Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/327

Rh came a thought of caution. Perhaps his brothers might not wish to be reunited with him; perhaps they still cherished their old hatred; and perhaps, too, they were not worthy of forgiveness. So he commanded his servants to watch his brothers and report their conduct, and at the proper moment bring them before him.

Now the brothers, too, had experienced a complete change of heart. Even at the moment of their crime they had hesitated. Reuben had really wanted to rescue Joseph, and Judah, too, had spoken a good word for him, and had induced the brothers to sell him as a slave rather than kill him outright. And during all these years, they had observed their old father's constant sorrow, and realized their inability to comfort him. Now they were filled with remorse for their sin, and were eager to do whatever they could to right the wrong. So, the rabbis told, when they came down to Egypt, their minds were busy, not so much with the thought of buying food, as of possibly finding Joseph and bringing him back with them, and thus restoring the happiness of their old father. Therefore, they did not immediately go to the place where grain was sold, but scattered about the country in search of Joseph. They had no idea that he had become anything but a slave, and so they searched for him wherever they imagined a slave would most likely found. But to no avail. At last, in utter despair, and be realizing that their dear ones at home were in dire need of food, and that they might tarry no longer, they repaired to the place where grain was sold. So, at last, they came before Joseph. And, as the Bible says, and there is a world of meaning in the words, "Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him".

All these days, according to rabbinical tradition, he had kept informed of their conduct. He had been at a loss to explain why they had wandered all over the country, instead of coming immediately to purchase grain. He could not be