The ten sons of Jacob arrived in Egypt and asked the guards where they can buy grain. When they found the exact place, Joseph who is now called Zaphnath-Paaneah was seated on his usual podium that once he saw one of his eldest brothers, he turned pale and ran away from the storage area where they keep the tons of grain on huge stone keepers made out of clay, hay and dirt.
I hope they hadn't seen me! Why are they here? Yes, all of Egypt including Asia Minor, Eurasia, Mesopotamia, Middle East, Persia and Mediterranean cities flock here from all over to buy grains. It is a small world that I have to witness my brothers buying the grains I kept to help all of Egypt and the world. But where's Benjamin? Hmm….., Joseph/Zaphnath-Paaneah thought really excited to see his youngest sibling since he misses him so much. For many years he hadn't played, embraced and talked to his beloved baby brother. I miss you so much father and all of you my brothers! Zaphnath said to himself while tears fell from the sides of his eyes. One guard alerted him that a Hebrew caravan just came in and asking for permission to sell them grains. Zaphnath thought of a great idea and advised the guard to sell the men the grains they needed and hide the monies they paid on the bags of grain they bought. The guards shrugged their shoulders why their lord Vizier wanted to do this but they followed his orders without question and allowed the Hebrew brothers to pass and go home smoothly.
Nathan was fixing their sacks of grain when he felt that the money they paid for the grains was still inside the bags and he thought that this is kind of a hoax? What if they will not be able to buy grain again next time and he was so confused how this happened when they outright paid for the bags in front of the Vizier.
Jacob advised his sons to be careful next time. Another error such as not paying for the grains is treason during those times in Ancient Egypt. The Vizier is so kind to them that they wouldn't stain the trust he has given to the Hebrew brothers.
Zaphnath thought of another idea and smiled sneakily when he saw his brothers approaching the storage vicinity.
Come in sirs! Lord Zaphnath wants to invite you all for dinner though he never dines with regular traders he is willing to join you later. Please seat and make your selves at home!, a courtier said happily.
It's been decades since they threw me on a well and sold me to Egyptian travellers, I couldn't forget what they did but I know Lord that you had a purpose. But why do I feel angry and I wanted to take revenge on what they did to me?, Zaphnath added while crying and rage is building inside his heart and his fist.
But….Hello, my guests! I hope you find the food pleasant?, Zaphnath said smiling over his brothers who doesn't have any idea that he is Joseph their long lost brother for many years.
Thank you, Sir, your highness! You are a kind and generous lord of Egypt!, one of the Hebrew brothers mentioned and one by one they all gave their thanks and when about to leave the storage facility, they haven't been out of the vicinity when the guards on single horses and one on a chariot halted them. The stunned brothers stopped and didn't have an inkling what happened why they were paused to leave.
Halt!!! Our lord has given you his generosity and you repay him with this!, the guard explained when he gave one of the brother money inside the sack of grains. I gave him the money and we will not pay for what we owe, Reuben said politely. Sir, this has been a misunderstanding, Levi added smiling and walking towards the guard. One guard got hold of Levi.. we will take him as prisoner until you bring your brother Benjamin back with you.
Benjamin?, Sir, take me,…..Judah said. No, take me instead and bring Benjamin with you next time!, Reuben added and pushed his brothers away to go back home.
Zaphnath smiled and wished to see Benjamin. He ordered his maids and cooks to prepare the most sumptuous meal for his guests and gave a strict advise on what to do next time they arrived to free Reuben.
Dan gave the horse's hood to their men and they unloaded the sacks of grains to be distributed to their families and people. They have been near starving when the brothers arrived but without Reuben. Jacob was sad and got worried when Levi advised that the Vizier wanted to see Benjamin, to make sure that they were telling the truth. But Jacob cried and didn't want Benjamin to leave his side since his Joseph is already gone he doesn't want to lose his youngest child, not again, not ever. Gad and Asher comforted Jacob and promised that they will protect Benjamin with their life since they're unable to do so with Joseph before. Simeon, Naphthali, Issachar and Judah embraced their father. Simeon walked out of the camp and knelt down on one of the huge stones near a mountain at about a couple of meters from camp, to ask for forgiveness from his past sins neglecting and selling Joseph to the travellers before. Maybe God is punishing us from our sins! Lord, please, don't let them take Benjamin from us. It'll be the death of father when that happens!