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)
Joseph saw their newness of heart when they did not envy the favoured position he gave to Benjamin (chap. 43). Yet Joseph could not see the hearts of his brothers, and he further pressed them, looking for proof of their changed hearts. This was a test.
When they had gone out of the city and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘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)
The Bible clearly vouches for the character of Joseph (Genesis 39:6b–12; 41:14–36; Hebrews 11:22). So then, it is highly unlikely that Joseph engaged in this forbidden art. It was a part of his clever stunt, for in professing to be a soothsayer, Joseph continues to hide his true identity from his brothers.
So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. (Genesis 44:6)
A servant must always communicate exactly what his master has said.
An executive must learn to communicate the vision of the management.
So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city. (Genesis 44:12-13)
Secondly, the brothers now show they have changed because they all tear their clothes because the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack (Genesis 44:10–13). When Joseph was lost, only Jacob and Reuben tore their clothing (37:29–35), but now all of them mourn the loss of their youngest brother.
For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, (Genesis 44:34)
Judah was so concerned about the salvation of Benjamin.
In the same way, we too should be concerned about the salvation of our family members. This should be the cry of every person for their family members.
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
- Chapter 50