What does Genesis 44:10 mean?
Joseph's brothers have been defending themselves from what seemed like wild accusations. Joseph's steward has accused them of stealing his lord's personal silver cup (Genesis 44:4–8). They insist that they would never do such a thing, rashly offering that if any of them is found with the cup, that man will die. More, all the rest will become servants of the Egyptian ruler (Genesis 44:9). They have no idea that the Egyptian governor is their own estranged brother (Genesis 42:7–8).The steward knows the silver cup is in Benjamin's sack, because he placed it there on Joseph's own order (Genesis 44:1–3). Probably in accordance with Joseph's wishes, he pounces on their foolish offer, but changes the terms. Instead of killing the man found with the cup, that man shall stay behind as a slave of his master. The rest of them will be free to go.
Taken in full context, this seems to be yet another test by Joseph. He seems interested to know if the men will once again abandon a younger brother to meet their own selfish ends. That's exactly what they—other than Benjamin—had done some twenty years prior (Genesis 37:24–28).
Genesis 44:1–13 describes Joseph's final test of his estranged brothers, this time using a silver cup. After a merry feast, Joseph's brothers—who still know nothing of his identity—are sent out with grain and money. Joseph orders his house steward to hide his unique personal cup in Benjamin's sack. Shortly after they leave, he sends the steward to overtake the brothers on their way out of town. Once the cup is found, all the brothers return to Joseph's house in great grief and frustration.
Eleven of Jacob's sons enjoyed a meal as honored guests of an Egyptian governor. They are sent off the next morning with full sacks of grain. All seems well until the governor's house steward overtakes them on the road and accuses them of stealing the ruler's personal and valuable silver cup. The brothers don't know this governor is Joseph, their long-lost brother. Nor do they know he ordered the steward to place the cup in Benjamin's sack. This is part of Joseph's final test of his brothers and their moral growth. Seeking to rescue Benjamin from slavery, Judah makes a powerful speech to Joseph, offering to take Benjamin's place as a slave to save the boy and avoid grieving their father, Jacob.
