Joseph was second in command in Egypt, in charge of managing and distributing Egypt’s abundant grain supply. The surrounding region was enveloped in severe famine and it drove travelers from far and wide to Egypt’s door in search of food. Joseph’s brothers had returned for a second grain purchase, having already come to him once for such provision. As they arrived, they were one brother short and one brother added. Simeon had been detained during their initial visit as Joseph feigned suspecting the men of being spies. To prove their innocence, they returned to Egypt with their youngest brother Benjamin. Benjamin was

Joseph’s only brother born to his mother Rachel, and held a very special place in his heart.
As the wearied men gathered at Joseph’s house for lunch, they were seated, to their surprise, in birth order, from the oldest to the youngest. They looked about, a bit bewildered, trying to reason how Joseph could possibly have known which brother to seat in what order. In the midst of their temporary confusion, Joseph ordered lunch to be served. The server began with the first born, Reuben, and worked his way down the line until he stood before the plate assigned to Benjamin. Each of them received one serving, that is, all except Benjamin. Benjamin received five times as much as any other brother. That’s when it became apparent that Joseph was playing favorites.