Genesis 44:1-34

Joseph’s brothers had conspired against him out of hate. Here, Scripture shows Joseph conspiring against them out of love. Joseph, God’s servant, arranged the coming events in the brothers’ lives for the express purpose of bringing them face-to-face with their sin.

44:2-5 | Egyptians used the cup of divination in rites intended to reveal the future. Presumably, Joseph did not engage in this pagan practice, but as a ruler in Egypt he would have such an instrument in his house. Joseph had this special cup placed in Benjamin’s sack to discern whether his brothers considered Benjamin a threat, as Joseph had been years before. Would they stand with Benjamin or sell him out?

44:12-16 | The brothers passed the test; as soon as the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, they returned to Egypt, accomplanying Benjamin to his trial. Joseph had waited for someone to stand up on behalf of the family and confess sin. Judah did so here. Judah was certain Benjamin had not stolen the cup, so what iniquity was he confessing? It could be only the sin that he and the others committed 20 years before when they sold Joseph into slavery.

44:16-34 | Because Joseph had declared that the one who had the cup shall be my slave, Benjamin’s freedom was at risk. Judah stepped forward and recounted the entire story, including himself in every aspect. He also explained the effect it would have on their father if their youngest brother was kept in Egypt. His magnanimous suggestion - let your servant remain instead of the lad - showed a true change of heart.