“And 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.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis where Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, is now the powerful ruler of Egypt. In this particular passage, Joseph’s brothers, who do not recognize him, have been accused of stealing Joseph’s divining cup, and they stand before him, facing the consequences.
The verse begins with Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, expressing his uncertainty about how to respond to Joseph’s accusation. He asks, “What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves?” Judah is grappling with the seriousness of the situation and the dilemma they find themselves in. He is unsure how to address Joseph and defend themselves against the charge.
Judah then acknowledges that they are guilty in God’s eyes, saying, “God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants.” Here, Judah recognizes that their current predicament is a consequence of their past actions. He attributes their troubles to divine intervention and acknowledges the judgment of God upon them. This statement suggests a sense of guilt and recognition of their wrongdoing.
Lastly, Judah admits that they are all servants of Joseph, including the one with whom the stolen cup was found. This statement reflects the humility of Judah and his brothers in accepting their position before Joseph. They acknowledge that they are subject to his authority and that they bear responsibility collectively.
Overall, this verse highlights Judah’s dilemma and his acknowledgment of their guilt before God. It portrays a moment of vulnerability and recognition of the consequences of their past actions. It sets the stage for the unfolding events that ultimately lead to Joseph revealing his true identity to his brothers and the eventual reconciliation of the family.
