Shrewdly and skillfully, Joseph put his brothers through a series of tests to awaken their consciences and to determine their faithfulness (Genesis 42-44). When his ten brothers (Benjamin stayed at home) first arrived in Egypt in search of food, Joseph accused them of being spies and put them in jail for three days (42:9-17). They were then released to return, except for Simeon who stayed in Egypt to ensure their return, and told to bring Benjamin back with them. To further strike fear into their hearts, Joseph had the silver they had made payment with placed in their grain sacks (42:18-28).
Upon their return to Egypt, Joseph made provision for them to eat a meal with him. To their amazement, they were seated in order of their ages, and Benjamin was given five times as much food as his brothers.
Poised to return home again, Joseph had their silver placed in their grain sacks once more. In addition, his silver cup was put in Benjamin's sack. Joseph's steward chased after them, charging them with stealing to which they naturally pleaded innocent. The silver and the cup were found, however, and they were brought back before Joseph. Genesis 44:14 tells us they "threw themselves to the ground before him." After listening to their story, Joseph wept and revealed his true identity.
