Genesis 44: A Test of Character

This chapter in Genesis is a real nail-biter! Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, sets up a tricky situation for his brothers. He secretly places his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and then accuses them of stealing. But why would he do such a thing?

Remember the Backstory

Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery many years ago. Now, they don’t recognise him, and they’re desperate for food during a famine. Joseph is testing them to see if they have changed. Have they learned their lesson about jealousy and cruelty?

What Happens in Genesis 44?

• The Trap is Set: Joseph orders his servant to hide the cup in Benjamin’s sack.
• The Accusation: The brothers are caught, and Benjamin is singled out as the thief.
• Judah’s Plea: Judah steps up and begs Joseph to take him as a slave instead of Benjamin, showing how much he cares for his younger brother.

Why is This Important?

This story shows us the importance of:

• Taking responsibility for our actions: The brothers are terrified because they know they’ve done wrong in the past.
• Showing compassion: Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin reveals a change of heart.
• Forgiveness: Joseph ultimately forgives his brothers, demonstrating the power of love and reconciliation.

Think About It

1. Why do you think Joseph tested his brothers? Was it fair?
2. How does Judah’s response show that he has changed?
3. What does this story teach us about forgiveness?
4. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone or ask for forgiveness? What happened?
5. How can we show compassion to others, even when they have hurt us?

Challenge

Think about a time when you might have hurt someone. How can you show them that you care and that you want to make things right?

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Genesis 44 presents a pivotal point in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Years after their betrayal, they find themselves at the mercy of a powerful Egyptian official, unaware of his true identity. Joseph, through a series of orchestrated events, forces them to confront their past sins and tests the genuineness of their repentance.

Joseph’s Severe Test (vv. 1-17)

Matthew Henry highlights the purpose behind Joseph’s seemingly harsh actions:

“Joseph, having entertained his brethren, dismissed them; but here we have them brought back in a greater fright than any they had been in yet. Observe…What method he took both to humble them further and also to try their affection to his brother Benjamin…”  

This “fright” comes through the accusation of theft, a serious charge in Egyptian society. Joseph, by planting his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, engineers a crisis to expose the brothers’ true character. He wants to see if they have changed, if they will abandon Benjamin as they once abandoned him.

Spurgeon, commenting on Joseph’s emotional struggle during this ordeal, adds:

“We read that Joseph ‘made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother.’ He longed to reveal himself to them, but he wisely restrained himself…He must try them yet further.”

Judah’s Plea (vv. 18-34)

Judah steps forward, and his impassioned plea to Joseph reveals a transformation. No longer the ruthless brother who suggested selling Joseph into slavery, Judah now displays selfless love and loyalty. Matthew Henry notes:

“Judah’s plea is very pathetic, and has a great deal of natural eloquence in it…He touches upon all the tender points…the age and fondness of their father, the death of one son, and the danger of this other being lost.”

Spurgeon, focusing on Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself, observes:

“Judah’s speech is one of the most pathetic pieces of natural eloquence ever recorded. He pleads for Benjamin with an intensity of affection which shows the depth of his repentance for the past.”

Judah’s offer to become a slave in Benjamin’s place demonstrates the depth of his change and the brothers’ newfound commitment to family. This echoes the true repentance that God desires: a change of heart that manifests in action.

The Revelation Awaits (v. 34)

The chapter concludes with the brothers’ fate hanging in the balance. Joseph, witnessing their genuine remorse, is overcome with emotion. The stage is set for the dramatic revelation of his identity in the next chapter.

Genesis 44, through the insightful observations of commentators like Matthew Henry and Spurgeon, offers a profound exploration of sin, repentance, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds.