Genesis 44
Summary for Gen 44:1-34: 44:1-34 a The brothers appeared to have changed; they had shown remorse over what they had done to Joseph, and they showed integrity in returning the money and in bringing Benjamin. Given a chance to get rid of Rachel’s other son, Benjamin, would they do it?44:2 b Joseph was giving his brothers the chance to abandon Benjamin if they wanted to. Joseph was testing them to see if they were loyal to the family and faithful to their father.
44:5 c This description would make the brothers understand that the ruler knew things that others could not.
• Hydromancy (pouring water into oil) and oenomancy (pouring wine into other liquids) were methods of divination used in the ancient Near East that would have required such a cup. Joseph was continuing his ruse (see 42:7 d; cp. 30:27 e; see also Lev 19:26 f; Num 23:23 g; Deut 18:10-11 h)—he knew that only God grants revelation (see Gen 37:5-9 i; 40:8 j; 41:16 k).
Summary for Gen 44:9-10: 44:9-10 l The punishment that the brothers proposed was harsher than necessary; it was normal in antiquity to stake your life on what you said. The palace manager was agreeable but enforced a punishment that matched Joseph’s intentions (44:17 m).
Summary for Gen 44:11-12: 44:11-12 n The palace manager knew where the cup was, but he created more anxiety by beginning with the oldest.
44:13 o they tore their clothing in despair: They knew what it would do to Jacob to lose Benjamin (42:38 p).
44:14 q This time, the brothers did not bow politely (see 42:6-7 r; 43:26 s); they fell to the ground in desperation, fulfilling Joseph’s first dream for the third time (see 37:10 t).
44:16 u Judah again spoke for the group.
• God is punishing us for our sins: God was completing the work of repentance in their hearts. Judah again proposed that they all be punished. Benjamin was seemingly guilty of this theft, but all of the others were guilty of sin against Joseph. They preferred not returning to Jacob at all versus seeing his grief at the loss of Benjamin (44:34 v).
Summary for Gen 44:18-34: 44:18-34 w Judah made good on his promise to pay for Benjamin’s safety (43:8-10 x). His lengthy plea to be imprisoned in place of the lad (44:33 y) is one of the most moving acts of intercession in Scripture. It demonstrated Judah’s concern for their father and his willingness to give up everything for the sake of his brother. With this kind of integrity (see John 15:13 z), Judah showed himself to be a true leader, qualified to receive the blessing of the firstborn. Through him the kings of Israel would come (see Gen 49:10 aa).
• The brothers had fully repented, as expressed by Judah’s intercession. Because of their change, Joseph could make himself known to them (45:1-15 ab) and arrange for the family to join him in Egypt where there was food (45:16 ac; 47:12 ad).
Summary for Gen 44:32-34: 44:32-34 ae Judah was willing to give up his family, his future, and his freedom for others.
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