Part III The Story of Joseph

Based on Genesis 42, 43, 44, 45

The years of harvest plenty ceased,
The sky went dry, no rain brought trees and plant to bud,
the meagre days increased, the food ran out the people had.
Other countries, Egypt suffered want, and the predicted famine filled the land.
Now the people came and cried to Joseph: “We are starving, give us corn, that we not mourn and die of hunger!”
He then opened up the stores, filled the sacks with grain in scores, for the multitude lined up, day by day and month by month to satisfy indeed
the need throughout the land. And because of Joseph’s wise and careful lead beforehand, plenty food was now at hand.

………………………….

“There is corn in Egypt” Jacob told his sons, “you should go there now at once!”
The famine also was in Canaan, but not by chance—by Providence. It was the means of God to bring about a change so wondrous, yes, without a doubt.
Like an earthquake that would open up, and spill the cup of old guilt long held back, of hatred, envy, jealousy,
so that at last the truth of that ugly secret record would break forth, covered up for many years; that confessions would be made with many tears,
but for the healing, reconciling—Lifting off the weight of hidden guilt that filled
so long the hearts of ten of Jacob’s sons…

……………………………

When Joseph saw them come to him, a dart of pain shot through his heart—but also love, and it was hard for him this to disguise, but he had to be wise
not to let them know he was their brother, no, not yet. He had in mind to use another method to find out what their characters were now about.
The brothers did not have a clue who stood before them—they bowed their faces to the ground—they saw the governor of Egypt of great fame, who sold grain to all who came.
Joseph then spoke roughly: “Ye are spies!” This he said because he tries to find out if Jacob is alive, test the integrity of their lives, to see if they were still the same brute clan, or maybe —have become true, honest men.
“Ye are spies to see the nakedness of the land!” “Nay, my lord, we are all one man’s sons. We are true men, not spies. Twelve brothers are we, one is still at home and one is not.”
“Ye are spies. Ye shall be proved of honesty, true integrity, bring your youngest brother
hither here to me!” And three days he put them in the ward,
they were sorely troubled at his word.
Then were sent home, save Simeon, who was kept hostage alone,
till they return with Benjamin, Joseph’s heart to see did yearn.
At home again mixed feelings filled the minds as Jacob’s sons related their encounter
with this strange ruler to their father, who trembling in distress, heard that Benjamin
be taken there, to verify the son’s acclaimed uprightness.
“You bereave me of my children, Joseph is not, Simeon is not.
And now Benjamin! All these things are against me!” Jacob clamored, “What else is coming over me!”
Sorrow bowed him down, much grief pressed on his forehead yet another frown.

…………………………….

But the days once more came on, with hunger at the door,
and Jacob after struggling sore, finally gave in to deliver Benjamin.
He also sent a present to this governor to bend his heart to soften
and give all children back to him.
Grain was needed to survive the famine, the sons left home with Jacob’s prayer
for them, who in their absence put his trust in God to be gracious in his trying lot.—

……………………..

The Scriptures tell of the commotion sombre,
the emotions when Joseph saw his younger brother. The brothers dining in his house, the sending off
and then the troublesome return, because of Joseph’s cup be found with them.
The men did rent their clothes in sheer distress, as the cup was found with Benjamin.
When Joseph claimed him for his servant, their heart was filled with bitterness.
Then Judah rose, entreated Joseph with great passion, to give to him that portion,
and let the boy go free, and accept his ardent plea, for he pledged himself to be
surety for Benjamin, and take instead of him the blame.
If coming home without the boy it will cause their father sorrowful to die.
Then Joseph could no more refrain himself,
he cried and wept aloud, and said: “I am Joseph!”
The brethren could not say a word; it was a sword had hit their heart.
They were troubled, shocked in disbelief, as Joseph saw their open grief,
he called them near to bring relief, he read terror in their eyes,
old guilt broke forth without disguise, of the scene when they conspired to cruelty against their brother
they did hate for of the dreams of which he said, that they would bow to him!
And then this very thing did happen, as they bowed to him in their first meeting,
making true of that what Joseph had been dreaming!
In deep remorse and painful shame, they stood before him who became a man of fame,
but Joseph did not scold nor spoke revenge, but uttered words of comfort to impart
trust into their hearts, that it was God who made all good and brought him hither,
that he would become ruler in the land, preserving lives to stand now at the helm
of that great crisis, years of famine now at hand.
God opened thus the way to unite the family again to come to Egypt, to buy grain and
then bring Jacob, and his sons, all other members, down to Goshen the best place chosen,
for their living and to multiply them in the future, to fulfill the prophecy God gave
to Abraham, to stay four hundred years in the land of Ham (Genesis 15:13; Psalm 105:23).
Pharaoh provided wagons, much provision for the journey taking place.
Joseph excitedly envisioned to see his father by God’s grace,
now could hardly wait for the embrace….

Though glad about the kindness of their brother, sore troubles filled the hearts
of Jacob’s sons, how they could convey to their father
this great news that Joseph is alive and well,
when many years ago they brought his bloody coat to tell,
that he was dead, and now must face their lie so great…
Weeks went into months since Jacob sent his sons,
his heart was with them while at home. Burdened if they all return together,
or if there would be one other trouble being placed,
by this Egypt’s ruler to be faced.
He could only lay his burden in the hands of God his faithful guide.
He alone can comfort him provide.
So, he spent the waiting time, trusting God that all be fine.

………………………

Then one day he saw from afar a caravan draw nigh.
The men did look familiar, but what those many donkeys, camels, wagons are?
And now one lad in nice apparel runs toward him in hasty pace,
Jacob thought: “Do I see right? this is Benjamin!” And in that moment they embraced.
“Where did you get this garment? What are these wagons, tell me please!”
And Benjamin with joy did shout: “O father, Joseph is alive! He gave me this!”
Now the sons came near their father, close to him to gather,
saying: “Joseph is alive! He is the governor; he wants you to come down to him!”
When Jacob heard that Joseph lives, he fainted, almost lost his breath,
he could not believe what he just heard; it shook him to the core.
If this is now not true, another blow he could take no more…
Then the brethren told the story of their visit, and that Joseph sent explicit,
the wagons, food and mammals, to take him, Jacob, family and all possessions,
down to Egypt there to live secure in the land of Goshen,
a place especially for him be chosen.
And when Jacob saw all the provisions,
he revived and caught the vision,
to see his darling son again, overwhelmed him so with joy,
it let forget him all the pain endured, for his dear boy,
now a great man of fame, who did not forget his father—
yes, Joseph is a treasure like no other….
The great outlook surged him with new energy,
calling all his family, wives, and servants, sons and daughters of his sons,
to waste no time but making ready for the journey down to Egypt their new home,
Threescore six of them would come.

 End of Part III.

To be continued. 

 

Edda Tedford, Canada