Chapter 44 | Destiny Amodeo

In Genesis 44, we read a story of Joseph testing his brothers. As we know from previous chapters, Joseph's brothers have not treated him the best. But, when it comes to this chapter, I believe such testing is guided by God, for a purpose. It is not a test for revenge, nor is it a parade of Joseph's power. Rather, I believe God plans to see the hearts of the brothers changed, using Joseph as a means for their restoration. 

 The chapter starts with Joseph speaking to his steward, saying, "Put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain" (Gen. 44:2). This is where the test begins. As the brothers head home, Joseph's steward follows them and overtakes them, accusing them of stealing. The brothers are so confident that none of them has stolen anything; they do not point fingers or ask any questions. Instead, they simply say, "whichever of your servants is found with it shall die" (Gen. 44:9). The steward searches all the brothers' bags and finds the cup in Benjamin's bag (the youngest, most favored son). 

The Bible says that when the cup was found in Benjamin's bag, all the brothers tore their clothes, which is the appropriate expression used to indicate that someone had just died. This shows that they are horrified, and you can already start to see how their hearts have changed from 20+ years ago when they sold Joseph into slavery. The brothers know that Benjamin is their father’s most favored son. Based on how they have previously reacted to a similar situation with Joseph, we would expect them to be happy that Benjamin would be with them no more. But instead, the idea of hurting their father or brother was just as painful as if someone had died. 

They all go back to Joseph's house and fall to the ground before him. In verse 16, Judah says, "God has found out the guilt of your servants" (Gen 44:16). The brothers know that they have not committed the sin of stealing the cup, yet they are casting themselves as guilty. What are they guilty of, then? This is where God is working in their hearts. They may be innocent of the sin of stealing the silver cup, but they are not innocent of the many other sins they have committed, including those that influenced and affected what they had done to Joseph. Do you think this whole thing could have been Holy Spirit-led to bring the brothers to repentance? Yes! This is such a beautiful story of changed hearts.

As we read on, we can see how Judah is willing to give up his life so that Benjamin can be free to go back home to his father. This reminds me of someone else who gave up His life so that we could be free. Thank you, Jesus!

These are just a few things to be talked about from this passage of scripture. There is so much more evidence of Jesus in it. I encourage you to read this chapter again and keep asking the Lord to reveal new truths to you.

This is the Bible. Every word on every page whispers the name Jesus.

By Destiny Amodeo

  ————————————————————