Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt

During a severe famine that affected the land of Canaan, Jacob instructed ten of his sons to travel to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1-3). Upon their arrival, the brothers bowed before Joseph, the governor of the land, though they did not recognize him (Genesis 42:6-8). Joseph accused them of being spies sent to see the nakedness of the land. The brothers denied this, stating they were twelve sons of one man in Canaan, noting the youngest remained with their father and one was no more. Joseph imprisoned them for three days before declaring that one brother must remain bound while the others returned home with grain to fetch their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their words (Genesis 42:18-20).

Simeon was bound before their eyes and the remaining brothers departed. When they discovered their money had been returned in their sacks, they were afraid (Genesis 42:24-28). Upon returning to Canaan, Reuben offered his two sons as a guarantee for Benjamin's safety, but Jacob refused until the grain was consumed. Judah later pledged himself as surety for the boy, and Jacob eventually permitted Benjamin to go, sending gifts and double the money (Genesis 43:8-15). When they returned to Egypt, Joseph hosted them at a dinner where Benjamin was given five times as much food as the others.

Following the meal, Joseph commanded his steward to fill the men's sacks with grain and to hide his silver cup in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:1-2). After the brothers had departed the city, Joseph sent his steward to overtake them and search for the cup. When the cup was found in Benjamin's sack, the brothers tore their clothes and returned to the city. Judah approached Joseph, acknowledging their perceived iniquity and explaining the grief Benjamin's loss would cause their father. Judah requested to remain as a slave in Benjamin's place so that the lad might return to Canaan (Genesis 44:33-34). The text does not say at this point how the brothers reacted to Judah’s specific plea beyond their collective presence.