Background and Context:
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the latter part of the Book of Genesis. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, next to Pharaoh. During a severe famine, Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly setting the stage for a dramatic reunion and a profound test orchestrated by Joseph.

The Test:
The account of Joseph's test of his brothers is found in Genesis 42-44. When Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt to purchase grain, they do not recognize him, but he recognizes them. Joseph decides to test their character and repentance by accusing them of being spies. He imprisons them for three days and then demands that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt to prove their honesty. Joseph retains Simeon as a hostage to ensure their return.

Genesis 42:18-20 records Joseph's words: "On the third day Joseph said to them, 'Do this and you will live, for I fear God. If you are honest, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back to your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and you may not die.' And they did so."

The Brothers' Return to Canaan:
The brothers return to Canaan and relay the events to their father, Jacob, who is initially reluctant to send Benjamin to Egypt. However, as the famine persists, Jacob eventually agrees, and the brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, gifts, and double the money to repay what was found in their sacks.

The Final Test:
Upon their return, Joseph hosts a feast for his brothers, showing special favor to Benjamin. He then devises a final test by secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. After the brothers depart, Joseph sends his steward to confront them and accuse them of theft. The brothers, unaware of the planted cup, vehemently deny the accusation and offer to become slaves if the cup is found with any of them.

Genesis 44:12-13 describes the discovery: "The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city."

Judah's Plea:
In a poignant moment, Judah steps forward to plead for Benjamin's release, offering himself as a substitute. This act of self-sacrifice and responsibility marks a significant transformation from the brothers' earlier betrayal of Joseph. Judah's plea is recorded in Genesis 44:33-34 : "Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm my father."

Joseph's Revelation:
Moved by Judah's plea and the evident change in his brothers, Joseph reveals his identity to them. This revelation leads to a tearful reunion and reconciliation, as Joseph forgives his brothers and acknowledges God's providential hand in the events that transpired.

Significance:
Joseph's test of his brothers serves multiple purposes. It reveals the transformation in his brothers' character, particularly Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin. It also fulfills God's plan to preserve the family of Israel during the famine and sets the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt. Through these events, themes of repentance, forgiveness, and divine sovereignty are powerfully illustrated.