Ten of Joseph's brothers head to Egypt. Benjamin stays with Daddy who wants one son safe at home if tragedy befalls the others during their travels.
Joe recognizes his brothers but they don't know who he is. He returns to his jackass habits of the past and toys with them quite a bit. He puts them in jail for three days, then decides to send all but Simeon home to retrieve the missing brother. He says this will prove they are not spies. While Simeon is tied up, the others haul some corn home. They freak out when they realize their corn sacks contain money that isn't theirs.
Jacob is unhappy when informed of the need to take Benjamin to Egypt. Reuben replies, hey if I don't return Ben and Simeon safe and sound, you can kill my two sons. A tit-for-tat kind of deal. Good thinking. Jacob asks why did you mention Benjamin in the first place? Why couldn't you be liars like me? But alas, they're out of corn and must return to Egypt. And, oh yeah, Simeon is still in jail. I don't feel sorry for him though as he did massacre a bunch of people a few chapters back.
The brothers return with gifts (myrrh and whatnot), money for more corn and the money that was slipped into their corn sacks. Joe tells them to relax about the money, frees Simeon, lets them wash their feet and gives their asses provender. When Joe sees Benjamin, he gets antsy to reveal who he is. "For his bowels did yearn upon his brother." He's so excited he could poop. They have a big feast and marvel upon one another.
Joseph sends the 11 off with more corn and cash, this time slipping a silver cup into Ben's corn bag. He then sends his goons after them and "they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground." Ouch. They find the "stolen" silver cup and haul everyone back before Joseph. Joe threatens to kill Ben, and Judah pleads to take his life instead. This test proves the brothers are reformed and worthy, so he finally tells them who he is. And thank God, because I didn't think this chapter would ever end.
Chapter 45 ties up this little episode nicely. Joseph says if he hadn't been sold into slavery, he couldn't have saved Egypt from famine. God sent him to be a prisoner, so he could become a lord of Egypt. This reasoning could be used to justify some shitty behavior -- sorry I pushed you into slavery but, well, it was God's will.
Hugging and kissing ensues, and everyone weeps upon thy brother's neck. Pharoah and his slaves are very pleased. Slaves love a good family reunion. Pharoah announces all the good of the land of Egypt belongs to Joe's brethren and sends them home with wagons of gifts. Joe's career is well established, so he stays put in Egypt.
When Jacob learns Joseph is alive and well, he pledges to see him again before he dies. That's right, they're going back to Egypt. Again.
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