But Joseph said, “It’s just as I said, you’re spies. This is how I’ll test you. As Pharaoh lives, you’re not going to leave this place until your younger brother comes here. Send one of you to get your brother while the rest of you stay here in jail. We’ll see if you’re telling the truth or not. As Pharaoh lives, I say you’re spies.” Then he threw them into jail for three days. On the third day, Joseph spoke to them. “Do this and you’ll live. I’m a God-fearing man. If you’re as honest as you say you are, one of your brothers will stay here in jail while the rest of you take the food back to your hungry families. But you have to bring your youngest brother back to me, confirming the truth of your speech—and not one of you will die.” They agreed. Then they started talking among themselves. “Now we’re paying for what we did to our brother—we saw how terrified he was when he was begging us for mercy. We wouldn’t listen to him and now we’re the ones in trouble.” Reuben broke in. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t hurt the boy’? But no, you wouldn’t listen. And now we’re paying for his murder.” Joseph had been using an interpreter, so they didn’t know that Joseph was understanding every word. Joseph turned away from them and cried. When he was able to speak again, he took Simeon and had him tied up, making a prisoner of him while they all watched. Then Joseph ordered that their sacks be filled with grain, that their money be put back in each sack, and that they be given rations for the road. That was all done for them. They loaded their food supplies on their donkeys and set off.
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5 days
The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the third part "The Story of Joseph." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.
5 Days
The path to forgiveness is hard, and the journey to reconciliation is complicated. In this 5-day plan, Wendy Alsup will walk you through the story of Joseph in the Bible to help you move toward forgiveness with faith and hope in your relationships.
7 Days
We all experience highs and lows in life. Sometimes our circumstances are hard to understand, and it feels impossible to see through to the other side. But Jesus calls us to live a faithful life, even when it isn't easy. Joseph's story, as told in the Book of Genesis, holds many lessons that can help us make sense of where we are and learn to trust God in the ups and downs.
Have you ever wondered about your purpose in this life? Some seek their so-called destiny for a lifetime and never find it, while others seem to embrace a calling in which they find fulfillment.
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