Studies In Genesis: Chapter 44 Series

Note: When doing a study on a book in the Bible you use a lot of resources. The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris.

Here we see the last test of Joseph toward his brothers. After this we see that Joseph will reveal himself to his brothers but he must be very sure that they have repented.

As I have read through these stories many of times it reminds me so much of my life and how the Lord will test and try me over and over again to see if I am pure. He wants to know my true allegiance.

Genesis 44

1. And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks [with] food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.

Did you noticed that all had the same thing as far as the money was concerned but it was Benjamin who got the extra cup. The money was returned probably to show them that Benjamin was part of a plot or something and he did not steal the cup.

3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. 4 [And] when they were gone out of the city, [and] not [yet] far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? 5 [Is] not this [it] in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

Let us do some interpreting. Let me ask you what do you think about verse five? What is meant here by the words "whereby indeed he divineth"? 1) this is the word used for foretelling or knowledge of the future it could mean that sooner or later Joseph would figure out that his cup was missing and that they would be blamed. 2) maybe it was a play used by Joseph to throw off his brothers. Using cups for superstitions practices and calling upon the spirits was a very common practice in the Egyptian time 3) maybe it did have something to do with him being a prophet.

Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

6 And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words.

So he catches them and tells them what Joseph has said now look at their reaction.

7 And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: 8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? 9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.

This is probably Judah speaking here as he does later on in the chapter. But notice something. He kind of puts his foot in it. There has been no punishment mentioned so he decides with a little confidence that he would give the idea of punishment.

It reminds me of someone else who did this not knowing what was going on. Jacob to Laban about the idol

10 And he said, Now also [let] it [be] according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.

Ok, I will talk your word for it.

11 Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. 12 And he searched, [and] began at the eldest, and left at the

youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.

He knew which one to find it in but he did not want to give his position away.

13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

With agony and distress over this they show their disappointment and remorse by tearing their clothes. Then they loaded up and went back to the city.

14 And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he [was] yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. 15 And Joseph said unto them, What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?