They waited as long as they could but eventually the grain runs out and it becomes necessary to return to Egypt. Jacob does not want to let Benjamin go with them but they really have no choice as Joseph was quite clear. They are apprehensive about facing him again because of the money being found in each sack after their first visit. There is a lot that can go wrong on this second trip but by the end of this chapter it looks like everything will turn out great.

Genesis 43

The famine was severe in the land.

2 When they had eaten up the grain they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them “Go again, buy us a little food.”

3 Judah spoke to him, saying “The man solemnly warned us, saying “You shall not see my face except your brother is with you.”

4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.

5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down: for the man said to us “You shall not see my face, except your brother is with you.”

6 And Israel said “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man you had another brother?”

7 They said “The man asked us specifically about ourselves and our family, saying ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have other brothers?’ So we answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’” 

8 Judah said to his father Israel “Send the child with me, and we will arise and go so that we may live and not die; we, and you, and also our little ones.

9 I will guarantee his safety; you shall require him of my hand: if I do not bring him home and set him before you, let me bear the guilt forever.

10 For had we not lingered, surely by now would have returned this second time.”

11 And their father Israel said to them “If it must be so, now do this; take some of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds.

12 And take double money with you; take back the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight:

13 Take your brother also and arise, go again to the man. 

14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send home your other brother, and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

15 The men took the present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house “Bring these men to my house, and slaughter an animal and prepare it; for these men shall dine with me at noon.”

17 And the man did as Joseph said and brought the men into Joseph’s house.

18 The men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said “We have been brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, so that he may attack us, and make us slaves and take our donkeys.”

19 They came close to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke with him at the door of the house,

20 And said “O sir, we did indeed come down the first time to buy food.

21 And when we came to the inn, we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it back again. 

22 And we have brought more money with us to buy food: we do not know who put our money in our sacks.”

23 And he said “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” And he brought Simeon out to them.

24 The steward brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he fed their donkeys. 

25 They made ready the present for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they heard that they would eat bread there.

26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present into the house which was in their hand, and bowed themselves to the earth before him.

27 He asked them how they were, and said “Is your father well, the old man you spoke of? Is he still alive?”

28 They answered “Your servant, our father, is in good health. He is still alive.” And they bowed down their heads and honored him. 

29 And he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said “Is this your younger brother, of whom you spoke?” And he said “God be gracious to you, my son.”

30 Joseph hurried out for he was overcome with emotion for his brother: and he look for a place to weep. And he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

31 And he washed his face and went out, and regaining his composure he said “Serve the meal.” 

32 They served him by himself, and served them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians do not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to them.

33 They were seated before him according to birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: The men looked at each other in astonishment.

34 And he sent portions to them from his table: but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.