<P> Twenty years later, throughout the Middle East a severe famine occurred like none other that lasted seven years . It crippled nations . The word was that the only kingdom prospering was Egypt . In the second year of this great famine, when Israel (Jacob) was about 130 years old, he told his 10 sons of Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah, to go to Egypt and buy grain . Israel's youngest son Benjamin, born from Rachel, stayed behind by his father's order to keep him safe . (Genesis 42: 1--5) </P> <P> Nine of the sons returned to their father Israel from Egypt, stockpiled with grain on their donkeys . They relayed to their father all that had happened in Egypt . They spoke of being accused of as spies and that their brother Simeon, had been taken prisoner . When Reuben, the eldest, mentioned that they needed to bring Benjamin to Egypt to prove their word as honest men, their father became furious with them . He couldn't understand how they were put in a position to tell the Egyptians all about their family . When the sons of Israel opened their sacks, they saw their money that they used to pay for the grain . It was still in their possession, and so they all became afraid . Israel then became angry with the loss of Joseph, Simeon, and now possibly Benjamin . (Genesis 42: 26--38) </P> <P> It turned out that Joseph, who identified his brothers in Egypt, was able to secretly return that money that they used to pay for the grain, back to them . When the house of Israel consumed all the grain that they brought from Egypt, Israel told his sons to go back and buy more . This time, Judah spoke to his father in order to persuade him about having Benjamin accompany them, so as to prevent Egyptian retribution . In hopes of retrieving Simeon and ensuring Benjamin's return, Israel told them to bring the best fruits of their land, including: balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds . Israel also mentioned that the money that was returned to their money sacks was probably a mistake or an oversight on their part . So, he told them to bring that money back and use double that amount to pay for the new grain . Lastly, he let Benjamin go with them and said "may God Almighty give you mercy...If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!" (Genesis 43: 1--14) </P> <P> When the sons of Israel (Jacob) returned to Hebron from their second trip, they came back with 20 additional donkeys carrying all kinds of goods and supplies as well as Egyptian transport wagons . When their father came out to meet them, his sons told him that Joseph was still alive, that he was the governor over all of Egypt and that he wanted the house of Israel to move to Egypt . Israel's heart "stood still" and just couldn't believe what he was hearing . Looking upon the wagons he declared "Joseph my son is still alive . I will go and see him before I die ." (Genesis 45: 16--28) </P>

Who gave birth to the 12 tribes of israel