Overview (Verses 87 - 91)

Meeting a Lost Brother
 
Whilst everyone else despairs at Joseph’s return, this has no effect on this pious old man who knows the truth about his Lord, which is a knowledge that is not readily apparent to others. Such knowledge is based on real feeling and experience of God’s ability, kindness, grace and the mercy He bestows on pious servants. His statement, ‘I know of God what you do not know,’ expresses this fact as we cannot. It embodies a truth which is only appreciated by those who have had a similar experience. Such people do not succumb to hardship or despair in the face of adversity. In fact adversity only enhances their faith and trust in God’s power and mercy. We will not say more than that. We praise God for the grace He has bestowed on us. He knows and sees what is between Him and us. Jacob then instructs his sons to go back and seek information about their two younger brothers: “My sons, go and seek news of Joseph and his brother; and do not despair of God’s mercy; for none but unbelievers can ever despair of God’s mercy.” (Verse 87) That is the attitude of a person whose heart is keenly aware of the truth of Godhead. “My sons, go and seek news of Joseph and his brother.” The Arabic expression for ‘seek news’, taĥassasū, adds connotations of gentleness and patient pursuit, so that they can demonstrate something of their own souls in their efforts to find out what happened to their brothers. They must never despair of God for He may yet turn to them in mercy and kindness. Even the Arabic word rawĥ, used here to denote ‘mercy’, adds connotations of a spirit experiencing release from hardship.
 
“None but unbelievers can ever despair of God’s mercy.” (Verse 87) Believers, on the other hand, are always in touch with God, enjoying His grace, unshaken by distress or hardship, even though the circumstances may be exceedingly tough. Indeed a believer finds in his faith and bond with his Lord a blessing that gives him reassurance, even in the most difficult moments and under enormous pressure.
 
For the third time Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt. However, their state this time is different. The famine had affected them badly, their money had been spent, and the merchandise they carried with them to barter for food was of a low quality. Hence, they spoke in a tone that invited sympathy, which was not known in their earlier conversations. Their complaint tells of what the famine had done to them: “When they presented themselves before [Joseph] again, they said: ‘Exalted one! Hardship has befallen us and our people, and so we have brought but little merchandise. Give us our full measure [of grains], and be charitable to us. Indeed God rewards those who are charitable.’“ (Verse 88)
 
At this point, and with such a passionate appeal that tells of their misfortune, Joseph is no longer able to carry on presenting himself only as the Chief Minister of Egypt, hiding his true relationship to them. The lessons he wished that they should learn have become well known to them. It is now time for the great surprise that they could never have expected. Hence he put it to them in a  careful,  easy way, reminding them of the past which they alone had full knowledge of. None was aware of it besides them, except God. He says to them gently: “Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother, when you were still unaware?” (Verse 89)
 
It was a voice that they might have recalled, with features they might have remembered. Perhaps they did not pay attention because they were talking to the Chief Minister in his place of government. A thought presented itself to them suddenly: “They said: ‘Why — is it indeed you who are Joseph?” (Verse 90) Could it be true? Their minds, hearts, eyes and ears could now see traces of little Joseph in the man talking to them. He replied: “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us. If one remains God-fearing and patient in adversity, God will not fail to reward those who do good.” (Verse 90) It was a great surprise indeed. Joseph announces it, reminding them in general terms of what they did to him and his brother out of impulsive ignorance. He stops at that, adding only an acknowledgement of God’s grace to him and his brother, making it clear that it was all the result of fearing God, being patient in adversity, and divine justice. In their turn, they remember vividly what they did to Joseph. They are deeply ashamed of their deeds, particularly as they stand before him acknowledging his kindness after their cruelty, his compassion after the harm they caused him. Hence they acknowledge the disparity between their two attitudes, saying: “By God! Most certainly has God raised you high above us, and we were indeed sinners.” (Verse 91)