might see how well the brothers had been treated. New clothes were given them, and to Ben'ja-min there was given five new robes and three hundred pieces of silver. Choice articles of food and other valuable presents were sent to Ja'cob as a mark of the king's good will toward him.
   All these kind acts by Pha'roah proved to Ja'cob and his sons that Jo'seph was very highly regarded in E'gypt, and that both the king and the people were grateful to him for saving their nation from the famine. Before letting his brothers go back to the land of Ca'naan, Jo'seph warned them not to quarrel with one another on the way. He told them not to let any feelings of anger or jealousy arise among them, and to be especially careful not to harm Ben'ja-min because he had been shown greater favor than the other brothers. after these warnings had been given, Jo'seph ordered his brothers to hasten to their father's house, and to bring him back to the land of E'gypt without delay.
   The eleven sons of Ja'cob made the long trip back home as quickly as possible. Safe at last in their own home, they sat down with their father and told him about all the strange and trying things which had happened to them during this visit. First they told him of the friendly way in which the E'gyp-tian  ruler had made them his guests of honor at a banquet, and of all the acts of kindness which his servants had shown them. Then they told their father of the strange manner in which Ben'ja-min was accused of stealing the silver cup which belonged to the E'gyp-tian officer.
  

Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers Vl

   When the room was cleared of all outsiders, Jo'seph turned to his brothers and said, "I am Jo'seph." He wept as he said this, trembling and overcome by the depths of his feelings. The brothers sat dumbfounded and terrified by this announcement, not one of them being able to speak. Again Jo'seph said "I am your brother Jo'seph." And then he asked tenderly, "Is my father alive?"
   Jo'seph then asked his brothers to draw near, and talked with them in a gentle, tender way. He might have said to them, "You are murderers, and I am a prince in spite of you. My position and power make it easy for me to have revenge upon you. My glory is your shame, and you are now in peril of your lives." But Jo'seph did not speak in this manner. Instead, he assured his brothers of pardon, and love, and future protection under his own hand. He said, "Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me into bondage. God sent me before you into this land, and has made me the friend of Pha'roah and ruler over his country that I might preserve life. It is God's plan that I should save not only the lives of E'gypt, but also the lives of my own family now in Ca'naan."
   Jo'seph went on to explain to his brothers that the famine would continue for five years more, and that in every country except E'gypt, where the LORD had enable him to store up food enough to meet the calamity, there would be continued suffering and starvation. He told them that he had made ready a place for the Covenant Family of Is'ra-el to dwell, and that his father's entire household should be brought to E'gypt at once.
   Tenderly embracing Ben'ja-min and kissing all the others a fond farewell, Jo'seph sent his brothers, with servants and wagons, for his father.
  

Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers V

   Ju'dah remained humble and respectful in manner as he pleaded with the E'gyp-tian ruler, but his words were not lacking in force. He said, "Oh, my master, I beg you to hear my plea. Do not let your anger be aroused against your servant, for I know that you are like unto Pha'roah in power. When you inquired of us, we told you truthfully that we have a father who is now a very old man, feeble in strength, and on the verge of the grave; we also said that there is a younger brother who is very dear to their father's heart, his only full brother being dead. When you told us that we must bring him down to E'gypt that you might look upon his face, we truthfully explained that such a demand would break our father's heart. But we have prevailed upon our father to grant your request, because he and his household are facing starvation, and have no other way of securing food."
   Then Ju'dah went on with these passionate words, "Or father said to us, 'You know that my own most beloved wife Ra'chel bore me two sons, and that one of them went out on an errand for me and returned not, and that for all I know he was torn to pieces by wild beasts. If you take this son also from me, and mischief befall him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.' If I return to my father and the lad is not with me, he will die; and we, your servants, will have been the cause of our father's death. I, myself, became surety to my father for the return of the lad. I now wish to take his place as a slave, and earnestly ask that you let him go back to his father."
   When Ju'dah had finished speaking, Jo'seph could no longer hold his feelings in check. His heart was melted into compassion for a father who had lost one son whom he thought to be dead, and who now trembled in the fear of losing another son, dearer to him now than the first. Now Jo'seph knew that his brothers had sincerely repented for their crime against him, and that they might safely be trusted with Ben'jam-in.
   Suppressing his emotion for a moment, Jo'seph ordered that all his E'gyp-tian officers should leave the room at once, as he wished to be alone with his eleven brothers. His feelings were too deep to be exposed even to his most trusted officers. What was about to take place concerned the sons of Ja'cob alone, and all the world must be shut out.
   Jo'seph knew that when he revealed himself to his brothers as the one they had sold to the Ish'ma-el-ite slave-dealers, they would at once confess their crime. He did not wish the E'gyp-tians to know about this, for they would not readily forgive such a crime against their ruler, even though it had taken place many years before.
  

Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers lV

   The answer is, that only by such harsh treatment could the conscience of his brothers be stirred to these depths; by this way alone could they be brought to genuine repentance for their crime against Jo'seph. He had forgiven them in his heart long ago, but knew that they must be brought to the lowest depths of sorrow before their souls could be healed. They had been terribly distressed by the fear of being punished, and had felt the Hand of God upon them, but such feelings were not enough to save them.
   Before revealing himself to his brothers, and openly forgiving them, Jo'seph wished to see a clear proof of their repentance and a change of heart. Would they desert Ben'ja-min when he was about to be made a slave, and return to their father without him? Would they treat this son of Ra'chel as they had once treated her elder son? Were their hearts still full of envy and hatred toward a favorite son of their aged father? All of these questions must be answered to the satisfaction of Jo'seph before he could treat them as his brothers again. Proof that they were worthy to receive the blessings yet to be given them must be found, so Jo'seph took these harsh, apparently unfair methods to prove their sincerity.
   The test succeeded in every possible way, and the brothers endured the trial in a manner which did them credit. Ju'dah, who spoke for the entire group, came forward with a tender, heart-stirring, and eloquent appeal for a true understanding of their position. He boldly declared that he and all his brothers were determined to cling to Ben'ja-min, and that they were willing to pay the full penalty required for the crime with which he was charged.
   The plea which Ju'dah made on this momentous occasion is truly one of the masterpieces of the He'brew language. He did not insist upon the innocence of Ben'ja-min, nor did he confess his guilt; but he did make a humble confession of his own iniquity. Without giving a description of the crime against Jo'seph, he admitted that he and his brothers had been guilty of great sins in their lives, and that the LORD had now called them to account.
   In his pleadings for Ben'ja-min's release, Ju'dah spoke with words that came from the heart, and with a sincerity which no one could doubt. He gave a true and moving description of the trials which had come to his father's family, and told with great feeling all that had taken place between his brothers and the E'gyp-tian ruler during their two visits. He held himself strictly to the truth, but spoke with such fervor that his appeal could not be denied.
  
  

Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers lll

   He, therefore, followed a plan which may seem cruel, but which was the best possible way of revealing himself to his brothers. The steward was told to put Ben'ja-min's sack of grain a valuable silver drinking cup which belonged to Jo'seph, and which had been used during the dinner which his brothers had attended as guests of honor. The next morning found the sons of Ja'cob well on the road back to Ca'naan, but before they had gone far from the home of Jo'seph the steward was ordered to take them prisoners, and accuse them of stealing the cup.
   The steward soon overtook the brothers, and declared that they had stolen his master's silver cup. Their happiness over the release of Sim'e-on from prison, and the permission to return to Ca'naan with their brother Ben'ja-min, in addition to the supply of grain which they had bought, was suddenly turned into deepest sorrow. They naturally denied their guilt, and were so sure that they had done no wrong that they offered to let the one who might be proved to have stolen the cup to be put to death, while all his brothers should become slaves of the E'gyp-tian ruler for life. It was then agreed that their sacks should be searched by the E'gyp-tians.
   The sacks were then spread out upon the ground and carefully searched. The E'gyp-tians began their search with the sack of the eldest brother, and gradually examined the others until ten of the brothers had been found to be innocent. By this time the sons of Ja'cob felt that they would soon be free to continue their homeward journey, but their hopes were suddenly crushed. When the sack of Ben'ja-min was searched, the E'gyp-tians found at once the silver cup which belonged to Jo'seph. The brothers felt sure that Ben'ja-min had not stolen it, but when it was found in his possession there was nothing for them to say. It was hard to think that blame for the crime should fall upon the very son whom they had pledged to return to their father
   The brothers were taken back to Jo'seph to answer for the crime which seemed to have been committed, and to face whatever punishment that he might order. Jo'seph spoke to them very sternly, saying, "What a wicked, ungrateful thing you have done to me! Didn't you know that I would find out who took the cup?" Ju'dah then spoke for his brothers, admitting that he could see no way of explaining how the cup came to be in Ben'ja-min's sack. He said "We are your slaves, all of us, and we shall each of us serve the penalty of him in whose sack the cup was found."
   Jo'seph would not hear of this arrangement, and declared. "The man who stole the cup shall be my slave, but the rest of you must go back to your father's home at once.
   Questions naturally come to our minds over the severe treatment which Jo'seph gave his brothers. Why was it necessary for him to be so stern, to accuse Ben'ja-min of a crime he had not committed, and to threaten to keep him as a slave?
  

Story 30: Jo'seph Forgives His Brothers ll

   Before going in to the banquet hall, they paused to talk with the steward, and told him the true story of how they had found the money hidden in their sacks of grain after they had made a day's journey on their way home. They also told him that their father had sent the money back, and that they were ready to pay for the grain to be purchased on this visit. The steward declared that they could not possibly be blamed for having the money in their sacks, and said to them, "The LORD God of Heaven, the God of your fathers, brought to you this treasure."
   The sons of Ja'cob were both alarmed and encouraged to hear an E'gyp-tian steward speak so kindly of the God of the He'brews. It was good to hear that the True God was known in the household of an E'gyp-tian ruler, yet they feared that one who knew their God might also know their sins against Him.
   The steward and all the servants who assisted him were very kind to the brothers, washing their feet according to the Oriental custom, and making them feel welcome in every way. Jo'seph had a table prepared for them as the guests of honor, while he sat at his own table, and the E'gyp-tian officials who dined with them were given a place to themselves. because of the different customs and religious beliefs of each race, it was not permissible for E'gyp-tians and He'brews to eat at the same table.
   In arranging his guests about the table, Joseph began with the eldest of the brothers, and placed them all in regular order according to their ages. This act greatly puzzled the sons of Ja'cob, for they could not understand how he knew the order in which they were born. In serving them, he took pains to favor Ben'ja-min, giving him five times as much as any other in each course of the banquet. All these amazed the brothers, who could see no possible reason for such kindness to them.
   The occasion was also a great trial for Jo'seph, and he found it very hard to pretend to be a stranger when his own brothers sat at his table as guests. Wishing to put them at ease, he began to ask questions about the health of their father, and continued to show special kindness to Ben'ja-min. The evening passed cheerfully enough for all, and Jo'seph was still unknown to his brothers.
   When the meal was over, Jo'seph ordered his steward to fill the sacks of his brothers with grain, and to place the money which had been paid in the top of each sack. Jo'seph had failed in his wish to reveal himself to his brothers in the banquet hall. Everything which he had done should have given his brothers a clue to his identity, but it never occurred to them that he was their long lost brother. Jo'seph now resolved to take some other means of letting them know who he was.