GENESIS 44:1-16
Perhaps you say this was cruel for Joseph to test his brothers. Maybe it seems cruel, but
sometimes God has to do severe things to get people to see their sinfulness. Joseph’s
brothers were being severely tested to see what their reaction would be toward
Benjamin when it was discovered that the silver cup was in his sack. Would they
sacrifice him for their own safety as they once had done to Joseph?
When they were brought in before Joseph, he said to them, “What deed is this that ye
have done? wot [know] ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?” (Gen. 44:15).
Earlier, the brothers had said, “We shall see what will become of his dreams” (37:20).
Now they were completely at the mercy of Joseph because his dreams had been
fulfilled, even though they did not realize it was Joseph before whom they stood.
In defense, Judah said, “What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how
shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are
my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found” (44:16). The
brothers had nowhere to turn; they could only cast themselves upon Joseph’s mercy.
When we who know Christ experience difficulties, we should cast ourselves on His
mercy.
Wash me throughly [thoroughly] from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I
acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me (Ps. 51:2-3).
Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in
sms/wp:9492440070