CHAPTER TWO It is interesting to see the vital part languages have played through the centuries. In the 42nd chapter of Genesis we see their effect on Jo seph and his brethren. Jacob’s be loved son had been sold by his half brothers into slavery. Famine then hit Canaan and these men had to go down to Egypt to buy com. Joseph was now the governor over the land. He had the responsibility over all of the Egyptian storehouses. When the ten came into his presence they bowed their faces to the earth. They had no idea who this was for they never expected to see the wronged brother again.Joseph knew them, but did not want to reveal himself so he spoke to them through an interpre ter. There was a very definite gap between them and he spoke quite roughly in his test of their character. This is true all around the world for language barriers separate people. Joseph had asked if there were any other brothers at home. This caused them to be uneasy no doubt thinking their sins might be catching up with them. They were not aware, as they carried on the conversation between them, that Joseph could understand every word. Reuben pricks their con science further by reminding them that he was opposed to hinting Jo seph. When he heard the replay on their actions, he turned away and wept. When he had regained his composure he ordered Simeon bound before their eyes (vs. 22-24). In chapter 43 we find them go ing home, and then, because of a desperate situation on food, having to go back again to Egypt. Verse 15 shows us the presents and payments they took in appeasement. When Joseph saw Benjamin he ordered that the men be brought to his home for a feast. The brothers did not un derstand and were naturally afraid. Such is a natural apprehension when men cannot understand one another. When they arrive at his home, Jo- Page 10
seph asks about their father. He pronounced a blessing on Benjamin, but the sight of him was too great and he had to retreat in tears. When the meal proceeded each one was seated in order of his age. They won dered how this strange Egyptian would have such knowledge of them. The situation became all the more puzzling to them. Joseph deliberately kept himself apart because of Egyp tian customs. Judah finally confesses and explains the situation (44:27,28). Joseph learned from his brother’s lips the false story they had told his father. Joseph, behind the barrier of the Egyptian language, was able to hide his identity successfully.
It is a proven fact that language differences will affect people’s at titudes towards others, even those who are closely related.
Finally he could refrain himself no longer (45 :1 ). Joseph dismissed his interpreter as he proceeded to make himself known unto them. He speaks in Hebrew and weeps aloud. Can you imagine the shocked sur prise of those brothers? He knew the worst as he penetrated the reaches of their guilt. Joseph does not scold them but suggests it was all in the plan of God to preserve life. They still could not believe that this was Joseph for he had only been a boy of 17 when they had sold him as a slave. He urged them, “Just listen to the way I talk. Bring down my fath er to Egypt.” When the stoppage of their tongues was unloosed that room buzzed with their talk in joy and gladness.
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