Famine reaches Canaan, and Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Benjamin remains home because Jacob fears losing Rachel’s only other surviving son.

The brothers bow before the Egyptian official in charge of grain. They do not recognize Joseph, but Joseph recognizes them immediately and remembers the dreams of his youth.

Joseph speaks harshly and accuses them of being spies. Through a series of tests, he demands that they prove their story by bringing Benjamin to Egypt.

The brothers begin connecting their present distress with what they did to Joseph years earlier. They do not know that Joseph understands their conversation.

Eventually famine forces the family to return with Benjamin. Joseph is deeply moved when he sees his younger brother but continues the test.

A silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack, creating a crisis in which Benjamin appears destined to remain in Egypt as a servant.

Judah then gives a long appeal. He describes their father’s grief and offers himself in Benjamin’s place so that the younger brother can return home.

Joseph can no longer control his emotion. He sends the Egyptians from the room, weeps loudly, and tells his brothers who he is.

The brothers are terrified, but Joseph tells them not to be distressed over selling him. He interprets the events through providence: God sent him ahead to preserve life during famine.

Joseph embraces Benjamin and his other brothers. Pharaoh approves bringing the entire household to Egypt. When Jacob hears that Joseph is alive, his spirit revives, and the family prepares for the move that will set the stage for the opening of Exodus.