Customer Reviews

Benjamin and the Silver Goblet (Bible)

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4 star:		(2)
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REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker, reviewer with Stories for Children Magazine



Benjamin and the Silver Goblet is a genuinely enjoyable retelling of a familiar story from the scriptures. Benjamin is Jacob's youngest son, who resents being treated like a baby and left behind when his older brothers leave for Egypt to buy grain. However, his father has already lost one son, Joseph, and will not risk losing another one. But when the brothers return from Egypt, Simeon is not with them. Reuben explains that the governor of Egypt had accused them of being spies and kept Simeon, demanding that they bring Benjamin when they come back to prove that they are telling the truth. When the time comes, they have no choice but to take Benjamin, and Judah promises their father he will make sure that nothing happens to him.

On the way, Benjamin accidentally overhears the brothers' conversation about how they had sold Joseph into slavery. Since Benjamin had always been told that Joseph was killed by a wild animal, he is shocked and wonders if he can ever trust his brothers again. Then, when they arrive in Egypt, the governor does some strange things that puzzle Benjamin and his brothers, but they are finally able to leave with their grain and with Simeon. However, after they have departed, a messenger comes from the governor and demands that they be searched to see if any of them has a silver goblet that has been stolen from the governor. Benjamin gasps as the goblet is found in his sack. They are taken back to Egypt, where the governor demands that Benjamin remain as a slave while the others go home. What will happen to Benjamin? Will his brothers help him or just leave him there?

Anyone who has read the scriptures knows the end of the story. Author Jacqueline Jules says that she has always been fascinated by Joseph's test of the silver goblet as a means of ascertaining whether his brothers would abandon Benjamin in the same callous way in which they had sold him years before or if they had changed. She tries to stay as faithful as possible to the original plot, but she refers to traditional sources for some details and flavor. A book like this is an excellent choice to help youngsters understand one of the great stories of the scriptures. Picturing the situation from Benjamin's point of view and imagining the feelings of this boy in the center of a drama that he does not quite understand help to make things real for children, and Natascia Ugliano's full-color illustrations help them visualize the action. This tale is a wonderful example of remorse for past mistakes and the love of a reunited family. I highly recommend the book.

This lovely illustrated story is the third in the series of Bible stories by this author (Earlier ones are Abraham's Search for God and Sarah Laughs, all of which are recommended). The story of Jacob's twelve sons is retold from the point of view of Benjamin, the youngest son. The brothers are forced to go to Egypt to buy food and provisions during the terrible drought in Canaan, where they meet their older brother Joseph, now governor of the land. Because of the unique point of view, children will be forced to think about family relationships with parents and siblings, in addition to being introduced to the text, which is age-appropriate and easily involves the young reader. The illustrations are dramatic and colorful and effectively enhance the tale. This book is dedicated to "religious school teachers everywhere" and this would make a wonderful gift for one of those teachers and for any Jewish librarie. Ages 5 -8. Shelly Feit

I know most people navigating here are going to be part of the Jewish community, but I bought this book as a Christian homeschooler and I'm so glad I did.

This book is a great companion to the Joseph story. It's told from Benjamin's perspective, so it is really refreshing... same story, new details. Even my eight year old who has studied Joseph a MILLION times loved it. It kept all my kids guessing and was a great lesson in literary perspective (i.e. "Why didn't Simeon come back with his other brothers?"). We actually flipped back and forth from the traditional Joseph story and this story, trying to figure out why Benjamin was observing what he did. No editorials, no surprises. Just great interpretation/imagination of what it would have been like from another's perspective.

Also a perfect length for elementary kids. Vocab was just slightly high, but even my kindergartner enjoyed it.

Benjamin and the Silver Goblet, written by Jacqueline Jules, is the story of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers after being sold into slavery. The story is told from the younger brother Benjamin's perspective, hence the title of the book.

After Joseph was sold into slavery, a famine spread across the land. Joseph's older brothers traveled to Egypt to find food. They left Benjamin, the youngest, behind. When they returned, Simeon did not come with them. They told their father the governor of Egypt had accused them of being spies. When they tried to explain they had come to Egypt to get food for their father and younger brother at home, the governor said he didn't believe them. He forced Simeon to stay behind until the rest returned with Benjamin.

On the return journey to Egypt, they took Benjamin with them. He overheard a conversation between his older brothers while they were talking about what they did to Joseph, how they sold him into slavery and then told their father he died after being attacked by a wild animal. When Benjamin heard the truth, he was afraid his brothers might do the same to him.

But, when they reached the city, they found their brother Simeon waiting for them. He had been well taken care of in their absence. The governor invited the brothers to a feast. During the meal, Benjamin got extra attention and extra food. After the meal, the governor told the brothers their bags would be filled with grain and they could return to their home the next day.

But after the brothers left the city, they were stopped by the governor's men. The governor's silver goblet had been stolen and everyone's bags had to be searched. The silver goblet was found in Benjamin's bag. All the brothers were arrested, including Benjamin, and taken back to the city.

When they returned to the city and were taken before the governor, Joseph told them they could all return home - - all of them except the one who had the silver goblet. That person was Benjamin. The brothers refused to leave Benjamin behind. It was then that Joseph finally revealed himself as being the governor. He recognized his brothers but they didn't recognize him. He told them he was testing them to see if they were willing to betray another brother like they had betrayed him. When he found out their hearts had changed, he welcomed them with open arms. The brothers were very glad to learn Joseph was still alive.

The painted illustrations by Natascia Ugliano are vivid and expressive and done in muted colors that are appropriate for a book of this nature.

What I Like: I like having the story told from a different Benjamin's perspective. It gives the story a different and interesting slant.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really. I just feel like I must point out that because the story is told from Benjamin's point of view, the author took some poetic license with the details from the Biblical story. However, I think the story is enhanced with this retelling.

Also, there are no Biblical references for the story, as the story is slanted towards a Jewish audience (please see "Special Info").

Overall Rating: Very good.

Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

The story of Joseph and his brothers is retold in a child-friendly manner that young readers will relate to and understand. The story is told from the perspective of Benjamin, Joseph's youngest brother. The older brothers do not know that the governor is really Joseph, the brother they sold into slavery. Joseph tests the brothers by accusing Benjamin of stealing a silver goblet. When they come to Benjamin's defense, Joseph realizes they are remorseful. Joseph reveals his identity and reconciles with his family. The author does a good job relaying the essential elements of story. The portrayal of Benjamin as a "typical" little brother not wanting to be left behind will connect with children. Pre-school and lower elementary teacher will want this unique selection in their collections. It is a must-have for Judaic libraries. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and evocative, creating a visual sense of time and place for the text. An outstanding contribution to Jewish children's literature. - BARBARA BIETZ - OAK PARK, CA