Joseph told a few fibs to his brothers when they came to buy grain from him in Egypt. They did not recognize him, but he recognized them and he remembered his dream of the sheaves of wheat bowing down to his, and saw it fulfilled with his own eyes. He accused them of being spies and made them leave one of the brothers to guarantee that they'd come back with their youngest brother, Benjamin. He really made these guys nervous. He overheard them talking (via an interpreter) and heard their grief and guilt over leaving him for dead. It moved him so much that he turned and wept. The brothers remembered the panic and desperation in Joseph's eyes and voice when he pleaded for his life. They had practically murdered their brother that day.
When Jacob was told about the demands to send Benjamin, his response was very paranoid, as if "everything was against him." This was quite the dramatic scene. One can only imagine what thoughts played out in the minds of each character - especially in the time between their events together. The long journeys to and from probably gave them all plenty of time to contemplate what was going to happen. Joseph's tricks are kind of funny. It's interesting how he used his power and his "upper hand" in a way to bring about a reunion.
We usually hear about the lesson of favoritism by parents (a no-no), which Jacob was guilty of; first with Joseph, next with Benjamin. The thing that strikes me this time is how Joseph, in spite of his deception and trickery, handles the situation in a manner that again shows dignity to even those that have treated him wrong. What a guy.
I'm on my way to Kinko's to pick up copies of the brand new issue of Heaven's Metal Fanzine. It's exciting to anticipate seeing them for the first time (in 10 years, at least). If you're curious, you can order (and have shipped to you asap) this new issue at our store.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at October 26, 2004 11:55 AM