Back in the city, Joseph interrogates the brothers. Like his first interview, he treats them harshly. His questions increase the pressure. There is only one thing to do: plead for mercy. Judah confesses that they are guilty, not only of the theft of the cup but, more importantly, of their crimes against Joseph. He offers themselves as slaves. Joseph refuses. Instead, only the guilty will be punished, the rest are free. With that, they enter the final test.
Joseph's goal has been to make Benjamin a clone of himself—the object of favoritism. To duplicate as closely as possible the conditions in which the brothers had attacked him more than 20 years ago. He demands that Benjamin be brought back to Egypt, acting as if he is the only brother that matters—just like how Jacob had treated Joseph. He bestowed upon him a blessing and extra portions of food, significant coming from the Egyptian ruler. Last, he had placed the divination cup in Benjamin's sack. Joseph had not placed any other emblems of his power in Benjamin's sack, such as his signet ring. Rather, he placed the divination cup, a prized and coveted tool to foretell the future. The cup mimics Joseph's gift of dreams—the gift that the brothers had so despised and why they had tried to kill him. The cup is like Joseph's dreams. Not only is there a measure of power and honor connected to it, but it is why Benjamin is in trouble, just like Joseph had gotten into trouble over his dreams.
Will the brothers abandon Benjamin, take the money found in their bags, go back home, and lie to their father about what happened? Will they treat Benjamin like they treated Joseph over 20 years ago? We will find out in the next lesson.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
