How did Joseph test his brother?

Answer 1

They needed grain, and came to Egypt to buy it, since only Egypt had a surplus. Joseph (who was in charge of grain in Egypt) recognized them, but they didn't him, and he spoke to them through an interpreter, pretending he didn't understand their language. He allowed them to buy grain, but made them leave their youngest brother (Benjamin) as a hostage, and bring their father back to see him. On their way home, his brothers found the money they'd paid for the grain mixed in with it, figured they were in some kind of trouble, and brought their father Jacob back right away. When they arrived, he asked if they were sure there wasn't another brother. They confessed that there had been, but they'd sold him into slavery. Joseph then revealed who he was, and forgave his brothers; he'd become the Pharaoh's right-hand man in the years since, and had saved Egypt from famine. They and their families joined him in Egypt.

Answer 2

Joseph ascertained by means of a test that their repentance was genuine. (Genesis 42:9-24) He heard their regret when through an interpreter he accused them as spies and witnessed their grief when their youngest brother was to become a slave. (Genesis 43:15-44:34)

Answer 3

Joseph was aware that his brothers, though acting in error, had had good intentions. They had thought that he was a man of dangerously overweening pride and a hindrance to the family's service of God. That was their reason for sending him away (Genesis ch.37). Also, Joseph knew that if God had not permitted it to happen, the brothers would not have succeeded in their attempt to distance him from them.

See also:

More about Joseph