VBM Binyamin in the Land of Egypt By Harav Yaakov Medan

In a different context, we clarified our understanding of Yosef's goal when he accused his brothers of being spies – namely, his desire to bring his brothers to recognize the sin of his sale, repent for it, and repair it, even if this would take them down a difficult and painful path.[1] And Yosef said unto them the third day, “This do, and live; for I fear God. If you be upright men, let one of your brethren be bound in your prison-house; but go you, carry corn for the famine of your houses; and bring your youngest brother unto me. So shall your words be verified, and you shall not die.” (Bereishit 42:18-20) I. As we noted, Yosef not only demands of his brothers that they bring Binyamin before him, he also makes it clear to them that the missing brother, Binyamin, is suspected of spying and coming to see the nakedness of the land, perhaps even more so than the rest of the brothers. Thus, he makes clear the danger that bringing him to Egypt will involve. Were he to be brought to Egypt, he would be in real danger of being thrown into prison, or perhaps even worse.