Joseph's brothers ran out of the food that they had been given (they had tried to buy it but their money was returned), and they were reluctant to go back to Egypt. Something about that government official was off-putting to them. They finally convince Jacob to allow Benjamin to travel with them - Judah pledges his own life if anything happens to Benjamin - and they make their way back to Egypt. Joseph, seeing all his brothers again, is overcome with joy and invites them to dine with him.
Before they return to Canaan, Joseph instructs his servants to once again place the money back in the sacks of grain, as well as hiding his own silver chalice in Benjamin's luggage. He then has his brother detained under charges of theft and - just as he knew it would be - Benjamin is "found" to be the culprit. Judah pleads for the life of his brother, displaying a genuine concern for his siblings and father that was not evident years prior.
Joseph dismisses every one of his servants so he can deal with these foreigners in solitude. There, he discloses his true identity to his brothers. Far from a tearful, joyful reunion, his brothers are distressed. Their brother - whom they sold into slavery - now has the power of life and death over them. Joseph quickly assures them that God has allowed all the past years to take place so that their family could be preserved. He sends for his father and secures housing, lodging and provision for his family. Hearing the news that Joseph is alive is almost too much for old Jacob to bear; but he rejoices at God's provision.
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