Taking his brothers into custody
Joseph detained them for three days
On the third day
Joseph said
"Do this you will live,
For I fear God.

If you are honest men,
Let one of you stay here in prison
While the rest of you go
Taking grain to your household
But you must bring back your youngest brother to me
So that your words may be proved true
That you may not die.

The brothers talked among themselves
Thinking back more than twenty years ago
Saying, "surely we are being punished
Because of our brother Joseph, we saw how
Distressed he was when he pleaded with us
For his life, but we would not listen
That is why this distress has come upon us."
Reuben, the only brother who had not wanted
To kill Joseph, said, "Didn't I tell you not to sin
Against the boy, but you wouldn't listen, now we
Are being punished for shedding his blood.

Joseph who was nearby heard their conversation
They not knowing he understood their language
Since he had been using an interpreter.

Joseph turned away from them,
Hiding his weeping eyes,
But then turned toward them
Commanding that Simeon, one of the brothers
Be taken and bound before their eyes.