LESSON 9: Joseph and His Brothers

A long time ago, there was a great famine, which meant there was not enough food for people to eat. Even in Canaan, where Jacob and his family lived, the famine was very bad. But in Egypt, there was plenty of food because Joseph, Jacob’s son, had wisely saved up grain during the good years.

Jacob had twelve sons, but many years earlier, Joseph’s older brothers had been jealous of him and sold him as a slave. They thought he was gone forever. But God had a plan! Joseph became a very important leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, the king. He was in charge of storing food and helping people during the famine.

One day, Jacob heard that there was food in Egypt, so he sent ten of his sons to buy some. But he kept his youngest son, Benjamin, at home. When the brothers arrived in Egypt, they bowed before the governor, who was actually Joseph! But they didn’t recognize him. Joseph, however, knew exactly who they were. He spoke to them using an Egyptian translator so they wouldn’t guess his identity.

Joseph wanted to test his brothers to see if they had changed. He told them they had to prove they weren’t spies. He kept one brother, Simeon, as a prisoner and told the others they could take food home—but only if they promised to bring Benjamin back next time.

When the brothers returned to Canaan, they told Jacob what had happened. At first, Jacob didn’t want to send Benjamin, but when the food ran out, he had no choice. This time, the brothers brought extra money and gifts for Joseph.

When Joseph saw Benjamin, he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he had to step away and cry. But he didn’t tell them who he was yet. Instead, he invited them to a big meal and gave them plenty of food to take home.

Then, Joseph set up one final test. He secretly placed his special silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. After they left, his servant stopped them and checked their bags. When the cup was found, the brothers were shocked and taken back to Joseph. They begged Joseph not to punish Benjamin. Judah, one of the brothers, pleaded, “Please, sir, let me stay as your servant instead of Benjamin. If our youngest brother doesn’t return home, our father will be heartbroken!”

Joseph couldn’t hold back his tears any longer. He cried out, “I am Joseph! I am your brother, the one you sold long ago!” The brothers were shocked and afraid, but Joseph forgave them. He hugged them and said, “It was not you, but God who sent me here to save lives.”

When Pharaoh heard the news, he was happy and told Joseph to bring his whole family to Egypt. So, Joseph sent special chariots to bring Jacob, who was now 130 years old, and the rest of the family. They were reunited, and everyone was joyful.