It’s one of the most powerful scenes in the entire Torah, isn't it?
But let's dive a little deeper, beyond the familiar narrative from Genesis. The Book of Jubilees, a fascinating text considered apocryphal by some, offers a slightly different, expanded version of this iconic moment. Jubilees, for those unfamiliar, is an ancient Jewish religious work that retells stories from Genesis and Exodus, often with added details and a unique theological slant.
What does it add to this already dramatic reunion?
According to Jubilees 43, Joseph, overcome with emotion, tells his brothers, "Weep not over me, but hasten and bring my father to me; and ye see that it is my mouth that speaketh and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see." He’s telling them not to waste time on tears, but to act. Urgency is paramount. He needs Jacob, their father, brought to Egypt immediately. And notice how he emphasizes the reality of the situation: "It is my mouth that speaketh." As Joseph points out, Benjamin, the brother closest to him, can attest to the truth of what is happening.
Why the rush? The Book of Jubilees continues, "For behold this is the second year of the famine, and there are still five years without harvest or fruit of trees or ploughing."
The famine isn't just a temporary hardship; it's a looming catastrophe. Five more years of barren fields and empty storehouses. The stakes are incredibly high.
Joseph pleads with his brothers, "Come down quickly ye and your households, so that ye perish not through the famine, and do not be grieved for your possessions, for the Lord sent me before you to set things in order that many people might live."
It's a powerful statement of faith and purpose. He reframes their hardship. This isn't just about survival; it's about divine providence. Joseph sees himself as an instrument of God, sent ahead to prepare the way for his family's salvation. He understands that his being in Egypt, despite all the trials and tribulations, has a higher purpose: to save lives.
What I find so striking about this passage in Jubilees is the emphasis on action and purpose. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the miracle of reunion. They must act decisively to secure their future.
And perhaps that's a lesson for us, too. How often do we get caught up in the emotion of a situation, forgetting the importance of practical action? Joseph’s words, as recorded in the Book of Jubilees, serve as a potent reminder that even in moments of profound emotion, we must remain focused on the task at hand, guided by faith and a sense of purpose.
What do you think? What resonates most with you about Joseph’s words in this version of the story?