time of his grief for his son, yet manifested itself now and
again in dim visions, and he was resolved to send his sons
down into Egypt.[198] There was another reason. Though he
was not yet in want, he nevertheless had them go thither for
food, because he was averse from arousing the envy of the
sons of Esau and Ishmael by his comfortable state.[199] For
the same reason, to avoid friction with the surrounding
peoples, he bade his sons not appear in public with bread in
their hands, or in the accoutrements of war.[200] And as he
knew that they were likely to attract attention, on account
of their heroic stature and handsome appearance, he cautioned
them against going to the city all together through
the same gate, or, indeed, showing themselves all together
anywhere in public, that the evil eye be not cast upon them.[201]

The famine in Canaan inspired Joseph with the hope of
seeing his brethren. To make sure of their coming, he
issued a decree concerning the purchase of corn in Egypt,
as follows: "By order of the king and his deputy, and the
princes of the realm, be it enacted that he who desireth to
buy grain in Egypt may not send his slave hither to do his
bidding, but he must charge his own sons therewith. An
Egyptian or a Canaanite that hath bought grain and then
selleth it again shall be put to death, for none may buy more
than he requireth for the needs of his household. Also, who
cometh with two or three beasts of burden, and loads them
up with grain, shall be put to death."

At the gates of the city of Egypt, Joseph stationed guards,
whose office was to inquire and take down the name of all