You guessed itwe dont know of any evidence for Joseph outside the Bible. The irony is sharp. (Genesis 47:2731), Later, Joseph came to visit his father having with him his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Heres where we are right now. When Joseph brags about his status . The first group identified, are Joseph's brothers when Judah brings up the idea of selling Joseph in verses 26 and 27. Joseph was put in charge of distributing the food and he did so fairly. There, in the mouth of his sack, was all of his money! He then fathered Gad and Asher through Leah's handmaid Zilpah (9 - 13). Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915. They would get what they had given. They were among many others who came from Canaan for the same reason. [35] This tendency is represented in John Chrysostom who said that Joseph's suffering was "a type of things to come",[36] Caesarius of Arles who interpreted Joseph's famous coat as representative of the diverse nations who would follow Christ,[37] Ambrose of Milan who interpreted the standing sheaf as prefiguring the resurrection of Christ,[38] and others. He correctly predicted that the cupbearer would be restored to his position while the baker would be executed. However, Jacob did not let his youngest son Benjamin, Josephs brother, travel with them. They also discovered that all of their money sacks still had money in them, and they were dismayed. Now, dont say anything, but think for a minute about what you might say to these men who had caused you such pain, now that you have power over their lives. Then, when the famine hit, and no food would grow, people came to Joseph to buy grain from the storehouses. He couldnt even imagine that God had kept His promises! Gods grace gave Joseph the ability to say, No to revenge. The total straight line distance between Egypt and Canaan is 8482 KM (kilometers) and 583.09 meters. So should we see in the Hyksos the proto-Hebrews of the Bible? This trip would have taken at least ten days on the back of a donkey. 4. According to Genesis 45:24, Joseph orders his brothers not quarrel on the way to getting Jacob. 11 Were all sons of a common father. Potiphar believed that Joseph was incapable of such an act and petitioned Pharaoh to spare his life. Do you think the famine affected them? - Genesis 42:1-4. [48] Similarly, the eldest son of Jacob had decided not to leave the land because of the oath taken to protect Benjamin beforehand. These dreams, implying his supremacy, angered his brothers (Genesis 37:111) and made the brothers plot his demise. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 5Thus the sons of Israel came to buy among the others who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. (Genesis 42:15 (ESV). [16] Joseph requested that the cup-bearer mention him to Pharaoh to secure his release from prison,[17] but the cup-bearer, reinstalled in office, forgot Joseph. What did Joseph tell his brothers to do when they returned to Canaan? Jacob and His Family Go To Egypt - Chabad.org [g] Then he had their donkeys prepared with grain and sent the other brothers back to Canaan. Joseph was sworn to do as his father asked of him. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die. 3So ten of Josephs brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. The Egyptians would not dine with Hebrews at the same table, as doing so was considered loathsome, thus the sons of Israel were served at a separate table (Genesis 43:1644:34). The first mention of Ishmaelites (Yishma'elm) is in verse 25. This brother was Josephs blood brother, Benjamin. [18] After two more years, the Pharaoh dreamt of seven lean cows which devoured seven fat cows; and of seven withered ears of grain which devoured seven fat ears. Now it had happened! [26][27] The plot begins by showing Joseph as a dreamer; this leads him into trouble as, out of jealousy, his brothers sell him into slavery. His father then remarked, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive." He lives in the land of Canaan. When the brothers claimed to the father that a wolf had eaten Joseph, he observed patience. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. All this caused great problems back home with Jacob. Finally, Jacob said: "Now that I have seen your face again, I can die in peace." Jacob Visits Pharaoh Joseph saw and inquired of Benjamin, and was overcome by emotion but did not show it. 18 Three days later, Joseph told them, I fear God, so do this and youll live. Joseph had interpreted the dream of the Pharaoh, and he had warned the Pharaoh that there would be a famine in the land. No! Thus, Israel was able to bless the Pharaoh. What Egyptian ruler did Joseph serve under? Joseph was then summoned. The dream that God had given to Joseph as a young man had finally come true. when Joseph had a dream that it is safe to return to Israel. The route from Canaan to Egypt passed through the Sinai Peninsula, which is a rugged and mountainous region. Required fields are marked *. The Journey They reached Egypt after a 65 kilometers journey where they lived for three years until after the death of Herod in 4 B.C. In the second dream, the sun (father), the moon (mother), and eleven stars (brothers) bowed to Joseph himself. Joseph was unaware how a devastating famine would reunite him with his elder brothers. Can we identify the historical background and perhaps find the actual setting in which a story like the one recounted in the Book of Genesis could have occurred? The Hebrews then live in Egypt and multiply for 400 years (Exodus 12:40), before escaping back to Canaan. [45] Joseph is thrown into a well, and was taken as a slave by a passing caravan. The favoritism Israel showed Joseph and the plot against him by his brothers were divine means of getting him into Egypt. Josephs brothers appeared and bowed down to him, face down. Joseph and Pharaoh lavishly gave Joseph's brothers "the best of all the land of Egypt" ( Genesis 45:20) and supplied them for their return to Canaan and transportation of the family. Israel declared that they would be heirs to the inheritance of the house of Israel, as if they were his own children, just as Reuben and Simeon were. The biblical figure of Joseph offers one of the most fascinating narratives of the Hebrew Bible. But you must bring your youngest brother to me. Everything is going against me! - Genesis 42:35-36, Say: Jacob also saw this blessing as a curse. Josephs brothers returned with Benjamin to get more grain (Genesis 43-45:24).4. Part 3. Ive heard that there is grain in Egypt, so go down there and buy some grain for us, so we can live, instead of dying.. They thought that the missed transaction would somehow be used against them as way to induct them as slaves and to confiscate their possessions. Joseph is commemorated as one of the Holy Forefathers in the Calendar of Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church on 26 July. Simeon is gone. Were in this mess because we wouldnt listen!, 22 Didnt I tell you! Reuben replied. Even so, Joseph was not going to harm Simeon. Pause for thought. What did Joseph do when he revealed himself to his brothers? Why didn't Joseph try to contact his father from Egypt? (Genesis Rabbah 84:22). It is described in the Quran as the 'best of stories'. Josephs brothers went to Egypt to get grain (Genesis 42:1-24).2. Joseph is gone. The distance between Canaan and Egypt is about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), so Josephs brothers would have had to travel for at least a month to get there. Joseph turned away so his brothers wouldnt see him cry. Joseph overseeing the gathering of grain during the seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:4748). people from Canaan were infiltrating the northeastern regions of Egypt. How long did it take to travel from Canaan to Egypt? Then Ill return your brother to you, and youll be allowed to trade anywhere in the land., 35 Later on, as they went about unloading their sacks, each mans bundle of money was found in each mans sack. What is the distance Joseph's brothers traveled from Canaan to Egypt One of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey. GENESIS Acronym Definition GENESIS Gamma Emission by Nuclear Explosion Stimulate Inducing System (Gundam Seed Anime) GENESIS Global Environmental & Earth Science Information System (US NASA) GENESIS Genetic Environmental-Nature of Emotional States in Siblings (study). Ask: Who can remember what Gods plan was to provide food during the famine? (This is helpful in showing students where this history happened in relation to where they live. When the steward caught up with the brothers, he seized them and searched their sacks. When he returned, he spoke with them, but then he took Simeon away from them and had him placed under arrest right in front of them. How long would it take to walk from Canaan to Egypt? When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were greatly distressed. Quick Answer: How Far Did Joseph's Brothers Travel To Egypt Your email address will not be published. He said he would not believe their story unless he saw their younger brother. Before his death at the age of 110, Joseph makes his brothers swear to bring his embalmed body back to Canaan. The text does not say how long the famine had been in effect. Joseph sent them back without Simeon (Genesis 42:25-38).3. He could not control himself any longer and so he sent the Egyptian men out of the house. According to Legend of the Jews, the name of Potiphar's wife is Zuleikha and when she was enticing Joseph to give up to her sinful passion, God appeared unto him, holding the foundation of earth (Eben Shetiyah), that He would destroy the world if Joseph touched her. 25 After this, Joseph gave orders to fill up their sacks with grain, to return each mans money to his own sack, and to supply each of them with provisions for their return journey. 9. When they met, they embraced each other and wept together for quite a while. Here, Potiphar's wife (called Zuleika in later tradition) tried to seduce Joseph, which he refused. No mystery here. In the Kitb-i-Aqdas, Bah'u'llh states that "from my laws, the sweet-smelling savour of my garment can be smelled" and, in the Four Valleys, states that "the fragrance of his garment blowing from the Egypt of Baha," referring to Joseph. If something should harm him as you travel, then itll be death for me and my sad, gray hair! They began to tremble. Application: If you listed all of the blessings God has given you, the list might be several miles long! Wikimedia Commons; public domain. According to the Bible, Joseph was 30 years old when his brothers came to Egypt. It will break her heart when she sees that her vase is broken. Then Joseph had his brother, Simeon, chained up and put in prison. Point to Egypt and surrounding area. Jacob refused to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. By this time, many of Josephs brothers were married and had children. 15:1 After these things the Lord appeared to Abram in a vision and sa to him: Ten years have been completed since the day you left Hara two years you have passed here, seven in Egypt, and one year since you have returned from Egypt. Pharaoh believed Joseph, and followed Gods plan. Did you do anything to deserve your healthy lungs? Benjamin was the youngest of all the boys. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die.. Free Digital Maps Set: 41 Bible Maps (the complete set) Free! (Genesis 50:2226). Sin always causes pain. Joseph worked hard for his master and Potiphar's wife soon began to desire him. This apparently happy ending, however, has a dark side. Of all the sons, Joseph was preferred by his father, who gave him a "long coat of many colors ". 4 Jacob would not send Josephs brother Benjamin to accompany them, because he was saying, Im afraid that hell come to some kind of harm. 5 Israels sons went in a caravan that included others who were going to Egypt to buy grain, because the famine pervaded the land of Canaan, too. (Exodus 13:19) The bones were buried at Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor (Joshua 24:32), which has traditionally been identified with site of Joseph's Tomb, before Jacob and all his family moved to Egypt. Joseph's Brothers Come To Egypt - Chabad.org Wow! Joseph sent them back without Simeon (Genesis 42:25-38). 1709 Jacob is 91 years old. Note to Teacher: At one time, Jacob clearly saw Gods grace. Genesis 42:1-38, Jacob dreams about a ladder and angels at Bethel, Jacob marries Rachel the daughter of Laban, The Cup that held the wine for the King of Egypt, Josephs brothers first trip to Egypt for food, A silver cup belonging to Joseph was put in a Sack, 12 sons of Jacob whom he blesses before he dies, Death of Jacob at one hundred and forty-seven years old, Death of Joseph at one hundred and ten years old, Timeline for the book of Genesis parts one and two . God gave Pharaoh two dreams as a warning about a terrible famine that was going to come to Egypt. Its right here in my sack!, Trembling with mounting consternation, each of them asked one another, What is God doing to us?, 29 As soon as they had returned to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him everything that had happened to them. Joseph interpreted this dream as the baker being hanged within three days and having his flesh eaten by birds. He wept so loudly that even the Egyptian household heard it outside. He said to them, Listen to the dream I had. [50] He thus charged his sons to go and inquire about Joseph and his brother and despair not of God's mercy. Since Joseph and Benjamin were born from Rachel, this test was necessary to reveal if they would betray Benjamin as they did with Joseph when he was seventeen. You have come to see the places where our land isnt guarded very well., No, sir, they answered. The cup-bearer's dream was about a vine with three branches that was budding. You have lungs that work and a planet full of oxygen. In icons, he is sometimes depicted wearing the nemes headdress of an Egyptian vizier. The famine was that extensive. At this time, Joseph's father was 147 years old and bedridden. They had to tell Jacob that Simeon was still in Egypt - in prison. [24] Its redaction history may have included a first "Reuben version" originating in the northern kingdom of Israel and intended to justify the domination by the "house of Joseph" over the other tribes, this was followed by a later "Judah-expansion" (chapters 38 and 49) elevating Judah as the rightful successor to Jacob, and finally various embellishments so that the novella would function as the bridge between the Genesis and the story of Moses and the Exodus.[25]. They explained that the man in charge of Egypt accused them of being spies, and how they told him that they were ten brothers from Canaan. Joseph had lived in Egypt for many years. Judah appealed to the Vizier begging that Benjamin be released and that he be enslaved in his stead, because of the silver cup found in Benjamin's sack. Say: Lets take a look at where all of this took place. Here is Canaan, where Josephs brothers and father, Jacob, lived. Come back next week to see the next twists and turns in the amazing story of Joseph and Gods grace. Please walk through that connection of Khenre to Khaskhemwui? The weather conditions in the Sinai Peninsula can also be extreme, with temperatures ranging from very hot in the summer to very cold in the winter. Suddenly my bundle rose and stood up straight. Now its payback time!. 19 If youre honest men, leave one of your brothers here in custody, then the rest of you can leave and take some grain with you to alleviate the famine thats affecting your households. Joseph ordered that they bring their youngest brother to him and kept Simeon as a prisoner. The men would have to stop at night to sleep and let their donkeys rest. Main Point: Gods grace gives us the ability to do the right thing. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. He said, Everything is going against me!. Also, they didnt know that the slave traders had taken him to Egypt. Joseph revealed himself to them and they were reconciled. Just as Jacob had done years ago, he favored one of his sons. The answer to this question depends on the definition of far. If one considers far to be the distance between two points on a map, then Canaan was about 100 miles from Egypt. Joseph spent many years in Egypt as a slave. 'Yahweh shall add'; Standard: Yhsef, Tiberian: Yhsp;[4] Arabic: , romanized:Ysuf; Ancient Greek: , romanized:Isph) is an important Hebrew figure in the Bible's Book of Genesis. [a] When Joseph was seventeen years old, he shared with his brothers two dreams he had: in the first dream, Joseph and his brothers gathered bundles of grain, of which those his brothers gathered, bowed to his own. History: Amenemhet II was the sitting Pharaoh at the time. Were not spies! He stopped at Beersheba to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and to seek guidance from Him (Gen. 46:1-5). God promised to be with Jacob, watch out for him, and bless him wherever he was. This means that he was born around 1700 BC. Or does it? With Reuben and Judah's persistence, they persuaded their father to let Benjamin join them for fear of Egyptian retribution (Genesis 42:2943:15). We were tying up bundles of grain out in the field. There he was bought by Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh the king of Egypt. That way, you wont die., 21 Were all guilty because of what we did to our brother! they told each other. So Joseph supplied them Egyptian transport wagons, new garments, silver money, and twenty additional donkeys carrying provisions for the journey. Even John Calvin, sometimes hailed as the father of modern grammatico-historical exegesis,[39] writes "in the person of Joseph, a lively image of Christ is presented. Now that the donkeys were loaded with food, the men were probably walking and it would have taken much longer. The next two instances of dream interpretation establish his reputation as a great interpreter of dreams; first, he begins in a low place, interpreting the dreams of prisoners. When night came, they stopped. Everyone close your eyes for just a minute. He is the favourite son of the patriarch Jacob, and his jealous brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt, where he eventually ends up incarcerated. Quick Answer: How Far Did Josephs Brothers Travel To Egypt. Joseph is mentioned in the New Testament as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:22). 13. Then he prepared a great ceremonial journey to Canaan leading the servants of the Pharaoh, and the elders of the houses Israel and Egypt beyond the Jordan River. [6], The Bible offers two explanations of the name Ysf: first it is compared to the Hebrew root (-s-p), meaning "to gather, remove, take away":[7] "And she conceived, and bore a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach" (Genesis 30:23);[8] Ysf is then identified with the similar root (y-s-p), meaning "to add":[9] "And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." 2 Pay attention now! Of all the sons, Joseph was preferred by his father, who gave him a "long coat of many colors". The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. In the midrash, the selling of Joseph was part of God's divine plan for him to save his tribes. Jodi has over 20 years experience teaching children in large and small group settings. [46], In the Bible, Joseph discloses himself to his brethren before they return to their father the second time after buying grain. In the sixth year, Asenath bore two children to Joseph: Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, lived in the land of Canaan with ten half-brothers, one full brother, and at least one half-sister. The Brothers Return to Egypt - Chabad.org Does Archaeology Confirm Josephs Time in Egypt? Our youngest brother is now with our father. This was the norm for Jewish newlyweds at that time. This would have added further complications to the journey. "[43] The story has a lot in common with the biblical narrative, but with certain differences. Jacob favors Joseph above all his brothers, even giving him a special coat, and the brothers are envious. God also gave Joseph a plan to provide food during the famine. We saw how troubled he was when he begged us to let him live. Moses waited 40 years before he had his divine encounter with the flaming voice of God. After they had consumed all of the grain that they brought back from Egypt, Jacob told his sons to go back to Egypt for more grain. The brothers conferred amongst themselves speaking in Hebrew, reflecting on the wrong they had done to Joseph. They would never have known to look for him here. Why did Josephs brothers travel to Egypt? Say: Joseph decided not to let his brothers know who he was. Map of Joseph's Brothers going to Egypt to Buy Grain Because God had given Joseph many blessings that he did not deserve, Joseph was able to give his brothers a blessing that they did not deserve (Genesis 43:23). At one time, God had appeared to Jacob and made awesome promises to him personally (Genesis 28:13-15). Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. calendar. Jacob's Family's Move to Egypt (Genesis 45:16-47:12) As you look out, before you are your ten brothers. Please! Story Oriented. As his brothers bowed before him, Joseph remembered his dream. Joseph's haughtiness only worsened his precarious situation and shows us the danger of pride. You can remember their voices laughing as you begged them for mercy. 27 Later on, one of them opened up his sack to give his donkey some fodder after they had stopped at the place where they intended to lodge for the night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. How far was Canaan from Egypt? - Answers Now well take a closer look it the area in this box. (Tsaphenath Paneach) -- "the god speaks and he lives," Joseph's Eg. The Book of Exodus itself attempts to ground the event firmly in history, dating the exodus to the 2666th year after creation (Exodus 12:40-41), the construction of the tabernacle to year 2667 (Exodus 40:1-2, 17), stating that the Israelites dwelled in Egypt for 430 years (Exodus 12:40-41), and including place names. When his starving brothers come from Canaan to Egypt, Joseph allows their entire households to settle in a region called Goshen. Remember, Joseph and Benjamin were the only two children from Jacobs most beloved wife, Rachel. Josephs brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and they didnt recognize him. He desired to see his father Jacob and invited him to Egypt because of the great famine. Jacob kept him home because he had become his new favorite! 1. They believed that Joseph must have died as a slave. Joseph was called into his father's house and Israel pleaded with his son that he not be buried in Egypt. Now Jacob has sent the brothers to Joseph, and they are at his mercy. He brought them closer and relayed to them the events that had happened and told them not to fear, that what they had meant for evil, God had meant for good. Unbeknownst to him, the availability of food is due to the wisdom of his son Joseph, and a worldwide famine has occurred, in Gods providence, in order to bless and protect Gods people by bringing them into Egypt (46:14).. 4But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Josephs brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him. [42] Joseph is said to have been extremely handsome, which attracted his Egyptian master's wife to attempt to seduce him. There he was bought by Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh the king of Egypt. He is the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Joseph. How Old Was Joseph When Brothers Came To Egypt. In fact, there is no mention of God at all. Moses did write that the famine spread over all the land (Gen. 41:56). Were here to buy food., 8 But Joseph had already recognized his brothers, even though they had not recognized him. Joseph was released from prison so that he could interpret Pharaohs dreams. [21] After questioning them, he accused them of being spies. This would include Canaan. 7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he knew who they were, but he remained disguised and asked them gruffly, Where are you from?, From the land of Canaan, they replied.