Read Part One HERE
A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XII
"I, Joseph, the "Egyptian" official in charge of the food distribution here in Egypt, have gone to the prison where I placed my ten brothers... I have told them that nine of them could go back to their father Jacob in Canaan with the food supply they would need for their families... I then heard them discuss with each other why they believe they were in the predicament they were in.... They thought they were being punished because they had been so cruel to me when they sold me to the merchants who took me to Egypt...I learned as well that Reuben had tried to save me from being sold... But that he had been unable to stop the other brothers from doing so... They did not know I could understand every word they spoke in their Hebrew language... For I speak with them with the help of an interpreter... I was overwhelmed by my emotions when I heard them say that they believed they were being punished for their harsh treatment of me... The tears came to my eyes... So I turned away.... Because I could not let my brothers see I was weeping... It was only after I had control over my emotions that I continued my conversation with them... I then told them that I would keep Simeon here with me in prison in Egypt...But the others could go back home.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn that Joseph overheard the conversation between his brothers.
ATTACHMENT A PURPOSEFUL LIFE; OLD TESTAMENT STORIES
GOD MEANS IT FOR GOOD
PART XII
The brothers listen carefully to Joseph when he comes to see them in prison after they have been there for three days. They then turn to each other and begin to discuss among themselves the possible reason for their troubles as you can read in Genesis 43:21-24
They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that is why this distress has come upon us." Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an account for his blood." They did not realise that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.
The brothers do not realise that Joseph can understand every word they say. However, he does not reveal to them that he knows who they are but has Simeon taken from them to stay behind.
Read Part Thirteen HERE
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