Johnnie Ellington II August 25, 2013 at 7:28 AM · Joseph Keeps His Brother [12:70] When he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking cup in his brother's bag, then an announcer announced: "The owners of this caravan are thieves." [12:71] They said, as they came towards them, "What did you lose?" [12:72] They said, "We lost the king's cup. Anyone who returns it will receive an extra camel-load; I personally guarantee this." [12:73] They said, "By GOD, you know full well that we did not come here to commit evil, nor are we thieves." [12:74] They said, "What is the punishment for the thief, if you are liars?" [12:75] They said, "The punishment, if it is found in his bag, is that the thief belongs to you. We thus punish the guilty." [12:76] He then started by inspecting their containers, before getting to his brother's container, and he extracted it out of his brother's container. We thus perfected the scheme for Joseph; he could not have kept his brother if he applied the king's law. But that was the will of GOD. We exalt whomever we choose to higher ranks. Above every knowledgeable one, there is one who is even more knowledgeable. [12:77] They said, "If he stole, so did a brother of his in the past." Joseph concealed his feelings in himself, and did not give them any clue. He said (to himself), "You are really bad. GOD is fully aware of your accusations." [12:78] They said, “O you noble one, he has a father who is elderly; would you take one of us in his place? We see that you are a kind man." [12:79] He said, "GOD forbid that we should take other than the one in whose possession we found our goods. Otherwise, we would be unjust." [12:80] When they despaired of changing his mind, they conferred together. Their eldest said, "Do you realize that your father has taken a solemn pledge from you before GOD? In the past you lost Joseph. I am not leaving this place until my father gives me permission, or until GOD judges for me; He is the best Judge. [12:81] "Go back to your father and tell him...