14. May God Almighty give you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must lose my children, so be it.”
15. So the men packed Jacob’s gifts and double the money and headed off with Benjamin. They finally arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.
16. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the manager of his household, “These men will eat with me this noon. Take them inside the palace. Then go slaughter an animal, and prepare a big feast.”
17. So the man did as Joseph told him and took them into Joseph’s palace.
18. The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.”
19. The brothers approached the manager of Joseph’s household and spoke to him at the entrance to the palace.
20. “Sir,” they said, “we came to Egypt once before to buy food.
21. But as we were returning home, we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then we discovered that each man’s money—the exact amount paid—was in the top of his sack! Here it is; we have brought it back with us.
22. We also have additional money to buy more food. We have no idea who put our money in our sacks.”
23. “Relax. Don’t be afraid,” the household manager told them. “Your God, the God of your father, must have put this treasure into your sacks. I know I received your payment.” Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them.
24. The manager then led the men into Joseph’s palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys.
25. They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon.
26. When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the ground before him.
27. After greeting them, he asked, “How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?”
28. “Yes,” they replied. “Our father, your servant, is alive and well.” And they bowed low again.
29. Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.”