[And He Walks With Me] Genesis 44

2        Joseph was in slavery because his brothers were jealous of his favored status. Now, he creates a situation where Benjamin, Jacob’s new favorite son, is in trouble to see if his brothers will sell out Benjamin or rally to protect him.^[108]

5        In the ANE, hydromancy used objects or liquids in a container of some sort to predict the future. Joseph did not really practice hydromancy, but the ruse provided a plausible explanation for why the silver cup was so important.^[109]

13        The brothers tore their clothes as a demonstration of their grief. This was proof of their sincere transformation because it was evidence of sincere concern for their father and brother.^[110]

14        It is interesting that Judah is singled out here as the leader of the band of brothers. Even though he was fourth eldest and therefore, technically, fourth in the line of succession, he is depicted as the leader.

18        Judah does not need to hear Benjamin’s excuse or explanation. He placed himself between Joseph and his brothers and took personal responsibility, exactly as he said he would in 43:8-10.

33        Judah’s offer to stay in place of the boy again demonstrates the magnitude of his transformation. Instead of selling his brother into slavery or blaming his daughter-in-law for the same sin he had committed, he was now willing to sacrifice himself for his brother’s apparent guilt.

[108] Sproul 2016, Genesis 44:2

[109] Sproul 2016, Genesis 44:5

[110] Sproul 2016, Genesis 44:13