The land of Israel is filled with hidden treasures, ancient deposits left by past generations, now being uncovered by their children’s children. But what if God has also placed a hidden treasure within you, waiting for just the right moment to be revealed? In the story of Joseph and his brothers, a silver cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack becomes key to their salvation. As we approach the New Year of 2026, let’s reflect on this hidden treasure and explore how it might hold the key to our hopes and possibilities in the year ahead.

Jewish tradition speaks of three hidden treasures that Joseph hid in Egypt. One was found by Korach, making him exceedingly rich; another was found by a foreign king who, because of it, converted to the God of Israel; and the third will be revealed only by the righteous in the future days of the Messiah.[1]

While these legends speak of extraordinary treasures, I want to focus on the true hidden treasure within the story of Joseph: the silver cup, secretly deposited in the small bag of his youngest brother, Benjamin. To understand its significance, let’s revisit the story of the brothers’ journey to Egypt with their empty sacks and how it relates to the challenges and hopes we carry as we enter 2026.

I. Entering with the Blessing of El Shaddai

Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved! (Genesis 43:14 NKJV)

As Jacob sent his sons to Egypt, he knew they were stepping into uncertainty. They had no way of knowing what events would fill their bags, whether famine, imprisonment, or blessing. But Jacob knew one thing for sure: God’s mercy. The word for mercy here is “rachamim,” meaning “womb.” It describes the nurturing graces of God for His children.

In calling God “El Shaddai,” meaning the All-Sufficient One, Jacob recognized that the unknown his sons faced might demand more than his resources could provide. Yes, the brothers prepared their bags, brought money for the purchase, and even arranged a gift for the viceroy of Egypt, but ultimately, Jacob trusted in El Shaddai. As we enter this New Year, we must do no less than trust the “All-Sufficient One.”

II. Entering with Expectation: From Empty to Overflowing

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, ‘Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. Also, put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.” So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. (Genesis 44:1-2 NKJV)

How can we enter into something new if the burdens of the past weigh us down? These brothers were sent with empty sacks, soon to be filled with new grain and blessings they never imagined. Sometimes we have to come to the end of ourselves, to be emptied of ourselves, to be filled with God’s goodness. This is one reason that so many find a place to pray and seek God’s mercy and grace as we enter the new year.

Expect an Infilling in this New Year

Think of the widowed wife of the prophet in 2 Kings 4:1 for a few moments. Her debts were great, and her oil vessels were empty. And yet, the prophet Elisha told her to fill all that she had and borrow vessels, not a few! In other words, expect, believe, and make room for the blessing.
Joseph’s brothers entered Egypt with empty containers, but returned homeward with full bags, their money returned, and a hidden treasure buried in Benjamin’s bag.

III. Entering the Hidden Deposit: The Concealed Cup Revealed

The silver cup Joseph hid in Benjamin’s sack serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation. This was not just any cup; it was his personal cup from which he drank and discerned mysteries. The text alludes that this cup was present when Joseph ate with his brothers, although he did so while sitting apart from both them and the Egyptians.

Joseph, as a type of Messiah, reminds us how close and yet how distant we can be from the Lord. Like Joseph, Yeshua has yet to be fully recognized by His own people as their Savior. Similarly, although non-Jewish believers readily accept Jesus as the Messiah, many find it hard to see Him as the King of the Jews. However, the cup Joseph hid in Benjamin’s bag invites us to consider how God will reveal Himself to His people in the end times.

The brothers, especially Benjamin, were completely unaware that Joseph’s silver cup was hidden among their belongings. As the Egyptian steward caught up to them, he asked, “Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.” (Genesis 44:4-5 NKJV)

Whatever that cup was, it served as the hook to bring the brothers back to Joseph so he could reveal himself to them. It also played a crucial role in revealing Judah’s true heart. Once, he was willing to sell his own brother. Now, he offered his own freedom to see the lad Benjamin go free.

At this, Joseph could no longer contain himself and ordered all to leave as he revealed himself alone to his brother: “So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.” (Genesis 45:1 NKJV) Some commentaries see in this a hint that the Holy One will privately and personally reveal Himself to Israel in the end times.

I believe there is still a hidden treasure within Israel that will enable them to recognize Yeshua as their King Messiah. Maybe it is even linked to the future Messianic meal and the Cup that Yeshua alluded to at His Last Supper during Passover.

IV. Entering the End-Times Feast: The Final Cup Fulfilled

But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29 NKJV)

There is another Jewish tradition about a special cup connected to the Meal of Redemption in the age to come. After the meal, a cup of blessing will be lifted, and a benediction recited. The celebrants fittingly gave the cup to Abraham, their forefather. But he refused, saying, “I am blemished in the matter of Ishmael.” He passed the cup to Isaac, saying, “You recite the blessing,” but Isaac also confessed he was unworthy in the matter of Esau. Jacob likewise said, “I cannot” because of the matter of marrying two sisters. From there, the cup passed to Moses; however, he also confessed his sinfulness. Finally, it passed to David, who accepted it.[2]

Nevertheless, I would add that David is also unworthy. So, who is truly worthy to lift the final cup in the Messianic meal? Yeshua, the King Messiah! He alone lived a sinless life and offered Himself as a ransom for many. He declared, “I will not drink of this…until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29 NKJV)

Conclusion

What burdens or anxieties are we holding onto as we step into 2026? What do we need to surrender at the Lord’s feet? Yeshua invites the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him, find rest, and take His yoke upon us. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)

Joseph’s brothers entered a new year marked by famine, with two years already passed and five more ahead. Yet, just as Yeshua offers rest, Joseph invited them to the fertile land of Goshen, where their flocks and families would be provided for.

As we step into 2026, where will we turn for strength and provision? Many place their trust in the stock market, health plans, or New Year’s resolutions. While these can be helpful, the one who will truly fill our lives with good things is the Lord.

Let us empty our bags, open our hands, and prepare to be filled anew by God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. And may we enter this New Year with the blessing of Jacob upon us, that El Shaddai would give us His rachamim of mercy and grace!

[1] Pesahim, 119a

[2] Sefaria, Pesachim 119b:6, accessed December 28, 2025, https://www.sefaria.org/Pesachim.119b.6?lang=en