he famine affected Canaan as well as Egypt. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. When they requested grain from Joseph the governor, whom they did not recognize, he accused them of being spies and proceeded to interrogate them. In the process of detailing their background they alluded to their youngest brother Benjamin. Joseph agreed to sell them grain on condition that one of them remain in Egypt as pledge. They were required to return with their youngest brother in order to prove the truth of their story.
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Foreigners Implore an Egyptian Official
Foreigners, including Syrians and Libyans, implore an Egyptian royal servant on this relief from the tomb of Horemheb (1349-1319 B.C.E.) at Memphis. No doubt in a similar manner Joseph's brothers begged him for food, and later, mercy.
Boeser (1911) Plate 24
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Once home they told Jacob that they would have to take Benjamin to Egypt if they expected to buy more grain. Jacob reluctantly agreed, and they traveled back to Egypt, this time with gifts to appease the harsh governor. Joseph was overcome at the sight of Benjamin, but hid his feelings. Still not revealing his identity, Joseph threw a banquet for his brothers, seating them all in order of their age. The brothers were amazed, but still did not recognize Joseph.
Joseph sent his brothers away heavily laden with grain, along with one of his own religious implements hidden in Benjamin's sack. Then he sent soldiers after them to accuse the brothers of stealing. The cup was found in Benjamin's possession and Joseph demanded that he become a slave and remain in Egypt. At this point Judah came forward and pleaded with Joseph to reconsider, even going so far as to offer to take Benjamin's place.
Joseph could no longer hold back. He cried out, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" His brothers understandably were terrified at this revelation, but Joseph proceeded to explain how he had come to understand all of the past events as the work of God.
5 Do not be agitated or angry with yourselves because you sold me here. Elohim sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 The famine has been in the land for two years, and five more years of no plowing or harvest are coming. 7 Elohim sent me ahead of you to preserve a remnant on earth for you and to keep survivors alive for you. 8 It was not you who sent me here, but Elohim. (45:5-8)
The Joseph cycle is notable for its lack of God-talk, and clearly differs in this respect from the other two cycles. There are no theophanies, no divine oracles to Joseph, no angels or visions. The only explicit religious dimension to the tale are these words, Joseph's theological interpretation of events. With them Joseph presents a remarkably comprehensive theology of historical experience and divine providence. After these words and a tearful reunion Joseph sent his brothers home with instructions to come back as soon as possible with everything, including their father Jacob.
Joseph and Wisdom. The Joseph cycle has affinities with the wisdom tradition of the ancient Middle East (see Part 3.2). Absence of theophany, oracle, and overt God-talk is characteristic of the wisdom approach, as is a more studied approach to divine providence. See Crenshaw (1981).
