JACOB RECEIVES THE GLAD TIDINGS

In blithe spirits the sons of Jacob journeyed up to the
land of Canaan, but when they reached the boundary line,
they said to one another, "How shall we do? If we appear
before our father and tell him that Joseph is alive, he will be
greatly frightened, and he will not be inclined to believe
us." Besides, Joseph's last injunction to them had been to
take heed and not startle their father with the tidings of joy.

On coming close to their habitation, they caught sight of
Serah, the daughter of Asher, a very beautiful maiden, and
very wise, who was skilled in playing upon the harp. They
summoned her unto them and gave her a harp, and bade her
play before Jacob and sing that which they should tell her.