The story begins with the brothers’ fear, the same fear that had gripped them when the return of their silver had first been discovered. At their father’s insistence they had brought double the money on this journey, the first part to pay for the grain already purchased, and the second part to pay for a new supply. But when they presented themselves in Egypt and were immediately invited to eat with Joseph at noon, they suspected a plot against them. The text says, “They thought, ‘We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys'” (v. 18). The complaint was pathetic. Joseph intended only good for them, but they supposed he was hostile. “He wants to enslave us and even take our poor donkeys,” they said.
It is when they were in this frame of mind that the benevolence of the prime minister began to be poured out on them. First, they were reassured about their money by Joseph’s steward. They explained the situation to him. But he, who presumably knew about and may perhaps even have carried out the former arrangements, replied with tongue in cheek, “It’s all right. Don’t be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver” (v. 23). They were not to worry about their money any more.
Second, the steward brought out Simeon. This must have been a cause of great joy for these brothers. Not knowing Joseph’s intentions, they may have suspected that his treatment of Simeon would be dishonorable and that he might already have sold him into slavery in which path they were soon to follow. But no, Simeon had not been enslaved, and now he was no longer even imprisoned. The prime minister was a man of his word. Their brother had been given back to them.
Third, they were given water to wash their feet and food to feed their donkeys. These were signs of great respect and courtesy. They were being treated as friends, not enemies.
Fourth, Joseph arrived and began to speak kindly. He inquired about their health, asking how they were. He asked about their father: “How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?” (v. 27). Lastly his gaze settled on Benjamin. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” he inquired. When told that he was, Joseph responded, “God be gracious to you, my son” (v. 29). In all this Joseph had been trying to control himself, being deeply moved at the sight of his full brother whom he had not seen for more than twenty years. On the verge of breaking down, he moved quickly from the room to weep privately.
Fifth, an elegant feast was spread before the astonished brothers. A day before they had been on the verge of starvation, which is why they had come to Egypt. Now they were introduced to the bounty of this most favored land. The last line suggests that they enjoyed it. Up to this point they may have been fearful, suspecting evil motives on the prime minister’s part. But dining with him broke their fears down. Joseph must have been the kindest of hosts, and they must have warmed to his gracious hospitality. He would have asked questions of them, and they would have replied with what he most wanted to hear—tales of their families and home. This scene is too tender even for the Bible’s words. The story says simply, “So they feasted and drank freely with him” (v. 34).
The interesting thing, however, is that the brothers enjoyed the benefits of Joseph’s affection without actually knowing who he was. And when the feast was over—perhaps on the next day—the brothers simply prepared to return home, leaving this interesting interlude behind them.
