Genesis 43:1-34
Heavenly father
give us grace to be honest about the things which don’t make us look good
and give us grace to trust in you.
1 The famine was severe in the land. 2 When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food.”
3 Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’ 8 “Send the boy with me - 9 I’ll be collateral for him. 11 Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this 13 Take your brother, and return to the man. 14 May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”
15 The men and Benjamin went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”
18 The men were afraid, and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seize us as slaves.” 19 They said to the steward of Joseph’s house, 21 “When opened our sacks, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand. 22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”
23 He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them. 26 When Joseph came home, 27 he asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”
28 They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly. 29 He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, 30 Joseph hurried, to his room, and wept there. 31 He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.” 34 He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.