What does Genesis 44:2 mean?
After sharing a genial meal with his 11 brothers—who still do not recognize him (Genesis 42:8)—Joseph seems to be setting them up once more. He has again ordered their sacks filled with grain and all the money they used to pay for the grain. This time, he also orders that his own personal silver cup be placed in the sack of his beloved and youngest brother, Benjamin.What appears at first glance to be a gift will turn out to be, instead, the very trap Joseph's brothers were originally afraid of (Genesis 43:18). Joseph's intention seems to be a final test of his brothers' changed hearts. Twenty years before, they responded to favoritism (Genesis 37:4) with hatred and deception (Genesis 37:24–28). By placing the youngest, favorite son once again under threat, Joseph will determine if his estranged family has matured, or stayed the same.