Part 8 of 9 - Joseph (11th son of Jacob)

Genesis 44-45

re-told by Debbie Dunn

Story highlights:

* Judah asks to take Benjamin’s place when silver cup was found in his grain bag

* Joseph reveals his true identity to 11 brothers

* Joseph sends for his father Jacob to spend 5 more years of famine in Egypt

Bible role-play begins:

Narrator #1: As Joseph's 11 brothers happily rode their donkeys home to their father in Canaan, they were shocked when they looked behind them.

Narrator #2: They said, "Oh, no! That governor's steward is chasing after us. He looks furious!"

Narrator #1: The steward reached them and yelled, "One of you is a wicked thief who stole the governor's favorite silver cup!"

Narrator #2: They honestly thought the only thing in their 11 sacks was grain. Little did they know that Joseph's steward had returned their silver coins to them once again.

Narrator #1: He also had placed Joseph's favorite silver cup in the sack belonging to his baby brother Benjamin.

Narrator #2: They said, "We would never have done anything so wicked. Search our bags. If you find it, that brother shall die, and the rest of us will become that governor's slaves."

Narrator #1: The steward nodded and said, "Very well, then. Let it be as you say. Whoever has it will become my slave. The rest of you may be free from blame."

Narrator #2: Beginning with the oldest brother, Joseph's steward searched each man's sack of grain.

Narrator #1: Phew! No silver cup in the sacks belonging to Joseph's 10 older brothers.

Narrator #2: Beginning to relax, they watched the steward open up their baby brother's sack.

Narrator #1: Oh, no! Each man gasped in fear when the first thing they all saw was that governor's favorite silver cup.

Narrator #2: At this, the 11 brothers tore their clothes in grief. The steward ordered, "Load your sacks and return with me to Egypt."

Narrator #1: As soon as they saw Joseph, the governor of Egypt, the 11 brothers threw themselves to the ground before him.

Narrator #2: Pretending to be angry, Joseph, using an interpreter, said, "What is this you have done?"

Narrator #1: The 4th oldest son, Judah, said, "What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? All 11 of us are now my lord's slaves."

Narrator #2: Joseph said, "No, the only man to become my slave is the one who took my favorite silver cup. The rest of you may go home to your father in peace."

Narrator #1: Judah, with a humble voice, told the long story about all that had happened during their 2 trips to Egypt.

Narrator #2: Judah ended by announcing their father would die of a broken heart if he never saw Benjamin again.

erwise, I would have to watch our father die of that broken heart!"

Narrator #2: With that, Joseph realized that his brothers were no longer evil. They had grown up to be good and loyal men.

Narrator #1: As tears began to fill his eyes, he ordered all the Egyptians to leave the room.

Narrator #2: For the first time, he spoke in Hebrew instead of Egyptian. With tears flowing down his face, he loudly wailed, "Brothers! I am Joseph! Is my father still living?"

Narrator #1: Joseph's brothers were terrified. Seeing their fear, Joseph said, "Come close to me. I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into slavery in Egypt. But do not be angry with yourself for doing so."

Narrator #2: "It was God Himself who inspired you to do that instead of killing me so that our family and all people could live instead of die from starvation when this horrible famine hit the land."

Narrator #1: "It was God who made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler of all of Egypt."

Narrator #2: "Now hurry back to my father to bring him and all your wives, your children, your flocks and herds, to safely live in the region of Goshen and be near me."

Narrator #1: "For there are still 5 more years to go of this horrible famine. That way, you can live and not die of starvation."

Narrator #2: Joseph wept as he hugged his baby brother. Benjamin cried tears of joy, as well.

Narrator #1: Pharaoh was so pleased to hear about the reunion between Joseph and his 11 brothers. He provided them with carts, donkeys, plenty of grain, and bread.

Narrator #2: He wanted them to travel in comfort as they went home to gather their father, families, and all they owned to live and be provided for in Egypt.

Narrator #1: Joseph gave each brother a change of clothes. As for his blood brother, Benjamin, he gave him 5 outfits plus 300 shekels of silver.

Narrator #2: When the 11 brothers finally returned home, they announced, "Father, Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all of Egypt."

Narrator #1: Their father didn't believe them for the longest time. But finally, when he saw the carts and donkeys, along with plenty of grain and bread, he said these words:

Narrator #2: Jacob said, "I am convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go to Egypt to see him before I die."