Picking up where we left off, Jacob’s sons, finally convinced to bring their youngest brother Benjamin, journey back to Egypt. Can you imagine the tension? They're carrying gifts, including the silver they'd mysteriously found in their sacks last time – talk about awkward! They arrive, stand before Joseph, who, of course, recognizes Benjamin immediately. This reunion, though, is far from a Hallmark moment.
According to the Book of Jasher, Joseph orders his steward to feed them, and later, at noon, he sends for them, along with Benjamin. The brothers, trying to be honest, explain the silver situation to the steward, who reassures them. Simeon, previously held captive, chimes in, praising the Egyptian lord's kindness. He even tells them how he was freed the moment they left last time, which is a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it?
Then comes the moment. Judah leads Benjamin before Joseph, and they bow low. Joseph, hiding his emotions, asks about their father and children, feigning concern. Judah hands over a letter from Jacob. Reading it, Joseph is overcome – he has to rush away to weep in private. It's a deeply human moment amidst all the political maneuvering.
When he returns, Joseph focuses on Benjamin. "Is this your brother?" he asks, and blesses the young man. But seeing his full brother, the son of his mother, triggers another wave of emotion. More tears, more composure-gathering. He orders food prepared, and this is where things get…peculiar.
Joseph has a special cup – silver, inlaid with onyx and bdellium (a precious gum, according to some accounts). He uses it, seemingly, to perform some kind of divination. The Book of Jasher tells us Joseph says, "I know by this cup that Reuben the first born, Simeon and Levi and Judah, Issachar and Zebulun are children from one mother." He then seats them according to their birth order. He even declares that since Benjamin has no brother (that they know of), he'll sit with him!
Benjamin is placed on the throne next to Joseph, astonishing the other brothers. They eat and drink, but refuse the wine, claiming they haven't touched it since Joseph disappeared. Joseph pressures them, swears an oath, and they finally relent. It's a strange scene, isn't it? This powerful Egyptian lord, seemingly obsessed with seating arrangements and pushing wine on grieving brothers.
Joseph then quizzes Benjamin about his children – ten sons, all named after the lost Joseph! He asks about Hebrew wisdom, and Benjamin claims knowledge of it. Joseph presents him with a map of the stars, asking him to locate Joseph in Egypt. Now, this is where the story goes full-on mythical. Benjamin looks at the map, divides Egypt into quadrants, and declares that the man sitting on the throne is Joseph!
Joseph, impressed, confirms Benjamin's discovery but warns him to keep it secret. He reveals a plan: he will send them away, then have them brought back. If they fight for Benjamin, he'll know they've repented for their past actions. If they abandon him, Benjamin stays, and Joseph will continue the charade. It’s a high-stakes game of emotional chess!
The next day, the brothers leave, their sacks filled with food and their money mysteriously returned (again!). But Joseph has planted his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. He sends his officer in pursuit, accusing them of theft. The brothers, indignant, declare that whoever has the cup should die, and they will all become slaves. Talk about tempting fate!
They unpack their sacks, and of course, the cup is found in Benjamin's. Devastation. They tear their clothes, beat Benjamin, and return to the city. Judah, according to the text, is livid, believing Benjamin has brought destruction upon them.
Back in Joseph's presence, he accuses them of stealing the cup to find their lost brother. Judah, at his wit's end, cries out, "What shall we say to our lord? God has this day found the iniquity of all thy servants!" Joseph seizes Benjamin and locks the others out, telling his steward to send them home empty-handed, as Benjamin is the only guilty party.
What a cliffhanger! What's Joseph's end game? Is this elaborate scheme a test of loyalty, a twisted form of revenge, or something else entirely? And how will the brothers react to losing Benjamin? It leaves us wondering, how far would we go to test those we love, and what price are we willing to pay for past transgressions?