December 07, 2007

Mikketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

Joseph languishes in prison (see last week) for two years when Pharaoh dreams dreams that no one can interpret. The chief butler, restored to his position as Joseph predicted, tells Pharaoh of the Jewish prisoner’s talents. Joseph is brought before Pharaoh and predicts that seven good years of bounty and good produce will be followed by seven bad years of famine. Joseph suggest Pharaoh find someone to oversee the collection of food during the years of plenty to provide for the years of famine.

Impressed with Joseph’s interpretation, Pharaoh elevates Joseph to the position of viceroy to oversee the Egyptian economy. He transferred great powers to Joseph, who set about planning. He gave Joseph an Egyptian name and wife. During the seven good years Joseph’s wife gave birth to two sons, Menasseh, meaning “God has made me forget completely my hardship and my parental home” and Ephraim, meaning “God has made me fertile in the land of my affliction”.

When the good years had passed, Joseph began rationing grain that had been stored. The famine had spread well beyond Egypt.
Jacob send his 10 sons to purchase food in Egypt, keeping his youngest Benjamin at home. When Joseph saw them and was not recognized by them, he accused them of being spies. They pleaded innocence, claiming they are the 12 sons of an old man, one of the their number remains and home and one is no more. Joseph unconvinced told them not to return for more food unless they prove their innocence by bringing their youngest brother. In the interim Joseph holds one of the brothers captive.

Upon their return home they told Jacob all that had transpired. Though enormously reluctant, Jacob is finally forced to allow the brothers to return to Egypt with Benjamin. Joseph frightens his brothers yet further by including them in a private feast. Joseph asks about their aging father. Upon seeing Benjamin he was overcome by emotions, but hid it from his brothers.

Joseph instructed his steward to place his diving cup in Benjamin’s food supplies. Once having left he sent a party out to accuse the brothers of having stolen his cup. They plead innocent to such an extent that they declare that if any of the brothers has the cup, that brother will be put to death and the others will become Joseph’s slaves.

The sacks are opened and the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are brought back to Egypt. Joseph demands the Benjamin become his slave and rest can return home.

More next week…..
Shabbat Shalom
Candle lighting: Friday, December 07, 2007 4:09pm