them remain behind as hostage.

The difference between Joseph and his brethren can be
seen here. Though he retained one of them to be bound in
the prison house, he still said, "I fear God," and dismissed
the others, but when he was in their power, they gave no
thought to God.[213] At this time, to be sure, their conduct
was such as is becoming to the pious, who accept their fate
with calm resignation, and acknowledge the righteousness
of God, for He metes out reward and punishment measure
for measure. They recognized that their present punishment
was in return for the heartless treatment they had dealt out
to Joseph, paying no heed to his distress, though he fell at
the feet of each of them, weeping, and entreating them not
to sell him into slavery. Reuben reminded the others that