CHAPTER XLII.

_Joseph’s Brethren come to Egypt to buy Food_ (Elohist, Yahwist)

One thing is still wanting to the dramatic completeness of the story of Joseph: the recognition of his greatness by his family, or (in Elohist) the fulfilment of his youthful dreams. This is the theme of the second part of the history (chapters 42‒45), where the writers tax their inventiveness to the utmost in retarding the _dénouement_ of the plot. Two visits to Egypt, and not fewer than four interviews with Joseph, are needed to prepare for the final reconciliation; and the hearers’ attention is all the while kept on the stretch by the surprising expedients adopted by Joseph to protract the suspense and excite the compunction of his brethren.――In chapter 42 we are told how the ten brothers are brought to Egypt by stress of famine (¹⁻⁴), are recognised by Joseph, and denounced and imprisoned as spies (⁵⁻¹⁷); and how after three days’ confinement they are sent home, leaving Simeon behind them as a hostage (¹⁸⁻²⁸). Arrived in Canaan, they relate their adventure to Jacob, who bitterly complains of the loss of two children, and refuses to trust Benjamin to their charge (²⁹⁻³⁸). The incident of the money found in the sacks (²⁵ᐧ ²⁷ ᶠᐧ ³⁵) increases the dread with which they contemplate a return to Egypt.

_Analysis._――Chapter 42 belongs _a potiori_ to Elohist, and 43. 44 to Yahwist (Wellhausen _Die Composition des Hexateuchs und der historischen Bücher des Alten Testaments_² 58 ff.). A distinct difference of representation appears from a comparison of 42²⁹⁻³⁷ (which, _pace_ Procksch, is an undiluted excerpt from Elohist) with 43³⁻⁷ 44¹⁹⁻²³ (Yahwist). “In chapter 42, Joseph secures, by the detention of Simeon, that the brethren shall return under any circumstances, with Benjamin or without; in