Glancing Through the Scriptures

 (KJV.)  GENESIS 43:10-17

The second trip to Egypt

(11)  And their father Israel said unto them,  If it must be so now, do this;  take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds.

(12)  And the double money in your hand;  and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand;  peradventure it was an oversight:

(13)  Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:

(14)  And God Almighty give you mercy before the man;  that he may send away your other brother' and Benjamin.  If I be bereaved of my children,  I am bereaved.

(15)  And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin;  and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

(16)  And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them,  he said to the ruler of his house,  Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready;  for these men shall dine with me at noon.

(17)  And the man did as Joseph bade, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.

ADDENDUM:

Can you figure out the reasons why Joseph played the pranks on his brethren, were his actions of vengeance or merciful to them?