famine, and the complete consumption of the corn they had brought from Eg·ypt ou the previous octasion. 2. Tiu second journey agreed on. (1) The difficulty started. As explained by Judah, it was useless to go to Egypt unless accompanied by Ben- JRmin, since the governor had solemnly protested and sworn that without him they should not only not obtain a grain of corn, but they should not even be admitted to his presence. But to speak of taking Benjamin to Egypt, as Jacob had already testified, and now again declared, ,vas like driving a poniard into the old man's heart. As he thinks of it he can hardly forbear reproaching hie stalwart soris for having heaped upon him one more unkindness in even mentioning the fact of Benjamin's existence. (2) The difficulty removed. Skilfully the eloquent Judah reasons with his aged sire, first pointing out that it was only in reply to the grand vizier's interrogations that they had referred to Benjamin at all, tliat, not suspecting any sinister motives on the part of their noble questioner, they had never dreamt of attempting concealment or evasion in their answers; urging the imperative necessity for Benjamin's going down with them if either they or their little ones were to be kept from starvation, solemnly engaging to be surety for the safe convoy of the beloved youth, and lastly delicately hinting that but for the delay occasioned by his (their father's) reluctance they might have been to Egypt and back since he first spoke of their going. 3. The second journey prepared for (vers. 11-IB). Since it was inevitable that Benjamin must go, Jacob recommended them along with him to take (I) o. present in their vessels for the great man whose favour they desired to secure; (2) second money, or money for the purchase of the grain they wished, to show that they came not as beggars, but as buyers; (3) the silver that had been returned in their sacks, to prove that they were honest, and regarded the matter simply as an oversight. It is well always to put the best construction on a dubious matter, and in particular to let not our good be evil spoken of. 4. TM second journey began (vers. 14, 15). Listening to their father's prayer,-" God Almighty give you mercy before the man,"-witnessing their father's sorrowful resignation,-" If I be bereaved, I am bereaved,"-and observing faithfully their father's instructions, carrying a present of II the song of the land " and double money in their bands, the men rose up and went down to Egypt. 5. The second journey completed (ver. 15). In the providence of God they reached the land of Egypt and stood before Joseph. It is a special mercy to travellers when, escaping all the perils of the way, they arrive at their desired destinations in peace. II. THE SCENE rn JOSEPH'S HOUSE IN EGYPT (vers. 16-34). 1. Tlie reception of the brethren (vers. 16, 17). Scarcely had the brethren arrived at the public mart than they were observed by Joseph. Directing his eyes eagerly in search of Ben- jamin, he is gratified by noticing that he has not been left behind. Preserving as before bis incognito, he gives instructions to his steward to convey them to hie palace, and prepare a dinner for him and them at the hour of noon. 2. The appre- henswns of the brethren (ver~. 18-24). (1) The nature of them. They feared lest Joseph was only seeking occasion to fall upon them and take them for bondmen. (2) The ground of them. Thie was the money which had been discovered in their sacks, and for which as they imagined they were now being arrested. (3) The expression of them. Without directly saying what they dreaded, they begin to deprecate the wrath of the steward, and to offer explanations concerning the money (vers. 20-22). (4) The removal of them. Although tho steward was not yet aware that the strangers were his master·e brethren, he was perfectly cognisant of their innocence in the matter of the money, and of his master's desire to show them kind- ness. Accordingly he seeks to reassure them by encouraging them to dismiss their apprehensions-" Peace be to you, fear not;" by telling th"em to regard the trea- ~mre in their sacks as a Divine gift, since it was indubitable that he had received their money-" Your God bath given you treasure in your sacks : I had your money ; " by producing Simeon before them, no doubt in the enjoyment of perfect health and happiness-" and he brought Simeon out unto them; " by exercising towards them the rights of hospitality-" the man gave them water, and they washed their feet; " and by providing for the wants of their beasts-" and he gaT"e their asses p~ovender." S. The homage of tM brethren (vers. 25-31). (1) Its presentation: With precious gifts-the delicacies of the land of Canaan; with dutiful obeisanoe CR, XLIII, 1-94,] THE BOOK OF GENESIS. 487
- " they bowed themselves to him to the earth." (2) Its acceptance; which was indicated by the friendly inquiries of the governor-" Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?" "Is this your younger brother, ,of whom ye spake unto me? " by the warm benediction be pronounced on Benjamin- " God be gracious unto thee, my son ; " by the rising emotion which he could with difficulty repress-" his bowels did yearn upon his brother, and he sought where to weep;'' and by the order which he issued to his servants-" Set on bread." 4. The entertainment of the brethren. (1) The separation of the guests, first from the host; and then from one another, the Egyptians from the Canaanites, and both from Joseph, the reason being that the Egyptians might not eat with foreigners in case of contracting pollution. (2) The order of the brethren, each being arranged before the governor in accordance with their ages, a circumstance which appears to have simultaneously evoked their wonder-" and the men marvelled one at another." (3) The portions from the host, one to each of the nine oldest, and five to the youngest, which were designed as marks of special favour. (4) The hilarity of the company. The fears of the brethren disappearing, and their enjoyment rising, as they talked and drank with the gracious governor who had brought them to his palace.