Jacob was anxiously awaiting the return of his sons, and on their arrival the whole encampment gathered eagerly around them as they related to their father all that had occurred. Alarm and apprehension filled every heart. The conduct of the Egyptian governor seemed to imply some evil design, and their fears were confirmed, when, as they opened their sacks, the owner's money 227 was found in each. In his distress the aged father exclaimed, "Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me." Reuben answered, "Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again." This rash speech did not relieve the mind of Jacob. His answer was, "My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."

Jakob ventede ængsteligt på sønnernes hjemkomst, og da de endelig kom, samledes hele lejren ivrigt om dem, mens de fortalte faderen alt, hvad der var hændt dem. Uro og bange anelser fyldte alles hjerte. Den ægyptiske statholders handlemåde syntes at indebære en skjult plan, og deres frygt bestyrkedes, da de åbnede alle sækkene, og hver enkelt fandt sine penge i sin sæk. I sin sorg udbrød den aldrende fader: "I gør mig barnløs; Josef er ikke mere, og Simeon er ikke mere, og nu vil I tage Benjamin; det går alt sammen ud over mig!" Ruben svarede: "Du må tage mine to sønners liv, hvis jeg ikke bringer ham til dig; betro ham til mig, og jeg skal bringe ham tilbage til dig!" Men denne overilede tale lettede ikke Jakobs sind. "Min søn skal ikke rejse derned med Eder, thi hans broder er død, og han alene er tilbage; tilstøder der ham en ulykke på den rejse, I har for, så bringer I mine grå hår ned i dødsriget med sorg!"