Genesis 42

Jacob sends his ten sons to Egypt to buy corn, Genesis 42:1-3 ; but refuses to permit Benjamin to go, Genesis 42:4 . They arrive in Egypt, and bow themselves before Joseph, Genesis 42:5 , Genesis 42:6 . He treats them roughly and calls them spies, Genesis 42:7-10 . They defend themselves and give an account of their family, Genesis 42:11-13 . He appears unmoved, and puts them all in prison for three days, Genesis 42:14-17 . On the third day he releases them on condition of their bringing Benjamin, Genesis 42:18-20 . Being convicted by their consciences, they reproach themselves with their cruelty to their brother Joseph, and consider themselves under the displeasure of God, Genesis 42:21-23 . Joseph is greatly affected, detains Simeon as a pledge for Benjamin, orders their sacks to be filled with corn, and the purchase money to be put in each man's sack, Genesis 42:24 , Genesis 42:25 . When one of them is going to give his ass provender he discovers his money in the mouth of his sack, at which they are greatly alarmed, Genesis 42:26-28 . They come to their father in Canaan, and relate what happened to them in their journey, Genesis 42:29-34 . On emptying their sacks, each man's money is found in his sack's mouth, which causes alarm both to them and their father, Genesis 42:35 . Jacob deplores the loss of Joseph and Simeon, and refuses to let Benjamin go, though Reuben offers his two sons as pledges for his safety, Genesis 42:36-38 .