And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage." And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land. THE MEANING OF THE STORY 73. This a rather long chapter, but it is so full of interest that it would not be well to divide it. Recall the last chapter and tell what was the condition in Egypt and what was Joseph's position. 74 (§25A). We turn back in our story to what persons? What was happening to them? What was this journey, who went, why did they go, who remained behind? Compare this with Abraham's journey (§4). 75 (§25B). How did Joseph feel when he saw his brothers after so many years? How did he recognize them, while they did not know him? Notice how roughly he treats them. He is going to see whether they care for the youngest brother Benjamin. How does he do this? We saw in the life of Jacob how an old sin comes back. So it is here, as the brothers realize. How does the interview end? 76 (§25C). What happened about the money? Describe the report that they made to Jacob. 77 (§26A). Why did they need to go to Egypt again? What did Judah say to his father? How did Jacob at last consent? 78 (§26B). Joseph is not yet ready to tell them of his forgiveness, because he wants them to be really repentant. He has a very good plan in his mind. What took place between the brothers and the steward? 79 (§26C). This description is very beautiful. What were Joseph's feelings when he saw Benjamin? How was the feast arranged? Notice that Joseph ate apart as the Egyptian custom required. How surprised they were that they should be seated according to their ages! 80 (§27A). What was Joseph's plan about the cup? Tell the story of the arrest. Notice the custom of expressing sorrow. The brothers find themselves in a hard case. Once, when they were guilty, they had been able to escape detection; now, when they are innocent, they cannot escape. What was Joseph's harsh decision? 81 (§27B). The brothers had not cared that Joseph should be sold as a slave and Jacob should be heartbroken. But now when Benjamin is to be a slave they feel different. Why is this? Tell in your own words Judah's noble speech. See how completely Joseph has brought his brothers to repentance. 82 (§27C). Notice (1) Joseph's loving words, (2) his faith in God's providence, (3) his message to his father, (4) his affection for his brothers. Have you ever known forgiveness to do any good?