Bible story · Part 9 of 10 · 4 min
Judah Protects Benjamin
The brothers traveled to Egypt again, this time with Benjamin beside them.
When Joseph saw Benjamin, his heart filled with emotion. He wanted to cry, but he hurried into another room until he could speak calmly again.
Joseph invited the brothers to eat with him. A wonderful meal was placed before them.
The brothers were seated from the oldest to the youngest.
“How could he know our ages?” they whispered in surprise.
Joseph watched how his brothers treated Benjamin. Years ago, they had been jealous when Joseph received special attention. But now they ate together peacefully and showed no anger toward Benjamin.

Joseph planned one final test.
He told his servant, “Fill their sacks with grain, return their money, and place my silver cup inside Benjamin's sack.”

The next morning, the brothers began their journey home.
They had not traveled far when Joseph's servant caught up with them.
“The ruler's silver cup is missing!” the servant called.
The brothers were certain none of them had taken it. They opened every sack.
At last, Benjamin's sack was opened. Inside was Joseph's silver cup.
The brothers were horrified. They returned to Joseph's house, and once again they bowed before him.

Joseph said that Benjamin would have to remain in Egypt.
Then Judah moved forward.
He explained how much their elderly father loved Benjamin and how losing him would break Jacob's heart.
“Please, let me stay here in Benjamin's place,” Judah begged. “Let the boy return to his father.”
Joseph saw that Judah was no longer the jealous brother who had once sold him. Judah was willing to give up his own freedom to save Benjamin.

This time, Judah would not leave his brother alone. His words showed a real change: Benjamin’s and his father’s well-being mattered more to him than his own comfort.
Love can be seen when we care for someone, especially in a difficult moment. Joseph had heard Judah’s plea. Soon his brothers would discover something they had never imagined.
Adapted from Genesis 43:15–34; 44
Additional reading: Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen G. White, chapter 21