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Joseph Tests His Brothers

This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Genesis 44, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.

Once upon a time, there were 12 brothers named Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Joseph was their father’s favorite son, and he loved him more than his other children. One day, Joseph’s brothers got really mad at him and sold him to some people who took him to another country.

In that country, Joseph became a powerful man and helped many people. Many years later, there was a famine in the land, and Joseph’s brothers went to the country where Joseph was to buy food. When they got there, they didn’t recognize Joseph because he looked so different, but Joseph knew who they were.

To test his brothers, Joseph asked his servant to put a cup in Benjamin’s sack of food. Benjamin was the youngest brother, and Joseph wanted to see if his brothers would treat Benjamin as badly as they treated him. When the brothers left, Joseph’s servant followed them and accused them of stealing the cup.

The brothers were very upset and said that they didn’t steal anything. Joseph’s servant searched their sacks and found the cup in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers were so worried and upset that they tore their clothes. They went back to Joseph and fell down before him, begging for mercy.

Joseph told his brothers that they could all go home except for Benjamin, who had to stay in the country. But Judah, one of the brothers, didn’t want to leave Benjamin behind. He begged Joseph to let Benjamin go home and offered to stay behind as Joseph’s servant instead.

Judah explained to Joseph that their father would be heartbroken if he lost another son, as he had already lost one. He said that he couldn’t bear to see the look on his father’s face if they returned without Benjamin. Judah offered to stay behind so that Benjamin could go home and be with their father.

Biblical Lessons

  • Honesty and integrity are important virtues, and we should always try to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
  • We should treat others with kindness and respect, even if they have treated us poorly in the past.
  • God can use difficult situations to test our character and faith, and to help us grow and become better people.
  • Pride and jealousy can lead to harmful and destructive behavior, and we should strive to avoid these negative attitudes and emotions.
  • Trusting in God and relying on His guidance can help us to navigate difficult circumstances and make wise choices.

Related Stories

Jacob’s Dream

Joseph Brings His Family to Egypt

The Exodus

The Ten Commandments

Moses Flees to Midian

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